College Degrees with the Highest Unemployment Rates
No. 2: Arts. Aspiring artists will face an 11.1% unemployment rate. Generally, non-technical majors have a significantly higher rate of unemployment.
No. 7: Law and Public Policy. Recent college graduates who major in law and public policy will face an unemployment rate of 8.1%. The Georgetown University study finds that unemployment rates tend to be higher in non-technical majors. more
No. 5: Recreation. Those with a degree in recreation are at an 8.3% unemployment rate. Most degrees in recreation prepare sudents for careers in parks and recreation. The job involves creating programs for individuals and communities, as well as managing programs within the leisure services industry. Graduates often work at hotels and resorts, parks, and camps. The Georgetown study says that the more work experience one has, the greater the chances of obtaining employment. More experienced workers have lower unemployment rates and higher earnings than those who have recently graduated from college.more
No. 4: Social Sciences. If you majored in a social science, expect an unemployment rate of 8.9%. Competition will be stiff for new graduates looking for jobs in social work, psychology, and similar careers.more
No. 3: Humanities. New college grads with a degree in the humanities will see a 9.4% unemployment rate. According to the study, graduate degrees will improve employment prospects for all majors. The unemployment rate for graduate-degree holders is 3% compared to a 5% unemployment rate for bachelor's degree holders.more
No. 2: Arts. Aspiring artists will face an 11.1% unemployment rate. Generally, non-technical majors have a significantly higher rate of unemployment.
No. 1: Architecture. New grads with a degree in architecture will experience a startling 13.9% unemployment rate. The study finds that college majors closely tied to occupations and industries can be problematic for job seekers, particularly if the industry collapses. According to the study, those who majored in architecture will have difficulty in the job market because of the collapse in construction and housing.more