A college degree is no longer sufficient to guarantee a successful career and long-term financial security. Long-term success requires additional steps. An increasing number of graduates are realizing that they must go above and beyond in the highly competitive job market of today to stand out from the crowd. One way to do this is to choose a hardest college major. A graduate with a challenging college degree may have a unique advantage in the employment market, even though it may take more time and effort.
However, it seems logical that many college students would want to enroll in one of the easier majors rather than the hardest. The reason behind this is the latter can be extremely time-consuming and psychologically depleting. On the other hand, many thrive on the challenge of earning a difficult degree, and their efforts may be rewarded in a future profession.
In consideration of that, we have listed down the top 10 hardest college majors in 2024 using a combination of GPA and other criteria. Although these majors are challenging, people who are up for the effort could expect to succeed.
What Factors Contribute to the Difficulty of a College Major?
Let’s be clear about what really qualifies as a difficult major before introducing the hardest college majors.
The problem with the concept is that we are unable to come up with a single, impartial standard. What presents a challenge for one learner may come easily to another. Because of this, the hardest college majors might differ significantly from student to student—more so, based on your inherent skills and interests. A major will probably be more difficult for you if you are not very excellent at it and/or don’t have a strong interest in it.
On the other hand, you will likely find that major easier than other disciplines you have less expertise in or are less interested in pursuing if you are incredibly good in it and are dedicated to studying it.
The majority of research focuses on one important aspect: the total amount of time students devote to major preparation. Generally speaking, a major is thought to be harder the more time students spend studying for exams and completing assignments for their major subjects.
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What Are The Top 11 Hardest College Majors?
Here is our ranking of the top 10 hardest college majors to pursue. Students pursuing these demanding disciplines must put in several hours of study time each week to keep up with their is coursework hard.
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Biology
Students majoring in biology study ecosystems and living things. Ecology, genetics, biochemistry, and anatomy are among the subjects taught to students. Graduates of the major are equipped for professions in business, healthcare, and the sciences by developing excellent research and analytical skills.
Graduates in biology can apply to graduate-level studies like medicine. Undergraduates usually take introductory courses in biology and chemistry before choosing a major in biology.
- Median Earnings in the Early Career: $40,000
- Median Earnings in Mid Career (age 35-45): $75,000
- Average Unemployment Rate (age 22-27): 4.7%
- Percentage Holding a Graduate Degree: 62.9%”
Furthermore, students usually perceive the subject matter to be challenging and time-consuming, requiring them to acquire specific skills to succeed.
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Architecture
It is better to think of architecture as a hybrid of engineering and art. Students majoring in this area go on to become interior designers, urban planners, restoration managers, and, yes, architects. Architecture projects often require a high level of attention to detail and are extremely demanding due to the simultaneous focus on art and science.
- Median Earnings in the Early Career: $50,000
- Median Earnings in Mid Career: $85,000
- Average Unemployment Rate: 2.1%
- Percentage Holding a Graduate Degree: 38.7%
Getting a license as an architect is also very challenging; you usually need to pass an exam and finish a three to five-year internship. You should plan on taking classes in studio art, art history, calculus, and computer science during your college years.
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Computer Science
A degree in computer science gives students a solid understanding of computing, information technology, and related subjects. The courses in these programs are designed to test a student’s mathematical, analytical, and problem-solving abilities. A job in computer science requires the ability to use a variety of programming languages.
- Median Earnings in the Early Career: $74,210
- Median Earnings in Mid Career: $123,400
- Average Unemployment Rate: 2.6%
- Percentage Holding a Graduate Degree: 31.4%
After completing a computer science degree, students can find employment in computer systems design, information sciences, and support services. Prospects in computer programming and software development may also be available to those who decide to specialize.
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Aero and Astronautical Engineering
It is hardly unexpected that among the busiest college students on campus are those majoring in aero and astronautical engineering. By definition, it’s rocket science. Majors in aero and astronautical engineering study for 19.24 hours a week to become experts in their fields.
- Median Earnings in the Early Career: $72,490
- Median Earnings in Mid Career: $109,530
- Average Unemployment Rate: 2.8%
- Percentage Holding a Graduate Degree: 29.5%
According to Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projections, this occupation is expected to grow by 6% in 2026. The BLS also notes that redesigning aircraft is necessary to reduce noise, pollution, and fuel consumption. This opens up employment opportunities for aero and astronautical engineers outside of established government entities.
