Degrees Most Likely to Become Obsolete in the Next 10 Years: The Ultimate Guide for 2025
As of March 20, 2025, the global job market is undergoing seismic shifts driven by artificial intelligence (AI), automation, climate change, and evolving societal needs. With over 85% of jobs projected for 2030 yet to be invented (Institute for the Future), traditional university degrees face unprecedented scrutiny. This article identifies the degrees most likely to become obsolete in the next decade. Whether you’re a student, parent, or career-switcher, this guide equips you with actionable insights to future-proof your education.
Why Do Degrees Become Obsolete?
Degrees lose relevance when technological advancements, market saturation, or shifting industry demands outpace their curricula. In South Africa and globally, automation is expected to displace 39% of jobs by 2035 (McKinsey, 2024), while fields requiring adaptability and digital skills surge. Degrees rooted in outdated practices or oversupplied talent pools are at the highest risk. Let’s dive into the top 10 degrees facing obsolescence by 2035.
1. General Liberal Arts (BA without Specialization)
Why It’s at Risk: A broad Bachelor of Arts—think history, philosophy, or sociology without a niche—lacks the specific skills employers increasingly demand. AI tools like ChatGPT can now generate essays or analyze texts, reducing the need for generalists.
Job Outlook: Only 27% of liberal arts graduates secure jobs matching their qualifications within five years (Strada Education, 2023).
Replacement: Specialized fields like Digital Humanities or Data Analytics offer better prospects.
Risk Level: High—automation and market saturation threaten its value.
General Liberal Arts degrees are fading as employers prioritize practical, tech-driven expertise.
2. Traditional Journalism
Why It’s at Risk: AI-generated content and social media platforms like X have disrupted traditional journalism. Tools like Grok can summarize news in seconds, while citizen journalists flood digital spaces.
Job Outlook: Journalism jobs in South Africa declined by 15% from 2015-2023 (Stats SA), with further contraction expected.
Replacement: Multimedia Storytelling or Digital Marketing degrees align with modern media trends.
Risk Level: Very High—technology is rewriting the industry’s rules.
The rise of AI and decentralized media spells trouble for classic journalism programs.
3. Travel and Tourism Management
Why It’s at Risk: Virtual reality (VR) tourism and AI-driven travel planning (e.g., chatbots booking trips) are reducing demand for human intermediaries. Climate change also curbs physical travel growth.
Job Outlook: Global tourism jobs could shrink by 18% by 2030 (World Travel & Tourism Council, 2024).
Replacement: Sustainable Tourism or VR Experience Design degrees are future-ready alternatives.
Risk Level: Moderate to High—tech and environmental factors converge.
Travel degrees face obsolescence as virtual experiences and eco-conscious shifts take hold.
4. Retail Management
Why It’s at Risk: E-commerce giants like Amazon and Takealot, powered by AI logistics and automation, dominate retail. Brick-and-mortar roles are dwindling as online shopping soars.
Job Outlook: South African retail jobs dropped 12% since 2020 (Retail Association SA).
Replacement: E-commerce Management or Supply Chain Analytics degrees reflect the digital shift.
Risk Level: High—physical retail’s decline is accelerating.
Retail Management is losing ground to online commerce and automated systems.
5. Accounting (Basic BCom Accounting, Non-CA)
Why It’s at Risk: Routine accounting tasks—bookkeeping, tax filing—are being automated by software like QuickBooks and AI platforms. Only Chartered Accountants (CAs) with advanced skills remain in demand.
Job Outlook: Entry-level accounting roles could decline by 30% by 2032 (SAICA, 2024).
Replacement: Financial Technology (FinTech) or Data Science degrees offer longevity.
Risk Level: Moderate—automation targets repetitive tasks, not strategic roles.
Basic accounting degrees are vulnerable as AI streamlines number-crunching.
6. Manufacturing Engineering (Traditional Focus)
Why It’s at Risk: Industry 4.0—smart factories, robotics, and 3D printing—demands engineers skilled in automation, not outdated manual processes.
Job Outlook: Traditional manufacturing jobs in South Africa fell 20% since 2010 (Stats SA).
Replacement: Mechatronics or Robotics Engineering degrees align with modern needs.
Risk Level: High—factories are going high-tech fast.
Old-school manufacturing degrees can’t keep up with smart automation.
7. Library and Information Science
Why It’s at Risk: Digital libraries, Google Scholar, and AI search tools reduce the need for physical librarians. Information is now democratized online.
Job Outlook: Librarian roles globally are projected to shrink by 8% by 2030 (BLS, 2023).
Replacement: Information Systems or Data Curation degrees pivot to digital trends.
Risk Level: Very High—physical libraries are relics in a digital age.
This degree is fading as AI and online databases take over.
8. Postal Service Management
Why It’s at Risk: Email, WhatsApp, and e-commerce logistics have gutted traditional postal services. South Africa’s SAPO struggles with insolvency, reflecting a global trend.
Job Outlook: Postal jobs could vanish by 40% by 2035 (ILO, 2024).
Replacement: Logistics and Supply Chain Management degrees focus on booming e-delivery.
Risk Level: Extreme—snail mail is nearly extinct.
Postal degrees are dead-end in a world of instant communication.
9. Film and Video Editing (Traditional)
Why It’s at Risk: AI tools like Runway ML can edit videos autonomously, while platforms like TikTok favor short, user-generated content over polished films.
Job Outlook: Traditional editing roles may drop 15% by 2033 (Creative Industries Report, 2024).
Replacement: Digital Content Creation or Immersive Media (AR/VR) degrees are cutting-edge.
Risk Level: Moderate to High—AI is reshaping creative workflows.
Classic editing degrees struggle as AI and social media redefine video.
10. Fossil Fuel Engineering (e.g., Petroleum Engineering)
Why It’s at Risk: The global shift to renewable energy—solar, wind, hydrogen—driven by climate goals like Net Zero by 2050, is phasing out fossil fuels. South Africa’s coal reliance is waning.
Job Outlook: Petroleum engineering jobs could plummet 50% by 2035 (IEA, 2024).
Replacement: Renewable Energy Engineering or Environmental Science degrees lead the green wave.
Risk Level: Very High—fossil fuels are on life support.
Fossil fuel degrees are doomed as sustainability takes over.
How to Choose a Future-Proof Degree
Avoid obsolescence by targeting degrees with:
Tech Integration: Skills in AI, coding, or data analysis.
Adaptability: Broad applicability across industries.
Societal Relevance: Alignment with healthcare, sustainability, or digital trends.
Examples: Computer Science, Cybersecurity, Sustainable Engineering.
Stay ahead by researching emerging job trends on platforms like X or industry reports.
Conclusion: Act Now to Stay Relevant
By 2035, the degrees most likely to become obsolete—General Liberal Arts, Traditional Journalism, Travel and Tourism Management, Retail Management, Basic Accounting, Manufacturing Engineering, Library Science, Postal Service Management, Film Editing, and Fossil Fuel Engineering—will struggle to justify their cost (R150,000–R300,000 in South Africa).
