Top 5 Most Useful College Degrees

Shane Hummus
21 May 202112:22
EducationalLearning
32 Likes 10 Comments

TLDRThe video discusses the most useful degrees for securing a good job, focusing on fields where the skills acquired translate directly into employable expertise. Math-related degrees are highlighted for their versatility and high earning potential, especially in fields like actuarial mathematics and econometrics. Business degrees are noted to be valuable when specialized, with management information systems (MIS) being a particularly promising area. Engineering degrees, while challenging, offer practical problem-solving skills and high salaries, making them a solid choice for those up for the academic rigor. Technology degrees, particularly in computer science, are deemed extremely useful, with the potential for high earnings and a broad range of applications. Finally, health-related degrees are considered the most consistently in-demand, offering job security and the opportunity to make a significant impact, despite the challenges of a demanding work environment and ethical dilemmas.

Takeaways
  • 🎓 The most viewed video on the channel discussed the most useless degrees, causing controversy and existential crises among viewers.
  • 📈 The video aims to provide a positive perspective by discussing the most useful degrees, which can lead to good jobs and high salaries.
  • 🧮 Math-related degrees are highly useful as they are the language of the universe, with actuarial mathematics and econometrics being particularly lucrative.
  • 📊 Data science is a growing field for those with a statistics degree, with professionals able to earn six figures and high job demand expected in the future.
  • 💼 Business degrees can be valuable if specialized, with supply chain management and management information systems (MIS) being recommended specializations.
  • 🔍 MIS combines business and technology skills and is projected to be a strong field in the next 10 to 20 years.
  • 🔧 Engineering degrees are challenging and often require more than four years to complete, but they pay well and offer practical problem-solving skills.
  • 💰 Engineering is one of the highest paying fields, but it's also one of the most difficult, with a barrier to entry that can be an advantage for those who succeed.
  • 💻 Technology degrees, especially in computer science, are extremely useful and can lead to high-paying jobs in software development and other tech-related fields.
  • 🌐 Learning to code is considered a superpower due to the vast potential it offers in the age of automation and digital transformation.
  • ⚕️ Health-related degrees are always in demand, offering job security and the opportunity to make a real impact on people's lives, despite the challenges of the job.
Q & A
  • What is the most viewed video on the channel?

    -The most viewed video on the channel is about the 'most useless degrees' with over 1.7 million views.

  • Why does the video on useless degrees seem to have caused an existential crisis for some viewers?

    -The video on useless degrees may have caused an existential crisis for some viewers because it challenges the value and practicality of certain academic pursuits, which can be a sensitive topic for those who have invested time and money into such degrees.

  • What is the focus of the video being discussed in the transcript?

    -The focus of the video being discussed is on the most useful degrees, providing a positive perspective on degrees that can lead to good job opportunities.

  • What is the significance of math-related degrees according to the video?

    -Math-related degrees are considered useful because math is the language of the universe. Degrees like actuarial mathematics and econometrics are highlighted for their high earning potential and the increasing importance of math in various professions.

  • What is the issue with pure math degrees as mentioned in the transcript?

    -The issue with pure math degrees is that they can be too abstract, making it difficult for graduates to apply their skills in a practical way in the real world, which might pose a challenge when seeking their first job.

  • What is the advice given for those considering a math-related degree?

    -The advice given is to gain practical experience through internships during school and to conduct thorough research to ensure the degree can be applied effectively in a professional setting.

  • Why are business degrees considered risky in the transcript?

    -Business degrees are considered risky because some of them, like general business or business administration, are too general and do not equip students with specific skills, which can make them less valuable in the job market.

  • What is the key to making a business degree more valuable?

    -The key to making a business degree more valuable is to specialize in a particular area, such as supply chain management or management information systems, which combines business skills with technology.

  • What are the challenges associated with engineering degrees?

    -Engineering degrees are challenging due to their difficulty level, often requiring more than four years to complete. They are heavily based in science and math, and the curriculum constantly evolves with technology, which can be both a pro and a con.

  • What are the advantages of an engineering degree?

    -The advantages of an engineering degree include high earning potential, with many engineers making six figures, a barrier to entry due to the difficulty of the degree, and significant room for career growth.

  • Why is a technology-related degree, such as computer science, considered extremely useful?

    -A technology-related degree, like computer science, is considered extremely useful because it equips graduates with the ability to code, which is a valuable skill in the age of automation and can lead to high-paying jobs and opportunities for entrepreneurship.

  • What is the number one most useful degree according to the video?

    -According to the video, health-related degrees are considered the most useful because there is a constant demand for healthcare professionals, and these careers often come with job security and the ability to make a real impact on people's lives.

Outlines
00:00
📚 Most Useful Degrees: Math and Business Degrees

The video discusses the most useful degrees, starting with math-related degrees, which are considered the language of the universe. Actuarial mathematics and econometrics are highlighted for their high earning potential. The importance of internships and research is emphasized to make these degrees work. Business degrees are also mentioned, but with a caution that general business majors may not be as valuable. Specialization within business fields like supply chain management or management information systems (MIS) is advised for better career prospects.

05:01
🔍 Engineering and Technology Degrees: High Earning Potential

Engineering degrees are noted for their high earning potential and practical problem-solving skills, which are beneficial for potential entrepreneurs. Despite their difficulty and the long duration to complete, they offer a significant advantage due to their barrier to entry. Technology-related degrees, particularly computer science, are also discussed as highly useful, especially in the age of automation. The ability to code is considered a superpower, with vast opportunities for employment and high earning potential.

