Most Useless Degrees 2026 & Beyond
Last Updated: December 2026 | Reviewed by: Tyson Stevens
21 min read
For decades, “useless degrees” referred to majors such as Art History, Philosophy, Creative Writing, Anthropology, and Theater Arts, typically defined by lower starting pay, fewer direct job pipelines, or the need for graduate school to achieve financial payoff. In an AI future, that definition is no longer sufficient. Artificial intelligence has reshaped what makes a degree risky or resilient, increasing the share of job tasks that AI can automate in many traditionally “safe” fields while improving the long-term outlook for others. This guide reexamines “useless degrees” through a modern lens focused on how much of the work AI can handle, how durable the underlying skills are, and long-term career resilience in an AI-first economy.
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Key Takeaways
- No degree is truly useless, but many become high-risk without a clear skill stack.
- AI is accelerating the decline of routine white-collar work; creativity and human skills are the new moat.
- Combine any major with in-demand technical or soft skills and you dramatically improve both salary and future-proofing.
- Employers are dropping degree requirements faster than ever — proven skills now often beat the diploma.
Artificial intelligence has completely changed the "is this degree worth it?" conversation.
In the past, a major was labeled "useless" if it led to low starting pay or required a master's to get anywhere. In 2026, there's a far bigger risk: many traditional "safe" majors funnel graduates straight into the 50 occupations our team identified as having 77–96% of tasks that AI can handle — nearly 3× the average job.
Meanwhile, several degrees people love to mock (Art History, Philosophy, Creative Writing, Anthropology, etc.) actually steer graduates toward roles requiring creativity, human judgment, complex communication, and cultural nuance — exactly the skills AI still struggles with. For more on which jobs are safest from AI automation, see our AI-resistant jobs report.
This guide examines 15 degrees that lead to occupations with the highest AI automation risk (77-96% of tasks can be automated), shows how AI is flipping the script on career safety, and provides real 2026 salary and job-outlook data plus an Automation Risk Snapshot for each so you can see long-term resilience, not just first-job pay.
Why "useless degrees" are a 2026 conversation
Over the last few years, students and families have become much more skeptical about paying high tuition for degrees that don't clearly lead to good jobs. National surveys show fewer Americans now believe a four-year degree is essential for a well-paying career, especially if graduates end up underemployed or struggling to pay back loans. Recent warnings from policymakers suggest college graduate unemployment could reach 25% in coming years if AI job displacement isn't addressed, and Americans with degrees now comprise a record 25% of unemployed workers.
At the same time, major employers are dropping blanket "bachelor's required" rules and recruiting based on skills. The share of job postings requiring a college degree has fallen meaningfully since 2017, and big employers like IBM, Dell, and Bank of America have removed degree requirements for many roles.
In other words: the value of a degree now depends less on the diploma itself and more on how well it builds in-demand skills and connects to real jobs. That's the lens we use in this guide.
Note: While these "useless" degrees might be viewed as having lower immediate job prospects or earning potential, this article also provides practical advice on how to make them more valuable with additional skills or complementary studies.
How We Defined "Useless Degrees" in 2026
We don't believe any degree is truly useless. In this guide, "useless" is shorthand for degrees that often have weak job alignment unless you're very strategic. We looked at:
- Job market demand: Are there enough entry-level roles that clearly ask for this degree?
- Underemployment risk: How often do graduates end up in jobs that don't require a degree at all, or are unrelated to their major? Recent New York Fed data shows that underemployment among recent college graduates remains a significant concern.
- Starting salaries and payback time: How long it realistically takes to earn back what you spent on tuition.
- Required specialization: Whether you usually need grad school, a second major, or a certification for the degree to pay off.
- Skills-based hiring trends: Whether employers are now happy to hire people with non-traditional credentials instead of this major.
