In this article, we will be discussing the what are the hardest majors, the hardest majors in college, and the hardest degree to get. Certain courses are frequently referred to as being more difficult than others. Listening to conversations between our seniors or even our parents has taught us how to compare one major course to another.
Even though the principle that things with different bases should not be compared has always prevailed, there are some aspects of a college major degree that we can consider when evaluating the most difficult of them. A subject may be simple for you, but it may be uninteresting for your friend, making it difficult to grasp its fundamentals. However, some major variables can help us determine the degree of difficulty in understanding.
These variables could include the amount of time spent studying, time spent on theory and application, or the amount of cognitive energy required to process information. Again, these are all subjective and difficult to quantify, but they do provide insight into various aspects of a course.
The 20 Most Difficult College Majors
1. Architecture
Architecture is a mix of science, art, and technology. It necessitates creativity, keeping in mind contemporary social, cultural, and practical demands. Theoretical foundations and practical application in college degrees are two steps toward establishing a strong foundation of fundamentals. Students are taught how to create accurate 3D designs using their hands and computers. Along with this, aspirants must thoroughly understand architectural history, revolution, and current trends.
Individuals devote their time to the land subdivision industry or research and development after completing their degrees, with the majority of them working for themselves. This is one of the hardest degrees to get and among the hardest bachelor’s degrees. In the United States, a bachelor’s degree in architecture takes five years, and a master’s degree takes 2-3 years.
2. Chemical Engineering
Chemical Engineering is yet another multidisciplinary field requiring a thorough understanding of chemistry, physics, biology, microbiology, and biochemistry. This difficult college major also requires an aptitude for mathematics and economics in real-life scenarios. Chemical engineers decipher the chemical mechanisms of the objects and organisms around us and solve problems to improve everyone’s living conditions.
A college chemical degree covers every field imaginable, from carbon nanotubes to fog harvesting. Bachelor’s degrees typically last 3-5 years and are designed for students who have a strong interest in chemistry and mathematics. Chemical engineers earn an average of $74,000 per year. This is one of the Hardest College Majors and among the hardest engineering majors.
3. Aeronautical and Space Engineering
Aerospace engineering entails the construction and design of spacecraft, airplanes, and missiles using mathematics and science. Sure, this difficult college major sounds exciting and impressive, but it’s also one of the most difficult tasks. Students receive intensive training in both applied and theoretical physics, chemistry, and engineering. Practical projects are emphasized heavily, and students are expected to create their own prototypes.
In their final years, aspirants can specialize in propulsion, thermodynamics, structure, control, and avionics. This is one of the Hardest College Majors and among the hardest engineering majors. Aerospace engineers in the United States earn an average of $80,000 per year.
4. Information Technology
This is one of the Hardest Majors in College and among the hardest majors ranked. Because information technology has such a bright future for us, it’s no surprise that many people work in this field. Because of the growing industry demands, many students have begun studying it at the undergraduate level, which was unthinkable a decade ago. Students receive intensive training in programming, computer languages, database management, machine learning, and other software applications.
The last two years of an IT bachelor’s degree are usually dedicated to advanced learning in the field with specializations. Computer support specialists, network architects, programmers, database managers, and IT scientists are all options for IT bachelor.
5. Bioengineering
Bioengineering is the synthesis of two sciences, biology, and engineering, in which students investigate how modern engineering techniques can be used to study, work on, and improve biomedical and biological systems. This challenging college major promotes scientific discovery, healthcare and medicine research, policy formation, education, and improved environmental quality. An excellent understanding of anatomy, mathematics, engineering, chemistry, and physics is required of students.
This is one of the Hardest College Majors and among the hardest engineering majors. These core competencies enable students to collaborate with medical professionals to develop better healthcare solutions and engage in policy research and development.
6. Economics
Our world is moved by money, and economics helps us understand how and where it moves. Students who earn a bachelor’s degree in economics (BA or B.Sc) are prepared for careers in banking, insurance, business economics, agricultural economics, and international economics. Statistics, calculus, econometrics, and micro and macroeconomics are all skills that individuals have mastered. The bachelor’s degree takes three years to complete.
Students must maintain a GPA of 2.5 or higher to continue their program. Some of the world’s best colleges offer the best bachelors in economics, including Stanford, Harvard, and Chicago University. This is one of the hardest degree to get and among the hardest bachelor’s degrees.
