Key takeaways:
- “Easy” and “hard” is subjective – students should consider their strengths, weaknesses, skills, and interests when selecting a college major.
- Commonly-named “easy” majors include Psychology, Education, and English.
- Chemistry, Engineering, and Physics are often considered as “difficult” majors.
Flickr user Crispin Blackall
Stressed thinking about your potential college major? You’re not alone. With so many to choose from, it can be difficult to select just one. To help you narrow it down, consider your strengths and weaknesses. Reviewing some of the hardest and easiest majors can also give you direction, but keep in mind that “hard” and “easy” is subjective. What’s easy for you might be difficult for the next student, and vice versa!
Below, we’ve included a list of five commonly-cited “difficult” subjects and five often-named “easy” areas of study.
Hardest majors in college
The hardest majors in college tend to be focused on math and require more time investment. Students need a firm grasp on the earlier classes to better understand advanced material later.
1. CHEMISTRY
From abstract concepts to intensive math, chemistry – and all its related majors – is one of the most difficult areas of study for undergraduates and graduates. You need to fully understand the foundations of the subject before you can move onto the more advanced coursework, and misunderstandings can lead to compounding issues. Courses also tend to require longer lectures, labs, and more study time.
2. Engineering
As with chemistry, engineering is an umbrella subject with several majors and requires a strong focus and foundation on math and science. You can’t rely on memorization in these courses. You need to understand the core principles and have the ability to problem solve and critically think. Course loads are heavy, as homework can take hours per assignment and many projects require teamwork.
3. Physics
Physics requires students to move their thought processes between theory and abstraction – surface-level understanding isn’t enough. Math is at the very core of the subject with calculus, liberal algebra, differential equations, and more. Classes build on earlier material so you have to ace your prerequisites to do well in advanced courses.
4. Architecture
In architecture, you need to mix technical knowledge, creativity, debate, art, engineering, and detail. You also have to have a solid understanding of design theory, modeling software, hand drafting, presentation tools, and more. Assignments can’t be rushed overnight, as they require planning, feedback, and revisions. Plus, it takes five years to graduate with a bachelor’s rather than four.
5. Computer Science
Computer science majors need to be skilled in abstract thinking and problem solving, as memorization will only carry you so far. Between several programming languages, complex concepts, and math theory, it’s a lot to cover – and one coding mistake can set your project back. The subject is also constantly changing thanks to evolving technology and what you learn this year might not be as relevant next year.
Easiest majors in college
“Easier” majors in college require fewer STEM related courses and students usually already have some experience with the subject in their everyday lives on some level.
1. Business Administration
Business administration is considered one of the easier majors as it doesn’t often require high-level math and many of the topics are already familiar to students. Students already know how to work with others (management), are familiar with marketing, and know how to organize tasks. Project grades are more subjective than rigid, and coursework is broader rather than deep dives.
2. Psychology
At its core, a lot of psychology is common sense and relatable. The classes focus on thoughts, emotions, behavior, and relationships – things we see and deal with in our day to day. Instead of math and complex problem solving, you’ll be using memorization, writing, and essay skills. However, graduate psychology, neuroscience, and similar subjects are by no means “easy” – they’re competitive and demanding.
3. English
If English is your native language, you’ve been reading, speaking, and writing it your whole life. You’re more than familiar with it. For strong writers and readers, a degree in English is “easy.” With no math, labs, or coding requirements, students can benefit from flexible study methods, subjective grading, and transferable skills.
4. Education
As with the other “easy” majors on this list, Education requires fewer complex math and science courses compared to STEM related majors. It’s more focused on writing, reflection, creativity, hands-on projects, and communication. Since you just finished K-12, you’re also very familiar with the subject matter from watching your teachers manage the classroom and develop lessons.
5. Communications
Communications is another major where most people are already familiar with the core concepts – messaging, social media, communication, and public speaking – making it a more intuitive subject. Classes have an emphasis on essays, speeches, and media with subjective grading and hands-on learning. There’s also plenty of flexibility with various concentrations.
Factors to consider when choosing a major
“Difficulty” isn’t necessarily always a factor that should impact your choice of major. As stated previously, difficulty of a class or major is based on the individual – it’s all subjective. Instead of looking at the hardest majors and avoiding them on principle, consider what areas of studies you find difficult. Think about:
- Desired career: Your major should align with your intended field or job.
- Degree required: Some positions call for more advanced degrees, such as master’s or doctorates. Go into higher education with a plan, especially if your desired graduate degree program requires prerequisites or a specific major.
- Strengths and weaknesses: What do you excel at? What skills do you have? Which subjects have you grasped right away and which don’t click with you? Take a look at how majors align with you as an individual.
- Interests: Focusing on a subject you dislike makes it more likely you’ll run into burnout in a short period of time, but choosing a major you enjoy can keep you motivated and engaged in the long run.
Don’t rule out a major because you’ve had trouble with some of the classes in the past, especially if you really want to pursue that area of study or related career. Between tutors, study groups, and other resources, you can take steps to improve your skills, knowledge, and grades. If you later discover the subject isn’t for you, don’t worry – you can change your major.
Want to learn more about these majors and others? Head over to our Major Search tool to start discovering top careers, schools, and more.
