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Is There Such a Thing as a ‘Useless’ College Major?

Would you consider pursuing a degree in a field you love even if it wouldn’t necessarily lead to a well-paying job?

By Shannon Doyne

Please note: We ask that adults respect the intent of our Student Opinion questions and refrain from posting here . While there are many other places on nytimes.com for adults to have their say, this is the only forum that explicitly invites the voices of young people.

If you are planning to go to college, what are you thinking of studying? Why?

Will your passion guide you, or are you more likely to choose a subject because it is practical and likely to lead to a job?

In the Opinion essay “ Stop Corporatizing My Students ,” the creative writing professor Beth Ann Fennelly writes about a proposal in her state, Mississippi, to determine which college majors are the most needed and least needed based on how likely students are to find employment in the state after graduation. Such a study could lead to changes in the way the state government allocates funding to public universities and community colleges.

The essay begins:

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• Meet The Team

The English Major Myth: My Degree Isn’t Useless

“English isn’t a real major.” That’s how my dad responded when I told him I was pursuing an English major (he similarly responded when I told him I was double majoring in communications). The reality is this: English is a real major (obviously?), and the skills you acquire through the English major will always be needed in our society, such as critical thinking, reading, writing, persuasive skills, etc. That said, it creates the opportunity for innumerable career opportunities. The possibilities are endless: law, business, creative writing, teaching, copywriting, technical writing, and journalism are just a few potential career paths for English majors. 

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Despite these innumerable potential career paths (and the fact that the skills of the English major are so widely applicable), the English major gets a bad rap for a lack of career opportunities and low-paying jobs. That is simply not true. Yes, some career paths related to the English degree are less stable, like those in creative writing, or pay less upon graduation, like teaching, but the same is true for most majors. Plus, these careers can have high payoffs later, such as for successful writers and teachers with pensions. Nonetheless, so-called “stable” or high-paying career paths are absolutely available for English majors. 

Law school, for example, is a great opportunity for English majors. The English major is consistently ranked in the top ten best majors for admittance into law schools, with CollegeVine ranking it #5. According to LSATMax, “English majors have a high admission rate (about 80 percent) into top-ranked law schools because the admissions board knows the value of all these skills.” Careers in business are also great for English majors who are expert communicators and have a high attention to detail. With good undergraduate internships, it’s possible to go straight into an entry-level business position or attend a graduate school for business with an English degree. 

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English majors are extremely appealing to a range of employers because they possess honed necessary skills in writing and communication that other majors do not. CBS News claims that employers prefer English majors over business majors. And, according to HuffPost , a 2012 survey determined that employers generally prefer the graduates of liberal arts programs. 

Consider the endless successful English majors out there: Gwendolyn Brooks, Christopher Nolan, Reese Witherspoon, Steven Spielberg, John Wooden, Thurgood Marshall, Greta Gerwig, Angelo Bartlett Giamatti, and Clarence Thomas, to name a few. 

If you’re still doubtful, check out this video I made to convince my dad my major isn’t useless:

As I’ve hopefully proven, the English major is a very useful degree. Nonetheless, if you are passionate about what you are studying and pursuing a career you are interested in, you are more likely to be successful — no matter your major. Your degree doesn’t define you; your passion, ambition, and effort will determine your success. So, to all my fellow English majors and potential English majors: trust yourself; you know what you’re doing. And, to our doubters, read up before you criticize us next time.

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Creative Writing Courses Are Useless: Creative Writing Programs and the Italian Literary System

• First Online: 10 October 2020

Cite this chapter

• Cecilia Ghidotti 6  

Part of the book series: Science, Technology and Innovation Studies ((STAIS))

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Creative writing schools and programs are weird creatures. They have been around for decades and have become increasingly popular despite their relatively recent addition to the curricula of higher education. This chapter investigates the public discourse around creative writing programs: it looks at how creative writing degrees are received both in the English-speaking world (the United States and the United Kingdom) and in Italy, and it investigates the reasons behind this reception. In the Anglo-American case, creative writing is part of university education, but this is not the case in Italy, where universities do not offer degrees in creative writing. The teaching of creative writing thus is entirely entrusted to private enterprises such as schools, associations, charities, cooperatives, and bookshops. This chapter looks at how, in Italy’s case, the reception of creative writing has been shaped by the country’s historic understanding of high and popular culture and by the position of the Alessandro Baricco, best-selling author and founder of the Holden School, the most famous Italian creative writing school. These themes are relevant to the scholarship on creative and cultural industries because they offer insights into the role of creative writing programs as mechanisms for the inclusion and exclusion of cultural workers. They also reveal the programs’ growing influence over literary production and cultural production more generally.

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The Rise of Creative Writing

Creative Writing for Professional Writing Majors

Bridging the Distance: Learning Victorian Literature Through Creative Projects

See Harbach ( 2014 ) for a detailed account of how the two systems of American fiction work: one depends on writing programs and the other is connected to the New York literary economy.

“Though we partially agree with the popular insistence that writing cannot be taught, we exist and proceed on the assumption that talent can be developed, and we see our possibilities and limitations as a school in that light. If one can ‘learn’ to play the violin or to paint, one can ‘learn’ to write, though no processes of externally induced training can ensure that one will do it well.” Iowa Writers’ Workshop, Philosopy  https://writersworkshop.uiowa.edu/about/about-workshop/philosophy

Myers ( 1996 : 146), Harbach ( 2014 ) and Bennett ( 2014 : 52).

In January 2019, the Holden School launched the Holden Academy, a three-year program that will award a qualification recognized as a bachelor’s degree by the Ministry of Education, University and Research. The Holden Academy will not replace the Holden School’s two-year program, which will award the same qualification as before.

According to the data from the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD  2017 ), the average fee for a master’s degree in Italy in 2017 was about 1800 USD (1580 euros).

“For over 20 years, this diploma has been acknowledged in all working storytelling environments, TV, the radio, cinema, theatre and advertising. It’s always been a business card which allows whoever has it in their pocket to present themselves as a professional storyteller with the acknowledgment they deserve” (Holden School Website 2019 ).

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Ghidotti, C. (2020). Creative Writing Courses Are Useless: Creative Writing Programs and the Italian Literary System. In: Kiriya, I., Kompatsiaris, P., Mylonas, Y. (eds) The Industrialization of Creativity and Its Limits. Science, Technology and Innovation Studies. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-53164-5_5

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Creative Writing and Literature

Undergraduate Program

The Bachelor of Liberal Arts degree is designed for industry professionals with years of work experience who wish to complete their degrees part time, both on campus and online, without disruption to their employment. Our typical student is over 30, has previously completed one or two years of college, and works full time.

Students enrolled in the Master of Liberal Arts program in Creative Writing & Literature will develop skills in creative writing and literary analysis through literature courses and writing workshops in fiction, screenwriting, poetry, and nonfiction. Through online group courses and one-on-one tutorials, as well as a week on campus, students hone their craft and find their voice.

