Are Liberal Arts and Humanities Degrees Really Useless? Debunking the Myths

The debate over the value of liberal arts and humanities degrees has been heated for years. Some voices claim these degrees are a waste of time and money, citing statistics on underemployment and graduates struggling with debt and job prospects. However, this perspective overlooks the broader value and potential of a liberal arts education.

The Underemployment Myth

One of the most prominent arguments against liberal arts and humanities degrees is the claim that they often lead to underemployment. According to a report by The Burning Glass Institute, 50% of graduates with degrees in liberal arts find themselves underemployed, meaning they take jobs that do not require their degree. This is not unique to liberal arts majors, as even criminal justice graduates face similar challenges, with 65% also underemployed.

While these statistics can be alarming, it is important to consider the overall context. A study by The Burning Glass Institute and the Strada Education Foundation highlights the broader issue of underemployment among recent college graduates. These studies suggest that 52% of recent graduates are underemployed, with 48% securing well-paying professional jobs.

Real-World Challenges

The narrative of underemployment often overshadows the many benefits of a liberal arts education. For instance, in a country like Australia, which has a population similar to Florida with around 27 million people, graduates in specific fields like archaeology face significant challenges. With only 2 dozen universities offering archaeology programs and few job opportunities in the field, graduates in such niche areas can struggle to find relevant employment.

A similar struggle can be seen in other creative fields. For example, only a handful of professional fiction writers actually pursued this major in university, with many self-taught. Historians also face limited job prospects outside of academia. Other majors like psychology and social work have high underemployment rates, but this is often due to the requirement for advanced degrees. Fine arts majors, while facing high unemployment rates, are not necessarily in a worse position than graduates in other fields.

Furthermore, earning a degree in a creative or liberal arts field often comes with significant student loan debt. This debt, coupled with limited job prospects in high-paying industries, can make it difficult for graduates to secure cars or homes. Students in such careers must manage a combination of low-wage jobs and high debt, which can further delay their financial stability.

Obstacles for High School Graduates Considering College

It is also important to note that not all high school graduates are well-suited for highly specialized fields like law, medicine, engineering, or the physical sciences. According to a study, high school GPA significantly predicts college success. For instance, a 3.5 GPA is associated with a 72% chance of graduating from college, while a 3.0 GPA roughly doubles this chance to 50-50.

Given these challenges, some colleges and universities have started to reduce or eliminate certain humanities programs, as seen in many institutions today. This is often a response to the high costs of education and the increasing pressure to align educational offerings with workforce demands.

Conclusion

While it is true that graduates in liberal arts and humanities fields face unique challenges, deeming these degrees 'useless' is a simplistic and unfair assessment. The value of a liberal arts education lies in its ability to provide a comprehensive understanding of the world, critical thinking skills, creativity, and adaptability, which can be indispensable in a rapidly changing job market.

Ultimately, whether or not a liberal arts or humanities degree is 'useless' depends on the individual's career goals, aptitudes, and the economic context. For those who enjoy these fields and pursue them for their own sake, a degree can be immensely valuable and rewarding.