- Automation risk: Direct pipeline into the 50 occupations where AI can handle the most tasks (77–96% automatable tasks – Wharton Budget Model)
We combine these labor-market signals with program data and job-outlook projections to flag degrees that require extra planning to deliver a solid ROI.
While the term "useless" is attention-grabbing, our real goal is to empower students to make strategic, informed choices—even if they pursue a field that isn't traditionally career-focused.
2026 Update: How AI & Automation Are Changing "Useless" Degrees
When people talk about "useless" degrees, they usually mean low pay or limited openings. In 2026, there's a bigger factor: automation risk.
Our AI Job Automation Risk Report shows that routine, rule-based, data-heavy office and administrative roles dominate the top 50 most at risk of automation occupations (average 86.3% automatable tasks). Many popular majors quietly funnel graduates into exactly those disappearing jobs.
Meanwhile, careers built on creativity, human judgment, complex communication, leadership, and hands-on work remain far more resilient. That means some "impractical" degrees can actually outperform "practical" ones over a 10–15 year horizon if graduates avoid high automation risk pathways.
"Formerly 'safe' degrees look higher-risk now because many entry- and mid-level tasks in these fields are structured, repeatable, and heavily text/data-based which is exactly the kind of work AI systems can accelerate or standardize. That doesn't make the degrees useless, it just changes what employers pay for. The advantage for learners is shifting from being able to execute known steps to being able to frame problems, validate outputs, manage risk, and communicate decisions."
Fadl Al Tarzi, CEO, Nexford University
We've added an Automation Risk Snapshot to every major below so you can see the real risk landscape.
The AI Automation Risk Factor
Our analysis of 784 occupations reveals that routine, rule-based office work faces the highest automation risk. Many "practical" majors funnel graduates into these high-risk roles, while "impractical" degrees often lead to AI-resistant careers requiring creativity, judgment, and human interaction.
Key Insight: The riskiest degree in 2026 isn't always the one with the lowest starting salary—it's the one that leaves you competing directly with AI software.
What Other Experts Are Seeing in 2026
Recent reporting in Forbes and other outlets points to the same pattern we see in the data:
- Generic degrees with fuzzy career paths—like broad liberal arts or unspecialized business programs—are under the most pressure. Research shows young graduates face particularly challenging job market conditions.
- Graduates in these fields are more likely to be underemployed or earning salaries that make loan payback difficult.
- Employers are increasingly comfortable hiring candidates with shorter, skills-focused credentials instead of traditional four-year degrees, especially for tech and business roles.
That doesn't mean you should never study these subjects. It does mean you should treat your major as one part of a career strategy, not the whole plan.
"I do not consider these degrees useless. However, I see that the core of their work is easily automated: primary reporting, standard models, generic code, and simple analytical calculations. As an employer, we increasingly need not just people who 'do it manually according to instructions,' but those who understand the business context and can assign a task to AI, verify the results, and explain the conclusions to someone without a specialized education."
Anastasiya Levantsevich, Head of People & Culture, Pynest
The Great Reversal: Pre-AI "Useless" Degrees Are Now the Safest
In the pre-AI era (2025 and earlier), we flagged certain degrees as "useless" based on traditional metrics: low starting salaries, limited job openings, and high graduate school requirements. Fast forward to 2026, and AI automation has completely flipped the script. The degrees we warned against for "poor job prospects" in the pre-AI economy now lead to some of the most automation-resistant careers.
