College Majors

Understanding college majors and choosing the right college for you.

What exactly is a college major?

As you embark on your journey into undergraduate studies, one of the most significant queries you'll confront is, "What should I choose as my major?" This inquiry can appear daunting, especially considering the vast array of college majors available.

Before we delve into assisting you in determining the ideal college major for you, let's first clarify: What exactly is a college major?

A college major represents the primary academic pathway you select during your college education. These majors can manifest in various forms, such as computer science or comparative literature, to name a few. Your chosen major will typically encompass a substantial portion of your coursework, usually ranging from 50% to 75%. Therefore, it's crucial to opt for a major that genuinely ignites your passion. While college majors often revolve around a specific academic discipline, you also have the opportunity to explore cross-disciplinary or interdisciplinary majors, which can be some of the best college majors due to their versatility.

College Majors:

"What exactly is a college major?"

It's a valid question, given that college majors can sometimes be confusing. You may have also come across terms like "minor" and "double major," which we'll delve into later. However, let's start with the fundamental definition of a college major.

Your college major is the academic discipline you select to concentrate on during your undergraduate education. This choice will typically encompass approximately 50% to 75% of your coursework, making it essential to select a subject that truly ignites your passion. So, resist the temptation to simply search for "Top 10 Majors" and pick one from the list.

Most students typically declare their major by the end of their freshman or sophomore year, although the specific timeline can vary from one institution to another. Once you've declared your major, you'll gain access to all the resources within the corresponding department. Additionally, you'll be assigned an academic advisor within your major's department. Your academic advisor will assist you in navigating your academic journey and provide guidance on your post-undergraduate endeavors.

The best college majors equip you with the skills necessary for success in your professional career after graduation. Therefore, it's crucial to conduct thorough research after compiling a list of your top 10 college majors. You should ensure that each school you apply to offers programs related to your potential list of college majors. When making your choices, don't solely focus on the difficulty or ease of a major; instead, prioritize subjects that genuinely inspire your passion.

Connecting college majors to career goals

College majors, in many respects, are designed to furnish you with the knowledge and skills necessary for success in a related professional path. Optimal college majors are those that pave the way for your triumph. Hence, reflecting on the careers you might wish to pursue, or those you decidedly wish to avoid, can be a judicious strategy when sifting through the array of college majors.

Let's say you're envisioning a career in programming, technology, or within the realm of startups. A fitting major in this context might be computer science, one of the most sought-after college majors. Within this major, you can expect courses covering fundamental computing principles, technology ethics, app design, and other coursework priming you for a technology or programming career. Therefore, if these career paths captivate your interest, tailor your list of potential college majors accordingly. Remember, the best college majors for you may differ from those on your friend's list of college majors. Keep this in mind during your research.

Similarly, an English major could prepare you for roles such as teaching or authorship, encompassing classes heavily centered on writing and reading. It's crucial not to be swayed by what you perceive as the most challenging or easiest majors, or even the most prevalent ones. The ideal college majors for others may not align with the ones that align with your aspirations. Concentrate on discovering the college majors that align with your objectives.

If all this talk about careers is inducing anxiety, rest assured that college majors are not as constricting as you might assume. Not every profession is intrinsically tied to your college major. For instance, many psychology majors venture into consulting, and political science majors often become lawyers. When pondering how to select a college major, considering your future career is merely one approach to refine your list of potential majors.

Furthermore, your major can subtly prepare you for future careers by forging connections and instilling essential skills. Psychology majors learn effective communication, a valuable asset for consulting. Political science majors acquire knowledge of policies that inform legal practice. Disregard any stereotypes associated with specific college majors you might encounter in your research. The question of "What should I major in?" revolves around your personal judgment, not the opinions of others. While it may be tempting to opt for what seem like the easiest college majors, you should choose the college majors that align with your future.

While your career aspirations should undoubtedly influence your choice of major (and vice versa), there's no need to agonize over pigeonholing yourself too early in your college major. There's room for adaptability both within college majors and the professional landscape. Moreover, the finest college majors should provide you with a well-rounded education, equipping you to pursue a variety of roles within your chosen field.

