Think Twice Before Enrolling
Not all college degrees open doors for you. Some quietly close them—one unpaid internship and a low-paying job at a time. The job market has changed, but have these programs kept up?
Cultural Studies
Cultural Studies sounds fascinating—who wouldn't want to unpack pop culture and power structures? But when it comes to jobs, it's a different story. Without a strong minor or advanced specialization, it's easy to find yourself overqualified for entry-level work and underqualified for more technical roles.
Music Performance
Chasing dreams in music performance? Talent matters, but so does market saturation. With countless aspiring artists and very few full-time positions, the odds are tough. Most musicians work part-time or freelance. Full-time orchestral or teaching gigs are highly competitive, and success often hinges more on networking than on your diploma.
Advertising (Traditional Track)
Traditional advertising degrees focus on print and broadcast—mediums that have seen steep decline. Today's ad world revolves around SEO, PPC, social algorithms, etc., leaving many graduates under-equipped. Starting salaries hover around $40,000, but top-paying jobs go to those with digital and analytical skills.
Peace And Conflict Studies
The world definitely needs more peace. Unfortunately, this degree doesn't always lead to a stable career. While it offers valuable insights into diplomacy, policy, human rights, and mediation, actual job openings in this field are limited. Many certificate holders move to non-profits or graduate school just to stay afloat.
Retail Management
Retail Management degrees aim to prepare students for running stores—but here's the catch: most retail leaders start from the floor, not the classroom. Many employers promote from within, and formal education doesn't fast-track you much. Additionally, store closures are on the rise.
Photo By: Kaboompics.com, Pexels
Forestry (Traditional, Non-Sustainability Track)
Back in the day, forestry used to be a steady career path. However, traditional programs that don't emphasize sustainability or modern land management have fallen behind. Today's employers want expertise in environmental policy, climate science, or geospatial tech—not just tree ID and logging techniques.
Yoga Studies
Despite the high demand, Yoga Studies rarely lead to high-paying careers. They offer spiritual depth and wellness insights, but most instructors earn certification through short, affordable programs—not four-year degrees. Salaries for entry-level teachers average around $25/hour, often without benefits. Plus, it's a saturated market.
Holistic Health
Nutrition, energy healing, counseling, and alternative therapies are all part of Holistic Health. However, many lack scientific validation. Employers often prefer licensed practitioners—like registered dietitians or certified therapists—over holistic degree holders. The field isn't regulated consistently, which makes job reliability shaky.
Outdoor Recreation
If you love hiking or guiding others through nature, Outdoor Recreation sounds ideal. But many jobs—like park ranger—don't require a specialized degree and pay modestly. The field's seasonal nature and budget cuts in public programs mean long-term job security can be hard to come by.
Leisure Studies
Leisure Studies focus on play and recreation programming—but not many employers are actively hiring "leisure specialists". The curriculum is often vague, and job titles are just as unclear. Without pairing it with business or health education, this degree can feel more like a luxury than a launchpad.
Culinary Arts (From Expensive, Non-Reputable Programs)
Cooking for a living can be rewarding—but a $40,000+ degree from a non-reputable culinary school? Not so much. High tuition often leads to student debt that dwarfs early-career paychecks. Unless you're attending a top-tier school with job placement, you may end up financially burned before your first kitchen gig.
Early Childhood Education
Working with young children is fulfilling—but financially, Early Childhood Education rarely pays off. According to Indeed, beginner preschool teachers earn less than $30,000, despite the emotional labor and rising demands. Many positions don't require a four-year degree, which makes the investment hard to justify.
Fashion Merchandising
Fashion Merchandising blends style and business, but industry disruption has taken a toll. With retail giants shrinking and online algorithms replacing human buyers, demand for merchandisers is down. Many programs focus on outdated models, leaving students unprepared for the fast-paced, data-driven world fashion has become.
Public Relations
Several years ago, PR used to be a powerhouse degree. Nowadays, social media and influencer culture mean many employers prefer digital marketers or communications generalists. Entry-level PR specialists earn around $37,000, but breaking into agencies or major brands is highly competitive.
Theater Arts
Theater Arts degrees offer a deep dive into stagecraft and dramatic literature, but sadly, stable jobs in the field are incredibly scarce. Most theater-degree holders juggle side gigs or pursue teaching. Unless you break into Broadway or film (a long shot), the degree rarely pays off financially.
Office Administration
Years ago, Office Administration was a go-to for stable employment, but automation and cloud software have reshaped the role. Tasks that once required trained admins—like scheduling or document handling—are now automated or managed by general staff. Jobs still exist, but a degree isn't always necessary.
Ethnic And Civilization Studies
Degrees in Ethnic or Civilization Studies provide deep cultural insight and historical awareness. However, they rarely lead to clear career paths. Most roles are academic or nonprofit-based. Jobs in diversity and inclusion are growing, but employers often prefer HR or social work backgrounds.
Tourism And Hospitality (General Track)
The pandemic and automation changed the game for tourism-related degrees. Travel agents, once key players, are largely obsolete. Moreover, many hospitality jobs offer low wages, often without requiring a degree at all. Success in this industry now depends more on customer service skills and experience than formal education.
Sociology
Sociology opens your eyes to human behavior and systems—but not necessarily job doors. Most positions that truly leverage a sociology background require graduate-level education. Bachelor's grads often land in social services or admin roles. It's better as a foundation than a standalone career tool.
General Communications
While communication is essential in every industry, a broad Communications degree can be too vague. Many programs lack specialization in digital media or public speaking. This leaves graduates underprepared in a competitive environment. Employers increasingly seek multimedia skills or data fluency, which this degree doesn't always offer.
