College: Worst major & your major?

[Zhon]

According to the U.S. Department of Education, the most common areas of study in college as of 2009 are (in order): Business, Social sciences & history, Health/clinical sciences, education, and psychology.

I am curious to know a few things about you, current/prospective/graduated college students.

1. What major(s) are you interested in / did you complete and why?
2. What major do you dislike the most or think is a pointless field of study, and why?
3. If you have a degree, do you do anything with it? If not, what would you like to do once you get your degree?

I'll start the thread by answering my own questions.

1. I am a studio art major in the Bachelors of Fine Arts program at a state university. I'll be a second semester junior this autumn. In all honesty, I chose this major on a bit of a whim; I was originally going to go into computer science but I found that it bored me too much. I knew I wanted to do something related to video games, so I chose to pursue my artistic hobby. Ironically enough I ended up steering myself down the path of art education instead of animation or concept art.

2. This is going to sound silly, but I hate my own major. Or at least the Fine Arts program as a whole. Don't get me wrong - I love the coursework and the professors, it's the attitude of the student body that I hate. Since enrolling I've found myself mostly working alongside spineless, arrogant professional complainers. There are a few good students, but most of them can't take or give critique, think they are flawless, and never shut up about how "hard" the classwork is.

3. As I mentioned earlier, I actually want to be an art teacher now. I still some day would like to work for a decent sized company to produce a game, even if it's just one project. But I think my calling lies in education.

[Lionelion]

At 7/14/12 01:53 AM, Zhonn wrote:

1. What major(s) are you interested in / did you complete and why?

Video Game Design/Digital Animation

2. What major do you dislike the most or think is a pointless field of study, and why?

Not sure of the specific name, but whatever has to do with English. I mean, i just dont see the point of studying a language and its specifics when you have been speaking it all your life. Plus, what kind of job are you going to get with that kind of degree?
I would honestly love if someone could tell me why such a degree exists, this has been confusing me to no end for a few years now

3. If you have a degree, do you do anything with it? If not, what would you like to do once you get your degree?

I'd like to get a job in that field, I mean, what else am I going to do with it?

[Razz]

At 7/14/12 01:53 AM, Zhonn wrote: But I think my calling lies in education.

Teach high school kids for a couple years. You'll change your mind. That's probably why I've yet to decide what major I would want, even being graduated for a couple years now. I've had several nice jobs, well paying, good managers, ect. But choosing a major seems permanent to me. You lay down the money, do your work, and can't go change your mind. As for a job, I can tell my boss to fuck himself and look elsewhere.

[Cootie]

I am going into Business Admin; I know that it is a common major but it isn't that bad due to the fact that every business that exist needs multiple managers so there are plenty of jobs out there.

The worst major is Psychology. They have almost a 20% unemployment rate out of college because while everyone wants to be one the demand is not high enough to justify it.

[C-Ward]

I'm about to head off to my first year of college, and I am going to major in criminal justice and minor in accounting. My sister is doubling in art history and social studies (?) I have no idea what the hell she'll do after college.

[Swag-in-a-Bag]

I'm into the communications and Liberal Arts major because it pretty much covers all subjects, and I get to choose which topics I want to go deeper into. I was minoring in theology for a bit,; but then I stopped caring

No degrees are too useless as long as one can apply what they learned to their life in some way that benefits them

[mothballs]

Going to college in a month and a half, so I'll answer these as best I can.

1. What major(s) are you interested in / did you complete and why?

I chose Mechanical Engineering, because I like math and physics and I'm very good at both. To be quite honest, the idea of building and creating stuff doesn't excite me too much, I just chose this major because I'm good at math and physics and I like them. This might make me change my major when I'm in college. Oh, and I have absolutely no background with mechanical stuff.

2. What major do you dislike the most or think is a pointless field of study, and why?

Well there are loads of joke majors (in the local community college here there's a Dance major. hahaha) but for the common ones I really have no respect for the Communications majors. Most of them are just in college because they're expected to and have absolutely no goals in life, so they choose the easiest major so they can just party all the time in college and be jackasses.

3. If you have a degree, do you do anything with it? If not, what would you like to do once you get your degree?

Engineering only requires a 4-year bachelor's degree to get a job as an engineer (let's hope it stays that way). Once I get my bachelor's I will go out and find a job, and the rest I have not begun to think about yet.

