Investing in your education is one of the best choices you can make. But with evolving technology and an ever-changing world, some career choices are diminishing. Also, some jobs require a master’s or Ph.D., so a bachelor’s or associate’s degree won’t help. Here are some college majors with diminishing value in the job market.
1. English
According to research, enrollment for English majors has declined by a third since 2012. One reason is the rise of technology. In the age of podcasts and having information available on our phones, we do not pick up books like we used to.
2. Liberal Arts
Like English, liberal arts is too broad of a major to be valuable today. Colleges and private universities have cut back liberal arts courses. The skills currently in high demand do not feature in these courses.
3. Fashion Design
The fashion industry is very competitive and requires a lot of time. It is also huge internationally, with most manufacturing done outside the United States. Fashion is comprehensive and popular, with many schools offering more degrees than are in demand.
4. Art History
The pandemic is one reason for the decline in the value of an art history degree. Many libraries and art galleries have recently closed. This change has left few workspaces and archives available for study. The limited number of positions available in the field require a Ph.D. or master’s, which takes longer to get and is more expensive.
5. Religion
The decline in the value of a degree in religion may stem from an overall decrease in interest in religion. According to Pew Research, less than half of Millennials identify as religious. Also, religion, like other cultural degrees, does not teach a skill set that is in demand today.
6. Library Science
The demand for library science degrees has declined partly due to the COVID-19 pandemic. With the pandemic’s economic impact and the closure of public spaces, there was no demand for a library degree. Most Americans also have access to information like they never did before, right in the palm of their hand.
7. Theater
There is no shortage of people who dream of being a movie star or actor, but a degree in theater is unnecessary for many roles. In the age of nepo babies, influencers, and models-turned-actors, a theater degree is diminishing in value.
8. Athletic Trainers
Considering America’s love for professional sports, majoring in athletic training may seem lucrative. However, the field of athletic trainers is small. Other majors or certifications, like physical therapy, can fill this position.
9. Graphic Design
Graphic design is one of the many industries threatened by AI. Computers lack the social and creative skills needed in this field, but programs that can create readily available images already exist.
10. Tourism
Travel is an ever-changing luxury, leaving this major’s value questionable. With the ability to research and book travel online, there is no need for travel agencies. Many hotels and transportation companies already have self-check-in and check-out, eliminating the demand for front desk staff.
11. Philosophy
With a focus on ethics, thought, and logic, few jobs are available for philosophy majors. A degree in philosophy is thought-provoking and teaches the ability to understand values. However, it does not prepare you for a specific industry or skill.
12. Journalism
While news and media are important, a degree in journalism may not be. With the decline of print news and the rise of amateur writing, there is low demand for journalists. The field is competitive, and the annual salary is low.
13. Computer Science
Majoring in computer science seems great, considering how technology is advancing. However, a computer science degree is too non-specific, leaving graduates confused about what to do next. They usually need to get more education or certifications.
14. Criminal Justice
The appeal of being a detective or arguing in court may lead to majoring in criminal justice. However, a criminal justice degree does not prepare you for much except an office job, which is not in high demand. More training and certification are needed to advance in this career, leaving this major with diminishing value.
15. Photography
Finishing off the list is majoring in photography. With advances in technology and social media, this once-teachable skill may lack value since it is now available to anyone with a smartphone.