Horticulture
Horticulture degrees cover everything from plant care to pest management. However, the market can be inconsistent. Entry-level jobs often include nursery work or groundskeeping. The field has some growth in urban agriculture and sustainability, but traditional horticulture programs? They don't always prepare students for evolving sectors.
Human Services
With a focus on social work and community outreach, Human Services degrees rarely lead to licensure on their own. Holders often need a master's degree or state certification to qualify for stable roles. Passion is essential in this field, but financially, it's often a tough road without specialization.
General Studies
General Studies is the catch-all degree—broad, flexible, easy to complete. And that's exactly the problem. It lacks focus, which makes it hard to market to employers who want specific skills. Most people find themselves in entry-level roles unrelated to their major. What does one even study in this class?
Home Economics
It may have made sense in the 1950s, but Home Economics is largely obsolete today. While it covers nutrition and family management, few modern careers require this background. Most roles in these areas are either low-paying or taught via vocational programs instead of four-year degrees.
Philosophy
Yes, it teaches critical thinking. But when it comes to making a living, Philosophy can be a tough sell. Graduates end up in teaching or heading to law school. This degree pays off only if paired with something more career-oriented or if you're gunning for academia.
Environmental Science (Without STEM Specialization)
Environmental Science is important—but when the program leans too theoretical, job options narrow. Employers increasingly look for candidates with GIS or engineering experience. A generalist degree without technical backing can leave holders stuck in low-paying roles.
Visual Arts
A degree in Visual Arts can fuel creativity—but it doesn't always pay the bills. With broad coursework in mediums like painting or mixed media, graduates often struggle to find full-time roles. Most rely on freelance gigs or side hustles. Building a strong network or selling work independently are usually necessary.
Religious Studies
This one's often more about personal enrichment than professional payoff. Unless you're pursuing roles in ministry or theology, Religious Studies may not offer many direct career paths. The job market is narrow, and the average salary doesn't offer much consolation either.
Anthropology
If you're interested in the human story, this degree might work for you if you're okay with an empty wallet. While fascinating, anthropology is another field where academic curiosity outpaces job demand. Most anthropology grads need a master's or PhD just to land a relevant job.
Creative Writing
Everyone loves a good story, but breaking into writing as a career is no easy feat. A Creative Writing degree hones your prose, sure, but does it guarantee a readership or a paycheck? Nope. It's a path fueled by passion, not stability.
Dance
Dance degrees require physical dedication and artistry, but the professional world rarely mirrors that passion with a steady income. Performance careers are short-lived, often ending by the mid-30s. Teaching or choreography offers longer-term options, but salaries are modest unless you work with celebrities.
Zoology (Limited Practical Career Paths)
Love animals? Zoology sounds thrilling but in reality, most roles in wildlife biology or animal research require master's or PhDs. The competition is tough due to the limited number of openings. Many degree holders find themselves detouring into zookeeping, pet care, or unrelated admin work.
Photography
The problem is that the digital boom has made photography more accessible. With smartphones and filters doing the heavy lifting, professional photographers face shrinking demand and fierce competition. A formal degree often takes a back seat to portfolios and hustle.
Art History
Art History offers a rich perspective on civilization, but the job market isn't quite as expansive. Unless you're pursuing museum work or academia, viable roles are rare. Many graduates shift into marketing or administration—far from galleries and archives.
Puppetry
As whimsical as it sounds, Puppetry is one of the most niche degrees you can pursue. And unless you're planning to work with children's theater or puppet design, job options are super-duper limited and highly specific. Very few institutions offer programs, and even fewer employers are hiring.
Fine Arts
A Fine Arts certificate nurtures imagination, but practicality isn't its strong suit. Whether it's printmaking, ceramics, drawing, or sculpture, job opportunities rarely line up with the curriculum. Most degree holders shift to graphic design or unrelated roles just to make ends meet.
Radio Broadcasting
In the 1980s, Radio Broadcasting degrees were golden. However, with the rise of podcasts and streaming, the traditional radio industry has declined sharply. Entry-level roles are limited, and many stations now seek multimedia producers over strictly radio-trained talent.
Botany (Limited Application Outside Academia)
Studying plants is fascinating, but Botany degrees that are not linked to biotech or pharmaceutical applications face tough career prospects. Academic positions are few, and research roles often require advanced degrees. Most bachelor's-level grads land jobs in lab tech or education.
Event Planning
Who wouldn't want to plan lavish weddings and VIP galas? Although Event Planning sounds glamorous, the reality is less dazzling. It's a high-stress, low-margin field where success often comes from experience and networking, not a formal degree. Many in the industry learn through internships or certificate programs.
LightField Studios, Shutterstock
Sports Management
Sports Management seems like a ticket to the big leagues, but it's often oversold. Programs promise front-office careers, yet most graduates land in entry-level admin or sales roles. The median salary is below average, and competition is fierce. Without connections, it's tough to break into pro-level organizations.
Fashion Design
The fashion industry is brutal, although Fashion Design degrees attract trendsetters and creatives. Fast fashion and AI design tools have slashed traditional job opportunities. Some high-end designers make hundreds of thousands of dollars per piece. However, most grads freelance.
Library Science
Several decades ago, Library Science offered stable, respected careers—but today, the field is shrinking fast. Public libraries face budget cuts, and digital resources have redefined how people access information. The job outlook for librarians is quite low.
Information Systems (Non-STEM Focused)
This degree once held promise, but watered-down, non-technical versions struggle in today's data-driven world. Employers now want hands-on skills like coding and cybersecurity—not just theory. Students without strong STEM foundations often end up in generic IT support roles.
Geography (Non-GIS Focused)
Geography without Geographic Information Systems (GIS) is like a map without directions—interesting but not very useful. The field has shifted toward data-driven spatial analysis, and traditional programs heavy on physical geography or theory often leave grads underprepared.
