Choosing a major can feel overwhelming, especially when the most popular options look like the safest path. But some degrees are overrated, not because they're bad, but because the expectations rarely match reality. This guide breaks down seven commonly misunderstood majors and shows how to approach them strategically, so you get real value for your time, money, and career goals.

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1. Business Administration: Broad, Popular, and Crowded

Business administration is one of the most common majors, which means competition is intense. The degree is so broad that employers often struggle to understand what specific skills graduates bring. Students take a little of everything: accounting, marketing, and management. However, they seldom gain enough depth to stand out.

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How to Make It Work:

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If you’re set on studying business, the smartest move is to specialize early. Employers want to see clear, job-ready skills. Strong concentrations include:

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• Finance
• Accounting
• Supply chain management
• Data analytics

Choosing one of these paths gives you a defined skillset, helps you stand out in a crowded major, and makes your degree far more valuable in the job market.

2. Communications: Popular but Experience-Driven

Communications programs are often associated with high-profile careers in media, PR, and broadcasting. While some graduates do land those roles, most find that the degree alone isn’t enough. Skills like writing, public speaking, and digital media can be learned independently and are heavily portfolio-driven.

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How to Make It Work:

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Employers want to see real examples of what you can create, so focus on hands-on opportunities such as:

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• Internships
• Campus media involvement
• Freelance projects
• Running social channels for a club or local organization

These experiences make a far bigger impact than a transcript and help you stand out in a competitive, portfolio-driven field.

3. Psychology: Interesting… but a Long Road Ahead

A bachelor’s degree in psychology alone doesn’t qualify you to become a psychologist or therapist. Those careers require graduate school, licensing, and years of additional training.

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How to Make It Work:

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Students who are committed to clinical careers should plan early for graduate school and build relevant experience through volunteer work or assistant roles. Psychology can be an excellent major, but only for those ready for the long academic path ahead.

4. Criminal Justice: Misaligned Expectations

Television often glamorizes criminal justice careers, but most law enforcement roles don’t require this major or any degree at all. Many forensic or investigative jobs actually require specialized backgrounds in chemistry, biology, or forensic science, not general criminal justice.

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How to Make It Work:

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Before choosing this field, identify your target career and confirm whether the major aligns with actual hiring requirements.

5. Liberal Arts: Valuable Skills, Undefined Path

Liberal arts majors like literature, philosophy, and history teach important skills, such as writing, critical thinking, and cultural awareness. However, these degrees don’t point to specific careers, which leaves many graduates unsure of their next steps.

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How to Make It Work:

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Students should intentionally add practical experience through:

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• Internships
• Certifications
• Technical minors
• Professional networking

When paired with these strategic add-ons, a liberal arts degree becomes far more marketable and gives students a clearer path after graduation.

6. Film Production: Creative but Costly

Film programs appeal to students dreaming of directing movies or producing documentaries. But the industry is competitive, unpredictable, and often low paying early on. Film degrees are also expensive due to equipment, software, and production costs.

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How to Make It Work:

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A film degree becomes valuable when students build a strong portfolio and get hands-on experience early through roles such as:

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• Production assistant work
• Editing projects
• Student film collaborations
• Local film or media shoots

In this industry, connections and practical experience matter far more than the degree itself.

7. Graphic Design: A Field Reshaped by Technology

Graphic design is creative and exciting, but the barrier to entry has dropped significantly. Thousands of self-taught designers build careers through online tutorials and freelance experience. Meanwhile, the field changes rapidly with new software and AI tools, which can make college coursework outdated by graduation.

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How to Make It Work:

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Students pursuing design should choose programs that stay current with industry tools and emphasize hands-on projects. For those who want a clearer career path, exploring related fields can offer stronger job opportunities. Consider adjacent majors such as:

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• UX design
• Digital strategy
• Marketing analytics
• Product design
• Digital media strategy

These areas blend creative skills with technical or strategic elements, making them more resilient to industry shifts and often more aligned with today’s hiring needs.

Strategy Matters More Than the Major

Overrated majors aren’t dead ends; they just require a smarter approach. With clear goals, hands-on experience, and a willingness to pivot, you can turn any major into a career-building asset.  

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For more strategies to finish your degree faster and more affordably, explore the rest of the Degree Hacked series.