11 Most Useless Degrees To Avoid [In 2023...]

In today’s competitive job market, choosing the right college degree can make all the difference in securing a rewarding career. But with so many options, how do you determine which degrees are worth pursuing and which ones might be considered useless?

In this blog post, we’ll dive into the most useless degrees that could leave you struggling to find employment and saddled with student loan debt.

We’ll also discuss factors that contribute to a degree being perceived as useless and explore alternatives for those looking to pursue a more lucrative or fulfilling career path.

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What is a useless college degree?

A useless college degree is typically one that does not lead to a high-paying job or one that has limited job prospects.

This can be due to a variety of factors, including oversaturation in the job market, advances in technology that make certain jobs obsolete, or simply a lack of demand for certain skills.

Several factors contribute to the perceived uselessness of a degree, including:

Low job prospects: A degree that does not provide strong career opportunities is considered less valuable. In some fields, there might be an overabundance of individuals with a particular degree, making it challenging for graduates to stand out among other job applicants.
Limited earning potential: Degrees that lead to jobs with low salaries can also be seen as useless.
Lack of transferable skills: Some degrees may not equip graduates with skills that can be applied across multiple industries.
Industry changes or decline: Fields that are shrinking or undergoing significant changes might affect the usefulness of related degrees. As technology progresses, some job roles may become obsolete due to automation, decreasing the value of associated degrees.
Alternative routes into employment: For certain careers, obtaining a specific bachelor’s degree might not be necessary if there are alternative ways to enter that field, such as certifications or experience-based qualifications.

However, it’s important to note that just because a degree is considered “useless” does not mean that it is worthless. Many degrees can still provide valuable skills and knowledge, even if they don’t directly lead to a high-paying job. Additionally, some “useless” degrees may still be worth pursuing if you are passionate about the subject matter.

Degrees to Avoid

If you’re considering pursuing a degree, it’s important to choose one that will lead to a successful career. Some degrees may seem interesting, but they may not be the best investment in terms of time and money. Here are some of the most useless college degrees to avoid:

Criminal Justice

While a degree in criminal justice may seem like a good idea for those interested in law enforcement, it may not be the most practical choice. The job market for criminal justice graduates can be competitive, and the salaries may not be as high as in other fields.

Instead, an interested person may pursue an educational program in law school, which may be more marketable. Additionally, many law enforcement agencies provide their own training programs, so a degree in criminal justice may not be necessary.

Computer Science

While computer science degrees may lead to high-paying jobs, the field is highly competitive and constantly evolving.

If you’re not passionate about coding and technology, you may find the coursework challenging and unfulfilling. Additionally, many computer science jobs can be outsourced to other countries, so job security may be a concern.

Theater Arts

While a theater arts degree may be appealing to those interested in the performing arts, it is considered one of the most useless college degree programs in the job market as it can be highly competitive.

Many theater jobs are freelance or project-based, which can make it difficult to find stable employment. Additionally, salaries in the field can be low, and the work can be physically and emotionally demanding.

Creative Writing

While a degree in creative writing may be appealing to those interested in writing, the job market can be highly competitive.

Many writing jobs are freelance or project-based, which can make it difficult to find stable employment. Additionally, salaries in the field can be low, and the work can be emotionally demanding.

Art and Music Education

While a degree in art or music education may be appealing to those interested in teaching, the job market can be highly competitive. Many school districts are facing budget cuts, which can lead to fewer job opportunities. Additionally, salaries in the field can be low, and the work can be emotionally demanding.

International Relations

While a degree in international relations may be appealing to those interested in diplomacy or global affairs, the job market can be highly competitive.

Many jobs in the field require fluency in multiple languages, which can be a challenge for some students. Additionally, salaries in the field can be low, and the work can be emotionally demanding.

Tourism and Hospitality

While a degree in tourism and hospitality may be appealing to those interested in the travel industry, the job market can be highly competitive.

Many jobs in the field require long hours and can be physically demanding. Additionally, salaries in the field can be low, and the work can be emotionally demanding.

Education

While a degree in education may be appealing to those interested in teaching, the job market can be highly competitive.

Many school districts are facing budget cuts, which can lead to fewer job opportunities. Additionally, salaries in the field can be low, and the work can be emotionally demanding.

Anthropology

While a degree in anthropology may be appealing to those interested in the study of human cultures, the job market can be highly competitive.

Many jobs in the field require a graduate degree, which can add to the cost of education. Additionally, salaries in the field can be low, and the work can be emotionally demanding.

Advertising

While a degree in advertising may be appealing to those interested in marketing and creative work, the job market can be highly competitive.

Many jobs in the field require long hours and can be emotionally demanding. Additionally, salaries in the field can be low, especially for entry-level positions.

