Your university or college experience is one that should be cherished. You will learn more from the experience than what will be taught in class. Most people end up working in professions that have nothing to do with their degrees.
So, it’s important to know what your end goals are, and where you see yourself many years after graduating. Choosing the right degree is a part of this, so here is a list of degrees you should be aware of when making the decision to pursue a course of study at the university.
- Drama and Theatre Studies
The study of Drama and Theatre offers exposure to dramatic expression, and is an intellectually challenging art form of performing and production with a transition from page to stage. However, to spend thousands just to study to get a degree in this art form is not really necessary.
A Bachelor in Theatre Studies is a degree program for aspiring actors and directors. This course generally includes training in directing, stage management and production, dramaturgy, design technology, playwriting and acting. A degree in theatre arts is also one of the most useless university degrees in the world. The reason is that you don’t need a degree to become an actor or a singer, think about that.
Although many actors have taken that career path, many also haven’t. The thing is, to become a professional actor is not taught at school. It is your talent and consistent practising.
However, if you think acting is your passion, then enrol in auditions and if you’re interested in on-stage production, try getting a first job behind the scene.
Many people who work in this industry like actors, producers did not have to go to college to learn it and most are doing alright. It is a skill than can be learnt through years of self practice, and even through online courses. Here are a few examples of successful actors and actresses who do not have a degree in theatre arts;
Nana Ama McBrown: She is one of the richest actresses in the country right now. She dropped out of school in JHS 2 and has never looked back.
Van Vicker: The renowned actor schooled at Mfantsipim SHS. He has carved a niche for himself in Ghana and Nigeria. He is a successful person without a university degree.
Majid Michel: Majid attended St. Theresa’s Primary School before schooling at Mfantsipim School where he was active in the Drama Club. His love for acting made him a breakthrough actor in the Ghanaian movie industry before making strides in Nollywood.
Kwadwo Nkansah Lil Win: Ghanaian artist, musician, actor and comedian. Kwadwo couldn’t complete primary school, he dropped out at grade six and wasn’t able to further his education.
2. Archaeology
Anthropology is the study of humanity and its cultures, while archaeology studies human history and prehistory through the excavation of sites and the analysis of artefacts and other physical remains.
Those who graduate with a degree in anthropology and archaeology may hope to spend time on a historical excavation site such as Daboya, and Kintampo Culture Sites, or at least in a museum studying the findings.
An Anthropology and Archaeology degree is best for those who prefer to travel the world and love history or study this degree programme for personal benefit. However, if you want a degree that will let you climb the corporate ladder, then this type of degree won’t help you.
How many companies today have you seen hiring for Anthropologist or Archaeologist? Unfortunately, there’s a reason the only archaeologists you know are fictional – in the real world, they are too few and far between. And this makes it one of the most useless university degrees in the world.
3. Philosophy
It is the study of the way of thinking of the world, the universe and society. A degree in this field does not yield job opportunities in a country like Ghana.
Philosophy, (from Greek, by way of Latin, philosophia, “love of wisdom”) the rational, abstract, and methodical consideration of reality as a whole or of fundamental dimensions of human existence and experience.
Philosophical inquiry is a central element in the intellectual history of many civilizations. But it makes for a poor first degree. As a first degree it is not an advisable choice because after graduation it might be difficult to get a job with a degree like this.
4. Fashion Design
A Bachelor in Fashion Design is a three-year or four-year undergraduate degree that gives students solid training in the latest fashion industry evolving. The degree also offers resources in entrepreneurship and professional product development.
Having a degree in fashion design is fantastic, but it is one of the most useless university degrees in the Ghana. The reason is that jobs requiring a fashion design degree are decreasing, and the competition is getting fierce, and you may need excellent connections to get in the door.
However, if you’re passionate about fashion design, and you want to pursue this career, you have to work harder and improve several skills like visual arts, graphic design, or have a piece of general design knowledge.
5. Music
Music degrees are a massive waste of time and money unless you want to become a music teacher. Read the life stories and career paths of successful musicians, will teach you that you can learn almost everything in the real world and make it in the music industry.
Music degrees are among the most useless university degrees in Ghana in the sense that getting a job in this field is very difficult unless you’re talented and you may manage to land a career as a prestigious conductor, professional musician, or community band director.
The majority of music majors are seen leading worship at church. So why go for a degree that will cost you a considerable amount of money and in the end, getting a job becomes a headache.
Famous and successful musicians in Ghana who do not have a degree in music are;
Shatta Wale: He is one of the most sought-after musicians in Africa all because of his lyrical prowess. The controversial singer attended Winneba Secondary School but didn’t continue to the tertiary level.
Sarkodie: Michael Owusu Addo known in showbiz as Sarkodie is one of the successful rappers on the African continent. He is a former BET award winner and made it to the top without a degree from the university.
Samini: Talking about top Ghanaian musicians, Samini’s name cannot be left out. He has successfully made it to the top without a university degree.
6. Language Studies
If you are passionate about languages, then go for it, but please consider majoring or studying an employable degree in addition.
You can get jobs if you want to teach it or translate it, but job vacancies are few and far between. It’s great for one to be able to communicate in different languages, but will it be worth it at the end to spend so much money on a degree when there are plenty of online courses that can help accomplish that purpose.
7. Fine Art
The study of visual art in the form of film, photography, painting, design, etc, is another degree which is completely worthless.
Experience and skill is most appreciated in this art form, so it doesn’t make sense to spend money in getting an education in a skill that can be honed by the individual on their own.
8. Religious Studies
A degree in religious studies prepares students to understand the implications of faith. Students focus on global theology in better understanding others and the diversity between different religions.
A degree in religious studies is also one of the most useless university degrees in the Ghana. I’m not saying pursuing this career path is inconvenient, no. Religious studies may be suitable for your soul, but your wallet won’t appreciate it after graduation.
You don’t need a degree to be a pastor. … In most cases, a degree isn’t an official requirement—it just helps. Churches want to hire people who have a solid grasp of the Bible, theology, and ministry. This can come from formal education, but it doesn’t have to.
The job opportunities available for a degree in religious studies is limited. After all, most big pastors and televangelist we know them today don’t have a degree in religious studies.
9. Travel and Tourism
Although travel and tourism may seem appealing and enjoyable when pursuing. Travel and tourism graduates learn about products, structures, and operations within the tourism industry, tour operators, airlines, hotels, and tourist boards.
However, most students graduate with a travel and tourism degree and are unsure of their next move after graduation. Pursuing a degree in travel and tourism is a lucrative idea, but job opportunities are somehow limited.
It is one of the most useless university degrees in Ghana. Many students have become Instagram influencers or professional YouTubers without the help of their high earned travel and tourism degrees.
10. Gender Studies
Lastly, one of the useless university degrees in the Ghana that will make you lazy is gender studies. Believe it or not, this type of degree doesn’t train you for any particular career path.
The university of Ghana, University of Education, Winneba, UCC among others offer gender studies. Gender Studies explores gender through multiple lenses including ethnicity, class, religion, nationality, culture, and sexual orientation in order to dissect how it is a social construct, a biological component, and a source of prejudice, stereotype, and privilege.
Unless you have connections that can find a position for you in The Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection of Ghana which is a government ministry responsible for the formulation of policies that promote the institutionalization and development of women and children’s issues, then please avoid this course.