10:02
🏥 Healthcare Degrees: Evergreen Demand and Personal Impact

Healthcare degrees are described as having evergreen demand, with a constant shortage of healthcare professionals. Despite the hard work and emotional challenges of dealing with patients at their worst, healthcare careers offer job security and the ability to make a real impact on people's lives. The video also touches on the moral dilemmas and regulatory challenges faced in healthcare. The flexibility to work and live anywhere, along with high meaning scores, are listed as advantages of a healthcare career.

Mindmap
Keywords
💡Useless Degrees
The term 'useless degrees' refers to academic qualifications that may not provide practical or direct career opportunities. In the video, the speaker contrasts this concept with 'useful degrees,' which are more directly applicable to securing employment. The video aims to discuss degrees that are valuable and lead to successful careers, thus providing a counterpoint to the idea of 'useless degrees.'
💡Math Related Degrees
Math related degrees are academic qualifications in fields that involve mathematical concepts and problem-solving skills. The video emphasizes the utility of math degrees, such as actuarial mathematics and econometrics, due to their high earning potential and the increasing demand for mathematical skills in various professions. An example from the script is that actuarial mathematics can lead to a mid-career salary of over $130,000 a year.
💡Business Degrees
Business degrees are academic qualifications in the field of business administration and management. The video suggests that while some business degrees, like general business or business administration, may be less valuable due to their broad nature, specialized business degrees such as supply chain management or management information systems (MIS) can be quite beneficial. The speaker highlights MIS as a favorite due to its combination of business and technology skills.
💡Engineering Degrees
Engineering degrees are academic qualifications in various branches of engineering, which involve the application of scientific and mathematical principles to practical problems. The video discusses the high earning potential of engineering degrees and their practical applications, but also notes the challenges such as the difficulty of the coursework and the need for continuous learning due to rapid technological advancements. Kevin O'Leary's perspective is mentioned, where he believes that engineering is a highly valuable major.
💡Technology Related Degrees
Technology related degrees are academic qualifications in fields such as computer science, which are directly related to the development and application of computer systems and software. The video posits that a computer science degree is extremely useful, especially in the current age of automation, and can lead to lucrative careers in software development. The ability to code is likened to a superpower due to its vast potential for creating and automating systems.
💡Health Related Degrees
Health related degrees are academic qualifications in the healthcare field, such as nursing, medicine, and pharmacy. The video argues that these degrees are highly valuable due to the constant demand for healthcare professionals. Despite the challenges of hard work and emotional stress, the video highlights the job security, high meaning score, and the ability to make a real impact on people's lives as significant advantages.
💡Data Scientist
A data scientist is a professional who analyzes and interprets complex digital data, such as that found in the fields of business, engineering, and science. In the video, the speaker mentions that a statistics degree can lead to a career as a data scientist, which is projected to be one of the best professions in the coming decades due to the increasing value of data in the digital age.
💡Management Information Systems (MIS)
MIS is a specialized business degree that combines business skills with technology skills. It is highlighted in the video as a favorite of the speaker due to its applicability in the modern business world. The degree prepares students to manage the intersection of business processes and information technology, which is crucial in today's data-driven economy.
💡Career Growth
Career growth refers to the process of advancing in one's professional career, often through increased job responsibilities, higher positions, or increased compensation. The video discusses the potential for career growth in fields like engineering, where professionals can advance from a bachelor's degree to obtaining a master's or a doctorate, opening up more opportunities and higher-paying roles.
💡Supply and Demand
Supply and demand is an economic principle that describes the relationship between the availability of goods or services (supply) and the desire for those goods or services among consumers (demand). In the context of the video, the speaker discusses how the shortage of healthcare professionals in the US creates a favorable job market for those with health-related degrees, illustrating the principle of supply and demand in action.
💡Econometrics
Econometrics is a branch of economics that applies statistical methods to economic data for the purpose of testing economic theories, hypotheses, and for forecasting. The video mentions an economics and mathematics degree, also known as econometrics, as an example of a specialized and potentially lucrative degree, with mid-career earnings of at least $121,000.
Highlights

The most viewed video on the channel discusses the most useless degrees.

The video sparked existential crises and healthy discussions in the comments section about the value of different degrees.

Math-related degrees are highlighted as useful, with actuarial mathematics and econometrics being particularly lucrative.

Data science is identified as a promising profession for those with a statistics degree.

Pure math degrees can be abstract and may present initial challenges in securing a job without prior experience.

Business degrees are discussed, emphasizing the importance of specializing within the field.

Management Information Systems (MIS) is presented as a favorable business specialization.

Engineering degrees are noted for their difficulty but also for their high earning potential and practical problem-solving skills.

The video mentions that engineering degrees can lead to a wide range of career options and are among the highest paying on average.

Technology-related degrees, particularly computer science, are deemed extremely useful, especially in the age of automation.

A computer science degree is considered the closest thing to a superpower due to the vast potential of coding.

Healthcare-related degrees are ranked as the most useful due to the constant demand for healthcare professionals.

Nursing and doctor careers are highlighted for their long-standing shortage and job security.

The challenges of healthcare careers include hard work, emotional stress, and navigating complex regulations.

Despite the challenges, healthcare careers offer high job security, the ability to make a real impact, and geographical flexibility.

The video encourages viewers to like, subscribe, and engage with the content for more insights.

Transcripts
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