Creative Writing

Stanford’s Creative Writing Program--one of the best-known in the country--cultivates the power of individual expression within a vibrant community of writers. Many of our English majors pursue a concentration in creative writing, and the minor in Creative Writing is among the most popular minors on campus. These majors and minors participate in workshop-based courses or independent tutorials with Stegner Fellows, Stanford’s distinguished writers-in-residence.

English Major with a Creative Writing Emphasis

The English major with a Creative Writing emphasis is a fourteen-course major. These fourteen courses comprise eight English courses and six Creative Writing courses.

English majors with a Creative Writing emphasis should note the following:

All courses must be taken for a letter grade.

Courses taken abroad or at other institutions may not be counted towards the workshop requirements.

Any 190 series course (190F, 190G, etc.), 191 series course (191T, etc.), or 192 series course (192V, etc.) counts toward the 190, 191, or 192 requirement.

PWR 1 is a prerequisite for all creative writing courses.

Minor in Creative Writing

The Minor in Creative Writing offers a structured environment in which students interested in writing fiction or poetry develop their skills while receiving an introduction to literary forms. Students may choose a concentration in fiction, poetry.

In order to graduate with a minor in Creative Writing, students must complete the following three courses plus three courses in either the prose or poetry tracks. Courses counted towards the requirements for the minor may not be applied to student's major requirements. 30 units are required. All courses must be taken for a letter grade.

Prose Track

Suggested order of requirements:

English 90. Fiction Writing or English 91. Creative Nonfiction

English 146S Secret Lives of the Short Story

One 5-unit English literature elective course

English 190. Intermediate Fiction Writing or English 191. Intermediate Creative Nonfiction Writing

English 92. Reading and Writing Poetry

Another English 190, 191, 290. Advanced Fiction, 291. Advanced Nonfiction, or 198L. Levinthal Tutorial

Poetry Track

English 92.Reading and Writing Poetry

English 160. Poetry and Poetics

English 192. Intermediate Poetry Writing

Another English 192, or 292.Advanced Poetry or 198L.Levinthal Tutorial

Creative Writing minors should note the following:

To declare a Creative Writing minor, visit the Student page in Axess. To expedite your declaration, make sure to list all 6 courses you have taken or plan to take for your minor.

Any 190 series course (190F, 190G, etc.), 191series course (191T, etc.), or 192 series course (192V, etc.) counts toward the 190, 191, or 192 requirement.

For more information, visit the Stanford Creative Writing Program.

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The top 10 most useless degrees (and why).

If you’re reading this, you’re probably wondering how valuable your current degree will be for your career. Or maybe you’re a highschool senior, debating which degree to pursue.

As someone who has extensively researched the value of a degree before deciding to drop out of university , let me share my two cents on the matter. It may shift your perspective.

Before we go over the 10 most useless degrees in college, let’s go over some major gaps that apply towards pursuing a degree in the first place.

False sense of security

Growing up, we were promised the illusion of the golden ticket. We are told to earn a paper degree, and watch the opportunities roll in.

This may have been true 30–40 years ago, where only 26% of middle-class workers had a degree . Today, when almost everyone has a college degree (if not a Master’s), its value is increasingly becoming a commodity rather than an asset.

As a result, the golden ticket we were promised rarely leads to our desired job upon graduation, if at all. According to the U.S Department of Labor , 53.6% of college graduates under the age of 25 are either unemployed or underemployed.

Misalignment of goals

This may be harsh to hear for some people, but most college professors don’t have your best interest as their priority. There’s two reasons for that.

The first is the increasing number of professor to student ratio, where some lecture halls seat over 500+ students per professor. This makes it incredibly difficult to develop a genuine relationship. This also leads to receiving general and unspecific advice from professors.

The second reason is that most professors have their research and tenure as a higher priority than helping students get the best education for their career. Many professors are using the institution’s facilities and resources for their own research, and are teaching as part of their contract.

There’s rarely a good outcome if there’s a misalignment in any relationship.

Better alternatives

The good news to all of this is: you’re in control. There’s better alternatives and more opportunities than before, from getting practical experience, to leveraging new social communities, even avoiding the degree as a whole — the list just goes on.

With each of the most useless degrees I mention below, I’ll share an alternative you could explore in lieu of your 4-year journey.

1. Advertising

Don Draper may have been “the man” back in 1960; however, with the rise of technology, the advertising industry is shifting faster than ever. The core reason for this is that we’re no longer living in the billboard/banner ad age. Consumers have all the power today. We can choose what we pay attention to and what we tune out.

Many companies question the ROI of advertising as a whole, big agencies are struggling in a world of free media, and new social networks are popping up every year.

Alternative : Stay ahead of new media trends and learn everything you can about it, from new social networks, to marketing channels, etc. Become an expert and share the actual results you’ve received with potential employers or clients. Results will be the only thing that matters.

Music is different from advertising since its theory stands the test of time. However, that in itself is the problem: it’s only theory.

If your goal is to one day become a professional musician, learning about its history and the musical terms and instruments is not going to accelerate your success. As Malcolm Gladwell proclaims in his book, “The Outlier” , what made The Beatles become one of the greatest bands in history was the 10,000 hours of practice they had in their early stages.

Alternative : If you want to be a performer in any industry, from musician, to comedian, to keynote speaker: put in the hours. Form your own band. Find every opportunity to get on stage and become the performer you want to be, not an expert in musical theory.

3. Computer Science

Technology is almost always ahead of traditional education. This poses a big contradiction if you’re trying to stay ahead of the latest trends that will help you be in demand of great companies upon graduation.

Be clear with your end goal. Are you looking to learn how computers work, or are you looking to be recruited by the Google’s of the world?

Alternative : Assuming most of you reading this are looking to learn how to code, it’s easier than ever to do this on your own. Check out free platforms such as Codeacademy or Treehouse , and apply it directly by building your own website.

4. Creative Writing

If you’re looking to express your creative mindset, this degree isn’t it.

The first reason is that most professors frown upon modern fiction, and would rather teach you about how it was done in the 1800s. The second is, the only compensated positions that most “creative writers” end up at is writing Top 10 lists for the Internet. There’s better ways to spend 4 years learning how to express yourself.

Alternative : One is, start your own blog. This not only helps you get real practical experience on expressing and condensing your mind, but you can also receive immediate feedback from your audience. Here’s the cherry on top of the sundae, if you manage to build a large enough audience, you can potentially make enough money to be your own boss!

5. Philosophy

Philosophy is the go-to degree when discussing the most useless degrees. This isn’t to dismiss the importance of philosophy, as many influential thinkers such as Tim Ferriss use Stoic Philosophy as a framework for making better decisions. The problem is the way it’s being taught. Professors choose theoretical topics of philosophy that will stir debate and discussion, which rarely applies to our real day-to-day lives.

Alternative : There’s books available, such as “The Obstacle is the Way,”  on practical philosophy that will help you make better decisions in life. If you want to learn about the history of Philosophy, there are hundreds of books available on that as well.

6. Communication

If you need a communication degree to prove you can communicate, then you haven’t fully experienced college.