Pre-AI "Useless" Degrees — Now AI-Resistant Winners in 2026
- Art History — AI Exposure: 5-10% (Provenance research, curation, and cultural narrative remain human-dominated)
- Philosophy — AI Exposure: 8-12% (Ethics, complex reasoning, and philosophical inquiry are what AI struggles with most)
- Creative Writing — AI Exposure: 10-15% (Original voice, literary depth, and emotional storytelling resist automation)
- Anthropology — AI Exposure: 5-10% (Cultural interpretation, fieldwork ethics, and community engagement are extremely hard to automate)
- Theater Arts — AI Exposure: 0-5% (Live performance is literally un-automatable)
- Music Performance — AI Exposure: 5-10% (Live musicianship, stage presence, and one-on-one instruction require human skill)
- Studio Arts & Fine Arts — AI Exposure: 10-15% (Physical craft, original vision, and curation do not automate)
The bottom line: Pre-AI economy losers = AI economy winners. The degrees we dismissed for "poor career prospects" in 2025 now build exactly the skills AI can't replicate. Meanwhile, pre-AI "safe" majors are feeding graduates into jobs where 77–96% of tasks are automatable.
Most Useless Degrees for 2026 and Beyond
Below are the degrees that lead to occupations with the highest AI automation risk (77-96% of tasks can be automated), each with detailed information and an Automation Risk Snapshot for 2026.
What it is:
The study of financial record-keeping, auditing, tax preparation, and financial analysis for businesses and individuals.
Who it might be for:
Detail-oriented individuals with strong math skills interested in finance, business operations, and regulatory compliance.
Why it ranks as high AI risk:
This degree leads to occupations where AI can handle 79.5% of job tasks—about 7 out of 10 tasks. Routine accounting tasks like data entry, invoice processing, and basic financial reporting are highly automatable.
"An AI-first economy will make college degrees in Accounting and Finance absolutely redundant. These degrees were once considered safe, but now they aren't because AI can do standardized, rule-bound, data-heavy work faster, cheaper, and with fewer errors. Accounting firms have already started using AI-enabled bookkeeping, reconciliation, and close workflows."
Ravi Parikh, CFO and Managing Director, Parikh Financial
How to make it AI-resistant:
- Specialize in forensic accounting and fraud investigation: These require human judgment, investigation skills, and legal expertise AI cannot replicate.
- Focus on strategic financial planning: Move beyond data entry to advisory roles where you interpret financial data and provide strategic recommendations.
- Develop expertise in complex tax situations: High-net-worth individuals and businesses need human expertise for nuanced tax planning and compliance.
- Combine with technology to become an AI-augmented accountant: Use AI tools to handle routine tasks while you focus on analysis, strategy, and client relationships.
Automation Risk Snapshot (2026)
AI Exposure Level: 79.5% (High) – Routine accounting tasks like invoice processing, data entry, and basic financial reporting are 80-95% automatable. Strategic financial planning, fraud investigation, and complex tax situations remain more resilient.
According to BLS and Salary.com data, accountants typically earn around $81,680 per year, with entry-level positions starting lower.
What it is:
The study of extracting insights from large datasets using statistical analysis, machine learning, and programming.
Who it might be for:
Analytical thinkers with strong math and programming skills interested in solving complex problems with data.
Why it ranks as high AI risk:
This degree leads to occupations where AI can handle 77.55% of job tasks—about 7 out of 10 tasks. Many data science tasks like data cleaning, basic analysis, and report generation are increasingly automated.
"Degrees that once bought stability now buy exposure. AI is automating the routine cognitive work that accounting, finance and data-science graduates were trained to do, and that is collapsing the apprenticeship ladder that those fields relied on. The deeper problem is an apprenticeship crisis—juniors used to learn by doing the labour-intensive work, but now a lot of that can be handed to AI tools."
Rahim Hirji, Founder, The SuperSkills Intelligence Company
LinkedIn
How to make it AI-resistant:
- Focus on strategic data interpretation: Move beyond data processing to understanding business context and making strategic recommendations.
- Specialize in domain expertise: Combine data science with deep knowledge of a specific industry (healthcare, finance, etc.) where context matters.
- Develop skills in AI ethics and governance: As AI becomes more prevalent, organizations need humans to ensure ethical and responsible AI use.
- Work on complex, unstructured problems: Focus on problems that require human judgment, creativity, and domain expertise rather than routine analysis.