College Majors: Fields of study and common college majors

Humanities Majors

  • Anthropology

  • English

  • History

  • Philosophy

Engineering Majors

  • Bioengineering

  • Aeronautics

  • Chemical engineering

  • Civil engineering

  • Mechanical engineering

Medicine Majors

  • Athletic training

  • Biology

  • Chemistry

  • Marine science

Art Majors

  • Architectural design

  • Art history

  • Dance

  • Digital arts

Busines Majors

  • Entrepreneurship

  • Management

  • Economics

  • Finance

The compilation of college majors mentioned above is not all-encompassing, yet it serves to provide you with an overview of the available fields of study. To streamline your selection of a college major, begin by identifying the category that most piques your interest, and subsequently explore the top college majors within that category.

As you persist in your quest to identify the optimal college majors, you may encounter various stereotypes associated with specific majors or the broader categories outlined earlier. For instance, one prevailing stereotype pertains to humanities majors, such as English, supposedly facing challenges in the job market. In reality, many employers highly regard humanities majors for their imaginative thinking and capacity to approach problems from unconventional angles.

Another common college major stereotype revolves around business majors, including management or entrepreneurship, being labeled as too generic and lacking in depth as a field of study. While this characterization may hold true for certain career trajectories, the field of business often provides the versatility that employers seek, particularly in the realm of finance.

Evidently, there exists a plethora of college major stereotypes. Rather than adhering to these preconceived notions, we recommend that you form your own assessment of the major that aligns best with your interests. More often than not, college major stereotypes prove to be unfounded. Therefore, opt for the college majors that resonate with your personal preferences, regardless of any prevailing stereotypes.

Hardest College Majors

If you’re wondering about the hardest college majors, there are a couple of types to look at: 

  1. A list of college majors that are the hardest college majors to get admitted to

  2. A list of college majors that are the hardest majors in terms of coursework

Some of the most sought-after college majors can become oversubscribed, signifying that admissions officers are inundated with numerous applications. The extent of this issue varies among institutions, making it imperative to investigate each school's list of the most popular college majors. Generally, the following are the top 10 majors that are often regarded as the most competitive in terms of admission:

  1. Computer science

  2. Business

  3. Engineering

  4. Biology

  5. Chemistry

  6. Nursing

  7. Psychology

  8. Economics

  9. Communication studies

  10. Environmental science

To gauge the rigor of college majors at your chosen schools, it is essential to review their respective lists of top college majors. Nevertheless, it is advisable to apply to colleges offering majors that align with your preferences, even if they are considered among the most challenging college majors. However, if you find yourself torn between two majors, being aware of the toughest majors can inform your decision.

The difficulty of college majors concerning actual coursework hinges largely on your strengths and weaknesses. If writing poses a significant challenge, then pursuing an English major might make it one of the most demanding college majors for you. Conversely, if mathematics is not your forte, engineering might similarly emerge as one of the most challenging majors.

Furthermore, varying institutions impose different prerequisites for each major, thereby producing slightly divergent lists of the most demanding college majors. Becoming acquainted with your school's inventory of college majors and their associated prerequisites will provide insight into the workload and help you identify which majors are considered the most difficult.

Having a comprehensive plan enables you to make an informed decision, irrespective of whether you select one of the toughest majors. Remember that the difficulty level of your college major, whether classified as one of the most challenging or the easiest, is secondary to the paramount goal of selecting the best major in college tailored to your individual aspirations.

Easiest College Majors

We've explored some of the most challenging college majors, but what about the easiest college majors? Typically, the easiest college majors are those with less demanding requirements, affording students greater flexibility in their studies. While this can vary based on the specific institution you attend, the following are often recognized as the top 10 college majors that offer the most flexibility and minimize the academic workload:

  1. Psychology

  2. Criminal justice

  3. English

  4. Education

  5. Religious studies

  6. Communications

  7. History

  8. Creative writing

  9. Anthropology

  10. Linguistics

It's worth noting that there is some overlap between the most competitive college majors in terms of admission and the easiest college majors academically. This is because the easiest college majors are often among the most popular college majors and attract a large number of applicants. Therefore, choosing the easiest college majors may not necessarily be the most suitable approach when compiling your list of college majors.

Nonetheless, it's essential not to be discouraged by the reputation of the easiest college majors. The so-called "easier majors" can still rank among the best college majors. Easier college majors offer flexibility, allowing you more time to pursue minors or even consider a double major. There are various valid reasons to opt for one of the easiest college majors, so don't dismiss these choices solely based on their reputation. What truly matters is creating a list of the top 10 majors that align with your individual preferences, irrespective of whether they are considered the easiest or most challenging majors.

What is a college minor?