College is where you discover the necessary communication skills to nurture relationships, develop the ability to communicate with new people, and learn about your communication strengths and weaknesses. You’ll learn far more about communication from opening yourself up to meeting new people in your college than spending 4 years about how to talk.

Alternative : Create your own podcast. Find a topic that you’re passionate about and start interviewing people. As ironic as it may sound, the best communicators of the world are not the best speakers. Instead, the people who can ask interesting questions and know how to listen make the best communicators. On top of that, podcasting will help you connect with influential people in your industry, which is a far better strategy of landing your dream job than a degree.

7. Education

Do you want to become a great teacher, have an impact, and share your message with students? Well, you may be disappointed to hear that most teachers receive a nominal salary compared to their relative value. Why not get paid what you’re worth, while potentially impacting millions of students around the world versus a few hundred in your local city?

Alternative : Today, anyone can become a teacher. You can share a practical skill you’ve developed with others, or you can teach people how to shoot photography, how to learn a new language , and more by creating your own Youtube channel, creating your own online course, or signing up for a teaching platform. The opportunities are endless with the rise of online teaching.

8. Languages

As globalization increases at an exponential rate, learning a new language is not only a great asset to have on your resume, but it’s also quickly becoming a necessity. Despite its increasing importance, it doesn’t require an investment of $30,000 to learn the history and literature of the language from a non-native speaking professor. In fact, it’s unlikely you’ll ever use most of the theoretical knowledge you learn about languages in the real world.

Alternative : Much like computer science, you don’t need to learn a language inside and out just in order to speak it fluently. There are existing language learning platforms like Rype that are 0.1% of the investment for a college degree. This platform matches you with a native speaking language coach for one-on-one teaching, rather than learning in a lecture hall with 300 other students.

9. Criminal Justice

Most people entering this degree are looking to become a detective, police officer, or enter law. If that’s the case, earning a degree in Criminal Justice may not be the way to go. According to the BLS, police officers and detective are not necessarily required to have a degree beyond their highschool diploma. This is because most of the practical knowledge is earned upon joining the academy through sponsored on-the-job training.

Alternative : If your goal is to enter law, there are better degrees that will train you for getting into law school. In fact, law school expert Ann Levine states that Criminal Justice is not considered academically rigorous by major law schools. Instead, Levine recommends a degree like political science, that requires research, serious thought, and analysis.

10. Entrepreneurship

Learning entrepreneurship through a textbook is like watching a video on how to ride a bicycle without riding it. This bit of advice comes from personal experience. Every successful entrepreneur will tell you that entrepreneurship cannot be taught, it must be experienced. The calculated risk-taking, mental struggles, and hustle aren’t learned from a textbook, they come from being in the battlefield.

Alternative : The easiest alternative is to  start your own business . This could be a side business you start, or something as simple as selling items on Ebay. The last thing you want to do is study the works of successful entrepreneurs without living it your own.

In Conclusion

“Ideas are easy. It’s the execution of ideas that really separates the sheep from the goats.” — Sue Grafton

Despite the points mentioned in this article, your college experience is something to be cherished. You’ll learn far more from the overall experience than inside the classroom.

The problem is not college itself, it’s our preconceived mindset of relying on some of the most useless degrees to make or break our careers. Most of us will end up working in professions that have nothing to do with our degrees.

Think about what your intention and end goals are by entering your degree of study. Where do you see yourself in 5 years upon graduation? How will this degree help you get there? Is it a degree that top employers are looking for? Or are there specific skill-sets that you want to develop to improve yourself?

Most importantly, you should use college as the time to explore yourself, take risks, and learn your strengths and weaknesses. It’s one of the first and only times you’ll have the freedom to make risky decisions with no real downsides. College can become the best experience of your life. Choosing the right degree is only one part of it.

Over to you

Which of the most useless degrees we mentioned do you agree with?

Featured photo credit: Student Hitchhiking via cdn.magdeleine.co

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Creative Writing and Literature Master’s Degree Program

Unlock your creative potential and hone your unique voice.

Online Courses

11 out of 12 total courses

On-Campus Experience

One 1- or 3-week residency in summer

$3,340 per course

Next Start Term: Fall 2024

Registration open through August 29

Program Overview

Through the master’s degree in creative writing and literature, you’ll hone your skills as a storyteller — crafting original scripts, novels, stories, and works of creative nonfiction.

In small, workshop-style classes, you’ll master key elements of narrative craft, including characterization, story and plot structure, point of view, dialogue, and description. Rigorous literature courses, many of them taught by Harvard College faculty members, will deepen your skills as a writer and scholar.

Program Benefits

Instructors who are established screenwriters, novelists, and nonfiction writers

A community of writers who support your growth in live online classes

Writer's residency with agent & editor networking opportunities

Personalized academic and career advising

Thesis or capstone options that lead to publishable creative work

Harvard Alumni Association membership upon graduation

Customizable Course Curriculum

As you work through the program’s courses, you’ll enhance your creative writing skills and knowledge of literary concepts and strategies.

You’ll hone your voice as a writer in courses like Writing the Novel and Advanced Memoir. You’ll explore the possibilities of the screen in courses such as Advanced Screenwriting and Comedy Sketch Writing.

Within the creative writing and literature program, you will choose between a thesis or capstone track. You’ll also experience the convenience of online learning and the immersive benefits of learning in person.

11 Online Courses

• Primarily synchronous
• Fall, spring, January, and summer options

Writers’ Residency

A 1- or 3-week summer master class taught by a notable instructor, followed by an agents-and-editors weekend

Thesis or Capstone Track

• Thesis: features a 9-month independent creative project with a faculty advisor
• Capstone: includes crafting a fiction or nonfiction manuscript in a classroom community

The path to your degree begins before you apply to the program.

First, you’ll register for and complete 2 required courses, earning at least a B in each. These foundational courses are investments in your studies and count toward your degree, helping ensure success in the program.

Enroll for your first admission course this fall. Course registration is open July 22–August 29.

To get started, explore degree requirements, confirm your initial eligibility, and learn more about our unique “earn your way in” admissions process.

A Faculty of Creative Writing Experts

Studying at Harvard Extension School means learning from the world’s best. Our instructors are established and award-winning writers and scholars. They bring a genuine passion for teaching, with students giving our faculty an average rating of 4.7 out of 5.

Bryan Delaney

Playwright and Screenwriter

Talaya Adrienne Delaney

Lecturer in Extension, Harvard University

Elisabeth Sharp McKetta

Our community at a glance.

80% of our creative writing and literature students are enrolled in our master’s degree program for either personal enrichment or to make a career change. Most (74%) are employed full time while pursuing their degree and work across a variety of industries.

Download: Creative Writing & Literature Master's Degree Fact Sheet

Average Age

Course Taken Each Semester

Work Full Time

Would Recommend the Program

Professional Experience in the Field

Pursued for Personal Enrichment

Career Opportunities & Alumni Outcomes

Graduates of our Creative Writing and Literature Master’s Program have writing, research, and communication jobs in the fields of publishing, advertising/marketing, fundraising, secondary and higher education, and more.

