OPINION: A misunderstanding of "useless" degrees

By Trinity Agosta

Every year, people warn students not to major in something “useless.” Humanities, philosophy, and art often get written off as hobbies instead of real career paths. Philosophy or English majors are asked if they are “pre-law,” while biology or chemistry majors are assumed to be pre-med – such questioning shows just how much we value degrees tied to high-paying jobs. While it is reasonable to think about job security, the idea of a “useless” degree no longer makes sense. In 2025, the workplace changes too quickly for that kind of thinking. 

I am studying physics on a pre-medical track because I value stability and purpose, but I am also minoring in English because I love to read and write. People view those subjects as opposites, but to me, they fit together perfectly. Physics teaches me logic and structure, while English reminds me that behind every formula is a human story. One gives me reason, and the other gives me empathy. Both are essential to understanding the world. 

My friend Molly Plati, Class of 2029, studies communications, a major often labeled as “easy.” She said, “when I tell people my major, they always ask, ‘What are you going to do with that?’ Only after explaining my plans do I feel like I’m taken seriously.” Molly hopes to follow in her mother’s footsteps and become a media relations coordinator for a nonprofit; her experience shows that a major people often underestimate can still lead to meaningful and impactful work. 

My friend Kathryn Schmidt, a biomedical engineering student at the University of Virginia, said, “As a woman in STEM, I believe that my presence in places that are historically male dominated is key to the evolution of the field. Women and girls should feel inspired to raise their voices in places they were not always welcomed in, but also embrace using their voices to contribute to the arts, which are equally important.” Her words highlight how both science and the arts push society forward in different but equally valuable ways. 

Yes, we should major in something useful, but not at the cost of curiosity or joy. College should balance practicality with passion. Education is not just a financial investment; it is a personal one. It teaches us how to think, adapt, and care. The myth is not that some degrees are useless, but that college itself does not matter. The most useful thing you can do is study what challenges your mind and feeds your soul. That is the real purpose of higher education.