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Applied Mathematics
Applied Mathematics blends advanced mathematical theory with practical problem-solving. This discipline is concerned with applying mathematical methods to real-world problems in a variety of disciplines, including computer science, biology, engineering, and economics.
- Median Earnings in the Early Career: $69,130
- Median Earnings in Mid Career: $99,730
- Average Unemployment Rate: 3.5%
- Percentage Holding a Graduate Degree: 38.8%
Students studying applied mathematics must be able to communicate with experts from a variety of backgrounds and comprehend the complexities of many disciplines due to their multidisciplinary character. Furthermore, converting theoretical models into workable solutions and handling imperfect or noisy real-world data present special difficulties for them.
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Chemistry
Chemistry has a reputation for being frighteningly difficult for a lot of children starting in middle school. Therefore, it is not surprising that it is included on this list. In contrast to other courses, the subject itself doesn’t require an introduction. But you are expected to schedule a significant amount of time for it.
- Median Earnings in the Early Career: $47,000
- Median Earnings in Mid Career: $85,000
- Average Unemployment Rate: 3.4%
- Percentage Holding a Graduate Degree: 65.4%
You should plan on spending roughly 10–12 hours a week in the lab, 10–12 hours in class, and additional time for independent study and research. Additionally, as physics and mathematics are inseparably connected, particularly in the context of experiments. Therefore, you will need to develop your proficiency in both subjects.
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Civil Engineering
A major in civil engineering studies the constructed environment, which includes structures like buildings, bridges, transit networks, and water supply networks. Students get knowledge of building design, sanitization system management, and public works project construction.
- Median Earnings in the Early Career: $69,240
- Median Earnings in Mid Career: $98,920
- Average Unemployment Rate: 2.1%
- Percentage Holding a Graduate Degree: 26.4%
Undergraduates in civil engineering can focus on environmental engineering, transportation engineering, structural engineering, or construction engineering. Civil engineering is a STEM degree that requires advanced science and math courses. In addition, most majors ask for a co-op or internship.
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Chemical Engineering
Chemical engineering is also one of the hardest college majors and the hardest engineering degree. Students in this discipline prepare for class for 19 hours and 40 minutes a week on average.
- Median Earnings in the Early Career: $72,490
- Median Earnings in Mid Career: $106,260
- Average Unemployment Rate: 2.6%
- Percentage Holding a Graduate Degree: 28.1%
The design, synthesis, application, and transportation of chemicals are all included in the vast field of chemical engineering. It involves running chemical factories as well. Courses in calculus, chemistry, physics, biology, engineering, materials science, kinetics, and transport processes are required of students majoring in chemical engineering.
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Marine Science
Majors in marine science concentrate on learning about the ocean and its inhabitants. Research diving, marine biodiversity, aquaculture, coastal dynamics, and oceanography are some of their subjects. Students should be knowledgeable about the significance of oceans, be proficient in data interpretation and marine research, and be aware of relevant concerns in the field, before they graduate.
- Median Earnings in the Early Career: $59,390
- Median Earnings in Mid Career: $76,000
- Average Unemployment Rate: 4.0%
- Percentage Holding a Graduate Degree: 30%
According to ZipRecruiter (n.d.)., marine scientists can make up to $134,000 a year and the average yearly income for this position is around $66,803.
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Mechanical Engineering
A degree in mechanical engineering teaches students about power utilization, mechanical design, and materials science. Students learn manufacturing, material mechanics, thermodynamics, and machine design. They might pick up skills in mechanical tool development, heating and cooling system design, and robot design.
- Median Earnings in the Early Career: $63,000
- Median Earnings in Mid Career: $98,000
- Average Unemployment Rate: 4.3%
- Percentage Holding a Graduate Degree: 41%
Mechanical engineering is one of the hardest college majors for part due to its high technical requirements. Advanced science and mathematics courses are required of students as part of their training.
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Final Thoughts!
Every student preparing for their college major will face a certain set of difficulties. Individual differences often explain why some students struggle more than others to pass college courses. It could be that they have little to no interest in the subjects, or that the teaching does not fit their learning style.
Although pursuing one of these Hardest College Majors is a challenging path, it also offers academic fulfillment. Students who take on the challenge and never give up will have the information, abilities, and willpower to promote innovation, mold the future, and solve the mysteries of our planet.