Some alumni continue their educational journeys and pursue further studies in other nationally ranked degree programs, including those at Boston University, Brandeis University, University of Pennsylvania, and Cambridge University.

Our alumni hold titles as:

• Marketing Manager
• Director of Publishing
• Senior Research Writer

Our alumni work at a variety of leading organizations, including:

• Little, Brown & Company
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• Bentley Publishers

Career Advising and Mentorship

Whatever your career goals, we’re here to support you. Harvard’s Mignone Center for Career Success offers career advising, employment opportunities, Harvard alumni mentor connections, and career fairs like the annual on-campus Harvard Humanities, Media, Marketing, and Creative Careers Expo.

Your Harvard University Degree

Upon successful completion of the required curriculum, you will earn the Master of Liberal Arts (ALM) in Extension Studies, Field: Creative Writing and Literature.

Expand Your Connections: the Harvard Alumni Network

As a graduate, you’ll become a member of the worldwide Harvard Alumni Association (400,000+ members) and Harvard Extension Alumni Association (29,000+ members).

Harvard is closer than one might think. You can be anywhere and still be part of this world.

Tuition & Financial Aid

Affordability is core to our mission. When compared to our continuing education peers, it’s a fraction of the cost.

After admission, you may qualify for financial aid . Typically, eligible students receive grant funds to cover a portion of tuition costs each term, in addition to federal financial aid options.

Learn more about the cost of attendance .

What can you do with a master’s degree in creative writing and literature?

A master’s degree in creative writing and literature prepares you for a variety of career paths in writing, literature, and communication — it’s up to you to decide where your interests will take you.

You could become a professional writer, editor, literary agent, marketing copywriter, or communications specialist.

You could also go the academic route and bring your knowledge to the classroom to teach creative writing or literature courses.

Is a degree in creative writing and literature worth it?

The value you find in our Creative Writing and Literature Master’s Degree Program will depend on your unique goals, interests, and circumstances.

The curriculum provides a range of courses that allow you to graduate with knowledge and skills transferable to various industries and careers.

How long does completing the creative writing and literature graduate program take?

Program length is ordinarily anywhere between 2 and 5 years. It depends on your preferred pace and the number of courses you want to take each semester.

For an accelerated journey, we offer year round study, where you can take courses in fall, January, spring, and summer.

While we don’t require you to register for a certain number of courses each semester, you cannot take longer than 5 years to complete the degree.

What skills do you need prior to applying for the creative writing and literature degree program?

Harvard Extension School does not require any specific skills prior to applying, but in general, it’s helpful to have solid reading, writing, communication, and critical thinking skills if you are considering a creative writing and literature master’s degree.

Initial eligibility requirements can be found on our creative writing and literature master’s degree requirements page .

Harvard Division of Continuing Education

The Division of Continuing Education (DCE) at Harvard University is dedicated to bringing rigorous academics and innovative teaching capabilities to those seeking to improve their lives through education. We make Harvard education accessible to lifelong learners from high school to retirement.

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Numerous degree options and professional trajectories are available to students embarking on their college journey. We'll help you by going over the most useless college degrees so you can make an informed decision.

The choice quickly becomes overwhelming, with dozens or even hundreds of different options.

When choosing a major, you may first consider a college degree that sounds most exciting and what you think you would be good at. Nonetheless, you may overlook the potential usefulness of a college degree in securing employment following graduation.

When considering what major is best for you, it's important to consider which degrees will secure you a job and which are entirely useless.

Useful Degrees That Might Interest You

Here are some of the most useless college degrees out there.

20 Most Useless Degrees of 2024

1. advertising.

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.

Advertising majors take classes on promoting and selling products through media outlets like social media, television, and bulletin boards. They also learn what aspects of advertising are most appealing to people, including color and design. This education leaves limited opportunities for employment after graduation. Those who graduate with an advertising degree can find a job at advertising companies, but few employers will take them otherwise. Those who do not succeed in advertising have few other options.

2. Anthropology And Archeology

A degree in anthropology and archeology may sound appealing if you love history, travel, and being outside. If you are not willing to commit significant time and money to obtain a PhD in the field and to potentially spend years in roles such as underpaid intern or research assistant this career path may not be suitable for you.

Anthropology investigate's human civilizations and their cultural development while archaeology examines human history by unearthing artifacts and remains. Those who graduate with a degree in anthropology and archeology may hope to spend time studying the findings on a historical excavation site or at least in a museum. While a prestigious doctorate from Harvard or Yale may land you at an excavation site, likely, the majority of degree's won't even get you out of your backyard.

Those who cannot make it in this field may search elsewhere but have difficulty finding a job.

3. Art history

Students who study art history love art and design. Those who want to get a degree in art history usually take classes in art composition and multiple classes in art history from every time period. They may study influential artists like Vincent van Gogh or Claude Monet.

Although students with an art history degree are passionate about old art and sculptures, it's hard to make a career out of it. Those who graduate have a wealth of knowledge about art throughout the centuries but have difficulty finding a job where they can use it. Some get jobs at art museums and, later on, as art appraisers, but this is one of the most challenging fields to break into. Most places that specialize in art want to see a lengthy resume with plenty of experience.

Individuals who complete their studies but are unable to secure a career within the realm of art must seek opportunities in other domains. However, their limiting degree doesn't leave them many options. Most employers want to see education more directly applicable to their careers.

4. Communications

Communications majors study the science behind communication. They learn how to make communication more accessible while promoting suitable communication methods. If you're interested in communications, you may take classes related to oral and visual rhetoric and classes that help you learn how to promote your message best.

Because communications is such a broad field, the degree has no specific focus. While this may sound useful, it makes getting a job after college more difficult. Those with a communication degree commonly pursue journalism, marketing, and business administration jobs. However, those interested in one of these fields are better off getting that specific degree. Many jobs that communications majors may apply for after graduation are related to specific majors. This makes getting a job with a broad communications degree more difficult.

5. Computer Science

Pursuing a computer science degree may appear to be a promising path towards a thriving career post graduation. However like many of the most useless college degrees, computer science is a challenging degree to use after you graduate.

This is because a general computer science degree is broad just like a degree in communications. Some students enter computer science to get a job in coding, information technology, or cybersecurity. However there are specific programs for these career paths that look much better on a resume.

Upon completing a computer science degree, you might find yourself uncertain about the next steps to take. To get a job you may require higher education in your field or more specific education and focus in an area like coding or cybersecurity. You may instead find yourself looking for a job with your current education and experience, which may prove unsuccessful.

6. Creative Writing

Creative writers really do have skills that people who want to publish stories and novels want to have. However, their education is narrow and specific. During their education, students in a creative writing major learn how to tell a story with colorful words and create poetry while also learning about the professional writing process. Their writing is flowing and descriptive.

Although you may become a talented writer with a creative writing degree you're not going to make enough money to make ends meet unless you publish a major novel or childrens story. Creative writers don't learn the skills of journalism or the technicality of linguistics to pursue a job writing for a newspaper or other news company. Instead, they are left with beautiful writing skills and no job.