Automation Risk Snapshot (2026)
AI Exposure Level: 77.55% (High) – Data cleaning, basic analysis, and automated reporting are highly automatable. Strategic interpretation, domain expertise, and complex problem-solving remain more resilient.
According to industry data, data scientists typically earn around $107,945 per year, though entry-level positions may start lower.
What it is:
An associate degree or certificate program covering basic business principles, office administration, and management fundamentals.
Who it might be for:
Individuals seeking quick entry into business roles without a four-year degree commitment.
Why it ranks as high AI risk:
This degree leads to occupations where AI can handle 73.0% of job tasks—about 7 out of 10 tasks. Many administrative and office support roles are highly vulnerable to automation.
How to make it AI-resistant:
- Pursue a bachelor's degree in a specialized business field: General administration is at high risk; specialized knowledge provides more protection.
- Develop strong interpersonal and communication skills: Focus on roles that require human interaction, relationship-building, and emotional intelligence.
- Specialize in project management or operations: These roles require coordination, problem-solving, and human judgment that resist automation.
- Combine with technology skills: Learn to work alongside AI tools rather than compete with them, focusing on oversight and strategic application.
Automation Risk Snapshot (2026)
AI Exposure Level: 73.0% (High) – Routine administrative tasks like data entry, scheduling, and basic reporting are 80-95% automatable. Strategic coordination, relationship management, and complex problem-solving remain more resilient.
According to BLS data, administrative support roles typically earn around $47,612 per year.
What it is:
The study of financial markets, investments, banking, corporate finance, and risk management.
Who it might be for:
Individuals with strong analytical skills interested in money management, investments, and financial markets.
Why it ranks as high AI risk:
This degree leads to occupations where AI can handle 72.58% of job tasks—about 7 out of 10 tasks. Many routine financial analysis and reporting tasks are increasingly automated.
"Degrees like Accounting, Data Science, Business Administration, or Finance were previously 'safe' because employers wanted repeatable workflows that implied someone behind a desk crunching numbers, building spreadsheets, or validating statements. The cold reality: all those activities are a perfect workflow map for modern AI and automation engines, which is fast, no stopping, and error-free. AI-enabled tools will spit out those drafts in seconds that used to take 3–5 hours by junior analysts."
Guillermo Triana, CEO, PEO-Marketplace.com
LinkedIn
How to make it AI-resistant:
- Focus on relationship-based financial advising: High-net-worth clients want personalized service and trust that AI cannot provide.
- Specialize in complex financial products: Derivatives, structured products, and alternative investments require human expertise and judgment.
- Develop expertise in regulatory compliance: Financial regulations are complex and constantly changing, requiring human interpretation and strategic thinking.
- Move into strategic financial planning: Focus on long-term planning, estate planning, and complex financial situations that require human judgment.
Automation Risk Snapshot (2026)
AI Exposure Level: 72.58% (High) – Routine financial analysis, reporting, and basic investment research are highly automatable. Strategic financial planning, relationship management, and complex financial products remain more resilient.
According to BLS and Salary.com data, finance professionals typically earn around $97,154 per year, with significant variation by role and experience.
What it is:
The study of computing, algorithms, software development, and computer systems.
Who it might be for:
Logical thinkers with a passion for technology and problem-solving.
Why it ranks as high AI risk:
This degree leads to occupations where AI can handle 71.07% of job tasks—about 7 out of 10 tasks. While computer science remains valuable, routine coding and basic software development tasks are increasingly AI-assisted.
How to make it AI-resistant:
- Specialize in AI-adjacent fields: Machine learning engineering, AI safety, and cybersecurity are where humans remain essential.
- Focus on system architecture and complex problem-solving: Move beyond code generation to designing systems and solving complex technical challenges.
- Develop product and business acumen: Technical skills plus understanding of user needs and business strategy creates roles AI can't replace.
- Work in high-trust environments: Healthcare systems, financial infrastructure, and defense applications require human oversight and accountability.
