Back in the day, we were told to go to college, earn a degree, and make a way for ourselves. But today, the cost of living has skyrocketed, and the degrees that once meant earning a decent living are now like vintage shops in a digital era. Grads are now up against major shifts in the job market, leaving them with tons of student debt in an unforgiving economy (talk about a plot twist!) Here are five majors you may want to reconsider in 2024. Let’s get it!
Biology
If studying living things fascinates you, choosing biology as your major might seem like a no-brainer. However, biology covers a broad range of topics, from ecology to genetics. While this allows for exploration, many higher-paying roles within the field often require a specialized degree and/or advanced education.
Graduates may find themselves in an oversaturated job market where a generalized biology degree doesn't necessarily stand out. So unless you are on a clear path to graduate school or pursuing a specific subfield, a degree in biology might not be the right move.
Entrepreneurship
Many opt out of entrepreneurship, mainly due to the responsibility that comes with it. Sink or swim—it’s a lot of pressure, but not enough to deter you.
Because you know in your heart that you were meant to be your own boss and want to answer to no one but the IRS. Maybe you don’t have a full game plan just yet, but you know the end result for you has to be entrepreneurship. If this sounds like you, you’ve already got the drive to succeed.
Entrepreneurship, by nature, thrives on real-world experience, creativity, and adaptability—skills often easier developed through practical, hands-on learning rather than a structured college curriculum; some of the most successful entrepreneurs have no degree in business or entrepreneurship.
Still, it’s advised to seek some sort of guidance, and there are plenty of online (free and cost-effective) resources to help aspiring entrepreneurs succeed without taking on a mountain of debt.
Criminal Justice
Few careers in the legal system specifically require a degree in criminal justice (and no, it won't improve your chances of admission to law school). Sure, it will look good on your resume when applying for something within the field, like law enforcement, but the degree itself isn’t a requirement.
Instead, many of these roles require specialized, formal training to earn certifications that align more closely with the demands of each career role (e.g., becoming a police or correctional officer requires completion of an officer academy program).
While it certainly wouldn’t hurt your chances of employment in the field, a degree in criminal justice alone won’t provide the first-hand, “in the trenches” experience required for many positions within the field.
Journalism/Communications
Journalism has evolved tremendously, valuing specialized skills (like data analysis, multimedia production, and digital marketing). And while media outlets have undergone digital transformations to adapt to the growing demands of the industry, the degree curriculum—not so much. Basically, in 2024, it wouldn't make sense to rack up student debt on a degree in journalism (or communications, etc.).
Many with a passion for communication through storytelling have achieved success through diverse backgrounds of experience, developing skills through courses and guided practice, and building their portfolios along the way.
Psychology
Many find psychology interesting to some degree, so they (often absent-mindedly) pursue it as an undergraduate only to find themselves in similar situations as biology and other liberal arts majors.
Since a psychology degree is also very broad, you will stand out less among applicants with more targeted qualifications. While it’s not a bad path to consider if your heart is truly in it, securing the highest-paying positions in the field usually requires at least a master's degree.
More to Consider
Don’t be afraid to choose a unique path if it truly resonates with you. But understand that while rare, captivating majors might be the unicorn of your college experience (hello astronomy and pop culture), they might not translate into a stable career.
The Takeaway
This article serves as food for thought but be sure to do your research on career options and potential earnings for the degree of your choice. This will help you make a better-informed decision on incurring dreadful six-figure debt early on (hopefully avoiding it altogether).
It may help to find a successful mentor and complete courses in specific certifications. Remember, the purpose of college should be to learn a specialized (not generalized) skill of interest that will pay for itself in the future climate and allow you to live comfortably and, even better, thrive!