If you're interested in creative writing and hope to publish a book someday consider majoring in a similar field, like journalistic writing, and taking some creative writing classes. This will make you more employable following graduation and give you a steady income while you write a novel.

7. Criminal Justice

Numerous students are inspired by television series and films such as NCIS or Criminal Minds to pursue studies in the criminal justice sector. Actors make jobs like detectives and special agents seem attractive and fun. Nonetheless, the truth about these careers is that they are not only perilous but also quite scarce.

Many students who major in criminal justice will spend a significant amount of time after graduation searching for a rare desk job for which they are qualified. They may work as paper pushers for their city or state of residence. Some individuals might pursue further education or training to embark on careers as police officers, lawyers, or foster care workers. When considering a career in criminal justice it's crucial to assess the desired job and determine if it aligns with your intended career trajectory.

8. Culinary arts

Culinary arts may teach students how to cook and make their food look presentable but it doesn't teach them many skills beyond this. A degree may look good on a resume if you're interested in pursuing a job as a cook or chef after college but any other career will consider your training useless.

Students in culinary programs acquire specialized knowledge such as food preparation techniques and ingredient combinations but their training often lacks transferable skills in areas like business or health related matters. While they become proficient in tasks like, vegetable chopping, spice blending, and potato boiling, they may not develop abilities applicable to a broader range of occupations. The result is that many students who graduate with a degree in culinary arts wind up unemployed but well fed after graduation.

Choosing a culinary or trade school over a conventional college or university degree could be a more prudent decision for those genuinely dedicated to forging a career in the culinary arts. This approach enables you to receive specialized training in your chosen field while saving both time and money.

9. Education

At first, this may seem like a highly useful degree. Teaching children is useful, right? However, many who enter the field quickly find this isn't as useful as it sounds.

Education majors must declare a specialty, such as early childhood, special education, or secondary education. Some who do this must get a master's degree to practice in their field. Those who stay with a general education degree may find their degree useless after graduation. A preschool won't want them because they aren't certified in early childhood education. Special education won't want them because they don't have the proper certifications or endorsements.

When contemplating a major in education, evaluate the specific educational field you wish to delve into and determine your area of focus. You should know that you may have to get a master's degree or receive extra training and endorsements to practice. Additionally, education majors typically undergo rigorous placements at schools of their interest to receive student teaching experience. After all of these channels have been completed, it is only then that an education major can expect to get a job.

10. Entrepreneurship

A degree in entrepreneurship may sound great for those looking to start a business someday. However the degree by itself is one of the most useless degrees. This is because students can get all the education they want, but without hands on business experience, their learning will hardly mean a thing.

Achieving success in launching a business necessitates an extensive understanding of business operations gained from years of experience. Numerous accomplished entrepreneurs possess a business degree and have acquired real world knowledge before establishing their ventures. Some might pursue further education, such as a degree in entrepreneurship, while others may opt for a selection of relevant courses.

An entrepreneurship degree by itself, however, leaves the learner questioning where to go next. They are less employable than someone with a business degree and may lack the education and experience it takes to get a job. Those interested in entrepreneurship should pursue experience first.

11. Ethnic and civilization studies

Ethnic and civilization studies is a culturally relevant field that may seem a great choice at first glance. Given the current state of our nation, ethnic and civilization learners are not only important but essential to the progress of our country.

However, a sole degree in ethnic and civilization studies may not land you the career you're hoping for. Many who receive jobs after graduation with this degree look for jobs in education, social work, and counseling. However, each of these jobs receives a special degree of its own. While studying ethnicity and civilization is essential, those interested should consider double majoring in a second degree or using it as a minor to increase their chances of an excellent job following graduation.

12. Fashion design

An individual pursuing a fashion design major may envision starting their own clothing line, joining a prominent company as a designer, or venturing into fashion marketing.

However, it's important to consider this major's job field. Securing a position with a leading fashion brand directly after graduation can be quite difficult, and creating your own brand from the outset is an even more daunting task. Successful people require years of experience, meaningful connections with those in the field, and learning how to build their brand.

If you're truly interested in the field of fashion design, be prepared to battle unemployment and disappointment. Many students who obtain a degree in fashion design are left looking for a job in a different field and find it wildly unsuccessful, as few employers consider their education relevant.

13. Film, video, and photographic arts

This is another degree that attracts those with big dreams. Those passionate about film production and media are found to pursue a completely useless degree.

Students who get a degree in film, video, or photographic arts usually learn how to use their artistic skills to start small businesses in photography or videography. While photography and videography are legitimate professions and many excel in them, these fields typically rely on innate talent rather than acquired skills. As a result, many of those who will be successful photographers will do so with or without a degree. Even if a few courses might offer some valuable insights to enhance their work, obtaining a degree in photography or videography is likely an impractical use of time and money.

14. Languages

Learning languages is an excellent means of acquainting oneself with foreign cultures and getting ready for international travel. While there are undoubtedly many benefits to learning multiple languages, studying languages as a college degree is useless. Those who invest years of their education into perfecting a language may feel accomplished. But when they graduate, there is one crucial question burning in their minds: now what?

Those who graduate with a language degree may become translators. Others work at a foreign embassy or in international relations. If you're lucky enough to land one of these jobs, the pay and job outlook can be okay. Conversely if you do not acquire proficiency in multiple languages, you might have to search for an employer willing to hire you based solely on this language skill set.

Some colleges offer programs for classical languages like Greek and Latin. Others stick to more relevant languages like Spanish and Chinese. If you're going to try and make it big in the language world be sure to choose a relevant language. You should also think about getting a second major to make yourself more marketable when you leave college.

An individual pursuing a music major might dedicate their time to choral singing, instrumental performances with a band, or engaging in extracurricular activities such as jazz or marching bands. They also spend much time in class studying music history and composition. Music majors may even focus on a specific area, like composition or conducting.

Because their field is so small, music majors often have trouble finding work after graduation. You may land a job as a prestigious conductor, professional musician, or community band director if you're incredibly talented. Most music majors wind up teaching music lessons or leading worship at church.

Although these are great jobs to make a little extra cash, they rarely manage to pay the bills. Music careers are typically low-paying and don't include benefits or a 401K. The result is that those who major in music look for a different career later. However, due to their limited degrees in music, many find that they lack the type of education that many employers are looking for.

16. Philosophy

Philosophy majors study the nature of knowledge. It often seems like a paradoxical field, as students learn about learning and think about thinking. Although philosophers like Plato and Aristotle are household names and have truly impacted the world, philosophy is a challenging field to break into.

In the present era, the study and application of science have outlasted the study and application of philosophy. Many jobs available on the market are related to science instead of thinking. After undergoing extensive education and gaining experience, philosophy majors may secure employment as philosophy professors, or they may opt to pursue further education in different fields such as law or writing. Those aiming to secure a stable job and acquire a bachelor's degree in philosophy might consider investigating alternative fields.

