Many graduates in Ghana face difficulty securing jobs after school, often due to a mismatch between what they studied and what employers need.
At the Master’s level, making the wrong choice can be costly. Here are seven degrees losing relevance and better alternatives to consider:
- MA in General Sociology
Too theoretical with limited direct job pathways.
Study instead: MSc in Development Studies (with data or policy focus). Skills in SPSS, STATA, or NVivo boost employability. - MA in Political Science/Government
Opportunities mostly limited to academia or politics.
Study instead: Master of Public Administration (MPA) or Public Policy (MPP) for roles in government and NGOs. - MA in History/African Studies
Narrow career options, mainly teaching.
Study instead: Heritage Management or Tourism & Hospitality Management to tap into Ghana’s growing tourism sector. - MSc in Pure Mathematics
Limited outside academic research.
Study instead: Data Science, Actuarial Science, or Financial Mathematics—high demand in finance and tech sectors. - MA in General Psychology
Lacks clear career direction without specialization.
Study instead: Industrial/Organisational Psychology or MBA (HR) for corporate opportunities. - MA in English/Literature
Mostly leads to teaching roles with lower earning potential.
Study instead: Communication Studies, Digital Content Strategy, or Technical Writing. - MSc in Library & Information Science
Declining demand due to digital disruption.
Study instead: Information Technology, Knowledge Management, or Cyber Security.
Conclusion
Degrees that are highly theoretical are losing value, while practical, tech-driven programmes are in demand. Before choosing a Master’s, consider job prospects, practical skills, and future relevance.
Tags:
Ghana education, Master’s degrees, career advice, postgraduate studies, job market Ghana, high demand skills, data science, public policy, digital skills, career development