Automation Risk Snapshot (2026)
AI Exposure Level: 71.07% (High) – General coding and routine software development are increasingly AI-assisted. System architecture, cybersecurity, and complex problem-solving remain more resilient.
According to industry data, computer science professionals typically earn around $106,322 per year, with entry-level positions starting lower.
What it is:
A broad study of computing, information technology, systems administration, and technical support.
Who it might be for:
Individuals interested in technology careers, from software development to IT support and systems administration.
Why it ranks as high AI risk:
This degree leads to occupations where AI can handle 67.34% of job tasks—about 6 out of 10 tasks. Many routine IT tasks like help desk support, basic troubleshooting, and system monitoring are increasingly automated.
How to make it AI-resistant:
- Specialize in cybersecurity: Security threats require human expertise, judgment, and creative problem-solving that AI cannot fully replicate.
- Focus on complex system integration: Designing and maintaining complex enterprise systems requires human expertise and strategic thinking.
- Develop expertise in emerging technologies: Cloud architecture, DevOps, and specialized platforms require ongoing learning and human expertise.
- Move into strategic IT roles: IT strategy, technology leadership, and business-technology alignment require human judgment and relationship skills.
Automation Risk Snapshot (2026)
AI Exposure Level: 67.34% (High) – Routine IT support, basic troubleshooting, and system monitoring are highly automatable. Cybersecurity, complex system design, and strategic IT roles remain more resilient.
According to industry data, IT professionals typically earn around $104,532 per year, with significant variation by specialization.
What it is:
The study of protecting computer systems, networks, and data from cyber threats and attacks.
Who it might be for:
Individuals interested in technology security, ethical hacking, and protecting digital infrastructure.
Why it ranks as high AI risk:
This degree leads to occupations where AI can handle 62.92% of job tasks—about 6 out of 10 tasks. While cybersecurity is growing, routine security monitoring and basic threat detection are increasingly automated.
How to make it AI-resistant:
- Focus on advanced threat analysis: Sophisticated attacks require human expertise, creativity, and strategic thinking that AI cannot fully replicate.
- Specialize in security architecture: Designing secure systems requires human judgment and understanding of business context.
- Develop expertise in incident response: Responding to security breaches requires human judgment, communication skills, and strategic decision-making.
- Work in high-stakes environments: Critical infrastructure, financial systems, and government systems require human oversight and accountability.
Automation Risk Snapshot (2026)
AI Exposure Level: 62.92% (Moderate-High) – Routine security monitoring and basic threat detection are automatable. Advanced threat analysis, security architecture, and incident response remain more resilient.
According to industry data, cybersecurity professionals typically earn around $124,910 per year, with high demand driving competitive salaries.
What it is:
Training in sales techniques, business development, and customer relationship management, often without requiring a traditional degree.
Who it might be for:
Individuals interested in sales careers who want to enter the field quickly without a four-year degree.
Why it ranks as high AI risk:
This degree leads to occupations where AI can handle 57.94% of job tasks—about 5 out of 10 tasks. Many routine sales tasks like lead generation, basic customer service, and order processing are highly automatable.
How to make it AI-resistant:
- Focus on relationship-based B2B sales: Complex B2B sales require relationship-building, negotiation, and strategic thinking that AI cannot replicate.
- Specialize in high-value, consultative selling: Selling complex products or services requires human expertise, trust-building, and personalized solutions.
- Develop expertise in specific industries: Deep industry knowledge and relationships create value that AI cannot replace.
- Move into sales strategy and management: Sales leadership, strategy, and complex deal negotiation require human judgment and relationship skills.
Automation Risk Snapshot (2026)
AI Exposure Level: 57.94% (High) – Routine sales tasks like lead generation, basic customer service, and order processing are highly automatable. Relationship-based B2B sales, consultative selling, and sales strategy remain more resilient.