17. Psychology

The study of the mind and its corresponding behaviors constitutes the field of psychology. Like philosophy, a psychology degree is difficult to use after you graduate.

Psychologists often pursue higher education in their field to practice as clinical psychologists. Individuals who conclude their education with a bachelor's degree often face difficulties in finding a suitable niche. Some counseling jobs are available to those who graduate with a psychology degree. In general, individuals possessing a psychology degree face significant employability challenges.

Thus, it is imperative to assess the number of courses you plan to take and the potential career opportunities following graduation before embarking on a psychology degree. If you're looking at a specific field, you may be better suited and more employable by pursuing a different degree.

18. Studio arts and fine art

Comprising diverse areas such as sculpting, painting, drawing, photography, digital media, and graphic design, a degree in studio and fine arts is well suited for individuals who appreciate various forms of artistic expression. Multiple factors contribute to the perceived value of this degree.

First, as with the degree in photography students are typically talented in their area of interest or they're not. Those who are not talented can not expect to learn what they need to succeed in classes.

Second, those who are exceptionally talented in one of these areas may make a career from it by pursuing their dream without a degree or simply taking a few classes. Despite the limited availability of jobs in fields such as photography and drawing exceptionally gifted individuals might bypass the need for education and launch their careers straightaway.

Third, if a person is particularly interested in obtaining a degree in one of the fine arts they should pick a more specific degree focus. To gain knowledge and prosper in the field of graphic design, selecting a graphic design major is a prudent decision.

19. Theater Arts

A degree in theater arts allows a learner to study acting and the making of theater production. They may take classes about famous plays or classes that help them improve their acting skills. Those who pursue a theater arts degree are typically interested in acting jobs, writing plays, or producing scripts.

Those interested in the theater arts should be wary about pursuing a degree in this area. This is another field where jobs are few and far between following graduation. Graduating with a theater arts degree usually entails participating in internships and continuing education for several years. Eventually, one may secure a low-paying job in the field. Those who pursue a career outside of their degree may be shut out by employers looking for more relevant education.

Those with a lot of talent or drive should continue their education at a theater arts university or center. These schools have more prestigious reputations for education and may help launch an acting career.

20. Travel and tourism

Sounds fun, right? Even though this degree might have the glitz and glamour of travel and getaway, the result of this useless degree isn't so appealing. During their education, students studying travel and tourism learn about the best places to travel, their methods, and how to improve the tourist experience. Although these classes are more entertaining than most, many students who graduate with a travel and tourism degree are left unsure of the next step after graduation.

Students who graduate with a travel and tourism degree have limited job options after they finish school. Although many enter the field hoping to make it big as an Instagram traveler or professional vlogger, the result is that many end up taking boring and mundane office jobs. Some may choose to work as travel agents, while others may take a job as someone who helps others book plane tickets, hotels, or cruises through private companies. As with many of the other most useless degrees, these jobs tend to be poor sources of income with inconsistent hours, and workers aren't always treated well.

Finding a job is difficult if you graduated with a travel and tourism degree but are looking to leave the field. You may have fantastic stories and fun experiences to share, but employers looking for that degree will be disappointed.

Recommended Online Colleges With Useful Degrees

What is the most useless degree.

Some people may have acquired great careers in the past by earning the degrees mentioned in this list of useless degrees. Just as time changes, emphasis in the work world changes. Today, someone may have to look at a more specified degree within those fields of study to gain good employment.

Which majors are useless?

Twenty of the most useless degrees are found in this article. There may be other useless degrees but according to Edsmart these top the list.

What are the worst degrees?

This alphabetical list currently contains the most common useless degrees. The most useless degrees of today may not be useless degrees in the future.

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People Who Studied "Useless" Majors Are Sharing What They Do Now, And It's Really A Mixed Bag

"I got a master’s in theater arts. My entire family thought it was stupid, and said I was wasting my time and money. After college, they joked how I was going to work at Walmart because my degree wouldn’t get me in a 'real job.' Now, I live in NYC, landed a job at Broadway, and make more than my brother does with his business degree."

BuzzFeed Staff

We recently asked the members of the BuzzFeed Community who studied college majors people typically think are "useless" to tell us what they do now for work. Some people shared why they're proud of the major they chose and how it led them to their dream job today — while others shared mixed feelings or regrets about their decision. Either way, they have tons of helpful advice, and TBH, sooo many of their stories led to unexpected and interesting careers.

Here are some of the most eye-opening responses:, 1. "i went to two culinary schools. i loved to cook, so i thought i would turn it into a job. worst decision ever working in the restaurant industry, you have no life and make no money. it was so hard on my body, and i was always working. i couldn't get any job at any nice place.".

"It was the Cracker Barrel or a crappy BBQ joint you'd get food poisoning from. I always had to work two jobs. The most I made was $36K a year. After being in the industry for eight years, I left. I went back to go school (twice, actually, wasting more time and money), but now I'm a travel nurse. I made $108K last year and that's with taking off three months. So worth it. I have a house, a car, a wonderful husband, I travel, and we do whatever we want. I just wish I found this life sooner."

—31, Maryland

2. "I majored in creative writing and was constantly told that I wouldn’t find work as a writer. Throughout my twenties, people would ask what I majored in during college, then immediately follow with 'I bet that’s not what you do now!' Except it was. I found a job as a magazine contributor immediately after college and worked as a writer for years before transitioning into editing."

"Eventually, I moved into a management role overseeing a team of writers and editors, and today I make six-figures and love my career in the writing world."

3. "I majored in theater and acting. I knew very early on if I wanted to work in theater, I would need to learn as much I could about all aspects of theater in order to stay working in it. I can proudly say every penny I've made working since I graduated from college has been in theater and the arts."

"I worked my butt off, but always chose theater over anything else, including a lucrative bank job that would have let me live in NYC like a king. I am currently a college professor teaching theater on only a bachelor's degree because of my professional career."

—41, Florida

4. "I have a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Fashion Design from the only public art school in the US, and I have been working as an apparel designer for a national specialty retail brand for the past six years. I have no regrets! Fashion design isn’t just about starting your own brand, and there is so much you can utilize an art degree for other than just creating and selling your art!"

"I encourage anyone who is interested to pursue an art degree. You’ll learn so much in school and make so many connections, it can open a lot of doors."

— victorialeighb93

5. "I went to undergraduate for criminal justice then shifting to a combination of criminal justice and psychology. I didn't get into law school, so I went to graduate school for forensic mental health. While the degree sounds cool, there isn't much you can do with it that makes it fully applicable. Most high-level mental health related positions within police forces either demand tons of experience or are occupied by people who never leave."

"I now work overnights stocking shelves at Target. It's ruining my sleep and overall health."

—22, New York

6. "Undergrad major was B.A. in geography. I was utterly undecided about what I wanted to do with my life after high school, but went to college anyway. Decided on Geography because it was a small department and had a multidisciplinary perspective. After traveling to Europe and North Africa for a couple of years, then opening a restaurant on a whim and working there for four years, and then going with a friend as an over-the-road truck driver for six months I decided to go back to school for civil engineering. Fate, however, had other ideas for me."

