BA in defense-sensitive foreign language, with near fluency: 60K-125K starting salary (government vs contractor).
1 Like
Not sure what you mean by âfluffy degreesâ, but here are counts of bachelorâs degree graduates for selected years since 1970-71 by major field of study: Bachelor's degrees conferred by postsecondary institutions, by field of study: Selected years, 1970-71 through 2018-19
Change from 1990-91 to 2018-19:
| Change in % | Major |
|---|---|
| +84% | Total |
| +208% | Agriculture and natural resources |
| +207% | Biological and biomedical sciences |
| +57% | Business |
| +79% | Communications, journalism, and related programs |
| +252% | Computer and information sciences |
| -24% | Education |
| +103% | Engineering |
| -23% | English language and literature/letters |
| +19% | Foreign languages, literatures, and linguistics |
| +320% | Health professions and related programs |
| +241% | Homeland security, law enforcement, and firefighting |
| +45% | Liberal arts and sciences, general studies, and humanities |
| +82% | Mathematics and statistics |
| +200% | Multidisciplinary studies |
| +1141% | Parks, recreation, leisure, and fitness studies |
| +30% | Philosophy and religious studies |
| +91% | Physical sciences and science technologies |
| +145% | Public administration and social services |
| +99% | Psychology |
| +28% | Social sciences and history |
| +113% | Visual and performing arts |
Despite the hype about âtoo manyâ college grads, only 1/3 (36%) of Americans 25 or older have a bachelorâs degree. Thatâs an improvement over the past, of course, but given the demands of modern society, and the diminishing value of unskilled labor, itâs probably not enough. Moreover, although many more students are heading off to college (either 2 or 4 year) after high school, about 1/3 drop out and never return (worst of all world - especially if they have loans).
1 Like
D1 never read WSJ prior to her first finance interview. She couldnât answer most of current events questions, but when they gave her brain teaser questions she was able to give right answers. I think she went into finance because it was the thing to do, like so many people.
Fast forward 10 years later, she is being put forward for a MD promotion, but she is still not interested in finance related news/discussions outside of work. She told me recently that anyone could do her job and she didnât know why they would want to promote her.
For whatâs worth, she is in the front office and she gets paid based on deals she generates.
I guess what I am trying to say is most young people do t always know what they want to do. Sometimes they get lucky at doing what they are good at, but if they donât they can always pivot. By having a good well round education will give you the option of pivot. I am a big fan of liberals arts education. 
6 Likes
By fluffy degrees, I meant those majors/fields of studies that are superfluous and lack sufficient rigor. Their number has proliferated in the last thirty years. Thereâs also the issue of grade inflation in colleges, making certain college degrees easier to attain.
Examples?
2 Likes
Thatâs insane.
Iâm not sure I want to risk offending some people, but employers know what they are.
I think thatâs a bit of exaggeration.
If you find that employers have opinions on the matter, it would be helpful to relay to the forum what those opinions are, whether or not you agree with them. If people are offended, then they would be offended at those employers, not you.
3 Likes
The highest growth in your table above is the 1141% increase in âParks, recreation, leisure, and fitness studiesâ which hardly anyone would have considered worthy of a degree a generation ago. So that would seem to fit at least the âsuperfluousâ part of the âfluffyâ description.
1 Like
That the original statement is an exaggeration? Or that itâs insane to not be able to locate China on a map?
I agree degrees like Recreation Management or Travel and Tourism are pretty skeptical. But I donât think History or Comparative Literature are any more employable (although more rigorous).
The original statement. I think it was just to make a point.
1 Like
bloomington019 - wondering what you basis this conclusion on?
1 Like
Bloomington is a college student.
2 Likes
The rigor IS the point. At least as far as many corporate employers are concerned.
Why do you think so many companies ask for a transcript (whether for an internship, summer job, or full time employment?) The GPA rarely tells the story.
4 Likes
I assumed a major reason for the transcript request was to prove that the student actually attended the college and earned the claimed GPA.
4 Likes
Official transcripts can be used to verify claimed degrees, enrollment, GPA, and courses taken or in progress, even if they are not looking at âdid this applicant take harder course X or easier course Y at college A?â
2 Likes