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College Majors That Make the Least Money

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College Majors That Make the Least Money

When thinking about what you want to do for a career for the rest of your life, of course you want to choose a degree program and college that are just right for you. But what is the right career path for you? Of course, you want it to be fun, you want it to be easy, and you want to never feel like it"s work. But you also want to get paid. 

On average, college graduates with a bachelor’s degree make about $1 million more than their high school diploma-holding counterparts in their lifetime. However, not all bachelor’s degrees are created equal, and some definitely don’t result in that kind of earning potential. The careers that pay the most in this day and age are in S.T.E.M. (Science, Technology, Engineering, & Mathematics) but not all of us are S.T.E.M. compatible. Some of us are downright terrified of anything that has to do with science, technology, engineering, OR math.

In order to organize our thoughts, we took a look at what each college major earns upon entry into the working world. What we found was astounding. From human resources to social work, journalism to music—here are the college majors that make the least money.

**According to Glassdoor.com

International Relations - $45,880
International Relations - $45,880

International Relations is the study of the relations of states with each other and with international organizations and certain subnational entities such as political parties and interest groups. It is a field of knowledge that studies the interconnection between two or more countries in terms of politics, law, and economics on an international or global level.

On average, many International Relations majors are making as little $45,880  per year. However, there are plenty of job opportunities for making more money in the field. Among the jobs available include as an archivist, CIA agent, journalist, diplomat, lobbyist, intelligence specialist and research analyst, among many other possibilities.

Graphic Design – $45,846
Graphic Design – $45,846

Graphic design is explained as art with a purpose. It is visual communication that involves a creative and systematic plan to solve a problem or achieve certain objectives regarding marketing, public relations, advertising, or to optimize the user experience. Still, graphic design is a field that is growing and leaves plenty of opportunity for those with a degree.

With a degree in graphic design, there are plenty of jobs you can get. Among the jobs available to those with a Graphic Design degree are as an art director, creative director, film and video editor, and web designer. You can also get a job as a marketing manager, technical writer, and multimedia artist.

Marketing - $45,475
Marketing - $45,475

The definition of Marketing is the action or business of promoting and selling products or services, including market research and advertising. It refers to taking a product or service, identifying its ideal customers, and drawing those customers’ attention to the product or service available. Marketing degrees afford plenty of career opportunities.

With a marketing degree, you can get a job as a brand or product manager, event planner, fundraiser or marketing assistant. Those interested in public relations, sales and social media will also find plenty of opportunities there. Just don"t expect to be paid a lot for what you do, as you could be making as little as $45K per year.

English - $45,000
English - $45,000

Being an English major no longer means that you only have the opportunity to become an English teacher upon graduation. Being an English major opens several avenues to many career choices such as journalism, publishing, entertainment, public relations, the non-profit sector, medicine, and several more.

Just don"t go into English expecting to make big bucks. A degree in English is for those that love the written word. And writing is actually a skill that not everyone possesses, although everyone certainly thinks they do. Nevertheless, it is a useful skill that can help you through your career in numerous ways. 

Political Science - $45,000
Political Science - $45,000

In the study of Political Science, a student is strongly encouraged to specialize or concentrate on one of several subfields, such as American politics, comparative politics, international relations, political economy, and political philosophy. A degree in political science can open doors to many avenues, including a career in academia or as a lawyer.

There are many opportunities for those with a political science degree but some are better than others. Some of the best jobs to pursue with a degree in political science are as a legislative analyst, a public relations specialist, social media manager, policy analyst, political consultant, attorney and intelligence analyst.

History - $45,000
History - $45,000

A career in History can span several disciplines, including the arts, business, and government. History majors focus on the general study and interpretation of the past, but successful professionals in this field typically pursue a specific discipline to focus their studies to master their subject area. A degree in history affords more opportunity than you might think.

While the first job and maybe even only job you might think of when considering a history degree is in teaching, the truth is there"s a lot more you can do with a history degree. Museum archivists, librarians, and park rangers all need history degrees.  Writers, lawyers, researchers and business consultants can all use history degrees as well. 

Human Resources - $45,000
Human Resources - $45,000

There are many roles one could pick with a degree in Human Resources. The degree program will more than likely include organizational behavior, leadership, and employment law, which open several doors in the corporate world. However, before considering a career in HR, be sure that you’re a people person because that"s a pretty big part of it!

