Some degrees are more in demand than others, but even a degree in something you think is useless (like philosophy) is an indicator to employers that you are the kind of person to get a college education and are in so much debt you’ll do anything for a job.

The intent behind a American bachelor’s degree wasn’t just to provide a knowledge base in a given subject, but to also help train the student to be a leader. This is part of the reason why there are so many clubs and other organizations in college; you are supposed to be practicing to lead. It is also the reason why you take classes in a broader range of subjects, as there are additional skills you need as a leader that may not get taught in technical classes.

If the degree doesn’t impart useful knowledge, you are still supposed to be taught these skills in college. A lot of colleges today have gotten worse on teaching this part to students as funding and rankings don’t really focus on teaching students how to be leaders, but this was the intent of college.

I’m pretty sure there is a difference. I remember getting some money from the government in The Netherlands when you started a study, training, course, etc. In just a few months there were several companies offering training and courses for jobs that never had any certifications or requirements. It was abused a lot and as far as I know they dont’t offer it anymore (since last year).