Outdated Degrees, Depleting Jobs: Is Your Major at Risk?
Feeling a little uneasy about whether your degree will actually land you a job in the future? You’re not alone. In a world where technology evolves faster than the latest TikTok trend, it’s no wonder students are questioning if their hard-earned diplomas will still be relevant by the time they graduate. The thought of pouring years into a degree only to find it outdated is enough to keep anyone up at night.
But here’s the good news: while some degrees might face challenges in the job market, it doesn’t mean your future is doomed. This article is your backstage pass to understanding which degrees are at risk, why they might be falling behind, and—most importantly—how you can outsmart the trends and keep your career prospects shining.
Whether you’re deep into a liberal arts program or grinding through engineering courses, we’ve got tips to help you stay ahead of the curve. So, let’s dive in and make sure your degree isn’t just another piece of paper collecting dust. So, here are those 12 sectors where some courses, degrees become obsolete in near future causing job depletion as well:
1# Traditional Liberal Arts Degrees
Degrees at Risk:
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- History
- English Literature
- Philosophy
- Religious Studies
- Art History
- Archaeology
Why They May Become Outdated: Liberal arts degrees have long been praised for developing critical thinking and communication skills. However, these degrees often lack direct career paths, making them more vulnerable to job depletion. The rise of automation and AI has particularly impacted fields like journalism, publishing, and traditional arts. As industries shift towards digital media, the demand for professionals in these areas is decreasing.
What You Can Do: Consider pairing your liberal arts degree with a minor or certification in digital skills, data analysis, or a specialized field. This combination can enhance your employability in a changing job market.
2# Certain Business Degrees
Degrees at Risk:
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- General Management
- Marketing
- International Business (without a specific regional focus)
- Entrepreneurship (without a strong technical or industry specialization)
Why They May Become Outdated: Business degrees remain popular, but general degrees may not offer enough specialization in today’s competitive market. With the rise of data analytics and digital marketing, specialized degrees or certifications are becoming more valuable. Additionally, global business practices are increasingly relying on technology and data-driven decision-making, making it essential to have a strong technical background.
What You Can Do: Focus on gaining specialized skills in areas like digital marketing, data analytics, or financial technology (FinTech). Certifications in these fields can make your resume stand out.
3# Social Science Degrees
Degrees at Risk:
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- Sociology
- Anthropology
- Political Science (without a focus on data analysis or policy)
- Gender Studies
Why They May Become Outdated: Social science degrees offer valuable insights into human behavior and societal trends, but they often lack clear career paths outside of academia. With limited job opportunities in research and academic roles, students with these degrees may struggle to find employment in their fields.
What You Can Do: Consider pursuing additional qualifications in data analysis, public policy, or social work. These areas offer more defined career paths and higher demand in the job market.
4# Traditional Manufacturing and Production Degrees
Degrees at Risk:
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- Industrial Engineering Technology
- Manufacturing Engineering
- Production Management
- Industrial Technology
Why They May Become Outdated: Automation and robotics are rapidly transforming the manufacturing industry, reducing the need for human labor in many areas. As industries adopt more advanced technologies, traditional manufacturing jobs are declining, making degrees in this field less relevant.
What You Can Do: Focus on gaining skills in robotics, automation, or advanced manufacturing technologies. These areas are growing and can provide more stable job prospects in the future.
5# Retail and Customer Service Degrees
Degrees at Risk:
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- Retail Management
- Customer Service Management
- Hospitality Management (focused on traditional hotel operations)
Why They May Become Outdated: The rise of e-commerce and self-service technologies is disrupting the retail and customer service industries. Traditional brick-and-mortar stores and customer service centers are seeing fewer job opportunities, making degrees in these areas less valuable.
What You Can Do: Consider pivoting to areas like e-commerce management, digital customer experience, or hospitality technology. These fields are growing and offer more future-proof career options.
6# Traditional Office Administration Degrees
Degrees at Risk:
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- Office Administration
- Administrative Assistant
- Secretarial Science
Why They May Become Outdated: Automation and AI are streamlining many administrative tasks, reducing the need for dedicated office support staff. As businesses adopt more advanced technologies, traditional office roles are declining.
What You Can Do: Upskill in areas like project management, digital communication tools, or virtual assistant services. These skills are in demand and can help you transition into new roles.
