Sometimes it feels like almost everyone I meet at Rutgers is on a pre-med track, is majoring in business or is planning to earn their degree in computer science. I remember coming to Rutgers last summer for one of the orientation days. All the incoming students had a chance to talk with representatives for their intended school and major. Hordes of kids flocked to the teachers conducting the lectures for pre-med, while one other girl and I sat alone in the English room. I realized that day how little students actually pursue a college degree in the humanities. I'm sure the history room was just as empty.
My intention is not to criticize those who follow the more popular major paths. Sometimes I forget how privileged I am to have parents who are financially able and willing to encourage me to follow my dreams. Not everyone is that lucky, and there are also reasons major tracks like health, business, and computer science have increasing enrollment. It seems, that as our country has changed, so has our education system.
The price of even going to college leaves students in devastating debt, and even after an undergraduate degree is completed many jobs require further education. It makes sense that as everything, even the education system, becomes a money-making opportunity, going to college would become career prep and less of an enriching, educational experience.
In college, the pressure is on creating a stable future for yourself. This is why we've seen such a decline in humanities majors, and an increasing interest in majors that tend to lead to high paying jobs, like pre-med and business. We are in the middle of one of our biggest technological revolutions yet, so majoring in computer science is a solid investment in our country's future. According to the National Center for Education Statistics, the number of bachelor degrees in health professions has increased 201 percent between 2000 and 2016, while social sciences and history has increased by only 39 percent, and then decreased by 10 percent in 2016. These statistics reflect the theory that college students are looking to major in something that will ensure them a well-paying job.
It is understandable that students choose these majors. Young people today face the stress of rising costs of living coupled with the debilitating debt that their undergraduate degree leaves them with. It seems no coincidence that rates of depression have risen by 37 percent between 2005 and 2014, (John Hopkins Health Review) when this is the new reality of being a student in the United States. Still, is it really true that majoring in the humanities will limit and negatively affect your life?
Humanities majors may start off earning a lot less than STEM majors, but a recent study by the American Academy of Arts & Sciences shows that over time, this pay gap closes. This study also reflects that humanities majors report a level of job and life satisfaction consistent with those in STEM majors. Education majors report the highest level of job satisfaction.
Beyond just numbers, humanities classes teach critical thinking in a way that STEM classes do not. Many may moan and groan about required core writing classes, but the ability to think and analyze the world around you is an extremely valuable skill in almost every job. The importance of education in culture, art, and history cannot be underestimated because these skills allow you a chance to develop your creative thinking and curiosity, resources that are scarce lately.
Skills learned in an English class aren't only applicable to becoming a teacher, in fact, English is a common major for those planning on going to law school. Humanities majors don't limit your life despite the common stereotypes associated with them, they actually open pathways to a wider array of careers.
This is not to say that majoring in the STEM world is not just as valuable of an investment. Understanding the world on a scientific and mathematical level is just as important as through a humanities lens. What I am saying, however, is that deciding to pursue your interests or passions and majoring in the humanities does not decide your future and doom you to a poor, difficult life. Many students make their major choice due to pressure from parents or other external forces, but even if you find yourself unable to follow your passion, make sure to take a few humanities classes along the way because it's not all that bad.