Literature

Literature is another degree that is often considered useless as it does not directly translate to job opportunities. While pursuing a degree in literature can lead to valuable critical thinking skills and personal development, graduates may find limited job prospects after graduation.

Traditional career paths for literature majors such as teaching or publishing are highly competitive, and jobs in related fields like journalism have seen a decline in recent years.

According to studies, the unemployment rate for English language and literature majors is higher than the average for all college graduates.

The Impact of Useless Degrees

As a college graduate, you may have heard the term “useless college degree” thrown around by guys like Robert Kiyosaki, author of Rich Dad Poor Dad. But what exactly does this mean, and what impact can it have on your job prospects and career success?

Job Prospects

One of the biggest concerns with a useless degree is the impact it can have on your job prospects. Graduates with these degrees may struggle to find employment in their field of study, leading to high unemployment rates. They may also have to settle for low-paying jobs that don’t require a degree, leading to financial instability.

According to a report by the U.S. Department of Education, at less selective colleges, the most popular majors included business and health care, while at more selective colleges, students often gravitated toward “useless” majors, such as social sciences like sociology and political science. This means that if you have a degree in one of these fields, you may face more competition for jobs and fewer opportunities.

High Student Loan Debt

Students who pursue a useless degree often find themselves buried in student loan debt with limited earning potential. According to the National Center for Education Statistics, the average student loan debt for degree graduates for the year 2017/ 2018 was $27,800.

Pursuing a degree that doesn’t align with the job market can lead to difficulty finding employment and repaying student loans. This burden may also limit individuals from pursuing further training or education that could help them secure a more successful career path in the future.

Career Success

Another concern with useless college degrees is the impact they can have on your career success. Graduates with these degrees may struggle to advance in their careers or earn higher salaries. They may also have to switch careers entirely, which can be difficult and time-consuming.

However, it’s important to note that not all degrees are created equal. While some majors may be considered useless, others can lead to successful careers. For example, pursuing an advertising major could lead to potential career paths in digital marketing, e-commerce, or sports marketing.

What many advertising majors don’t realize, however, is that to land a highly competitive job in one of these areas, their degree should be directly in that field.

In conclusion, while a useless degree can have a negative impact on your job prospects and career success, it’s important to do your research and choose a major that aligns with your interests and career goals.

By pursuing a degree in a field with high demand and career opportunities, you can set yourself up for a successful career after graduation.

Alternatives to Traditional Degrees

If you are looking for alternatives to traditional degrees, there are several options available to you. In this section, we will explore some of the most popular alternatives to traditional degrees.

Free Online Courses

One of the most popular alternatives to traditional degrees is taking free online courses. There are several platforms available that offer free courses, including Coursera, edX, and Khan Academy. These courses cover a wide range of subjects, from computer science to business to language learning.

The advantage of taking free online courses is that they are flexible and can be completed at your own pace. Additionally, they are often taught by professors from top universities, giving you access to high-quality education.

Technical Writing

Technical writing is another alternative to traditional degrees that is gaining popularity. Technical writers create documents such as user manuals, instruction manuals, and other technical documentation.

This field requires strong writing skills, attention to detail, and the ability to communicate complex information in a clear and concise manner.

Many technical writers have backgrounds in fields such as engineering, science, or computer science, but a degree is not always required. Instead, many technical writers complete specialized training programs or certifications to gain the necessary skills.

Digital Marketing

Digital marketing is a growing field that offers many opportunities for those without traditional degrees. Digital marketers create and implement marketing campaigns across various digital channels, such as social media, email, and search engines.

To get started in digital marketing, you can take online courses or complete certifications in areas such as search engine optimization, social media marketing, and email marketing.

Additionally, many digital marketing agencies offer internships or entry-level positions that can provide valuable experience. Technical Or Vocational Training

Technical or vocational training

Here are some options for pursuing technical or vocational training:

Trade schools offer training in fields such as welding, plumbing, and automotive repair. These programs typically take less time to complete than a university degree and can lead to well-paying jobs.
Apprenticeships provide on-the-job training combined with classroom instruction. This option is particularly useful for those interested in fields such as construction, electrical work, or HVAC installation.
Certificate programs offer targeted training in areas such as web development, cybersecurity, and digital marketing. These programs can often be completed online and provide practical skills that employers value.

By pursuing technical or vocational training instead of a useless degree, individuals can acquire valuable skills that are in demand by employers without accumulating high levels of student loan debt.