7. Petroleum Engineering
This is one of the Hardest College Majors and among the hardest engineering majors. Today, petroleum is the lifeblood of our society, and each of its products is critical to our survival. Petroleum engineering entails discovering oil wells, assessing their potential, and maximizing production, storage, and transportation. Though a major in petroleum engineering is more commonly found in postgraduate courses, the recent shift to clean energy has prompted people to pursue it while still in school.
A strong background in mathematics, chemistry, physics, and computing skills is required for a master’s degree in the field. Geology, well drilling, petroleum production, geophysics, energy economics, and reservoir analysis are among the specializations available to students in their final year. Petroleum engineers earn an average of $101,000 per year.
8. Astronomy
An astronomy major typically lasts 3-4 years at the undergraduate level and 1-2 years at the graduate level. This challenging college major requires a strong foundation in mathematics, physics, and other sciences in general, rather than any prior knowledge of the field. Students deal with celestial objects that are not even visible to the naked eye, let alone studying the closest ones that we have managed to reach, so a degree in any of the astronomy courses requires a strong theoretical and conceptual framework.
This is one of the Hardest Majors in College and among the hardest majors ranked. Solar systems, astrophysics, mathematics, physics, planetary astronomy, and stellar astronomy are some of the most important topics in astronomy.
9. Mathematics
Most of us have had a personal vendetta against mathematics at some point in our lives. As a result, it’s no surprise that it ranks among the most difficult college majors. Any mathematics degree, regardless of level, involves a great deal of logic, critical thinking, formulas, and other technicalities. A mathematics major’s courses are divided into general, pure, and applied mathematics. This is one of the hardest degree to get and among the hardest bachelor degrees.
Algebra, differential calculus, geometry, statistics, and probability are some of the fundamental subjects that are covered in all of the courses. Topology and foundations, analysis and functional analysis, algebra and number theory, geometric analysis, and applied mathematics are some of the specializations available in this major.
10. Psychology
This is one of the Hardest Majors in College and among the hardest majors ranked. A psychology degree delves into the behavior of individuals and society as a whole. People often believe that because this difficult college major is not part of the traditional sciences, it is one of the easiest to pursue, but this is not the case. A bachelor’s degree in psychology is a very broad field that takes 3-4 years to complete and requires a lot of reading.
Only in its masters does one have the opportunity to specialize in a particular stream. It also necessitates the completion of numerous lengthy research papers, which can be tedious at times. The advantage of majoring in psychology is that it opens up other options for a student, making it a popular but difficult option.
11. Philosophy
This is one of the hardest degree to get and among hardest bachelor degrees. Philosophy is most likely the only subject on this list that is applicable everywhere but has limited career opportunities. Reading is an important part of a philosophy student’s life; reading entails consuming information from a library full of books on ancient philosophy, mind and matter, computer philosophy, logic, racism, sexism, school and society, and the state.
Students develop critical thinking skills while debating paradoxes, culture, existence, and nature. This is one of the hardest degree to get and among the hardest bachelor’s degrees. Students must thoroughly understand the technicalities of a subject when writing essays on it to draw necessary conclusions on an entirely different level. Teaching is a popular career choice for philosophy students.
12. Physics
This is one of the Hardest Majors in College and among the hardest majors ranked. Physics is concerned with the laws of nature and the relationship between energy and matter, to put it simply. Sounds perfect, but many great men have enlightened upon these laws over the years, proving that physics is one of the most difficult subjects to study. Aspirants learn about various fields of study that are common in every specialization, their subfields, and a few branches further in these subfields in this difficult college major.
After that, they specialize in a field such as thermodynamics, astronomy, applied physics, and nuclear physics, among other things. A strong mathematical background is always beneficial in physics, whether you are pursuing a bachelor’s degree, a master’s degree, or even a double master’s degree in the subject. A bachelor’s degree in physics can earn you up to $64,000 per year.
13. Biochemistry
Biochemistry is the study of the chemical makeup of living organisms. Students receive theoretical and practical training in chemistry and biology. A significant portion of the courses is devoted to laboratory experiments in which students learn molecular genetics, protein chemistry, and organic chemistry. A strong mathematical and physics background is advantageous. Students can pursue biostatistics and medical informatics in addition to traditional careers in biotechnology, biogenetics, and medicine.
This is one of the hardest degree to get and among the hardest bachelor’s degrees. These jobs can pay up to $100,000 per year.