Don't get me wrong - I love the coursework and the professors, it's the attitude of the student body that I hate. Since enrolling I've found myself mostly working alongside spineless, arrogant professional complainers. There are a few good students, but most of them can't take or give critique, think they are flawless, and never shut up about how "hard" the classwork is.

Well when I visited my college a few months ago (which happens to be one of the best for art) I was talking to one of the students and he said "You can't tell if they're art majors or homeless". They all appeared as metalhead-looking guys, which was reassuring due to the fact that there's practically no real metalheads here on Long Island. I can't say I've spoken to any of them though, but that is what I know about art majors from my little experience and knowledge thus far.

[Zhon]

At 7/14/12 02:02 AM, Razz wrote:

At 7/14/12 01:53 AM, Zhonn wrote: But I think my calling lies in education.

Teach high school kids for a couple years. You'll change your mind.

I'm well aware of the difficulties in 6-12 education (which is where I plan to start) and it is still something I would love to do. If I get one good student in every class who wants to learn about art and has fun doing it, I will be a happy teacher.

@Cootie: Very true, Business Admin is an extremely safe major. Business-anything is extremely safe due to the ever shifting and expanding nature of the economic world.

@C-ward: Criminal justice and accounting? How do you plan to combine those two into a single career? Or is accounting more for a backup option? My sister was a CJ major but switched to math education last year.

@mothballs: Long Island eh? I was born there. The artists at my college are very diverse but I can only think of one I'd call a metalhead. That's one thing I will admit I love about being an art student... You aren't surrounded by 30 people with identical clothing and personalities all day.

[JaY11]

I'm hopefully going to be studying physics later this year because it's highly interesting and arguably the most fundamental subject in existence (maths probably beats it in that respect though). I dislike any course that exists purely for people to do for a well paying, soulless job. I hope to use my degree for a job in some kind of physics research, or any scientific job. I do not want to be a teacher though.

[DarkMatter]

All you need to know about me is that I'm an art major, and that if that weren't a major I wouldn't be in college.

[mothballs]

At 7/14/12 02:50 AM, JaY11 wrote: I'm hopefully going to be studying physics later this year because it's highly interesting and arguably the most fundamental subject in existence (maths probably beats it in that respect though). I dislike any course that exists purely for people to do for a well paying, soulless job. I hope to use my degree for a job in some kind of physics research, or any scientific job. I do not want to be a teacher though.

Hate to say it, but a lot of those broad subjects that focus mainly on theory (i.e. physics, biology, math) don't have many jobs beyond teaching. You could get into research, but you'd have to get a Ph.D and there's not much job opportunity there.

this is what I have heard btw. I have no experience with any of this so I can't confirm it

[Chumbawamba]

At 7/14/12 03:00 AM, mothballs wrote: Hate to say it, but a lot of those broad subjects that focus mainly on theory (i.e. physics, biology, math) don't have many jobs beyond teaching.

Many people follow their undergrad degree with grad school. You'd be hardpressed to find a job with any major without a little extra something beyond your B.S./B.A.

I also wouldn't regard research as lacking available positions. Sure, you may need to move around a bit to find something you're interested in, but the same can be said for many jobs.

[georgesodini]

just major in psychology
chicks can do it so it should be a freeze for you as a man

[Light]

At 7/14/12 01:53 AM, Zhonn wrote: According to the U.S. Department of Education, the most common areas of study in college as of 2009 are (in order): Business, Social sciences & history, Health/clinical sciences, education, and psychology.

I am curious to know a few things about you, current/prospective/graduated college students.

1. What major(s) are you interested in / did you complete and why?

History. I may end up majoring in philosophy instead, though.

These fields of study fascinate me, as they allow me to understand humanity, truth, logic, knowledge, etc. etc.

2. What major do you dislike the most or think is a pointless field of study, and why?

Among conventional majors, none. No conventional major, such as history, philosophy, English, math, any of the natural sciences, engineering, business, any of the social sciences, dance, etc. is useless. Anyone who says they are doesn't know what he/she is talking about. I guarantee it.

Only the ridiculous majors such as "leisure studies" can even be thought to be useless, but even then, many people seem to be doing well in those majors. So yeah.

