When you get to college, you'll need to pick a major—a specific area of study that you'll specialize in. Your major can have a big impact on what you decide to do for work, as well as, obviously, how you spend your time in school. In this article, we'll give a comprehensive college majors list so you can see what options there are. Review this list of majors (we have hundreds!) so you're well informed on all the different routes you can take as a college student. While most colleges and universities have similar majors, the specific majors you can choose from depends on the college you go to. Some places have similar types of majors that have different names (for instance, Biology vs Biological Sciences). If you're curious whether or not your college has a specific major, the best thing to do is check your college's course catalog. You'll be able to see all of the specific majors you can choose from, as well as what courses you can take in of the different majors. Whatever degree you're thinking about, it's probably on this list of majors. Here's the complete list of college degrees.What Majors Will My College Have?
The Complete List of All College Majors
List of Majors: Agriculture & Natural Resources Conservation
- Agriculture, General
- Agribusiness Operations
- Agricultural Business & Management
- Agricultural Economics
- Agricultural Mechanization
- Agricultural Production
- Agronomy & Crop Science
- Animal Sciences
- Food Sciences & Technology
- Horticulture Operations & Management
- Horticulture Science
- Natural Resources Conservation, General
- Environmental Science
- Forestry
- Natural Resources Management
- Wildlife & Wildlands Management
List of College Degrees: Architecture
- Architecture, General
- Architectural Environmental Design
- City/Urban/Regional Planning
- Interior Architecture
- Landscape Architecture
College Majors List: Area, Ethnic, and Multidisciplinary Studies
- Area Studies, General (e.g., African, Middle Eastern)
- Asian Area Studies
- European Area Studies
- Latin American Area Studies
- North American Area Studies
- Ethnic & Minority Studies, General
- African American Studies
- American Indian/Native American Studies
- Latino/Chicano Studies
- Women's Studies
- Liberal Arts & General Studies
- Library Science
- Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies
College Majors List: Arts: Visual & Performing
- Art, General
- Art History, Criticism & Conservation
- Fine/Studio Arts
- Cinema/Film
- Cinematography/Film/Video Production
- Dance
- Design & Visual Communications, General
- Fashion/Apparel Design
- Graphic Design
- Industrial Design
- Interior Design
- Music, General
- Music, Performance
- Music, Theory & Composition
- Photography
- Theatre Arts/Drama
List of College Majors: Business
- Accounting
- Accounting Technician
- Business Administration & Management, General
- Hotel/Motel Management
- Human Resources Development/Training
- Human Resources Management
- International Business Management
- Labor/Industrial Relations
- Logistics & Materials Management
- Marketing Management & Research
- Office Supervision & Management
- Operations Management & Supervision
- Organizational Behavior
- Purchasing/Procurement/Contracts Management
- Restaurant/Food Services Management
- Small Business Management/Operations
- Travel/Tourism Management
- Business/Management Quantitative Methods, General
- Actuarial Science
- Business/Managerial Economics
- Finance, General
- Banking & Financial Support Services
- Financial Planning & Services
- Insurance & Risk Management
- Investments & Securities
- Management Information Systems
- Real Estate
- Sales, Merchandising, & Marketing, General
- Fashion Merchandising
- Tourism & Travel Marketing
- Secretarial Studies & Office Administration
College Majors List: Communications
- Communications, General
- Advertising
- Digital Communications/Media
- Journalism, Broadcast
- Journalism, Print
- Mass Communications
- Public Relations & Organizational Communication
- Radio & Television Broadcasting
- Communications Technology, General
- Graphic & Printing Equipment Operation
- Multimedia/Animation/Special Effects
- Radio & Television Broadcasting Technology
List of College Degrees: Community, Family, and Personal Services
- Family & Consumer Sciences, General
- Adult Development & Aging/Gerontology
- Child Care Services Management
- Child Development
- Consumer & Family Economics
- Food & Nutrition
- Textile & Apparel
- Parks, Recreation, & Leisure, General
- Exercise Science/Physiology/Kinesiology
- Health & Physical Education/Fitness
- Parks/Rec/Leisure Facilities Management
- Sport & Fitness Administration/Management
- Personal Services, General
