Students in the United States interested in pursuing higher education often wonder about the varying levels of academic rigour across different majors. The dialogue surrounding the “hardest” and “easiest” majors is not only about the complexity inherent to these fields of study but also about how closely they align with a student’s intellectual passions and career aspirations. Take a science major as an example; science encompasses dozens of significant options when studying and working in actual careers. Nowadays, the employment and average income of graduates with a science degree are relatively better than that of liberal arts students, so it is also the choice of many people. Now, let’s look at the easiest and hardest science majors list.
Top 5 hardest majors in science
5. Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
Biochemistry and molecular biology students take courses in biological sciences, biochemistry, chemistry, microbiology, computational biology, mathematics, and ecology. Apart from anything else, learning these courses requires memorizing words, and the long and tongue-twisting professional name is very confusing, especially for foreign students who are not native speakers of English. Fortunately, careers in related fields are ultimately very promising and are expected to grow by 7% over the next decade. Graduates can expect to work in pharmaceuticals, medicine, genetics, immunology, forensic science, ecology and toxicology, many of which require a PhD, especially if one wants to conduct research.
4. Chemistry
Chemistry is listed as one of the hardest science majors because it requires a diverse skill set and knowledge set. Students need to take courses in organic and inorganic chemistry, physics, calculus, and research methods. Many specialized courses involve complex terminology and chemical structures. Chemistry students can pursue careers in medicine, research, engineering, drug development, forensic science, and more. A bachelor’s degree is the minimum requirement to become a chemist, while research-based positions require a master’s degree or doctorate.
3. Biology
Biology students must take courses including introduction to biology, plant biology, genetics, microbiology, chemistry, mathematics, environmental science, and research methods. Most careers in biology will see growth of around 3 to 5 per cent over the next decade, and many students use a bachelor’s degree in biology as a starting point for medical, dental, or veterinary school, but that means spending at least 6 to 13 years in medical school after graduation. Biology is, of course, a broad field that can also serve as a gateway to careers in botany, genetics, environmental science, zoology, nursing, ecology, microbiology and immunology, pharmaceuticals, and forensic science.
2. Aerospace Engineering
Aerospace engineering courses include physics, mathematics, propulsion, structural design, air and astrodynamics, structures and materials, and research methods, requiring both theoretical and more practical engineering knowledge. It is also one of the areas where money can be made, with the potential for 6% growth over the next decade and diverse career options in defence, commercial flight, and even space travel.
1. Chemical Engineering
What Chemical engineering students can learn are chemistry, physics, engineering, calculus, computer science, thermodynamics, and biology. It’s a challenging major because the attrition rate is relatively high, but graduates can work in diverse fields like pharmaceuticals, petroleum, nuclear, and environmental sustainability. A bachelor’s degree is often sufficient for finding a good job in chemical engineering.
Top 5 easiest majors in science
5. Information Systems
The Information Systems major combines computer science, business, and human interaction. Students take courses in computer science, data analytics, math, technical support, and cybersecurity, as well as internships and team projects. This major is relatively simple in the field of computers and offers a wealth of career options with a 15% expected growth in the next decade.
4. Agricultural Science
If you’re good at gardening or interested in sustainability, agricultural science is one of the easy science majors that might be right for you! Students studying agricultural sciences must take courses including biology, chemistry, Marine science, plant science, nutrition science, etc. Although there is no shortage of challenging courses, there are also many hands-on practice opportunities. The field of agricultural sciences is expected to grow 6 per cent over the next decade, covering a variety of government and private sector work such as public health, and sustainable environmental design.
3. Nutrition sciences
Nutrition science is closely related to everyone’s daily life. Students in this major can learn biology, biochemistry, human physiology, microbiology, public health, and food and culture. Still, there is no need for nutrition science students to delve into biology and biochemistry, so the overall difficulty is not too high. Besides, whether looking to use nutritional science as a springboard to medical school or a career in public health, this science major will help achieve that goal. Graduates can work in hospitals, nursing homes, governments, clinics, and cafeterias to provide on-site nutrition supervision and outpatient consultations.
2. Environmental Science
Environmental science students take courses in biology, chemistry, mathematics, physics, ecology, Earth systems, geology, climate change and sustainability, GIS and GPS computing, and so on. Just because environmental science is simple doesn’t mean it’s not an important profession! Environmental scientists study the natural world and can find work in government, corporate green consulting, oil and gas exploration, public health and safety, ecosystem conservation and measurement to make a positive difference to the environment.
1. Psychology
Psychology is sometimes seen as a social science, but it’s also classified as a STEM field by some schools. There are courses including statistics, psychometrics, biological psychology, human behaviour, and career-specific courses in developmental, cognitive, and behavioural psychology. Besides counselling, psychology graduates can also work in rehabilitation, workplace and school counselling, social work, business, and human resources. About 50% of psychology majors go on to graduate school. To do so, you also need to obtain a license – each state has different requirements for obtaining a permit.
Easiest major in geography or easiest major in science?
Geography is an interdisciplinary field involving the natural and physical sciences and mathematics. It is a less popular major, and a degree in geography prepares students for many different career paths. Many students think this major can bring fun and is the easiest to learn, but is it really so? On the other hand, fields within STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics) are often lauded for their potential to yield higher salaries and greater job stability. To pursue financial gain, more students choose the easiest science majors to study.
To assert unequivocally that what is the “easiest” major would not only do a disservice to the breadth and depth of the discipline but also overlook the subjective nature of academic pursuits. Therefore, when students choose a major, there are various factors that should be considered. These factors include personal interests and passions, which should be at the heart of students’ decisions. Additionally, the prospect of employment, the level of academic rigour and the time commitment required, and whether to further postgraduate study are also factors to be considered.
Conclusion
It becomes evident that terms like “easiest” and “hardest” are highly subjective and deeply intertwined with individual aptitudes, interests, and dedication. However, from a broad perspective, specific patterns do emerge. Pursue what you love and make a suitable choice considering both your professional aspirations and personal happiness. Combine your ability with whatever major you choose, and you can find a way to belong to yourself.
FAQ
What is the hardest major to get a job?
Library science. Most of the related jobs are librarian. According to graduates feedback, one of the downside of this field is the lack of vacancies when it comes to finding work, so, job seekers may not find a job in rural areas or small to mid-sized cities because there is no openings for a lengthy period of time.
Is psychology a science or social science?
Most colleges classify psychology as a social science, while some colleges offer graduates the bacholor of arts. Psychology deals with the human mind and behavior, bridging the divide between social science and natural science.
What is the most popular major?
Business. Most people go to choose majors for better employment. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), business-related occupations are projected to grow significantly, with up to 911,400 new positions expected to be created each year on average.
