More people are taking the graduate school path in hopes of both making more money once they are out of school and for some, as a way to avoid going into a suffering job market. However, it is important to know that although graduate degrees are great on paper, for some career fields they are somewhat useless. Three specific graduate degrees do not go as far as many would like them to.
1. Computer Engineering
It may come as a surprise that computer engineering is on the list of graduate degrees that don't benefit degree holders too much. Although this field is growing rapidly, there is not too much of a preference for those who obtained a master's degree in computer engineering compared to those who only obtained a bachelor's degree.
A study conducted by Georgetown University found that people with a master's degree in this field only make 16 percent more than those who only studied it in undergrad. Being that computer engineering is a field where expertise is formed through experience rather than through solely education, the employers are much more interested in what kinds of hands-on work applicants have done in the field.
2. Fine Arts
Graduate degrees in the fine arts typically fall in fields such as creative writing, performing arts, and studio art. These programs can cost over $22,000 per semester in addition to all other expenses such as books and living expenses. Is it worth the cost? According to findings in the Georgetown study, it's not. Those who pursue graduate degrees in this field only see a 3 percent increase for degree holders.
Similar to computer engineering, this is field that puts those with experience at the top of employers' hiring list. Those looking to hire would much rather see a portfolio of applicants' work, opposed to simply hearing about how many degrees they have earned in the field.
3. PR and Mass-Media
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the public relations field is predicted to grow by 21 percent between 2010 and 2020. For a job that is based largely on employees who are creative and have marketing skills, experience once again wins over an advanced degree. Even when higher degree holders are wanted in this field, clients typically search for people with graduate level degrees in Business Administration, rather than in mass media or public relations. The Georgetown study showed that those who have graduate degrees in this field only earn 11 to 12 percent higher than those who have not obtained such a degree.