Pursuing A Degree With Higher Earning Potential Or Transferable Skills

Pursuing a degree with higher earning potential or transferable skills can lead to better career prospects and financial stability. Here are some options to consider:

Engineering: Mechanical engineering has an average annual salary of $100,820, engineers are in high demand and have strong job prospects.
Business: A business degree in administration or management can lead to a variety of career paths with high salaries, including marketing, finance, and human resources.
Healthcare: With the aging population and increasing demand for medical services, healthcare careers such as nursing and physical therapy offer strong salaries and job security.
Science: Fields such as chemistry, biology, and physics have high earning potential in industries such as pharmaceuticals and technology.
Information Technology: Degrees in IT fields such as computer science or cybersecurity offer opportunities for high-paying jobs in industries ranging from finance to healthcare.

By pursuing degrees in these fields or others with strong earning potential, individuals can set themselves up for long-term career success and financial stability.

Additionally, many of these degrees offer transferable skills that can be applied across industries, giving graduates flexibility in their career paths.

In conclusion, there are several alternatives to traditional degrees that can provide you with the skills and knowledge needed to succeed in today’s job market. Whether you choose to take free online courses, pursue technical writing, or explore digital marketing, there are many opportunities available to you.

How to choose a Degree program

When it comes to choosing a degree program, it is important to consider the skills you will develop and how they will translate into the job market. Two critical skills that are highly valued by employers are critical thinking and communication skills.

Critical Thinking

Critical thinking involves the ability to analyze information, identify patterns, and evaluate arguments. It is a skill that is essential for problem-solving and decision-making in any field. With critical thinking skills, you can approach problems with a clear and objective mind, making it easier to find solutions that are effective and efficient.

Employers look for critical thinking skills in their employees because they want individuals who can think independently and make informed decisions. A degree program that emphasizes critical thinking will prepare you for a variety of careers, from business to healthcare to education.

Communication Skills

Communication skills are equally important in the job market. Employers want individuals who can communicate effectively with colleagues, clients, and customers. This involves not only speaking and writing clearly but also listening actively and empathetically.

A degree program that emphasizes communication skills will help you develop the ability to convey information clearly and persuasively. You will learn how to tailor your message to your audience and how to use different communication channels to reach them.

In addition to verbal and written communication skills, employers also value nonverbal communication skills. This includes body language, tone of voice, and facial expressions. A degree program that emphasizes communication skills will help you develop these skills as well.

Critical thinking and communication skills are two essential skills that are highly valued in the job market. A degree program that emphasizes these skills will prepare you for a variety of careers and make you a valuable asset to any employer. Whether you are interested in business, healthcare, education, or any other field, developing these skills will help you succeed in your career.

The Role of Double Majors and Further Training

If you are pursuing a degree that is considered useless, you may want to consider a double major or further training to increase your chances of landing a job in a related field.

A double major allows you to study two different subjects and earn two degrees at the same time. This can be a great way to gain a broader education and deepen your knowledge of two fields. With a double major, you may have more career options when you graduate, as well as a higher earning potential over time.

However, it is important to note that pursuing a double major can be challenging and time-consuming. You will need to carefully plan your course load and make sure you can handle the workload. It may also take longer to complete your degree, which can increase your student debt.

Another option is to pursue further training in a specific field. This can include earning a certification, attending workshops or seminars, or completing an internship. Further training can help you gain practical skills and experience that can make you more competitive in the job market.

It is important to research the specific requirements for the field you are interested in and determine what type of training will be most beneficial. For example, if you are interested in digital marketing, you may want to consider earning a certification in Google Analytics or attending a social media marketing workshop.

In some cases, further training may be required to enter a specific field. For example, if you want to become a licensed counselor, you will need to earn a master’s degree in counseling and complete a certain number of supervised clinical hours.

Overall, pursuing a double major or further training can be a great way to increase your chances of landing a job in a related field. However, it is important to carefully consider the time and financial commitment involved and make sure you are pursuing a path that aligns with your goals and interests.

Conclusion

In conclusion, while pursuing a college degree is an admirable goal, it’s important to choose a degree that has practical applications in the workforce. As you’ve seen from the search results, certain degrees are considered to be less useful than others, and may not lead to high-paying jobs or career advancement.

It’s important to do your research and choose a degree that aligns with your career goals and interests. Consider the job market and demand for certain professions, as well as the potential for growth and advancement in your chosen field.

Additionally, it’s important to weigh the cost of obtaining a degree against the potential earnings and job opportunities. Some degrees may require a significant financial investment, but may not result in a high return on investment in terms of salary and job prospects.

Ultimately, the decision to pursue a certain degree is a personal one, and should be based on a careful consideration of your individual goals and circumstances. By choosing a degree that has practical applications in the workforce and aligns with your career aspirations, you can set yourself up for success in the long run.

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David Fortune

David Fortune has been the editor NoBSIMReviews.com since 2019. He is an expert at writing content on stock advisory services, side hustles, reviewing online business opportunities and many more topics. You can learn more about David on our about us page.

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