Many students today are concerned about whether their chosen college major will truly lead to a fulfilling career. Recent research from Harvard faculty and economists has shed light on how the value of credentials, the nature of job placement, and “degree inflation” are reshaping the returns on various academic paths.
Degrees That May Be Losing Market Value
Harvard labor economists David J. Deming and Kadeem Noray’s study revealed that the benefits of some traditional applied degrees, like computer science, engineering, and business, can diminish quickly over a professional’s career due to rapid skill obsolescence. They observed, “The earnings premium for graduates majoring in technology-intensive subjects declines rapidly over time as workers sort out of faster-changing occupations.” This highlights the critical need for continuous skill updating.
Similarly, reports from various career centers indicate that even prestigious MBA programs have faced increasing difficulty in securing top-tier employment swiftly, signaling a broader erosion in the value of classic business degrees.
The humanities and social sciences, traditionally less directly vocational, have also seen a decline in popularity, with a noticeable drop in students pursuing these fields. This shift reflects a growing focus among students and employers on STEM and applied disciplines with clearer career pathways. Many of these degrees are encountering “degree reset” trends, where employers increasingly prioritize specific, demonstrable skills over generic degree requirements.
Here are 10 college degrees that research suggests may be losing their immediate market value:
- General Business Administration (MBA included) – Rapid market saturation and shifting hiring preferences have softened returns.
- Computer Science – Though lucrative at entry, rapid skill obsolescence demands constant upskilling.
- Mechanical Engineering – Affected by automation and offshore manufacturing.
- Accounting – Automation and AI reduce long-term job growth.
- Biochemistry – Narrow academic focus with limited direct application.
- Psychology (undergraduate) – Limited direct career pathways without advanced study.
- English and Humanities – Declining enrollments reflect career uncertainties.
- Sociology and Social Sciences – Similar to humanities, with less direct job alignment.
- History – Lower mid-career wage premiums.
- Philosophy – Critical thinking valued but less directly marketable.
What to Study Instead?
Harvard research and labor market forecasts recommend cultivating adaptable, hybrid skill sets that combine technical proficiency with creativity and social intelligence.
- Interdisciplinary STEM fields with continuous learning frameworks.
- Data Science and Analytics – High-demand, fast-growing, adaptable.
- Health Sciences and Allied Health Professions – Strong labor demand.
- Environmental Science and Sustainability Studies – Emerging urgent fields.
- Digital Marketing and Media – Demand for creative-tech hybrids.
- AI and Machine Learning – Cutting-edge tech domain.
- Entrepreneurship with Tech Focus – Combining business acumen with innovation.
Reports also suggest that strong ROI majors continue to include engineering, computer science, and nursing, while creative fields augmented with emotional intelligence and critical thinking remain valuable.
Harvard’s insights underscore the changing value proposition of higher education. Degrees once considered surefire paths now require supplementary skills and adaptability for sustained career advantage. For students navigating their choices, investing in interdisciplinary, technology-enhanced, and socially relevant programs significantly boosts the odds of long-term employment and growth. The college degree is still relevant, but its definition and the demands it meets are constantly evolving. Harvard’s research advocates for an education that anticipates change, emphasizes continuous learning, and integrates both technical and human-centered skills.