A human resources department is essential for almost every business,  Those who work is human resources have a number of responsibilities including planning, development, career assistance, recruiting, employee advocation and employee support. Above all, human resources employees are meant to be a champion for the employee, looking after their interests and helping them find positions in the company.

Journalism - $45,000
Journalism - $45,000

Although many say that journalism is a dying field, that isn’t quite accurate. Print journalism may be declining, but it is still as relevant as it ever was, and digital journalism is a field that is only growing. But with a degree in journalism, and all the skills covered in the program, many other career paths open up such as social media management, advertising copywriter, or publicist.

Those with a degree in journalism can work as content writers, staff writers, freelance writers, copywriters, and content managers. Journalists can also work in the television industry of course. Therefore, a journalism degree can allow you to become a news producer and editor. There are plenty of places to go with a Journalism degree. 

Advertising - $45,000
Advertising - $45,000

In the advertising degree program, a student will learn things such as art and design, graphic design, copywriting, psychology, and consumer behavior. The program prepares students for several other careers such as media consultant, copywriter, and media sales specialist. If you are looking to get into advertising, there are plenty of ways to do it.

Advertising is an important part of almost all media, leaving tons of opportunities in its different forms. There are numerous types of advertising on the web including email marketing and paid per click ads. And for television, there are different types of ads as well.  Print ads are still relevant as are billboard ads.

Philosophy - $45,000
Philosophy - $45,000

A philosophy degree is a humanities degree which offers a variety of career paths to choose from and can include jobs in the fields of the arts, writing, psychology, and marketing. Study in philosophy includes asking the big questions that have no definitive answers such as “Who are we and why are we here?”

While many make the mistake of believing that a degree in philosophy is a waste of time and money, it actually has its uses. Philosophy majors can pursue a career as a lawyer, professor, business professional, marketing professionals, paralegals and financial service professionals. Philosophy provides just the kind of critical thinking skills that can help you in your career path.

Environmental Science - $45,000
Environmental Science - $45,000

The study of environmental science includes learning how the physical and biological processes that shape the world interact together and using that information to solve some of the world’s biggest environmental issues. The five major fields of study in environmental science include biology, earth science, physics, chemistry, and social sciences.

Environmental science affords plenty of career opportunities. Environmental consultants, environmental health and safety managers, environmental scientists, and civil engineers all benefit from a degree in environmental science. You can discover all of these opportunities for yourself as you pursue your degree. But again, find something you are passionate about because it"s not about the money.

Social Science - $45,000
Social Science - $45,000

The social sciences degree program studies how people interact with others and the environment. This degree program specifically studies society’s institutions (i.e., their structures, theoretical foundations, evolution) and how they affect or are affected by human behavior, according to Kansas State University. Most universities offer a social science degree program. 

Social science degree programs have plenty of perfect job opportunities including as human resources coordinator, a social worker, recruiter, research analyst and research assistant. While there are not many other types of opportunities besides these major ones, where there is work you can easily find it.  Something to think about. 
 

 

Spanish - $44,256
Spanish - $44,256

Majoring in Spanish means that you will be exposed to everything to do with the language, literature, linguistics, film, culture, and history of Latin America and Spain. Other careers that a degree in Spanish can help with are as a foreign correspondent, cultural events coordinator, court interpreter, and the list goes on.

Spanish degrees offer unique opportunities in teaching. You can work as a Spanish teacher or as an English language teacher for bilingual students. Graduate teaching assistants also benefit from a Spanish degree. Outside of teaching, you can find work as an editor or in bilingual customer service. Office assistants and account executives can also utilize a Spanish degree.

Communications - $44,190
Communications - $44,190

A degree in communications involves taking a broad range of classes such as marketing, sociology, and business as well as the traditional communications courses such as media studies and journalism. Communications majors study so many different courses that overlap other majors, that actually there are always plenty of career options.

Communication is really a skill that can be utilized with any career as communication skills are exceedingly important in life. The major career paths for this particular degree focus on communication predominantly. Among the options for a career in communications are as a public relations specialist, event planner, development officer, social media manager and human resources specialist.

Interior Design - $44,098
Interior Design - $44,098

The study of interior design differs from the study of interior decoration, in that an interior designer isn’t just focused on the look of a room or a building but is also focused on meeting government certification requirements. A curriculum in interior design could include classes such as architectural history, mechanical systems, and lighting and sound design.

