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Pursuing a "Useless" Major in the Age of Technology

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  Published in Science and Technology on Thursday, October 23rd 2025 at 17:33 GMT by Her Campus
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Pursuing a “Useless” Major in the Age of Technology

When a Missouri student walks into a career‑center office and asks, “Can a degree in English still lead to a paycheck?” the answer can feel both reassuring and disconcerting. In Pursuing a Useless Major in the Age of Technology, Her Campus dives into the growing debate over whether “useless” majors—those traditionally considered less directly tied to a specific career—still have a place in a world dominated by data, automation, and the promise of a digital future.

The article begins by framing the question with a seemingly simple anecdote. A sophomore at the University of Missouri, Hannah, expresses her frustration about being told that majors such as Philosophy or Fine Arts are “not practical” compared to the obvious appeal of Computer Science or Business. Her concern is not simply about the money she might earn, but about whether she will be left behind as AI and automation reshape workplaces. The author then expands this personal narrative to a broader examination of how universities, employers, and students negotiate the meaning of “usefulness.”

The Myth of the Useless Major

The piece argues that the term “useless” is a misnomer. “Most employers today value transferable skills—critical thinking, communication, problem solving—skills that are cultivated in a wide range of disciplines,” writes the author. She cites a 2023 Gallup poll that found 71 % of college graduates felt their majors had helped them develop essential skills for any job. The article then turns to the history of the U.S. higher‑education system, noting that many majors once dismissed as niche—like History or Sociology—have evolved into vital components of modern business and technology teams, where understanding cultural context or data ethics is increasingly prized.

Technology’s Double‑Edged Sword

A substantial portion of the article is dedicated to how technology is reshaping the employment landscape. While automation eliminates some traditional roles, it also creates new opportunities for creative, analytical, and interdisciplinary thinkers. The author references a report from the World Economic Forum that predicts 50 % of jobs will require skills that combine human and technological capabilities. The article includes a sidebar on “AI and the humanities,” noting that AI ethics, privacy law, and algorithmic bias are now frontline concerns, and that humanities scholars are uniquely positioned to address them.

In a brief interview with Dr. Rajesh Patel, a faculty member in the School of Information Technology, the author notes that many students are surprised to discover that their major can be a powerful asset in tech‑driven fields. “Liberal arts students bring a critical lens and a deep understanding of human behavior—something that pure engineering or coding does not inherently provide,” Patel explains.

Employment Outcomes and Economic Reality

The author does not shy away from the hard statistics that fuel the “useless major” narrative. A 2022 Bureau of Labor Statistics analysis shows that the median starting salary for majors in English, Psychology, or Philosophy is approximately 10 % lower than that for majors in Computer Science or Engineering. However, the article emphasizes that “average salary” is an incomplete metric. It highlights case studies of alumni who leveraged their majors to enter high‑paying careers in consulting, marketing, and public policy. One alum, Maya, now works for a tech startup as a product strategist, arguing that her background in literature gave her a unique perspective on user experience design.

The article also discusses the importance of internships, part‑time work, and extracurricular projects. “A degree is just a starting point,” says the author. “What matters is how students translate the analytical and communication skills honed in the classroom into real‑world experiences.”

Student Advice and University Support

Toward the end, the author offers practical advice for students wrestling with the decision of whether to “stick to the path” or “diversify.” Recommendations include:

1. Map skills to careers: Use tools such as the College Board’s Big Future career explorer to match your major’s skill set with industry demands.
2. Seek interdisciplinary coursework: Take elective classes in data analytics, business fundamentals, or coding to broaden your toolkit.
3. Leverage career services: Attend workshops on resume writing, interview preparation, and portfolio building that focus on transferable skills.
4. Network strategically: Join clubs, attend guest‑lecture series, and reach out to alumni who have made similar career pivots.

The piece concludes by encouraging students to view their majors as “foundations,” not “final destinations.” By weaving their core studies with technology, creativity, and entrepreneurship, students can forge a career path that is both personally meaningful and economically viable.

Follow‑Up Links

The article references several external resources. A link to the World Economic Forum’s “Future of Jobs” report expands on the growing importance of interdisciplinary skills in a digital economy. Another link takes readers to the Bureau of Labor Statistics for detailed occupation projections, while a third directs to a University of Missouri career‑center page that lists upcoming workshops on “Integrating Humanities and Technology.”

In sum, Pursuing a Useless Major in the Age of Technology paints a nuanced picture. It acknowledges that while certain majors may not command the same starting salaries as STEM fields, they are far from obsolete. In a world where technology is reshaping every sector, the critical, ethical, and creative perspectives offered by humanities and social‑science degrees can be a decisive edge—turning what many label “useless” into a uniquely valuable asset.