A bachelor's degree has become the standard for an increasing number of entry-level positions, but is it really worth the blow to your (or your parents') bank account? It depends on what you study. While a major in finance might very well put you on the path to a lucrative career, a degree in underwater basket weaving won't.
We examined employment and earnings data for 129 popular college majors to identify courses of study that typically lead to small salaries for both recent graduates and experienced workers. We also homed in on majors that aren't in high demand on the online job marketplace. Finally, we looked at professions related to these majors to see which ones have the most discouraging long-term prospects for job growth.
Pursue any one of these majors if that's where your passion lies, because what you study in school is just one component of the overall package you present to prospective employers. Just be prepared for the reality that some majors can limit your career opportunities and earnings potential after graduation. Take a look at the 2014-2015 list of the 10 worst college majors for your career.
10. Art History
Starting salary: $36,900 (median for all 129 majors: $40,400)
Mid-career salary: $59,000 (median for all 129 majors: $69,800)
Annual online job postings: 2,140
Projected 10-year job growth: 7.1% (all occupations: 10.8%)
Alternative major: Art Education
A bachelor's degree in art history alone won't do wonders for your earnings power in the field. Museum technicians and conservators, two positions available to B.A. holders, pull in a lean median salary of $38,220 a year. Even archivist and curator positions, most of which require a master's degree, pay median salaries of just $47,340 and $49,590, respectively.
A better bet: An undergraduate degree in art education, coupled with a master's, would arm you with both art and teaching skills and put you on the fast-track to becoming a postsecondary art teacher. With a median salary of $62,160, by far the highest for a non-administrative job in the art industry, these teachers can continue to critique masterpieces without living the starving-artist lifestyle.
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What, my women's studies major won't get me a good job?
ReplyDeleteThose above fields of study are for those that don't want to, or shouldn't go to college but mommy and daddy said you will.
ReplyDeleteThey are worthless degrees that involve no real study. A cabbage can sit in the chair at university and graduate with one of those degrees.
Worst of all, they get out of school and think they should be hired in at the top of a corporation.
Sad, very sad.