- Cosmetology/Hairstyling
- Culinary Arts/Chef Training
- Funeral Services & Mortuary Science
- Protective Services, General
- Corrections
- Criminal Justice
- Fire Protection & Safety Technology
- Law Enforcement
- Military Technologies
- Public Administration & Services, General
- Community Organization & Advocacy
- Public Administration
- Public Affairs & Public Policy Analysis
- Social Work
College Majors List: Computer Science and Mathematics
- Computer & Information Sciences, General
- Computer Networking/Telecommunications
- Computer Science & Programming
- Computer Software & Media Applications
- Computer System Administration
- Data Management Technology
- Information Science
- Webpage Design
- Mathematics, General
- Applied Mathematics
- Statistics
List of College Degrees: Education
- Counseling & Student Services
- Educational Administration
- Special Education
- Teacher Education, General
- Curriculum & Instruction
- Early Childhood Education
- Elementary Education
- Junior High/Middle School Education
- Postsecondary Education
- Secondary Education
- Teacher Assisting/Aide Education
- Teacher Education, Subject-Specific
- Agricultural Education
- Art Education
- Business Education
- Career & Technical Education
- English-as-a-Second-Language Education
- English/Language Arts Education
- Foreign Languages Education
- Health Education
- Mathematics Education
- Music Education
- Physical Education & Coaching
- Science Education
- Social Studies/Sciences Education
List of College Majors: Engineering
- Engineering (Pre-Engineering), General
- Aerospace/Aeronautical Engineering
- Agricultural/Bioengineering
- Architectural Engineering
- Biomedical Engineering
- Chemical Engineering
- Civil Engineering
- Computer Engineering
- Construction Engineering/Management
- Electrical, Electronics & Communications Engineering
- Environmental Health Engineering
- Industrial Engineering
- Mechanical Engineering
- Nuclear Engineering
College Majors List: Engineering Technology and Drafting
- Drafting/CAD Technology, General
- Architectural Drafting/CAD Technology
- Mechanical Drafting/CAD Technology
- Engineering Technology, General
- Aeronautical/Aerospace Engineering Technologies
- Architectural Engineering Technology
- Automotive Engineering Technology
- Civil Engineering Technology
- Computer Engineering Technology
- Construction/Building Technology
- Electrical, Electronics Engineering Technologies
- Electromechanical/Biomedical Engineering Technologies
- Environmental Control Technologies
- Industrial Production Technologies
- Mechanical Engineering Technology
- Quality Control & Safety Technologies
- Surveying Technology
List of College Degrees: English and Foreign Languages
- English Language & Literature, General
- American/English Literature
- Creative Writing
- Public Speaking
- Foreign Languages/Literatures, General
- Asian Languages & Literatures
- Classical/Ancient Languages & Literatures
- Comparative Literature
- French Language & Literature
- German Language & Literature
- Linguistics
- Middle Eastern Languages & Literatures
- Spanish Language & Literature
College Majors List: Health Administration and Assisting
- Health Services Administration, General
- Hospital/Facilities Administration
- Medical Office/Secretarial
- Medical Records
- Medical/Clinical Assisting, General
- Dental Assisting
- Medical Assisting
- Occupational Therapy Assisting
- Physical Therapy Assisting
- Veterinarian Assisting/Technology
List of College Degrees: Health Sciences and Technologies
- Chiropractic (Pre-Chiropractic)
- Dental Hygiene
- Dentistry (Pre-Dentistry)
- Emergency Medical Technology
- Health-Related Professions & Services, General
- Athletic Training
- Communication Disorder Services (e.g., Speech Pathology)
- Public Health
- Health/Medical Technology, General
- Medical Laboratory Technology
- Medical Radiologic Technology
- Nuclear Medicine Technology
- Respiratory Therapy Technology
- Surgical Technology
- Medicine (Pre-Medicine)
- Nursing, Practical/Vocational
- Nursing, Registered
- Optometry (Pre-Optometry)
- Osteopathic Medicine
- Pharmacy (Pre-Pharmacy)
- Physician Assisting
- Therapy & Rehabilitation, General
- Alcohol/Drug Abuse Counseling
- Massage Therapy
- Mental Health Counseling
- Occupational Therapy
- Physical Therapy (Pre-Physical Therapy)
- Psychiatric/Mental Health Technician
- Rehabilitation Therapy
- Vocational Rehabilitation Counseling
- Veterinary Medicine (Pre-Veterinarian)
College Majors List: Philosophy, Religion, and Theology
- Philosophy
- Religion
- Theology, General
- Bible/Biblical Studies
- Divinity/Ministry
- Religious Education
College Majors List: Repair, Production and Construction