14. Geology
Geology is the study and exploration of the earth’s physical and chemical structure to address pressing issues such as climate change. A bachelor’s degree in geology necessitates a strong understanding of all sciences in general and mathematics. Students study the origins of natural landscapes, species, climate, ecosystems, and evolution in great detail. This is one of the Hardest Majors in College and among the hardest majors ranked.
Geology is a field for those who enjoy being in nature and want to learn more about how our planet works. Geophysics, geochemist, geoscientist, hydrogeologist, and mud logger are all possible geology careers. A geologist’s average annual salary is $900,000.
15. Computer Science and Engineering
Computer engineering is concerned with the design and construction of computers and other similar products that we use every day. Aspirants can pursue this challenging college major at both the undergraduate and postgraduate levels. This major requires a solid understanding of mathematics and science. Students are taught how to test the functionality of hardware and software and programming languages, calculus, logic, robotics, artificial intelligence, and advanced databases.
This is one of the Hardest College Majors and among the hardest engineering majors. A computer engineering degree is one of the most sought-after and one of the most difficult to obtain. Its technicality has grown over time, and as a result, individuals with these skills are in high demand. Hardware engineering, computer programming, electronics engineering, and software development are all possible career paths in this field.
16. Accounting and Finance
Finance and accounting degrees assist students in comprehending the behavior of financial markets and businesses. Individuals with a thorough understanding of course subjects such as taxation, derivatives, accounting, investment management, and auditing have the necessary skills to manage and run a profitable business. After earning a bachelor’s degree in finance and accounting, students can pursue banking, auditing, consultancy, financial management, and investment analysis.
This is one of the hardest degrees to get and among the hardest bachelor’s degrees. Students with a finance or accounting background can expect to earn $69,000 on average.
17. Biotechnology
Biotechnology is the study of living organisms and the technical application of that knowledge to solve problems by creating new products. Vaccines, medicines, food additives, and hormones are examples of these products. Students with a biology background are more likely to pursue biotechnology after graduation. This is one of the Hardest Majors in College and among the hardest majors ranked.
Microbiologists, food scientists, biochemists, and agricultural chemists are all options for students. During the course of the program, students study biochemistry, the immune system, DNA, and cell and tissue culture in depth. People with a biotechnology background can earn anywhere from $50,000 to $400,000 per year, depending on their area of expertise.
18. Political Science
People who are interested in current events, different government establishments around the world, and policymaking and its impact on people should pursue a political science degree. Students learn in-depth about various aspects of government, including how campaigns are formed and how public opinion is swayed. It places a strong emphasis on research, analysis, writing, and comprehending public documents.
This is one of the hardest degree to get and among hardest bachelor degrees. Students with a political science background can expect to earn between $50000 and $100,000 on average.
19. Mechanical Engineering
Mechanical engineering is the application of mathematical and scientific principles to the design and construction of machines and tools for specific applications in manufacturing and other processes. Students can concentrate on robotics, heat transfer, elevator technology, and fracture mechanics as part of this challenging college major. Because students must invent and innovate frequently, the course necessitates a high level of personal creativity.
Calculus, circuits and electronics, chemistry, thermodynamics, material mechanics, and electrical energy conversion are all covered in-depth in these courses. Mechanical engineers earn an average of $85,000 per year. This is one of the Hardest College Majors and among the hardest engineering majors.
20. Electrical Engineering
The physics and mathematics of electromagnetism, electronics, and electricity are central to electrical engineering. Electrical engineering necessitates a great deal of abstract thinking, which is not common in other engineering fields. Because the current in a wire cannot be seen, students must have a solid foundation in order to design and develop gadgets. This is one of the Hardest College Majors and among the hardest engineering majors.
After earning an electrical engineering degree, telecommunications engineering, electronic engineer, IT technician, consultant, and project manager are all career options. Electrical engineers make around $70,000 per year on average. Some of the abovementioned fields of the 20 most difficult college majors may be easy for you, but not for everyone. However, when compared to other majors, these can be a little more time-consuming and difficult to comprehend.
Because of their technical aspects, they require a strong foundation in certain subjects and more time. Nonetheless, you can pursue any of them and have a successful career.
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Conclusion
In this article, we went over the most difficult college majors. Of course, “difficult” means different things to different people, and the school you attend impacts the level of difficulty! It’s important to understand that your results will vary depending on your personal preferences and the school you attend. Any of these majors is possible if you ask for help when you need it and make good use of your resources. Above all, don’t let the fact that a major is “difficult” deter you from studying something you’re passionate about.