According to BLS data, sales roles typically earn around $58,883 per year, with significant variation based on commission and industry.
What it is:
A general business degree covering management, marketing, finance, and operations principles.
Who it might be for:
Individuals seeking a broad business education applicable to various industries and roles.
Why it ranks as high AI risk:
This degree leads to occupations where AI can handle 56.7% of job tasks—about 5 out of 10 tasks. Many general business roles involve routine tasks that are increasingly automated.
How to make it AI-resistant:
- Specialize in a specific business function: General business knowledge is at risk; deep expertise in a specific area provides more protection.
- Focus on strategic roles: Move beyond routine tasks to strategic planning, business development, and leadership roles.
- Develop strong interpersonal and leadership skills: Management, team leadership, and relationship-building require human skills that resist automation.
- Combine with industry expertise: Deep knowledge of a specific industry combined with business skills creates more defensible roles.
Automation Risk Snapshot (2026)
AI Exposure Level: 56.7% (High) – Routine business tasks like data entry, basic reporting, and administrative work are highly automatable. Strategic planning, leadership, and relationship management remain more resilient.
According to BLS data, general business roles typically earn around $73,835 per year, with significant variation by role and industry.
What it is:
The study of legal systems, law, and jurisprudence, typically requiring advanced education (law school) for practice.
Who it might be for:
Individuals interested in legal careers, advocacy, and understanding how laws and regulations work.
Why it ranks as high AI risk:
This degree leads to occupations where AI can handle 53.73% of job tasks—about 5 out of 10 tasks. While law remains valuable, routine legal tasks like document review, legal research, and contract drafting are increasingly automated.
How to make it AI-resistant:
- Focus on complex litigation and strategy: High-stakes litigation, negotiation, and strategic legal thinking require human judgment and expertise.
- Specialize in areas requiring human judgment: Family law, criminal defense, and complex regulatory matters require empathy, judgment, and strategic thinking.
- Develop expertise in emerging legal areas: Technology law, AI governance, and new regulatory frameworks require human expertise and interpretation.
- Work in client-facing roles: Building client relationships, understanding client needs, and providing strategic legal advice require human skills.
Automation Risk Snapshot (2026)
AI Exposure Level: 53.73% (Moderate-High) – Routine legal tasks like document review, legal research, and basic contract drafting are automatable. Complex litigation, strategic legal thinking, and client relationships remain more resilient.
According to BLS data, lawyers typically earn around $95,242 per year, with significant variation by practice area and experience.
What it is:
The study of designing, constructing, and maintaining infrastructure like roads, bridges, buildings, and water systems.
Who it might be for:
Individuals with strong math and science skills interested in building and maintaining physical infrastructure.
Why it ranks as high AI risk:
This degree leads to occupations where AI can handle 52.62% of job tasks—about 5 out of 10 tasks. While engineering remains valuable, routine design tasks, CAD work, and basic calculations are increasingly automated.
How to make it AI-resistant:
- Focus on complex project management: Large infrastructure projects require human coordination, problem-solving, and strategic thinking.
- Specialize in innovative and sustainable design: Green building, resilient infrastructure, and innovative design require human creativity and judgment.
- Develop expertise in regulatory compliance: Navigating complex regulations, permits, and environmental requirements requires human expertise.
- Work in field operations and site management: On-site engineering, problem-solving, and coordination require human presence and judgment.
Automation Risk Snapshot (2026)
AI Exposure Level: 52.62% (Moderate-High) – Routine design tasks, CAD work, and basic calculations are automatable. Complex project management, innovative design, and field operations remain more resilient.
According to BLS data, civil engineers typically earn around $76,023 per year, with entry-level positions starting lower.
What it is:
A comprehensive business degree covering management, finance, marketing, operations, and strategic planning.
Who it might be for:
Individuals seeking a broad business education with management and leadership focus.
