Hardest college majors is a topic that troubles students at college. Entering university is a new starting point. The first thing to do when entering university is to choose a major. Choosing a major is a very important decision, which determines the direction of your efforts in the next four or even many years, as well as your future career and life. How to choose a major can be analyzed from different perspectives. Some people start from the heart and choose the major that interests them the most; some people start from reality and choose the major that will pay the most in the future; some people follow the opinions of their parents and teachers and choose the safest major. No matter which major you choose, graduating successfully is everyone’s biggest wish.
This blog selects top 10 hardest college majors and analyzes how to choose college majors and methodology. With this comprehensive and updated guide, you can make the best choice of your educational destination.
Top 10 Hardest College Majors
Top 1. Chemistry
Median Early Career Earnings (age 22-27): $50,000
Median Mid Career Earnings (age 35-45): $85,000
Average Unemployment (age 22-27): 2.8%
Average Underemployment (age 22-27): 40.9%
Percentage with Graduate Degree: 65.3%
Chemistry is the scientific study of the properties and behavior of matter. It is a physical science within the natural sciences that studies the chemical elements that make up matter and compounds made of atoms, molecules and ions: their composition, structure, properties, behavior and the changes they undergo during reactions with other substances. Chemistry also addresses the nature of chemical bonds in chemical compounds. In the scope of its subject, chemistry occupies an intermediate position between physics and biology. It is sometimes called the central science because it provides a foundation for understanding both basic and applied scientific disciplines at a fundamental level.
In addition to mastering difficult subject material, almost two-thirds of chemistry majors go on to earn advanced degrees which is a necessity for most research positions. It is globally regarded as one of hardest college majors and hardest degrees to obtain because of its complicated knowledge.
Top 2. Mathematics
Median Early Career Earnings (age 22-27): $65,000
Median Mid Career Earnings (age 35-45): $92,000
Average Unemployment (age 22-27): 3.4%
Average Underemployment (age 22-27): 27.6%
Percentage with Graduate Degree: 52.4%
Mathematics is a field of study that discovers and organizes methods, theories and theorems that are developed and proved for the needs of empirical sciences and mathematics itself. Mathematics is essential in the natural sciences, engineering, medicine, finance, computer science, and the social sciences. Although mathematics is extensively used for modeling phenomena, the fundamental truths of mathematics are independent of any scientific experimentation. Some areas of mathematics, such as statistics and game theory, are developed in close correlation with their applications and are often grouped under applied mathematics. Other areas are developed independently from any application but often later find practical applications.
As one of most difficult majors and most difficult degrees, Mathematics is challenging for most of students around the world. But for its fundamental position, it is necessary for students to have a good command of this difficult degree.
Top 3. Architecture
Median Early Career Earnings (age 22-27): $50,000
Median Mid Career Earnings (age 35-45): $90,000
Average Unemployment (age 22-27): 3.3%
Average Underemployment (age 22-27): 25.1%
Percentage with Graduate Degree: 40.7%
Architecture is the art and technique of designing and building, as distinguished from the skills associated with construction. It is both the process and the product of sketching, conceiving, planning, designing, and constructing buildings or other structures. Architectural works, in the material form of buildings, are often perceived as cultural symbols and as works of art. Historical civilizations are often identified with their surviving architectural achievements. Many architects become disillusioned with modernism which they perceived as ahistorical and anti-aesthetic, and postmodern and contemporary architecture developed. Over the years, the field of architectural construction has branched out to include everything from ship design to interior decorating.
It is globally regarded as one of hardest college majors and hardest degree in the world because of its complicated knowledge and long learning cycle.
Top 4. Biology
Median Early Career Earnings (age 22-27): $44,300
Median Mid Career Earnings (age 35-45): $76,000
Average Unemployment (age 22-27): 3.4%
Average Underemployment (age 22-27): 47.1%
Percentage with Graduate Degree: 62.5%
Biology is the scientific study of life. It is a natural science with a broad scope but has several unifying themes that tie it together as a single, coherent field. Biologists are able to study life at multiple levels of organization, from the molecular biology of a cell to the anatomy and physiology of plants and animals, and evolution of populations. Hence, there are multiple subdisciplines within biology, each defined by the nature of their research questions and the tools that they use. Like other scientists, biologists use the scientific method to make observations, pose questions, generate hypotheses, perform experiments, and form conclusions about the world around them.
As one of most difficult majors and most difficult degrees, Biology is challenging for most of students around the world. But for its fundamental position, it is necessary for students to have a good command of this difficult degree.
