I want to get a degree in African American Studies... but

And in this day and age you can get ALOT of it for free on the internet in many fields. regardless, University is a one time thing for most.... and nowadays "favourite hobby" is not cutting it. suggesting things like this over maths/science/engineering/technology related degrees is largely shooting yourself in the foot (or any other specialist field that is in demand) providing ofcourse oyu like them at all.

I ask... why does that subject require 3 years and a ton load of debt....? MOST of the information he needs would be accessible from the internet or librarys... sounds more like a spare time thing.. putting it bluntly. his family and freinds are right to suggest against it.

ofcourse no one can force him... its just strongly reccomended.

Why not double-major and do a second major that's more practical? Or minor in African American studies.

Any undergrad degree you can learn from books pretty much.

Stop being pedantic. He meant you can read books and learn the subject. Hell...if you're spending that much money...don't do it for a hobby. Have an end game in sight....ie a possible job.

you and the guy below think you are being clever by saying this?

What employer looks for a degree like that on the CV? most of the above technology/engineering ect roles DEMAND a degree as proof more than anything. proof of competency, or at least taught "the right way"... so regardless of that little fact of being able to find most information online, you still NEED to do it.

well yes, alot of graduate schemes and general hiring groups just demand any degree, buuut, I guess what I am just saying is... if he has any interest in a field that requires a specific degree, he would be opening more doors for himself.

In the end its up to him. if he feels that strongly about it then just do the degree he wants... but there are many of us graduates out there that with heinsight "would of planned for a career, not for whatever we liked or found easiest"