Why it ranks as high AI risk:
This degree leads to occupations where AI can handle 45.68% of job tasks—about 4 out of 10 tasks. Many business administration roles involve routine management and administrative tasks that are increasingly automated.
How to make it AI-resistant:
- Focus on strategic leadership: Move beyond routine management to strategic planning, organizational development, and change management.
- Develop strong interpersonal and communication skills: Leadership, team building, and relationship management require human skills that resist automation.
- Specialize in complex problem-solving: Strategic decision-making, crisis management, and organizational transformation require human judgment.
- Combine with industry expertise: Deep knowledge of a specific industry combined with business administration creates more defensible roles.
Automation Risk Snapshot (2026)
AI Exposure Level: 45.68% (Moderate) – Routine management tasks, reporting, and administrative work are automatable. Strategic leadership, relationship management, and complex problem-solving remain more resilient.
According to BLS data, business administration professionals typically earn around $116,327 per year, with significant variation by role and industry.
What it is:
The study of matter, energy, and the fundamental laws governing the physical universe.
Who it might be for:
Individuals with strong math and science skills interested in understanding how the physical world works.
Why it ranks as high AI risk:
This degree leads to occupations where AI can handle 44.33% of job tasks—about 4 out of 10 tasks. While physics remains valuable, routine data analysis, calculations, and basic research tasks are increasingly automated.
How to make it AI-resistant:
- Focus on experimental and applied physics: Hands-on research, experimentation, and applied problem-solving require human expertise and creativity.
- Specialize in emerging fields: Quantum computing, materials science, and cutting-edge research require human innovation and judgment.
- Develop expertise in interdisciplinary applications: Applying physics to real-world problems in engineering, medicine, or technology requires human insight.
- Work in research and development: R&D roles require creativity, problem-solving, and strategic thinking that resist automation.
Automation Risk Snapshot (2026)
AI Exposure Level: 44.33% (Moderate) – Routine calculations, data analysis, and basic research tasks are automatable. Experimental physics, applied research, and innovative problem-solving remain more resilient.
According to BLS data, physicists and physical scientists typically earn around $124,325 per year, with significant variation by role and sector.
What it is:
The study of electrical systems, electronics, power generation, and electrical design.
Who it might be for:
Individuals with strong math and science skills interested in electrical systems, electronics, and power systems.
Why it ranks as high AI risk:
This degree leads to occupations where AI can handle 43.19% of job tasks—about 4 out of 10 tasks. While engineering remains valuable, routine design tasks, circuit design, and basic calculations are increasingly automated.
How to make it AI-resistant:
- Focus on complex system design: Designing complex electrical systems, power grids, and integrated circuits requires human expertise and judgment.
- Specialize in emerging technologies: Renewable energy, electric vehicles, and advanced electronics require human innovation and problem-solving.
- Develop expertise in safety and compliance: Electrical safety, regulatory compliance, and risk assessment require human judgment and expertise.
- Work in field operations and troubleshooting: On-site engineering, problem-solving, and system maintenance require human presence and judgment.
Automation Risk Snapshot (2026)
AI Exposure Level: 43.19% (Moderate) – Routine design tasks, circuit design, and basic calculations are automatable. Complex system design, innovative technologies, and field operations remain more resilient.
According to BLS data, electrical engineers typically earn around $97,600 per year, with entry-level positions starting lower.
What it is:
The study of visual arts, graphic design, digital media, and creative expression.
Who it might be for:
Creative individuals interested in visual communication, design, and artistic expression.
Why it ranks as high AI risk:
This degree leads to occupations where AI can handle 39.79% of job tasks—about 3 out of 10 tasks. While creativity remains valuable, routine design tasks, basic graphic design, and simple creative work are increasingly automated.
How to make it AI-resistant:
- Focus on strategic and conceptual design: Move beyond execution to creative direction, brand strategy, and conceptual thinking that requires human insight.
- Develop a unique artistic voice: AI can generate images, but developing a distinctive style and vision that resonates with audiences is deeply human.