[generalwinter]

1. What major(s) are you interested in / did you complete and why?

I am a physics major with a math minor. I love science, particularly space, and most studies of space relate to physics.

2. What major do you dislike the most or think is a pointless field of study, and why?

Anthropology. Studying others cultures is fine, I myself took a culture course, but for what college costs these days it seems like a major that is unlikely to set you up for a career.

3. If you have a degree, do you do anything with it? If not, what would you like to do once you get your degree?

I am in Air Force ROTC and will commission into the Air Force when I graduate. I plan to obtain a job as a physicist which you can do with only a B.S.

[Sentio]

At 7/14/12 03:18 AM, Chumbawamba wrote:

At 7/14/12 03:00 AM, mothballs wrote: Hate to say it, but a lot of those broad subjects that focus mainly on theory (i.e. physics, biology, math) don't have many jobs beyond teaching.

Many people follow their undergrad degree with grad school. You'd be hardpressed to find a job with any major without a little extra something beyond your B.S./B.A.

I also wouldn't regard research as lacking available positions. Sure, you may need to move around a bit to find something you're interested in, but the same can be said for many jobs.

I did a Biology degree in the UK, complete with year work experience in cancer research in the States, and then completed a Masters. Despite all of that jobs in the field were near impossible to come by, though admittedly I did tie myself to an area thanks to a relationship (soon to be wife). I ended up as a teacher... though I have numerous schemes to get out of that now after a few years trying to educate the masses and realising how futile that is when the government changes the goalposts every two months.

[i-am-ghey]

i am a math and physics major, and have applied for a minor program (business adminstration - finance) and it appears that my application has been approved by the department.

i chose science because of its beauty. there are many hidden mathematical structures in the physical world and as we explore deeper, we will discover many subtle connections between theories. for instance, perturbation theory in quantum mechanics and representation theory, quantum field theory and lie theory, statiscal mechanics and measure theory...

i applied for a finance minor because i want to be more employable in the future.

[TheTrueZippy]

I'm an English major and an Art Minor.

My goal is to be the next Stephen King, but there are plenty of jobs available for English Majors. Such as teaching jobs, journalism jobs, etc.

And art because I like art.

[Entice]

I'm entering a program in which I can get a Master's in Computer Science and a Bachelor's in Computer Programming within 5 years.

As for the worst? Probably a Bachelor's in Psychology, because I've heard that it's pretty much useless until you go to medical school to add on to your education.

[saqwert]

I'm undecided now, but leaning towards history. Though I don't know what I can do with a history degree besides teach.

As for useless degrees, I'd say any foreign language degree

[Zhon]

At 7/14/12 02:54 AM, DarkMatter wrote: All you need to know about me is that I'm an art major, and that if that weren't a major I wouldn't be in college.

I understand completely. :)

@Light - Props for pursuing something you are truly interested in. There seem to be a lot of interesting choices for history majors, but I would assume teaching is again the most common and accessible.

@Zippy - I considered minoring in English, so we could have been opposites. I think there is a large market out there for Art>English degrees but I am not so sure if art as a minor compliments an English major very well. Still, I admire studying something solely because you love it.

@e-lord - solid advice. Also, writing & literature is a fantastic degree to pursue. You are almost guaranteed to get a job since for a lot of them you don't even have to be in the same area to work. You can live in CA and get a job as a writer in NY.

[beakerboy]

At 7/14/12 01:53 AM, Zhonn wrote: 1. What major(s) are you interested in / did you complete and why?

:2. What major do you dislike the most or think is a pointless field of study, and why?
:3. If you have a degree, do you do anything with it? If not, what would you like to do once you get your degree?

1. I am interested in both Science and English.
2. I don't think there are any pointless fields of study. Or at least, I don't know of any. I am pretty terrible at art and theater but that doesn't mean I dislike them.
3. I am going for a Doctorate not a degree.

[i-am-ghey]

sigh... ten years later, everyone will have higher qualifications than me because i will probably just get a bachelor degree and go out to find a job.

[Zhon]

At 7/14/12 02:31 PM, i-am-ghey wrote: sigh... ten years later, everyone will have higher qualifications than me because i will probably just get a bachelor degree and go out to find a job.