Facing a dilemma when it comes to choosing the optimal college major? An excellent avenue available to undergraduates is the option of pursuing a college minor. While we've already delved into the concept of a college major, it's equally important to understand what a college minor is and how it distinguishes itself from a major in college.

A college minor is essentially a supplementary area of study within your college education. Typically, it involves far fewer requirements than a full-fledged major, granting students greater flexibility. It allows students to delve deeper into a particular interest without the same level of commitment demanded by a college major. Often, a minor aligns with a student's personal or professional aspirations.

It's crucial to note that college minors are entirely discretionary. They serve as a means to broaden the scope of your education. If you find yourself torn between multiple options on the list of college majors, you might consider majoring in one field while pursuing a minor in another to explore a more diverse academic landscape.

What is a double major?

If you're seeking a more extensive immersion in multiple academic fields, exceeding the scope of a minor, you might find the concept of a double major intriguing. While it's important to note that double majors aren't available at all educational institutions, they have gained popularity among students aiming to enrich their learning experiences and challenge themselves academically. Pursuing a double major can often be one of the most demanding endeavors, particularly when dealing with some of the most rigorous college majors, as it entails concentrating on two distinct areas of study rather than just one.

Double majors come in two primary forms. Some colleges offer integrated programs where a student graduates with two degrees, despite technically pursuing a single program (e.g., Computer Science + English). Alternatively, other schools simply permit students to declare more than one major.

Regardless of the specific format, double majors frequently necessitate the completion of multiple theses or capstone projects, which serve as culminating senior-year assignments in numerous educational institutions. This means an increased academic workload for students.

Now, the question arises: Are double majors worthwhile?

Pursuing a double major can significantly enhance your professional prospects. Graduates with double majors possess a broader interdisciplinary background, enabling them to adapt to a more extensive range of roles. Employers value individuals with proficiency in multiple disciplines, as they tend to be more versatile employees. However, before revisiting the list of college majors to select your double major, it's vital to bear in mind the substantial workload associated with juggling multiple majors. Depending on the specific majors you opt for, this choice may or may not be feasible for you.

Understanding college majors - Final Thoughts

Selecting your major from the extensive array of college majors is undoubtedly one of the pivotal decisions you will make during your college journey. Your chosen major, or majors, will be prominently featured on your diploma and serve as a reflection of the training and competencies you have acquired. Beyond its practical implications, your major also serves as a representation of your academic fervor, epitomizing the subject that captivates your interest and stimulates your intellectual curiosity.

The process of discerning how to choose a college major is a highly personal decision that every individual must undertake autonomously. While the well-intentioned advice of parents, educators, and friends may offer suggestions about the best college majors suited to you or the most lucrative college majors, it is ultimately you who will immerse yourself in the academic journey of your chosen major in college. It's essential not to base your decision on prevailing college major stereotypes or solely consider the most commonly chosen college majors.

Some things to consider when choosing the most suitable college major:

  1. Conduct Thorough Research: If you encounter subjects on your list of college majors that are unfamiliar but pique your interest, invest time in researching them further. Attend informative college majors webinars, explore information about some of the most popular college majors online, or engage in discussions with current professors at your institution to gain insights into their courses. It is entirely acceptable to adjust your preferences regarding college majors if you discover that your initial enthusiasm does not match your actual interest.

  2. Utilize Your First Year for Exploration: Many schools may require you to propose a potential list of college majors during the application process. Nevertheless, once you arrive on campus, you are not bound to adhere to that specific major. If your institution permits it, take advantage of your first year to explore courses across a range of college majors. This approach will enable you to gauge your affinity for specific college majors and refine your choices. Commence your research early, as the further you progress within a major, the more challenging it becomes to make changes if you find it doesn't align with your preferences.

  3. Scrutinize the Requirements: Every one of the top college majors comes with distinct mandatory courses. While you may not relish every class associated with your chosen major, it is vital that you derive satisfaction from a substantial portion of them. You might initially assume that you are embarking on one of the easiest college majors after breezing through the initial obligatory course. However, realizing later that you detest the advanced courses will not be beneficial in the long run. Consequently, carefully assess the requirements to ensure that they are both achievable and enjoyable for you.

  4. Align with Your Post-College Goals: Irrespective of your aspirations following college, the finest college majors will provide the foundation to achieve them. Whether your aim is to specialize in a particular field or attain a more well-rounded education, your choice of college majors will serve as a valuable support system throughout your academic journey and beyond.