By: JC Bowman, TriStar Daily Contributing Education Editor
Ah, college! The time of your life when you’re expected to discover your passion, which usually means sleeping through 8 a.m. classes while trying to figure out how to afford ramen noodles. As if choosing a major wasn’t hard enough, now we have to consider the job market. Thanks to Bruno Venditti over at Visual Capitalist, we’ve got the latest scoop on the degrees that are about as useful as a chocolate teapot when it comes to landing a job.
Anthropology: The Top Contender for Worst Degree Award
Sitting pretty at the top of the list is anthropology, with an unemployment rate of 9.4%. That’s right, folks—while you’re busy studying the ancient civilizations of the past, the present is telling you it has no jobs for you. You might spend your days analyzing ancient artifacts, but good luck explaining that to your landlord when the rent comes due. “I swear, my degree is valuable! I can tell you all about the mating rituals of the Neanderthals!”
Fine Arts and Sociology: Close Behind in the Race to Nowhere
Next up, we have fine arts and sociology, which are like the sad sidekicks in this tragic story. With unemployment rates of 7.0% and 6.7% respectively, these degrees are perfect for anyone who dreams of becoming a barista with an impressive collection of unpaid art projects. If you’re lucky, you might snag a gig at an art gallery—if they’re hiring someone to hang up paintings while lamenting over the futility of existence.
High-Paying Degrees with High Unemployment: The Plot Twist
Now, here’s where things get spicy. Some of the highest-paying degrees come with their own set of problems. Computer engineering, for instance, boasts a swanky median salary of $122,000. But watch out! That 7.5% unemployment rate is lurking like a bad smell in a crowded elevator. Physics and computer science majors, with salaries of $100,000 and $115,000, respectively, also find themselves in the same boat—only this boat is sinking faster than a lead balloon.
The Liberal Arts: Mismatched Salaries and Employment Rates
Liberal arts degrees are like a bad relationship—you think you’ve found something meaningful, but it turns out you’re just going to end up broke and heartbroken. English language, history, and liberal arts majors earn a decent $70,000 to $77,000, but with unemployment rates between 4.6% and 5.3%, it’s like finding out your soulmate has a pet tarantula. You’re intrigued, but also terrified of what lies ahead.
The Bottom Line: A Salary Doesn’t Equal Security
In a world where you can earn a decent paycheck but still find yourself jobless, it’s clear that students need to weigh their options carefully. Maybe don’t major in something you can’t explain to your grandparents without sounding like you’re trying to be interesting at a dinner party. As the job market evolves faster than a TikTok trend, consider both the earning potential and the employability of your chosen field.
So, here’s to hoping you find a degree that not only excites your passions but also helps you avoid the ramen aisle at the grocery store!
JC Bowman is the Executive Director of Professional Educators of Tennessee and is the contributing education editor for TriStar Daily.
