Artificial intelligence (AI) is no longer a futuristic concept—it's here, and it’s reshaping industries in unprecedented ways. While AI brings efficiency and innovation, it also raises concerns about job displacement, particularly in roles reliant on tasks AI can now perform better and faster. For students considering their futures, it’s crucial to understand which degrees align with the evolving job market and which may face challenges due to AI's rapid advancement. Here's a closer look at college degrees under threat, how AI is impacting them, and how students can adapt to remain competitive.

Degrees Impacted by Automation

AI's capability to process, analyze, and act on data is diminishing the need for certain roles that rely on repetitive or routine tasks. Consequently, degrees that primarily funnel students into these fields are at risk.

1. Accounting and Finance

Accounting has long been a stable and lucrative career choice. However, as AI-powered tools like QuickBooks, Xero, and other advanced financial software become more capable, routine bookkeeping, tax preparation, and financial forecasting tasks are increasingly automated. Machines can now process invoices, audit expenses, and even predict financial trends with a speed and accuracy unmatched by humans.

While there will always be a need for accountants in strategic financial decision-making, the demand for traditional entry-level bookkeeping roles is dwindling. Students pursuing accounting degrees are wise to consider adding expertise in AI technologies and data analysis to their skill set, enabling them to complement these tools rather than compete with them.

2. Data Entry and Administrative Roles

Degrees related to fields like business administration, which traditionally prepare students for administrative or clerical roles, are also being affected. AI-powered systems are already streamlining data entry, scheduling, transcription, and document processing. Virtual assistants like ChatGPT and machine learning algorithms can handle these tasks efficiently without the need for constant human supervision.

Students in related fields should focus on advancing skills in decision-making, customer relationship management, or tech-savvy project management roles—areas where the human element is more critical and less replicable by AI.

3. Manufacturing and Industrial Operations

For decades, manufacturing jobs depended on human expertise in operating machinery and production lines. Degrees in industrial operations or some forms of mechanical engineering led students into such roles. Today, factories are adopting smart manufacturing solutions, with robots and AI systems taking over assembly lines, quality control, and logistics planning.

Students interested in these areas can safeguard their careers by focusing on advanced degrees emphasizing robotics, automation design, or the maintenance of AI-driven machinery—fields that still require human ingenuity and oversight.

Technological Disruption and Specialized Degrees

Beyond automation-heavy sectors, AI is reaching fields where creative and cognitive work dominated. This shift puts degrees in journalism, routine legal tasks, and even basic programming at risk.

1. Journalism and Media Studies

AI tools like Jasper and Microsoft Copilot can now generate written content with great speed, raising questions about the future of traditional journalism degrees. Newsrooms are increasingly leveraging AI to produce simple news reports, generate summaries, and even edit videos or photos.

However, journalism as a field is not disappearing—it’s evolving. Investigative reporting, in-depth analysis, and human storytelling remain valuable, as these require critical thinking, empathy, and creativity. Aspiring journalists should focus on multimedia skills, ethical reasoning, and building a unique voice that sets them apart from automated content.

2. Legal Studies in Routine Practice Areas

Legal degrees aimed at preparing students for areas like contract law, document review, or patent research are also feeling the AI pressure. Platforms like ROSS Intelligence and Kira Systems use AI to analyze contracts and conduct legal research within minutes—tasks that previously occupied hours of an entry-level lawyer’s time.

Future lawyers can differentiate themselves by focusing on specialties requiring emotional intelligence, negotiation, and strategic reasoning, such as litigation, human rights law, or mediation. Combining legal expertise with an understanding of emerging technologies can also be an asset, particularly in cyber law or AI ethics.

3. Basic Programming and Software Development

Programming has traditionally been a secure career path, but AI tools like GitHub Copilot and AutoML are automating basic coding processes. These tools assist developers by generating code, fixing errors, and streamlining workflows—functions that previously required human developers with foundational programming skills.

This may reduce demand for entry-level programmers while increasing the need for professionals skilled in solving complex problems, building AI itself, or designing secure and ethical systems. Students pursuing computer science degrees should aim to specialize in advanced areas like machine learning, cybersecurity, or UX design to remain relevant.

How Students Can Prepare for an AI-Driven Job Market

While certain degrees are under pressure, AI also opens opportunities for those able to adapt and evolve alongside it. Here’s how students can future-proof their careers.

1. Focus on Human-Centric Skills

AI is powerful, but it cannot replicate human creativity, emotional intelligence, and critical thinking. Degrees that cultivate these skills—such as psychology, sociology, or design thinking—are workproof against technological replacement in many areas. Roles involving leadership, problem-solving, or fostering collaboration will always require a human touch.

2. Stay Updated on Emerging Industries

Emerging sectors like AI ethics, renewable energy, and biotechnology are experiencing significant growth. Students can pivot degrees based on these trends—for example, combining environmental science with engineering or focusing on ethics within a law degree for tackling AI regulation. Keeping an eye on market forecasts and aligning academic interests accordingly is key.

3. Combine Disciplines for Uniqueness

Degrees that combine tech with other fields are growing in importance. For example, pairing a traditional degree like marketing with knowledge of artificial intelligence tools can lead to careers in data-driven digital strategy. Similarly, creative professionals can enhance their portfolios by mastering AI-powered design tools or animation software.

4. Lifelong Learning is Essential

AI will continue to evolve, and so must students—and professionals. Lifelong learning through certifications, workshops, and advanced degrees will remain a necessity. Staying flexible, curious, and proactive will make all the difference in a rapidly changing job landscape.

AI is reshaping the workforce, and degrees funneling students into AI-replaceable roles are under scrutiny. However, this doesn’t spell doom—it signals transformation. Students need to adopt a forward-thinking mindset, emphasizing skills and knowledge areas that AI cannot replicate or replace.

By choosing degrees that blend technical expertise with creativity, emotional intelligence, and strategic thinking, students can ensure that their education remains a valuable asset in the dynamic, AI-driven world. The key is to focus not only on what AI can do but also on what it can't.