Artificial intelligence (AI) is transforming the global job market faster than ever. According to research from PwC, McKinsey, Goldman Sachs, and the World Economic Forum, AI could influence up to 26% of global GDP by 2050. In terms of jobs, 30% could be automated by 2030 — and half by 2045.
We are now in a critical stage of the AI era. The nature of work is shifting, and so are salary trends. That means students can no longer choose their degrees based only on personal interest. It’s increasingly important to consider:
- The impact of AI and technology on the industry;
- The human role in future job functions;
- The long-term career and salary outlook.
Degrees Under Pressure: Lower Pay for Some Majors
A recent Newsweek report shows that certain majors are already seeing falling starting salaries:
- Communications: down 3% year-over-year
- Social sciences: down 3.6%
Meanwhile, CNBC highlights several majors with the lowest median incomes, using data from the Federal Reserve Bank of New York [1]:
- Foreign languages: USD $40,000
- General social sciences: USD $41,000
- Performing arts, anthropology, early childhood education, sociology, theology: USD $42,000
(For comparison, the average US median income is USD $48,060.) [2]
AI’s effect is not the same across all roles, but it is accelerating. Many routine tasks — such as data entry and customer support — are now automated through AI agents. Tools like Harvey AI and CoCounsel AI are even handling legal writing and research, reducing the demand for junior-level human staff in those roles.
Spotlight: The Communications Degree
The communications major provides a good example of how the job market is changing. Once considered a solid path into media, PR, or corporate communication, it’s now facing slower job growth and stagnating pay. Experts point to several reasons:
- Graduate oversupply: Too many students graduate with this major, compared to job availability.
- AI replacing entry-level tasks: Writing content, managing social media, and responding to customer messages — all increasingly done by AI.
- Skills mismatch: Employers now seek specific abilities like SEO, digital marketing, and data analysis — often not covered in general communications programmes.
What the experts say [3]:
Bryan Driscoll, HR consultant:
“Communications jobs are often first to go during company cutbacks. And for new graduates already facing high living costs, lower salaries only make things harder.”
Final Thoughts: Choose with the Future in Mind
In this new landscape, choosing a degree is about more than just interest. Students must also think about relevance, job demand, and salary sustainability in an AI-driven world. Ask yourself:
- Will this role still exist in a decade?
- Am I gaining skills that are hard to automate?
- Can I build a stable career from this qualification?
The future is changing quickly — and making informed academic choices today can make all the difference tomorrow.