- Aviation & Airway Science, General
- Aircraft Piloting & Navigation
- Aviation Management & Operations
- Construction Trades (e.g., carpentry, plumbing, electrical)
- Mechanics & Repairers, General
- Aircraft Mechanics/Technology
- Autobody Repair/Technology
- Automotive Mechanics/Technology
- Avionics Technology
- Diesel Mechanics/Technology
- Electrical/Electronics Equip Installation & Repair
- Heating/Air Conditioner/Refrigeration Install/Repair
- Precision Production Trades, General
- Machine Tool Technology
- Welding Technology
- Transportation & Materials Moving (e.g., air, ground, & marine)
List of College Degrees: Sciences: Biological and Physical
- Biology, General
- Biochemistry & Biophysics
- Cell/Cellular Biology
- Ecology
- Genetics
- Marine/Aquatic Biology
- Microbiology & Immunology
- Zoology
- Physical Sciences, General
- Astronomy
- Atmospheric Sciences & Meteorology
- Chemistry
- Geological & Earth Sciences
- Physics
List of College Majors: Social Sciences and Law
- Legal Studies, General
- Court Reporting
- Law (Pre-Law)
- Legal Administrative Assisting/Secretarial
- Paralegal/Legal Assistant
- Social Sciences, General
- Anthropology
- Criminology
- Economics
- Geography
- History
- International Relations & Affairs
- Political Science & Government
- Psychology, Clinical & Counseling
- Psychology, General
- Sociology
- Urban Studies/Urban Affairs
List of College Degrees: How to Choose
Now that you know what your major options are, here's how to choose a major.
#1: Think About Your Interests
First, consider what you're interested in. You'll spend most of your time taking courses in your major, so you'll want to pick something you actually like studying. If you're not interested in taking Biology classes, then don't major in Biology! Pick something you enjoy and want to learn more about.
#2: Think About Your Job Prospects
While not everyone ends up taking a job in their major's field (I didn't!), many do. The training you receive in your major will help you when you're applying for jobs, especially if you're in a science or technology field where you'll need specific practical skills.
#3: Remember You Can Change
Finally, don't stress about your major! You can always change it. And, as I mentioned before, your major doesn't always align with your job. Ultimately, your major is something that you'll study and (hopefully) enjoy during your time at college. It doesn't have to determine your entire future!
Final Thoughts: List of All College Majors
Your college major is the specific area of study that you'll focus on throughout most of your college career. There are hundreds of college majors you can choose from. Consult this list of all college majors and your college's course catalog to see what your options are. Remember, if you don't like your major, you can always change later!
What's Next?
Wondering what the worst majors are? Our in-depth guide lists the majors with the lowest salaries and highest unemployment rates.
What are the easiest majors? The hardest majors? Read all about which majors you might have an easier or more difficult time with here.
Considering double majoring? We tell you what a double major is and go over the pros and cons of having two majors in college.
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Hayley Milliman
About the Author
Hayley Milliman is a former teacher turned writer who blogs about education, history, and technology. When she was a teacher, Hayley's students regularly scored in the 99th percentile thanks to her passion for making topics digestible and accessible. In addition to her work for PrepScholar, Hayley is the author of Museum Hack's Guide to History's Fiercest Females.
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FAQs
What is the most useful college degree? ›
- Engineering. Engineering professionals use principles of physics and mathematics to design buildings, vehicles, electronics, and other structures. ...
- Business. ...
- Nursing. ...
- Hospitality. ...
- Education. ...
- Computer Science. ...
- Architecture. ...
- Pharmaceutical Sciences.
There are generally four categories of college degrees: associate degree, bachelor's degree, graduate degree, and doctorate or professional degree.
What's the hardest major in college? ›- Chemistry.
- Environmental Economics and Policy.
- Environmental Earth Science.
- American Studies.
- Nuclear Engineering.
- Energy Engineering.
- Astrophysics.
- Applied Mathematics.
- Business Administration. Business administration is one major that is usually considered “easy.” Some programs will also only take 3 years to finish! ...
- English. ...
- Human Resources. ...
- Criminal Justice. ...
- Marketing. ...
