According to a recent survey, 44% of all current job seekers with college degrees regret their college major choice. Those who majored in computer and information sciences and criminology are the happiest graduates. If they had to choose a major again today, 72% of both groups would do so.
Quantitative majors such as engineering, health care, business, and finance are also less likely to be regretted by graduates. Journalism, sociology, and liberal arts, on the other hand, are the most-regretted majors. Here is a brief overview of the top most-regretted college majors:
Economics
70% of economics majors regret their choice. The 2008 financial crisis may have had an impact on how economics majors feel about their academic paths. Some economics graduates warn that while the degree provides a strong theoretical foundation, it does not provide a strong set of skills that can be used after graduation.
Communications
72% of communications majors wish they chose something else. The field of communications is broad and diverse, but it includes journalism, marketing, print, and media work. Recent disruptions to journalism and online media, in general, may explain why so many communications executives express regret.
Journalism and mass communications
70% of journalism and mass communications majors regret their choice. It’s no secret that the transition from print to online has altered journalism in unexpected ways. These changes have altered the way journalism graduates find work and redefined the skills and tools required to advance their careers.
This shift away from traditional journalism expectations and an unstable job market may explain why so many students express regret.
Here is a list of the least regretted degrees according to the survey:
Computer Science
Computer Science is a new degree for people who want to build the world. Job opportunities are plenty, with strong growth over the next decade. It opens a lot of different potential career paths with a strong salary outlook. If you can hack the workload and the mathematics of it, chances are you won’t regret your choice.
Economics
The business & management sector is adding a lot of jobs and is expected to do so over the coming years (recession notwithstanding). Most people report lower levels of regret with studying economics and business, and median levels if income is above average. If you’re interested in economics and business management, this track might be for you.
Nursing & Health care
The healthcare sector is adding jobs at a rapid pace and will continue to do so. The median income is far above the average worker in the US economy. Even during the recession of 2008, the sector was adding jobs. If you are interested in healthcare, this might be a good career path for you.