Top 5. Geology
Median Early Career Earnings (age 22-27): $41,000
Median Mid Career Earnings (age 35-45): $52,000
Average Unemployment (age 22-27): 1.5%
Average Underemployment (age 22-27): 19.6%
Percentage with Graduate Degree: 50.9%
Geology is a branch of natural science concerned with the Earth and other astronomical objects, the rocks of which they are composed, and the processes by which they change over time. Modern geology significantly overlaps all other Earth sciences, including hydrology. It is integrated with Earth system science and planetary science. Geology describes the structure of the Earth on and beneath its surface and the processes that have shaped that structure. Geologists study the mineralogical composition of rocks in order to get insight into their history of formation. Geology determines the relative ages of rocks found at a given location; geochemistry (a branch of geology) determines their absolute ages.
It is globally regarded as one of hardest college majors and hardest degree in the world because of its complicated knowledge and long learning cycle.
Top 6. Philosophy
Median Early Career Earnings (age 22-27): $40,000
Median Mid Career Earnings (age 35-45): $68,000
Average Unemployment (age 22-27): 7.9%
Average Underemployment (age 22-27): 55.5%
Percentage with Graduate Degree: 22.6%
Philosophy is a systematic study of general and fundamental questions concerning topics like existence, reason, knowledge, value, mind, and language. It is a rational and critical inquiry that reflects on its own methods and assumptions. Philosophers use a great variety of methods to arrive at philosophical knowledge. They include conceptual analysis, reliance on common sense and intuitions, use of thought experiments, analysis of ordinary language, description of experience, and critical questioning. Philosophy is related to many other fields, including the sciences, mathematics, business, law, and journalism. It provides an interdisciplinary perspective and studies the scope and fundamental concepts of these fields. It also investigates their methods and ethical implications.
What is the hardest degree to get? There must be a place for philosophy in the answer. It is one of hardest majors in college because students need to master and understand obscure knowledge and generate their own independent thinking.
Top 7. Physics
Median Early Career Earnings (age 22-27): $62,000
Median Mid Career Earnings (age 35-45): $95,000
Average Unemployment (age 22-27): 6.2%
Average Underemployment (age 22-27): 31.2%
Percentage with Graduate Degree: 67.9%
Physics is the natural science of matter, involving the study of matter, its fundamental constituents, its motion and behavior through space and time, and the related entities of energy and force. Physics is one of the most fundamental scientific disciplines. Physics is one of the oldest academic disciplines and, through its inclusion of astronomy, perhaps the oldest. Advances in physics often enable new technologies. For example, advances in the understanding of electromagnetism, solid-state physics, and nuclear physics led directly to the development of new products that have dramatically transformed modern-day society, such as television, computers, domestic appliances, and nuclear weapons;advances in thermodynamics led to the development of industrialization; and advances in mechanics inspired the development of calculus.
As one of most difficult majors and most difficult degrees, Physics is challenging for most of students around the world. But for its fundamental position, it is necessary for students to have a good command of this difficult degree.
Top 8. Computer Science
Median Early Career Earnings (age 22-27): $85,000
Median Mid Career Earnings (age 35-45): $105,000
Average Unemployment (age 22-27): 2.1%
Average Underemployment (age 22-27): 23.5%
Percentage with Graduate Degree: 48.6%
Computer science is the study of computation, information, and automation. Computer science spans theoretical disciplines such as algorithms, theory of computation, and information theory to applied disciplines including the design and implementation of hardware and software. Algorithms and data structures are central to computer science. The theory of computation concerns abstract models of computation and general classes of problems that can be solved using them. The fields of cryptography and computer security involve studying the means for secure communication and preventing security vulnerabilities. Artificial intelligence and machine learning aim to synthesize goal-orientated processes such as problem-solving, decision-making, environmental adaptation, planning and learning found in humans and animals. Within artificial intelligence, computer vision aims to understand and process image and video data, while natural language processing aims to understand and process textual and linguistic data.
As one of the most popular majors nowadays, computer science is favored by many parents and classmates. Because science and technology are developing rapidly now, computer science majors do not have to worry about work and are well paid. But at the same time, computer science is also considered one of hardest college majors and hardest degree to get.
Top 9. Mechanical Engineering
Median Early Career Earnings (age 22-27): $76,000
Median Mid Career Earnings (age 35-45): $97,000
Average Unemployment (age 22-27): 4.8%
Average Underemployment (age 22-27): 18.6%
Percentage with Graduate Degree: 29.4%
Mechanical engineering is the study of physical machines that may involve force and movement. It is an engineering branch that combines engineering physics and mathematics principles with materials science, to design, analyze, manufacture, and maintain mechanical systems. It is one of the oldest and broadest of the engineering branches. Mechanical engineering requires an understanding of core areas including mechanics, dynamics, thermodynamics, materials science, design, structural analysis, and electricity. In addition to these core principles, mechanical engineers use tools such as computer-aided design, computer-aided manufacturing, computer-aided engineering, and product lifecycle management to design and analyze manufacturing plants, industrial equipment and machinery, heating and cooling systems, transport systems, motor vehicles, aircraft, watercraft, robotics, medical devices, weapons, and others.