- Supply Chain Management. ...
- Psychology. ...
- Communication.
The top three regretted majors, according to ZipRecruiter, are journalism (87%), sociology (72%), and liberal arts and general studies (72%). The top three regret-free majors, all above 70%, are computer and information sciences, criminology, and engineering.
What degree do most millionaires have? ›...
- Engineering. ...
- Economics / Finance. ...
- Politics. ...
- Mathematics. ...
- Computer Science. ...
- Law. ...
- MBA.
A doctorate degree typically takes anywhere from four to six years to complete. On average, a Ph. D. is earned within eight years. The length of time it takes to earn your doctorate is based on numerous factors.
What degree is 2 years of college? ›What degrees can I study in 2 years? Some degrees that have a 2-year option include Law, Accounting, Business Management, Business Studies, English, Finance, Geography, Marketing, Tourism, and some joint degrees.
What is the lowest degree in college? ›- Associate Degree.
- Bachelor's Degree.
- Master's Degree.
- Doctoral Degree.
#1 Chemistry
According to the average Grade Point Average of students in the program, Chemistry wins the prize title hardest major. A Chemistry major overlaps somewhat with biology, but chemistry extends beyond living things.
What are the top 5 hardest majors? ›
- Chemistry. At number one on the list is chemistry.
- Architecture. ...
- Chemical Engineering. ...
- Computer Science. ...
- Aerospace Engineering. ...
- Biomedical Engineering. ...
- Materials Engineering. ...
- Petroleum Engineering. ...
- History.
- Health.
- Liberal Arts.
- Creative Writing.
- Anthropology.
- Linguistics.
- Music.
- Humanities.
So, what are the best choices for easy associate degrees? Top picks include business, accounting, and criminal justice. These are all stable, growing fields that pay well, and studies show that most students who choose these majors are successful.
What degrees pay for themselves the fastest? ›- Air Traffic Control.
- Software Development.
- Electrical Engineering.
- Construction Project Management.
- Computer Programming.
- Radiation Therapy.
- Nuclear Science Technology.
- Web Development.
- Electrical Engineering. ...
- Aeronautics. ...
- MRI Technology. ...
- Radiology Technology. ...
- Respiratory Therapy. ...
- Occupational Therapy. ...
- Mechanical Engineering. ...
- Network Engineering. Network engineers design, administer, and maintain local and wide area network systems.
Computer science majors, with an average annual starting salary of almost $100,000, were the happiest overall, according to ZipRecruiter.
What majors should you avoid? ›...
Majors With the Highest Unemployment Rates.
Major | Unemployment Rate (2021) |
---|---|
Anthropology | 6.0% |
Ethnic studies | 5.9% |
Computer science | 5.2% |
Political science | 5.2% |
- Sociology – Social workers earn an average base salary of $61,147.
- Fine Arts – Museum research workers earn a median salary of $56,55.
- Education – High school teachers earn a median salary of $61,800.
- Religious Studies – Associate pastors earn a median salary of $74,753.
Elon Musk went to Queen's University in Kingston, Ontario, Canada, and then transferred to the University of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia, where he received bachelor's degrees in physics and economics in 1997.
What profession has the most billionaires? ›In broader terms, the finance and investment profession has the most millionaires. It also has the most billionaires, with 371.
What degree do most CEOs have? ›
The Doctor of Divinity (DDiv) and the Doctor of Civil Law (DCL) are considered by Oxford to outrank all other degrees, including a Doctor of Medicine (MD) degree. The DDiv is usually awarded for academic accomplishments beyond the PhD level.
Is PhD the highest degree? ›The doctorate degree is the most advanced degree you can earn, symbolizing that you have mastered a specific area of study, or field of profession. The degree requires a significant level of research and articulation.
Is A PhD the same as a doctorate? ›A PhD falls under the academic category of doctorates. While a PhD is an academic qualification that's highly theoretical and focussed more on generating new knowledge through scientific research, a professional doctorate on the other hand, is all about putting theory into practice in specific professional settings.
What is a 6 year degree called? ›A bachelor's degree (from Middle Latin baccalaureus) or baccalaureate (from Modern Latin baccalaureatus) is an undergraduate academic degree awarded by colleges and universities upon completion of a course of study lasting three to six years (depending on institution and academic discipline).