No shame in that. Check out this chart of education vs. income according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics website (bls.gov) :

Unemployment rate Education attained Median weekly earnings
in 2011 (Percent) in 2011 (Dollars)

2.5% Doctoral degree $1,551
2.4 Professional degree 1,665
3.6 Master's degree 1,263
4.9 Bachelor's degree 1,053
6.8 Associate degree 768
8.7 Some college, no degree 719
9.4 High-school diploma 638
14.1 Less than a high school diploma 451

On average a Bachelor's degree will earn you ~$15,000 more per year than an Associate, while a Master's will only (on average) net you $10,000 more per year. If you're going to stop anywhere, Bachelor's is a better choice (depending on your degree of course).

[tarahloveshentai]

1. What major(s) are you interested in / did you complete and why?

Interested in Computer Science and Networking because I love computers and find those fields of study easy and fun. I completed an AA in Business, thought it was what I wanted or would at least provide a hook for getting hired wherever

2. What major do you dislike the most or think is a pointless field of study, and why?

Humanities, Woman Studies, Music, Historical Studies and Cultural Studies. Mostly because you can't do anything with those fields except be an "expert" on the subject or go into teaching and teach that. Music just seems like it all depends on what's popular and it's impossible to make it big which most musicians want.

3. If you have a degree, do you do anything with it? If not, what would you like to do once you get your degree?

I have that AA in Business. Haven't done shit. I don't work because I honestly don't have to so it was kind of a waste but maybe it'll come in handy some day.

[Zhon]

At 7/14/12 04:15 PM, tarahloveshentai wrote: Humanities, Woman Studies, Music, Historical Studies and Cultural Studies. Mostly because you can't do anything with those fields except be an "expert" on the subject or go into teaching and teach that. Music just seems like it all depends on what's popular and it's impossible to make it big which most musicians want.

Isn't humanities technically a division and not a major? Some degrees in that area I find to be very practical and applicable. Unless I'm missing something and it's an actual degree. To my knowledge creative writing is under the humanities division which is a field I considered going into after seeing all of the available opportunities.

[tarahloveshentai]

At 7/14/12 04:31 PM, Zhonn wrote: Isn't humanities technically a division and not a major? Some degrees in that area I find to be very practical and applicable. Unless I'm missing something and it's an actual degree. To my knowledge creative writing is under the humanities division which is a field I considered going into after seeing all of the available opportunities.

If it's not a major, I don't know what to think then considering I've met 30 people throughout my short college life that were majoring in humanities.

[Halberd]

The most rational thing for me to do when I leave highschool is probably do accounting and then if my mum has a family business in accounting by then I could work there or get some sort of experience there...

I don't like accounting or anything mathematical though (although I suppose accounting isn't very mathematical at all but still. Just lack of a better word.) so I'm really not sure

Wouldn't mind doing history or some other 'humanity' subject or whatever the hell you call it. Only problem with that is I can't really think of any future I would have in that pathway.

Journalism could be in my future for college but I'm too lazy and because of that laziness I don't think I'll ever go down that path, I just can't see myself ever developing the intelligence for something like that.

I think I'll just not go to college and instead become something like a computer service technician. I don't go to college for that obviously but I still have to go to TAFE and get some education and knowledge.

Or maybe I could become a security officer or police officer or border security or quarantine person or something I dunno. All those jobs require on the job training and are interesting jobs.

In the end maybe I'll get a shitty job like working at a broom factory or packaging kiwi fruit if that is the life for me then so be it

[Tony-DarkGrave]

either Philosophy or English would be the worse Im thinking about going to college and maybe get a economics degree.

[Scarface]

At 7/14/12 01:53 AM, Zhonn wrote: 1. What major(s) are you interested in / did you complete and why?

Communication, because I'm good at thinking of what to say while talking on the spot, I'm not afraid of speaking in front of people, and I've been told that I have a good voice.

2. What major do you dislike the most or think is a pointless field of study, and why?

I feel like business and law are useful, but there's so many people majoring in them right now that it would be a waste of money to major in business or law unless you were absolutely great at it.

3. If you have a degree, do you do anything with it? If not, what would you like to do once you get your degree?

I would like to find a job somewhere perhaps in advertising or in the entertainment industry.