Interior design degrees open up opportunities directly related to your degree as well as indirectly. Jop options include interior and spatial designers, exhibition designers, visual merchandisers and production designers. Otherwise, you can use your degree for architecture, estate management, graphic design, furniture designer, or even as a stylist. But those are just some of the opportunities an interior design degree provides.

Chemistry - $44,000
Chemistry - $44,000

The Chemistry major focuses on the complex ways the elements on the periodic table interact with each other. There are a number of career paths that are attributed to a bachelor’s degree in chemistry, such as toxicologist, chemistry teacher, and forensic scientist. All of these options are certainly rewarding, but they are not the only options. 

When considering where to go with your chemistry degree, you can always choose a more specific area that doesn"t require as much of a broad understanding of the field. For instance, you can work as a water chemist or analytical chemist. Synthetic chemists and organic chemists are both jobs to consider. Hazardous waste chemists and oceanographers both contribute in making the world cleaner and safer.

Music - $44,000
Music - $44,000

A major in music is exactly what it sounds like. Students study their instrument—whether it be their voice, or a piano, or trumpet—as well as music composition, history, and practice as well as other subjects. Some other career paths (other than performing) open to music majors are production manager, music journalist, and/or talent agent.

And other than becoming a music teacher or musician, you can also use a music degree for the television and film industry. Almost all film productions and television productions require music of some kind. To compose or produce music for these industries requires in-depth knowledge. But of course, to even get in these industries, you need to have connections of some kind.

Film Studies - $44,000
Film Studies - $44,000

Chances are, no matter what college you pick, the Film Studies bachelor’s degree program will be classified as a Bachelor of Arts degree when all is said and done. The programs typically examine film as an art form, incorporating literature, art, history, world studies, and multimedia studies into the curriculum.

Film studies can be useful if you plan to have a career in film or television production, but it can also be a difficult career to become successful in or even get your foot in the door. As mentioned earlier, getting in these industries requires that you know people already in the business. So if you don"t know anyone now, you can hopefully make connections in the future.

Public Relations - $43,156
Public Relations - $43,156

A bachelor’s degree in Public Relations involves developing the skills necessary to work as a communications professional who serve as a liaison between an organization and the public. Some areas of study you would see in a public relations program might be corporate communication, advertising, project management, and media law and ethics.

Public relations degrees offer some major opportunities as a specialist or in management. Public relations specialists and social media specialists can help build and maintain a strong positive image for a company and its products or services. Managers focus more on maintaining and improving public image for artists, organizations, and others.

Sports Management - $43,156
Sports Management - $43,156

A Sports Management bachelor’s degree is a ticket to a behind-the-scenes look at sports from the business side. Someone studying sports management may be interested in planning, organizing, managing, and/or the budgeting aspects of a sports-related team or organization. If you are interested in this kind of degree, there are jobs available. 

Careers in sports management are ideal for people interested in sports who maybe don"t even have the ability to play as a pro. They can work with athletes, however, as a coach, athletic director, event coordinator, fitness manager, contract manager, or even as a financial analyst. Marketing consultants and marketing coordinators will also benefit from a sports management degree.

Education - $43,000
Education - $43,000

Whether or not they plan to teach, Education majors explore the ways people learn and how best to teach others. Education majors may also study developmental and sociocultural theories to better learn about human growth and how it affects students’ ability to learn, in order to work for an organization that serves to advance education.

Education is a field that is always going to be beneficial for people. Education is extremely important and you can never really have enough teachers. An education degree allows you to share a specific passion you have with others and gives you the opportunity to affect the lives of others. You can make a career out of talking about what you love - and what"s better than that?

Anthropology - $43,000
Anthropology - $43,000

Anthropology is the study of the human experience, from people in the past to those in the present. An anthropology major would study things like linguistics, culture, biology, and history to find out how they shape human diversity. There are many career paths open to an anthropology major such as political activist, museum curator, or policy analyst.

Anthropology degrees can help you get a number of different jobs in a variety of career paths. For once, you can pursue an academic career. You can also pursue a business or corporate career. Work for the government or at a non-profit organization. The options are nearly limitless and you can have a tremendous effect on the world.

Hospitality Management - $42,734
Hospitality Management - $42,734

A Hospitality Management degree prepares students for a career in restaurant, lodging, and/or tourism management. The curriculum requires organizational and business training. The career paths open to hospitality majors are lodging manager, facility manager, and/or operations manager. there are many directions to take in terms of career paths in the hospitality industry.