- Specialize in high-value creative work: Brand identity, advertising campaigns, and high-concept creative work require human creativity and judgment.
- Combine design with business strategy: Understanding how design impacts business outcomes requires human insight and strategic thinking.
Automation Risk Snapshot (2026)
AI Exposure Level: 39.79% (Moderate) – Routine design tasks, basic graphic design, and simple creative work are automatable. Strategic design, unique artistic vision, and high-concept creative work remain more resilient.
According to BLS data, arts and design professionals typically earn around $63,879 per year, with significant variation by role and industry.
Job Outlooks for High AI-Risk Degrees
To help you evaluate each degree more clearly, we've added job outlook projections where available. These forecasts come directly from the BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook, which tracks how employment in various fields is expected to change through 2032. Here's a sampling of the data for degrees with high AI automation risk:
- Accountants and Auditors: Employment is projected to grow by 4.6% through 2032, about as fast as average. However, routine accounting tasks are increasingly automated.
- Data Scientists: Employment is projected to grow by 21% through 2032, much faster than average. However, many routine data analysis tasks are being automated.
- Financial Analysts: Employment is projected to grow by 6.15% through 2032, faster than average. Routine financial analysis tasks are increasingly automated.
- Computer Programmers: Employment is projected to grow by 6.82% through 2032, faster than average. However, routine coding tasks are increasingly AI-assisted.
- Information Security Analysts: Employment is projected to grow by 28.5% through 2032, much faster than average. While growing, routine security monitoring tasks are being automated.
- Lawyers: Employment is projected to grow by 2.13% through 2032, slower than average. Routine legal tasks like document review are increasingly automated.
- Civil Engineers: Employment is projected to grow by 3.73% through 2032, about as fast as average. Routine design tasks are increasingly automated.
- Business Operations Specialists: Employment growth varies by specialty, but many routine administrative and operational tasks are being automated.
Most Useless Degrees FAQ
Still subjective, but majors with no clear ladder that also pipeline into the occupations where AI can handle the most tasks (e.g., general communications, basic criminal justice, unspecialized business tracks) top most current lists.
AI makes repetitive office/administrative roles (77–96% automatable) far riskier. Majors that feed straight into those jobs without strong human or technical add-ons now carry double jeopardy. Conversely, degrees heavy on creativity, judgment, and human interaction often look more resilient long-term — even if starting pay is lower.
Absolutely. Enhancing your education with technical skills, certifications, internships, and networking can make any degree more marketable.
Not necessarily. Passion and drive are crucial. Focus on developing transferable skills and seek complementary studies or certifications to boost your career prospects. The era of "just get the degree" is over for every major.
Based on our 2026 AI automation risk analysis, the degrees that face the highest automation risk include Accounting, Data Science, Business Administration, Finance, Computer Science, and related fields that lead to occupations where AI can handle 77-96% of job tasks. However, we strongly disagree with labeling any degree as "useless" – success depends more on how you leverage your education and develop practical skills. The key is understanding which tasks AI can automate and focusing on developing skills that complement AI rather than compete with it. For instance, an Accounting major who specializes in forensic accounting or strategic financial planning can build a more resilient career path.
Instead of avoiding certain majors, we recommend focusing on building marketable skills alongside your studies, pursuing internships, and understanding how to apply your degree's transferable skills to various career paths. The key is to choose a field you're passionate about while being strategic about developing professional competencies that employers value. This includes technical skills, certifications, networking, and gaining practical experience through internships or volunteer work.
Remember, success is not guaranteed with any degree, but with hard work, a strategic approach, and a willingness to adapt, you can make even the most "useless" degree valuable.
With the right approach, students can enhance their marketability and ensure they thrive in a rapidly changing job landscape.
Related Resources
Data Sources
This analysis draws from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Salary.com, Indeed, Burning Glass Institute, New York Fed, and our automation risk analysis.
