Obtaining a college degree is a crucial step in your educational journey and is often considered the final preparation for adulthood, particularly when it comes to your career. However, the significance of this step means that the choices you make during college, such as your field of study, will have a major impact on your future.
It seems that lately, STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) is at the forefront of every discussion on higher education. Moreover, more and more students are seeking STEM degrees every day. But that leaves the question: what about the humanities? What if your preference doesn’t lie in the sciences? Does that mean you are left at a significant disadvantage?
Well, there is some good news. First, a humanities degree doesn’t have to spell doom for your career prospects. In fact, it may prove better in the long run. Here is a little more on that.
The Claim
Education Minister Dan Tehan stated that an effort to steer students towards more ‘job-relevant choices’ drove the Federal Government’s decision to introduce a package that institutes fee cuts for science degrees and increments for the humanities and social sciences.
However, the chair of the Group of Eight Research Universities, Margaret Gardner, expressed that the evidence used to support this school of thought is incomplete. She stated that instead, studies show that hiring rates for humanities and social science graduates match those with science degrees.
The Study
To find the definitive answer proving or disproving the claim, RMIT ABC examined existing hiring statistics from which they would draw their conclusions. They did so by studying 2016 census data for 25 to 35- year olds. They began by dividing the humanities into four categories (to narrow the scope of the field for more accurate measurement). Next, they examined employment rates for graduates in each class.
Each category of humanities degree displayed an employment rate of more than 90 per cent- the highest being 96 per cent for education. Furthermore, even taken broadly, the humanities and social sciences degrees have a 93.6% employment rate. Contrast this outcome with the sciences, whose rates fall at about 90.9%.
Conclusion
These findings are crucial if you are a prospective student trying to decide on a field of study.
First, they demonstrate that there is more to the prospects available from different fields of study than the majority believe. Therefore, in-depth research into your choices is critical.
Second, it spells good news for you. You are not as limited in your opportunities as you once thought. So, you don’t have to tie yourself to a field of study you have no interest in to ensure better prospects. Instead, you can confidently go where your passion takes you while remaining assured of a bright future.
Take advantage of the good news presented here. Select a college that will offer you a world-class education in your ideal field without fear of being limited or held back.