It is globally regarded as one of hardest college majors and hardest degree in the world because of its complicated knowledge and long learning cycle.
Top 10. Fine Arts
Median Early Career Earnings (age 22-27): $40,000
Median Mid Career Earnings (age 35-45): $68,000
Average Unemployment (age 22-27): 7.9%
Average Underemployment (age 22-27): 55.5%
Percentage with Graduate Degree: 22.6%
Fine art is made primarily for aesthetics or creative expression, distinguishing it from decorative art or applied art, which also has to serve some practical function, such as pottery or most metalwork. The five main fine arts were painting, sculpture, architecture, music, and poetry. Other “minor or subsidiary arts” were also included, especially performing arts such as theatre and dance, which were counted as “among the most ancient and universal.” In practice, outside education, the concept is typically only applied to the visual arts.
What is the toughest degree in the world? Although Fine Arts is a liberal arts major, it sounds easy. But learning art requires talent, aesthetic ability and long-lasting endurance, which is not an easy task. It is globally regarded as one of hardest college majors and hardest degree in the world.
Tips for Choosing College Majors
- Research Majors
Look into different majors that interest you and research their requirements, professors, job prospects and alumni network. Explore different colleges and universities that offer these majors and compare their programs, campus culture and location.
- Major Requirements
Certain majors require prerequisite courses in topics like calculus. Make sure that you have the capabilities or requirements before you declare a major.
- Job Prospects
See ways in which you can get internships and how to utilize those opportunities to form strong connections with those in your future field. This could set you on a more direct course right after graduation.
- Consult Advisor
Speak to your college advisor. They can give you insight into specific courses and programming that relates to your potential major.
Methodology of Hardest College Majors
- GPA
Research indicates that college majors with the lowest GPAs—math and chemistry, for example, are 2.76 and 2.9, respectively. The average for other hard college majors was in the low threes, including physics and biology. Lower GPAs can be caused by a number of things. The social sciences and humanities frequently place an emphasis on soft skills like problem of solving and written analysis. Conversely, college degrees place a greater emphasis on hard skills, such as lab procedures and computer languages. Similar to this, a lot of scientific and math courses include layers of information that must be mastered before going on to the next. As such, if they fall behind, kids could find it difficult to keep up. As a result, a large number of the majors on this list are regarded as having rather rigorous course requirements.
- Attrition
Attrition and departmental graduation rates can shed light on a major’s level of difficulty. In essence, higher attrition and lower graduation rates may correlate to higher challenge.
- Return on Investment
In general, hardest college majors pay quite well and students enjoy speedy returns on investment. However, the push for hardest college majors over the past decade has saturated some job markets. To build this list of hardest college majors, uhomes.com considered subject matter difficulty, post-college unemployment, underemployment, and job prospects, and overall return on investment. Finally, we evaluated the percentage of graduates who earn advanced degrees, as high rates of graduate study can negatively impact early-career earning potential.
Conclusion
What are considered the hardest college majors can vary a lot depending on the student, specifically on where your natural strengths and passions lie. If you’re not particularly good at a subject and don’t have any deep passion for or interest in it, that major will likely be harder for you. By contrast, if you’re extremely skilled at a subject and are committed to studying it, then you will probably find that major easier than you would other fields you have less experience with and/or are less interested in pursuing.
Top 10 hardest college majors are analyzed comprehensively and detailedly in this blog. You can think twice about your educational destination and make the best choice. After you choose one of hardest college majors, accommodation is first and foremost thing. uhomes.com will provide you with affordable, reliable and comfortable student apartments in USA.
FAQ
Journalism, regretted by 87% of graduates.
Sociology, 72%.
Liberal arts and general studies, 72%.
Communications, 64%.
Education, 61%.
Psychology.
Criminal Justice.
English.
Education.
Religious Studies.
Social Work.
Sociology.
Communications.
Digital Mapping.
Bakery Science.
EcoGastronomy.
Costume Technology.
Egyptology and Assyriology.
Comic Art.
Popular Music.
The following majors have the highest college dropout rate:
Computer science – 10.7%
Advertising – 7.7%
Agriculture – 7.4%
Art – 7.3%
Architecture – 7.2%
Engineering. According to the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE), engineering tops the list of the highest-paying majors immediately after graduation. The highest-paying professions in the U.S. are all in the medical field and require education beyond the bachelor’s level.
What are the college majors that are the least-regretted? The study, broken down, provided a stark contrast between majors and their projected earnings. For the students that followed degrees in engineering, science, technology, and math – all were expected to earn the most out of all other majors overall.