7# Agriculture and Farming Degrees
Degrees at Risk:
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- General Agriculture
- Animal Science (without a focus on technology or specialized fields like genetics)
- Horticulture (without a focus on sustainable or urban farming)
Why They May Become Outdated: Advancements in precision agriculture and automation are reducing the need for manual labor in farming. Traditional farming roles are declining, making it important for students to adapt to new technologies in the field.
What You Can Do: Specialize in areas like sustainable farming, agri-tech, or biotechnology. These fields are growing and offer more opportunities in the evolving agricultural industry.
8# Transportation and Logistics Degrees
Degrees at Risk:
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- Transportation Management
- Logistics Management
- Supply Chain Management (without a strong focus on data analytics or technology)
Why They May Become Outdated: Self-driving vehicles, drones, and automation are transforming transportation and logistics. These technologies are expected to reduce the need for traditional roles in these fields.
What You Can Do: Consider specializing in areas like supply chain analytics, logistics technology, or transportation planning. These areas are expected to grow as the industry evolves.
9# Traditional Media and Journalism Degrees
Degrees at Risk:
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- Journalism
- Broadcast Journalism
- Print Journalism
- Mass Communication (without specialization in digital media or data analysis)
Why They May Become Outdated: The shift towards digital media and social networks is changing the way news is produced and consumed. Traditional journalism jobs are declining, making it crucial to adapt to new media formats.
What You Can Do: Specialize in digital media, content creation, or data journalism. These skills are in demand and can help you stay relevant in the evolving media landscape.
10# Traditional Library Science Degrees
Degrees at Risk:
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- Library Science
- Information Science (without a focus on data management or digital curation)
Why They May Become Outdated: The digitalization of information and resources is changing the role of libraries and librarians. Traditional roles in this field are declining as technology transforms the way information is accessed and managed.
What You Can Do: Focus on digital curation, data management, or information technology. These areas are growing and offer more opportunities in the information science field.
11# Engineering Degrees
Degrees at Risk:
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- Civil Engineering (without a focus on sustainable infrastructure or smart cities)
- Mechanical Engineering (without a specialization in robotics or AI)
- Electrical Engineering (without a focus on renewable energy or smart grids)
Why They May Become Outdated: Engineering is a field that constantly evolves with technological advancements. Traditional roles in civil, mechanical, and electrical engineering may face challenges as industries shift towards sustainability, automation, and smart technologies.
What You Can Do: Specialize in areas that align with future industry needs, such as renewable energy, robotics, AI, or sustainable infrastructure. These specializations will help you stay relevant in a rapidly changing field.
12# Medical Degrees
Degrees at Risk:
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- General Practice (without specialization)
- Radiology (without a focus on AI integration)
- Medical Laboratory Science (without a focus on genetics or biotechnology)
Why They May Become Outdated: The medical field is also seeing significant changes due to advancements in technology, AI, and personalized medicine. Roles that do not incorporate new technologies or specialized knowledge may become less relevant.
What You Can Do: Consider specializing in areas like genetics, biotechnology, or AI in medicine. These fields are expected to grow and offer more secure job opportunities in the future.
Conclusion: Adaptability is Key
While some degrees may face challenges in the near future, it’s important to remember that adaptability is the key to success. The job market is always evolving, and by staying informed about industry trends, upskilling, and specializing in emerging areas, you can ensure that your degree remains valuable.
Don’t be discouraged if your current degree is on this list. Instead, view it as an opportunity to pivot, learn new skills, and explore new career paths. The future belongs to those who are willing to adapt and grow with the times.
References
- https://www.csulb.edu/academic-senate/superseded-and-obsolete-degrees
- https://www.bls.gov/careeroutlook/2020/article/education-level-and-openings.htm
- https://www.forbes.com/sites/bernardmarr/2023/02/09/the-future-of-work-are-traditional-degrees-still-worthwhile/
- https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/5a7b8cc5e5274a7202e17e36/bis-13-899-the-impact-of-university-degrees-on-the-lifecycle-of-earnings-further-analysis.pdf
- https://www.highereddive.com/news/nearly-half-of-companies-plan-to-eliminate-bachelors-degree-requirements/702277/
- https://finance.yahoo.com/news/college-degrees-could-become-obsolete-133000993.html