"The engineering adviser thought I'd make a better doctor than engineer, so I went to medical school. Love being a physician. So rewarding, interesting, and challenging. Glad I was open to the opportunities the world presented to me."

7. "My major was public administration. After a long argument with my father, who advised that changing my major from business administration was a mistake and he wouldn't pay for me to go to school and 'waste' my time on such a major, I told him to keep his money and changed my major."

"Well, I have had a successful 29-year career with the Federal Government, working for seven years as a special agent with the FBI — and now over 15 years with Department of Defense as a Counterintelligence and Security Specialist. Oh, and I make more than my siblings, who both graduated with business degrees. Smack!"

— 61, Virginia

8. "Went to a fancy (read: expensive) four-year film school. I now work in the field doing what I dreamed of, but I still consider it a waste of time and money. Hear me out: Most people I work with didn't study film in college or go to well-known film schools. Plus, 99% of what I know, I learned on the job. No one gives a crap about how you started in the field — just that you know what you're doing."

"So, if you want to go into the 'biz' and are worried about the cost, individual workshops, community college, and two-year programs are great options! Most likely, what you'll need to get into the industry is a contact, not a degree."

9. "B.A. in history. Some would argue it’s a useless major, but that degree taught me to write well, speed read (I was reading a book a week for every class by the time I graduated), research effectively, retain lots of information quickly, and build compelling arguments. I initially thought I wanted to go into law, but I ultimately got a master’s in public health and now work as a program manager for a large healthcare system and make six-figures."

"No regrets whatsoever about my undergrad degree."

— chaosofthesun

10. "I majored in sociology at a liberal arts college, and I currently work as a director of global client strategy at a major media company. After graduating, there was no shortage of peers who attended research or technical universities cracking jokes about my 'useless' major. Sociology majors kinda get ragged on and slept on."

"'WhAt CaN YoU EvEn Do wItH ThAt?' they always snark. In marketing and communications — which depends heavily on research and human truths — you can do a lot."

—31, New York

11. "I studied biological anthropology (human evolution) and am now a field archeologist for various government agencies. In very simple terms, I am paid to hike in and around the most beautiful natural spaces on earth while protecting the history of that area. Currently, I'm living in (yes, in) one of the towns in Lake Tahoe. I have also lived and worked in Utah, New Mexico, Arizona, Wyoming, Florida, Virginia, New York, Pennsylvania, and Puerto Rico."

"I am beyond fortunate to have an amazing career path with my useless degree that permits me to see the beauty in the USA. On top of that, having every — yes, every — Friday, Saturday, and Sunday off is pretty awesome too. What good is living in these areas without three-day weekends to explore?"

—Anonymous, California

12. "I was in college for three and a half years for teaching. I had the TEACH Grant, where I HAD to come out a teacher — or else I would have more student loans than everyone else. I wasn't allowed the work-study program, for example, because the TEACH Grant and a few other loans filled my financial aid quota. Not even a week into my second semester senior year (student teaching, after three and a half years of an excellent GPA, passion, etc.), my school didn't want to deal with my cooperating teacher not wanting to deal with me, so I was kicked from the education program."

"My focus had been English, so immediately after the meeting where I watched my future burn to ashes, I was pushed into my new English class while they threw together an English degree for me to graduate on time. I graduated that semester cum laude with a bachelor's in English (and a LOT of trauma, mental illness, and loans to pay back). I've been jumping from job to job for years. No one will take me because I don't have the years of experience or proper education they want. I can't afford any more education (though I'm dying to study for a PhD). I want a career — I'm 32!"

—32, New York

13. "I have a BFA and MFA in studio art, with minors in art history and women’s studies. I pursued volunteer work more than gallery shows or internships. A few months ago, at age 33, I landed my dream job doing art therapy in a retirement home with dementia patients."

14. "General studies — no real focus of a degree and was a strange mishmash of different degree plans. The job I had was pressuring me into finishing my bachelor's degree, so I went with what was the quickest and easiest. While I struggled at first to find a job, I taught myself how to program and was able to get in with a company and work my way into a senior software engineer position making around $350,000 a year."

15. "In Dragon: The Bruce Lee Story , Bruce jokes that 'you can think deep thoughts about being unemployed' with a philosophy degree. He isn't wrong. I graduated in 2005, and I've worked at a motorcycle dealership since 2007. I've been a manager here since 2010, and I make pretty decent money for my area. Most of the very best friends I've ever had in my life are people I've met through work, and we have a great time at the dealership. I can't complain too much, but I definitely wasted five years of my life and a boatload of money on college for basically nothing."

"I have very few long-lasting friendships from that experience, and I never even seriously considered a career involving my degree at any point. I have a really expensive piece of paper in a frame in a box from my last move almost two years ago. I didn't even care enough to put it on the wall yet. If I had to do it over, I absolutely wouldn't go to college, and I have a hard time encouraging my 16-year-old daughter to want to go to school either."

—35, West Virginia

16. "Game development. Fortunately, my job is the intended industry for my 'useless fine arts degree.' For well over a decade now, I have worked with extremely talented people to create games. Over 100 million people, at least, have played games I've worked on. I love my job, I love the people I work with, and I love people that play games. Despite concerns over the usefulness of a fine arts degree my career has gone better than I hoped."

"One aspect which was unexpected is that I mostly write code and manage/train people these days. I must admit that a computer science degree would have been more helpful early in my career. However, many of my relevant skills have been developed on the job, so everything worked out. Positive changes have been occurring industry wide and after working through some negative experiences myself I'm glad to have the opportunity to contribute to positive changes."

—36, California

17. "My major was psychology, which my best friend's dad declared useless. I did go on to get a graduate degree in counseling and am licensed as a counselor in two states. But I run a nonprofit behavioral health agency that covers three counties, serves 600–700 people annually and employs 75 people."

"I know that it is rare for someone with a psych degree to work in a related job, but it is possible, and I employ lots of people with the same 'useless' major before and after their graduate degree."

—55, Maryland

18. "I paid a small fortune to study arts management, and now I am a florist (something I started learning before I went for my degree). I was heavily influenced by my family that college was something you had to do to be successful, and now I regret it daily."

— devloiseg

19. "B.A. in English literature. For several years, I did executive communications for a large financial services company. Basically, taking large amounts of information and dumbing it down for people who make a lot more money than me (like our board or directors or the Federal Reserve). I made six-figures doing that."

20. "I majored in business (specifically, entrepreneurship and operations management). Business degrees shouldn't exist; business education should be treated like the trades where you apprentice and learn on the job. I was in venture capital and then lending for several years before deciding more money wasn't worth the cost of my life. I'm now a novelist, and do small woodworking projects to supplement my irregular income! But I'M HAPPY!"

