Why Double Majors May Better Withstand AI Disruption

Published by the U.S.-based National Bureau of Economic Research, this study analyzed data collected from the American Community Survey between 2009 and 2019, covering information on 1.5 million working adults in the U.S. The authors found that individuals with double majors were 56% less likely to experience negative earning shocks. These shocks, which include job loss or pay cuts, have become more frequent in industries where AI tools like ChatGPT are making inroads.

The study highlights that double majors possess a broader skill set, enabling them to work in a wider array of roles and industries compared to their peers who focus on a single discipline. This broader expertise allows double majors to more easily pivot and adapt when AI impacts specific sectors. Andrew Hanks, Associate Professor of Consumer Science at Ohio State University and lead author of the paper, emphasized that those with double majors tend to be more adaptable in the face of AI disruption, as they can draw from diverse skill sets to stay competitive.

Bruce Weinberg, an economics professor at Ohio State, added that double majors are more insulated from industry-specific downturns. For instance, computer science graduates with a double major who work in government sectors may be unaffected by salary cuts in the tech industry. This adaptability in the face of changing job market dynamics makes double majors a strategic investment for students seeking long-term career stability.

In conclusion, as AI continues to reshape the workforce, individuals who have diversified their educational backgrounds by pursuing double majors may find themselves better prepared to withstand the challenges ahead. The ability to leverage a broad skill set may help them maintain job security and navigate the evolving professional landscape.