Let’s face it—times are changing faster than ever. The degrees that once promised a stable career are starting to lose their shine. With industries shifting, automation on the rise, and technology advancing at lightning speed, some courses just aren't cutting it anymore. Education is always valuable, but it’s important to make sure what you're learning sets you up for the future, not the past. Here are 10 degrees that are becoming less relevant—and what you should consider studying instead.

1. Traditional Journalism

Journalism isn’t dead, but it sure has changed. Gone are the days when newspapers and TV were the only ways people got their news. Today, social media, blogs, and YouTube are the go-to sources. Unfortunately, many journalism programs haven’t caught up, leaving students without key digital skills like video editing, SEO writing, or social media management.

What to study instead: Look into digital media, content creation, or multimedia journalism. These courses focus on the digital skills you’ll need to thrive in today’s fast-paced media world.

2. Library Science

Libraries are still amazing places for learning, but the traditional role of a librarian is fading. With almost endless information available online, fewer people rely on libraries for research. Plus, AI and automation are taking over many of the tasks librarians used to do.

What to study instead: Consider information science or data management. These fields are booming as businesses need experts to organize and analyze digital data.

3. Retail Management

The retail world is going digital fast. Physical stores are closing while online shopping is exploding. Traditional retail management courses often don’t teach the skills needed for this new digital landscape.

What to study instead: Dive into e-commerce management or digital marketing. You could also explore logistics or supply chain management, which are becoming essential as the future of retail shifts online.

4. Travel and Tourism

People will always love to travel, but the travel industry has changed drastically. AI-powered apps and online booking platforms are making travel agents less necessary. Many traditional tourism jobs are disappearing as these tools take over.

What to study instead: Digital tourism or sustainable tourism are great alternatives that adapt to the changing industry. If you’re still passionate about this space, consider event management, which offers more flexibility and growth potential.

5. General Humanities Degrees

This might sting a little, but degrees like philosophy, history, and literature don’t always prepare you for today’s job market. While they teach great critical thinking skills, they often leave you without the practical tools needed to land a job.

What to study instead: If you love the humanities, combine it with some digital or tech skills. For example, learning coding, UX design, or data analytics alongside your degree can make you much more marketable.

6. Office Administration

With AI and automation on the rise, many traditional office tasks—like data entry, filing, and scheduling—are being done by software. This means fewer opportunities for office administrators.

What to study instead: Shift your focus to project management or business administration with an emphasis on tech skills like cloud computing. This will set you up for a more versatile and future-proof career.

7. Basic IT Support

IT support is still important, but the way we handle it has changed. Basic troubleshooting tasks are increasingly handled by AI and automated systems, leaving fewer opportunities for entry-level IT roles.

What to study instead: Specialize in high-demand areas like cybersecurity, AI, or cloud computing. These fields are expanding fast and aren’t likely to be automated anytime soon.

8. Mechanical Drafting

Mechanical drafting used to be a go-to skill for engineers, architects, and designers. But thanks to advancements in computer-aided design (CAD) and automation software, traditional drafting has become less relevant.

What to study instead: Master advanced CAD techniques or explore 3D modeling and industrial design. These areas are much more aligned with the future of engineering and manufacturing.

9. Traditional Advertising

The advertising world has completely transformed. TV, radio, and print ads are taking a back seat as digital marketing and social media strategies dominate. If your advertising course doesn’t focus on digital, you’re probably missing the mark.

What to study instead: Look into digital marketing. Courses in social media strategies, Google ads, and SEO will help you stay ahead in the ever-evolving advertising world.

10. Basic Culinary Arts

This one’s a bit tricky—people will always need food, but the culinary industry is changing. The rise of meal kits, food delivery apps, and ghost kitchens means that traditional culinary programs may not prepare you for the future of food.

What to study instead: Focus on food tech, sustainable food production, or food business management. These areas will help you stay relevant as the industry continues to evolve.

Final Thoughts: Choose a Career That’s Future-Proof

As the world continues to change, choosing a career that evolves with it is more important than ever. While the degrees listed here may still hold some value, they’re losing relevance as industries shift. To stay ahead of the curve, focus on gaining skills that are adaptable, tech-driven, and aligned with where the world is going. It’s all about preparing for the future—not getting stuck in the past.