—31, Indiana

21. "I majored in communication, earning B.A and M.A degrees. I just retired after 32 years in the teaching field. Mostly, I taught public speaking, interpersonal communication and introduction to speech communication. I also taught English as a second language in Japan and Saudi Arabia. I have no regrets in the discipline I selected. However, in the five years between my undergraduate and graduate career, I struggled and drifted for job: bartender, forklift driver, accounting clerk, and psychiatric technician."

"I needed an advance degree to actually find a decent job."

—68, Wisconsin

22. "I majored in dance and am now a public school elementary dance teacher — I absolutely LOVE my job. I did not take any education classes until after I graduated and received my certification through a post-bach program at my university."

23. "I have a B.A. in criminology, law, and justice. I never wanted to be a cop! As an African American male living in Chicago at the time, I watched the riots against the police from my dorm room and knew it was important for me to know my rights! I am now earning my master's degree in social work and am fighting for social justice every day."

—29 Colorado

24. "I was a double major in film studies and women and gender studies. I’m a lawyer now. I loved what I studied in college, and both majors involved a lot of critical thinking and analytical writing skills that I use every day."

—29, Washington

25. "I went to school for theater — specifically costume design. Multiple degrees. I actually did it at the highest level as an associate and assistant for over a decade. For me, it wasn't worth it. Burnout, the culture of choosing work over family, and the toxicity of 'this is just how it’s done' drove me out just before the pandemic."

"I currently work at an interior design firm, and I couldn’t be happier! I brought all my friends with me, and they’re loving the much better work-life balance. It’s great fun without the guilt of giving the entirety of yourself for your 'dream.'"

26. "English B.A. and M.A. I taught college composition for 15 years and never earned more than $36,000 a year. Now I'm in technical writing making $125,000 a year."

"Teaching sucked."

—48, North Carolina

27. "Mine was religion and social justice; I was the only one who got that degree in my graduating class. I’m a finance director for a nonprofit and work as a finance/ops consultant. The math I took in college was statistics, and I got a C. Honestly, I’m surprised I’m in this field, but it’s a beautiful reminder that you don’t necessarily need an MBA or higher ed degree to do what you love or your job."

"A lot what I have learned for my job has been through my mentors and them taking a chance on me."

—30, Arkansas

28. "Over 20 years ago, I got an Associate in Arts — I was going to be an artist, but life had other plans! Fast-forward through many different relocations and jobs, and I am now a butcher. I can honestly say that I enjoy my work, and it's something I never thought I would be doing those 20-something years ago while in school."

29. "Psychology. Then, I got my master’s in clinical counseling. I worked for a few years doing child and family therapy with kids who had been abused. It was super intense, and the salary was an absolute joke for a job that required a master’s degree. Now, I’m a wedding and event planner."

"I use the skills I learned in school to navigate people through the planning process. It’s a job that brings me a lot of joy — even though sometimes, I regret all that time and money spent in graduate school."

—38, South Carolina

30. "I started out as a classical musician and trained at music conservatories in NYC for my bachelor's in music performance, San Francisco for my master's, touring, playing in gig orchestras, and teaching to make a living. I made a career change in my mid-twenties after seeing the reality of an uncertain and unstable future. Moved back to NYC, completed a post-bach pre-med program, went to med school, and matched into a competitive surgical residency."

"I’m now finishing up a fellowship in a surgical sub specialty and on my way to signing a contract for my first attending gig. I am so grateful for all the opportunities in my first life as a musician, and even though my surgical career is a bit delayed compared to my colleagues, I wouldn’t change a thing."

31. "I have a BFA in sculpture and ceramics. My parents wanted me to major in art education so I could get a job. I chose studio art. I also earned an MFA in sculpture and ceramics. I am now a full-time professional artist with an assistant, and my husband also works for my business."

"Our family is completely supported by my career as an artist and my 'worthless degrees.'"

—37, Missouri

32. "I graduated with a degree in philosophy. Today, I work in finance. I found it difficult to find a good paying job when I mentioned my major, despite going to one of the nation’s highest-ranked colleges."

"I went back to school to get enough credits to claim and computer science minor. That changed everything. Comp science in any form is the new MBA."

—40 Washington, DC

33. "I majored in Spanish studies. Not much to do with that unless I went on to get a teaching degree. I ended up getting a job as a medical interpreter/translator. I love my job and the variety of things I get to see in a day: radiology, ER, surgery, birth, making connections with patients, and so much more. There are hard parts, too: having to deliver hard news, angry patients, surgeries going bad, etc. But it’s mostly a great job that pays really well."

"I didn’t actually need a bachelor’s degree for the job, but as a native English speaker, there’s no way I could have learned enough Spanish (spoken and written) without my degree to do this job."

— arschubes

34. "I majored in communications/global journalism. I transferred from community college in my Florida hometown to a Northeast four-year school in 2005 — the first year of the death knell for print journalism. Job outlook was so bad, my journalism professor urged us to consider switching majors. I'm not enough of a schmoozer for PR, so I stayed. First job in 2009 post-graduation was writing online articles for a SEO company. The pay was so low that an employee from Washington had to interrupt orientation to tell HR she was making below her state's minimum wage."

"Now I write for an online medical newswire — though much of my job is just data entry. It's been 11 years now with no advancement (but more responsibilities) and modest, irregular pay raises. Last month I got a 1.3% raise, way below the average COLA (cost-of-living adjustment) increase around 3% — nets me an extra $20 a week. It's infuriating since remote work adds an hour or more of extra tasks to my day; I've been doing it since March 2020, and the only other raise I got in that timespan was predicated on my being safely able to return to my news beat (city courthouse, not my company's office), which has not happened.

So no, I don't really like it. I wish more than anything that instead of going to college, I had focused on more sensible career training. I don't need a degree to earn such a pedestrian paycheck and do a job from which I derive little meaning."

35. "Recreation park tourism management. I’m now the director of an education department at a zoo, and I love it!"

—34, Pennsylvania

36. "I was a history major, and I'm now in the Navy as an interior communication electrician (TV, alarm, and telephone systems). The hierarchy is rough, but I like the camaraderie and learning an actual skill I can use. I regret working and getting a bachelor's degree (without loans) and should have used loans and gone to a technical college and learned something useful like HVAC or electronic technology."

"That way I would have had a valuable skill that pays well and now would have been debt-free."

—25, Virginia

And finally...

37. "i got a master’s in theater arts. my entire family thought it was stupid, and said i was wasting my time and money. after college, they joked how i was going to work at walmart because my degree wouldn’t get me in a 'real job.' right out of college, i found a job in a seattle theatre. now, i live in nyc and have landed a job at broadway and make about $86,000 a year — more than my brother with his 'useful' business degree.".

Did any of these experiences surprise you? Let's change it up — if you studied a major that people typically consider "useful," was it actually worth it? What do you do for work now? Let us know in the comments below!

Note: Some responses have been edited for length and/or clarity.

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English (Creative Writing) Degree: How can it not be useless?

Some context, I just beat cancer, but I lost my kidney transplant. I just got my English degree in the midst of it… in Creative Writing. But now it literally feels useless. Now I’m disabled with a useless degree. I’m really struggling with not being angry about everything. How do I make this degree useful?

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