Looking for a Six-Figure Salary?
Not all degrees are made equally, and that’s clear to see when you enter the job market. In fact, many students regret certain degrees and adore others, so to avoid making the same mistakes, here are 20 to keep in mind.
1. Psychology
While psychology is an extremely popular choice, the reality is that it's impossible to get into entry-level jobs. Most psychology majors aspire to achieve high-paying roles like psychologist or therapist, but that requires graduate school and further learning.
2. Sociology
Sociology degrees have few direct career paths but can be used in other unrelated fields due to their broadness. For instance, you could get work as a probation officer or community outreach coordinator, but these jobs are scarce, and most will require further master’s studies for social work or policy.
3. English
English is another very broad degree that can cover a variety of jobs from copywriter to content creator; however, most of these roles require actual added training or experience, and a degree alone is quite useless. So unless paired with another skillset, this degree is quite limiting.
4. Communications
While communications is one of the most important job skills to have, it's too general to help you break into actual fields. Most people get a communications degree hoping to get a job in public relations or marketing, but an actual marketing or PR degree would be more beneficial.
5. Education
While education degrees and teacher college are sought after, many people are disillusioned by the career. Teachers are experiencing high burnout paired with low pay and a lack of institutional support, causing many to leave the field.
6. Philosophy
While philosophy is super interesting to learn about, the job prospects are unfortunately non-existent. Most philosophy majors are limited to working in academia but cannot break into policy work or legal work without further higher education.
7. History
History is a very popular subject among those that love the subject, but like philosophy, there are very few direct careers. Some hope to find work in museums or in archival research, but those positions are quite niche and few and far in between.
8. Visual Arts
While schooling can help visual artists, most people break into this field by just learning the skill and freelancing. There are few actual jobs requiring visual artists, but some talented individuals can find work as graphic designers or illustrators, but these jobs are few and highly competitive.
9. Archaeology
Fans of Indiana Jones may be eager to pursue a degree in archaeology, but there are no jobs in the field, and if they exist, they are scarce and poor-paying. The only authentic avenue for archaeology majors to go is to work in academia and pursue higher learning.
10. Music
Committing to a degree in music can be quite strenuous and requires a whole lot of talent. But even then, jobs in the field are limited and highly competitive, with many ending up as teachers with poor pay and part-time hours.
Now that we have talked about degrees most people regret, here are 10 that will have you set cozy and cushy for life!
1. Computer Science
It’s clear to see that computer science is a futuristic field that will be in high demand. It is the backbone of the technological world, and computer science degrees grant entry into everything from software engineering to cybersecurity, with many starting at 70K and making into the high 100K into the middle of their career.
2. Medicine
Obviously, doctors make a lot, making a medical degree one of the most taxing but worthwhile pieces of paper out there. In fact, specialists can easily break into 250 to 500K, but just be ready for years of schooling.
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3. Accounting
Accounting degrees will equip you with knowledge that all businesses need and is a great way to get into finance and management. Most experienced accountants can make over 100K too.
4. Electrical Engineering
While most kinds of engineering can bank you a lot of money, electrical engineering is currently in high demand as areas like aerospace, energy, and robotics continue to see innovation. This demand paired with the highly technical nature of the degree has most electrical engineers clearing 100K.
5. Pharmacy
Pharmacy may not seem like much, but it’s actually quite high-paying and is a secure career that will always be in demand. Pharmacists are crucial in the healthcare sector, and most can make 120 to 150K starting out.
6. Information Technology
Information technology, also known as IT, is a bit less math-intensive than computer science but is in just as much demand. Think IT analysts, cloud architect, and cybersecurity specialist, and it's clear to see why experienced IT folk make more than 100K.
7. Business Administration
If you want a more general and applicable business degree, look no further than the acclaimed MBA. Not only is it a great foundation for entrepreneurship, but this is a degree held by operations managers, marketing managers, and HR managers, with many making from 100 to 200K.
8. Statistics
While this degree can be quite math-intensive, it’s easy to see why it’s so valuable as the whole world runs on data these days. Various sectors from healthcare to tech to finance require statisticians, with many making over 100K.
9. Finance
Of course, finance is where the money is at, and a degree in the field is a direct path to jobs in corporate strategy, banking, and investing. Banking and consulting roles can make up to 200K as well.
10. Nursing
Finally, many people choose to get into nursing as it is high-paying but requires less studying than medical degrees. Additionally, nurses are needed around the world, and nurse practitioners often make 100 to 150K annually.