Guest relations is one area where those with a hospitality management degree can excel. Front office managers, sommeliers and directors of housekeeping can all utilize a hospitality management degree. In the food industry, you can work as a sous chef, catering assistant, or restaurant manager. Travel agents and tour guides may also have a hospitality management degree.

Biochemistry - $42,672
Biochemistry - $42,672

Biochemistry focuses on the scientific study of the chemistry of living systems. Specifically, biochemistry studies life at the molecular level—the chemistry of living things—if you will. Some career paths that a biochemistry major could follow would be research, medicine, biotech, and more. But these are just some of the options.

Biochemistry degrees can be extremely useful for people looking to get into specific industries as well.  Cosmetic developers should have a biochemistry degree as should food researchers and developers. Pharmaceutical researchers and oil and gas scientists will also find a biochemistry degree to be important to truly excel in their line of work.

Liberal Arts - $42,500
Liberal Arts - $42,500

A liberal arts degree encompasses a wide range of studies, such as history, literature, writing, philosophy, sociology, psychology, creative arts and more. Liberal arts is designed to prepare students for a variety of career options, rather than one specific concentration. A liberal arts degree gives you the freedom to pick your own path after earning your degree.

Some career paths that open up for a liberal arts degree are marketing specialist, graphic designer, artist, and/or advertising representative, and many more. Journalists and archivists will find a liberal arts degree useful because it allows them some level of expertise in a range of subjects. And should you find a more specific field you are interested in after earning your bachelor"s, you can go to graduate school and explore that.

Psychology - $42,000
Psychology - $42,000

The study of psychology includes the study of the mind, the brain, and human and animal social interactions and touches on many different areas of psychology such as social, cognitive, abnormal, personality and developmental. In order to practice psychology, therapy, and most counseling, a continuation to Graduate school is necessary.

However, if you aren"t planning to become a practicing psychologist, there are paths for you to take with just a bachelor"s degree. Some options for you, include activities director, market research analyst, claims supervisor, police officer, disability case manager, loan officer and labor relations manager. But these are just some of the jobs available for those with a degree in psychology.

Sociology - $42,000
Sociology - $42,000

Sociology is a social science that analyzes human interactions, and therefore, studies individuals, groups, communities, organizations, cultures, and societies—both past and present. Sociology degrees give you the skills necessary to engage with the world, understand its changes and how to solve its problems. Some career paths open to a Sociology degree are management, human relations, and/or research.

A sociology degree affords opportunities in business, teaching, health services, law, social services, publishing and many other fields. Public relations, marketing and sales, consumer research and human resources are all areas where one with a sociology degree can shine in the business world. Family planning, rehabilitation counseling, and hospitality admissions can all use sociology degrees.

Healthcare Administration - $42,000
Healthcare Administration - $42,000

Not all career options in the healthcare industry are financially rewarding, but nevertheless, jobs in healthcare administration are important. Graduates of a healthcare administration curriculum typically take on the administrative side of medical services. This means that their role would probably involve working with medical staff to coordinate healthcare services with patients. 

Typical healthcare administration career paths include medical records or health information technician, medical services manager, and medical assistant. As an important part of the daily workings of a hospital, healthcare administration is vital to helping patients and making sure patients are getting helped. And best of all, there are plenty of opportunities to earn more money as you gain experience.

Social Work - $41,656
Social Work - $41,656

A degree in social work involves studying and understanding the different challenges people face and learning how to help by providing basic and counseling services for vulnerable individuals and/or groups. There are several career paths one could take with this kind of degree including, but not limited to social or community manager, correctional treatment specialist, and social worker.

Social workers have the opportunity to work in different fields of interest. We often think about their relationships with families, looking after the well-being of children and their parents, but there are other areas to explore. Many social workers work in the healthcare industry, interviewing, counseling and assessing patients. They can also utilize their skills in terms of community health issues.

Biology - $41,250
Biology - $41,250

A biology major studies the science behind all living organisms on the planet. This would include the origin, history, characteristics, functions, processes, and habits of all plant and animal life on earth. Some entry level career paths that one could follow with a Biology degree are lab assistant, paramedic, or tutor.

Other biology degree jobs include agricultural or food science technician, quality control technician, content writers, environmental scientists and pharmaceutical sales representatives. None of these are high-paying jobs but there is room for growth in financial terms and career-wise.  A biology degree can also be a good starting-off point for pursuing a medical degree. 

Author Chrissy Jones Last Updated: January 22, 2021


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