As of March 2024, the US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reported an unemployment rate of 3.8%. Despite growth in sectors like healthcare, construction, and government, approximately 6.4 million people remain unemployed. Notably, the unemployment rate for individuals with a Bachelor’s degree or higher was 2.1%. This prompts a deeper look into unemployment rates among college graduates based on their major. Here, we examine 20 degrees with the highest unemployment rates in the US, analyzing why these rates are so high and what graduates can do to improve their job prospects.
History
History majors face an unemployment rate of 6.7%. Career opportunities in academia, museums, and archival work are limited and highly competitive. Graduates should consider broadening their skill set to include areas like public history, digital humanities, or education to improve their job prospects.
Psychology
Psychology graduates experience an unemployment rate of 6.4%. While the demand for mental health professionals is increasing, many positions require advanced degrees or certifications. Graduates should consider pursuing further education or gaining practical experience through internships and volunteer work to improve their employability.
Fine Arts
Graduates with a degree in fine arts face a staggering unemployment rate of 12.1% and an underemployment rate of 55.4%. While opportunities exist in graphic design, web design, interior design, and fashion design, many of these positions require additional skills or education beyond a Bachelor’s degree. Fine arts majors often need to diversify their skill set to improve employability, such as by learning digital tools or gaining business acumen.
Sociology
Sociology graduates experience an unemployment rate of 9% and an underemployment rate of 51.3%. The primary challenge is the mismatch between their skills and job market demands. Careers in social research, policy analysis, and community work are limited and highly competitive. Graduates often find themselves in roles outside their field, such as in customer service or administrative positions, which do not fully utilize their sociological training.
Philosophy
Philosophy majors face an unemployment rate of 9.1%. Career opportunities for philosophy graduates include academia, financial analysis, law, and paralegal work, but these often require advanced degrees. The critical thinking and analytical skills honed through a philosophy degree are valuable, but they must be paired with additional qualifications to secure high-paying jobs.
Mass Media
Mass media graduates encounter an unemployment rate of 8.4%. Despite the allure of careers in entertainment and media, many graduates struggle to find stable employment. Jobs in acting, writing, and editing are competitive and often require significant networking and practical experience. Graduates may need to look beyond traditional media roles and consider positions in digital media or content creation.
Performing Arts
The unemployment rate for performing arts majors is 7.6%. Career paths in this field, such as community arts work and music therapy, are limited. Many performing arts graduates turn to alternative careers to sustain themselves financially, often finding work in unrelated fields.
Family and Consumer Sciences
Graduates with a degree in family and consumer sciences face an unemployment rate of 8.9%. While these graduates possess valuable skills in consumer economics, nutrition, and family relations, the job market for these roles is limited. Expanding their skill set and considering related fields like public health or education can improve their job prospects.
Foreign Language
Foreign language majors face an unemployment rate of 7.8%. Job opportunities are often confined to government positions, international relations, and translation services. The demand for specific languages varies, and graduates may need to supplement their language skills with additional expertise in business or technology.
Engineering Technologies
The unemployment rate for engineering technology graduates is 7.1%. The field is rapidly evolving, and staying updated with the latest technologies is crucial. A Bachelor’s degree alone is often insufficient; continuous learning and specialization in emerging technologies can enhance employability.
International Affairs
International affairs majors face an unemployment rate of 7.1% and an underemployment rate of 49.3%. Careers in Foreign Service, international marketing, and political analysis are not only scarce but also highly competitive. Graduates should consider gaining additional skills in areas such as international law or economics to improve their job prospects.
Political Science
Political science graduates experience an unemployment rate of 6.9%. Despite being a versatile degree, job opportunities in political analysis, public administration, and policy making are limited. Graduates may need to pursue further education or gain practical experience through internships and volunteer work to stand out in the job market.
Aerospace Engineering
Aerospace engineering majors face an unemployment rate of 6.6%. The aerospace industry offers lucrative opportunities, but there is a notable skill gap. Continuous professional development and gaining specialized certifications can help graduates secure positions in this competitive field.
Public Policy and Law
Graduates in public policy and law face an unemployment rate of 7.4%. The competitive job market and the need for specialized skills beyond academic qualifications make it challenging to secure relevant positions. Graduates should consider additional training or certifications in policy analysis, legal research, or public administration to improve their employment prospects.
Journalism
Journalism graduates face an unemployment rate of 6.5%. The decline of traditional media and the rise of digital platforms have altered the job landscape. To stay competitive, journalism majors need to develop diverse skill sets, including multimedia production, digital marketing, and data journalism.
Anthropology
Anthropology graduates face an unemployment rate of 6.5% and an underemployment rate of 53.3%. Limited job prospects in academia and research mean that many graduates seek work in unrelated fields. Expanding their expertise to include market research, cultural resource management, or social services can open up broader career opportunities.
English Language
The unemployment rate for English language graduates is 6.3%. While the skills acquired in this major are valuable in many fields, they often need to be paired with additional qualifications or specialized training. Careers in education, writing, fine arts, medicine, journalism, and law can be viable options if graduates pursue further education or certifications.
Medical Technicians
Medical technician majors face an unemployment rate of 5.8% and an underemployment rate of over 59%. The oversaturated job market and the need for specialized certifications can make it difficult to find employment. Graduates should consider roles in healthcare administration, medical research, or pharmaceutical sales to diversify their career options.
New Media and Digital Communications
Graduates with a degree in new media and digital communications face an unemployment rate of 7.2%. The rapid evolution of digital media requires graduates to continuously update their skills in areas like social media management, digital marketing, and content creation to stay relevant in the job market.
Environmental Science
Environmental science graduates encounter an unemployment rate of 6.8%. Careers in environmental consulting, conservation, and policy are growing but remain competitive. Gaining practical experience through internships and pursuing certifications in environmental management can enhance employability.
