Certain academic choices can lead to challenging career outcomes, and the data from 2018 highlights specific degrees that struggled with employment and earnings.
Analyzing the worst degrees 2018 trends helps students and parents understand market realities and make more informed decisions before investing in tuition.
| Degree Field | Typical Starting Median Salary (USD) | Unemployment Rate (Early Career) | Career Growth Outlook (2018-2028) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Anthropology | $42,000 | 5.8% | Slower than average |
| Philosophy | $43,000 | 5.5% | Average growth |
| Film/Video Production | $38,000 | 7.1% | Very strong growth |
| Fine Arts | $40,000 | 6.3% | Below average growth |
| Social Work | $39,000 | 6.0% | Average growth |
Career Trajectories for Challenging Fields
Some degrees faced persistent headwinds in 2018 due to saturated job markets and limited structured entry points for new graduates.
Fields like anthropology and philosophy often require advanced study to translate academic training into stable, well-paid roles.
Income Volatility and Long-Term Earnings
Graduates in certain creative and humanities disciplines experienced wide income swings and slower wage progression over their first decade.
Film production majors sometimes started with modest earnings but accessed high-growth niches, whereas fine arts graduates frequently encountered extended freelance instability.
Skills Alignment and Market Demand
Programs emphasizing abstract theory or portfolio-based work did not always align with immediate employer needs in 2018.
Social work graduates, despite strong vocational intent, competed for roles with limited public funding and geographic mismatches in opportunity.
Navigating Risky Academic Choices
- Research median salaries and unemployment rates before enrolling.
- Plan for further certification or advanced study if required in your target field.
- Develop in-demand side skills that complement your main degree.
- Network early and often through professional associations and alumni channels.
- Create tangible work samples to demonstrate competence to employers.
FAQ
Reader questions
Which specific degrees were labeled as the worst in 2018?
Anthropology, philosophy, fine arts, film production, and social work consistently appeared in worst-degree analyses that year due to low starting salaries and higher unemployment.
Do these degrees guarantee poor financial outcomes for every graduate?
No, individual success varies widely based on location, work ethic, networking, and further education, but the data shows higher risk of low earnings and underemployment.
Why did film production appear on the list despite creative industry growth?
Many entry-level roles are project-based with irregular pay, leading to high early unemployment and income volatility even as overall industry expansion accelerates.
What steps can students take if they have already chosen one of these degrees?
Pursue internships, build a strong portfolio or writing sample, seek mentorship, and consider complementary skills like data analysis or digital marketing to improve employment prospects.