What degree is 7 years of college? ›Doctoral degrees can take up to 7 years of intense study to complete. After completing doctoral degree coursework, you might sit for comprehensive subject matter exams. A dissertation based on your research interests may also be required and reviewed by a committee of graduate school faculty.
What is a 5 year degree called? ›Bachelor's Degree - An award (baccalaureate) that normally requires at least 4 but not more than 5 years of full-time equivalent college-level work.
What is the lowest GPA a college has accepted? ›Unofficially, 2.0 is the lowest GPA accepted into a standard college, so while there's a chance that college admission is possible, it's not likely at more than a few institutions.
What is the lowest GPA you can have to stay in college? ›The minimum GPA for a number of different schools rests around 2.0. The 2.0 GPA is a standard in the college world that leaves a student around a C average, and the students who are below a C average are not learning enough information to qualify for a degree.
What's the lowest GPA you can graduate college with? ›At minimum, experts say, students must generally meet a GPA standard of 2.0, or a C average, on a 4.0 scale to graduate and remain eligible for federal financial aid.
What is the weirdest major? ›
- Biomimicry. ...
- Cannabis Biology and Chemistry. ...
- Puppet Arts. ...
- Viticulture and Enology. ...
- Fermentation Science. ...
- Bicycle Design and Fabrication. ...
- Digital Mapping. ...
- Bakery Science.
Business Administration. According to most sources, a bachelor's in business administration is the most commonly sought-after college degree among all majors. CollegeVine ranked it as their No. 1 easiest college major because the average GPA and ROI are high while the weekly workload is low.
What majors have the lowest GPA? ›- Environment Economics and Policy – 2.96 GPA.
- Engineering Physics – 3.1 GPA.
- Chemistry – 3.13 GPA.
- Data Science – 3.24 GPA.
- Legal Studies – 3.28 GPA.
- Architecture – 3.33 GPA.
- Urban Studies – 3.35 GPA.
- Chemical Engineering – 3.37 GPA.
- Business Administration. Average GPA: 3.2.
- Psychology. Average GPA: 3.3. ...
- Education. Average GPA: 3.6. ...
- Social Work. Average GPA: 3.4. ...
- Public Relations & Advertising. Average GPA: 3.0. ...
- Criminal Justice. Average GPA: 3.1. ...
- Journalism. Average GPA: 3.2. ...
- Economics. Average GPA: 3.0. ...
Rank | Major | Number of Degrees Awarded |
---|---|---|
Rank 1 | Major Business and Management | Number of Degrees Awarded 289,384 |
Rank 2 | Major Nursing | Number of Degrees Awarded 141,632 |
Rank 3 | Major Psychology | Number of Degrees Awarded 127,066 |
Rank 4 | Major Biology | Number of Degrees Awarded 120,375 |
- #8: Biochemistry or Biophysics. ...
- #7: Astronomy. ...
- #6: Physics. ...
- #5: Cell and Molecular Biology. ...
- #4: Biomedical Engineering. ...
- #3: Aero and Astronautical Engineering. ...
- #2: Chemical Engineering. ...
- #1: Architecture.
If you don't know what you want to study in college, a liberal arts degree is one of your most flexible options. There are many avenues to explore in liberal arts, and this interdisciplinary degree can pave the way for various career paths.
What are rare majors? ›- The Science Of Decision. This major teaches students to be experts in quantitative methods of making thought-out decisions. ...
- Ethical Hacking. ...
- Adventure Education. ...
- Cannabis Cultivation. ...
- Psychic. ...
- Theme Park Technology. ...
- Astrobiology. ...
- Digital Mapping.
- Petroleum Engineering. Early career salary: $96,742. ...
- Operations Research. Early career salary: $74,114. ...
- Marine Engineering. Early career salary: $70,837. ...
- Computer Engineering. Early career salary: $80,587. ...
- Systems Engineering. ...
- Chemical Engineering. ...
- Electrical Engineering. ...
- Computer Science.
The No. 1 spot goes to electrical engineering and computer science. The early-career median pay for majors is $119,200 annually.
What are the easiest 4 year degrees? ›
- Psychology.
- Criminal Justice.
- English.
- Education.
- Religious Studies.
- Social Work.
- Sociology.
- Communications.
Doctoral degrees can take up to 7 years of intense study to complete. After completing doctoral degree coursework, you might sit for comprehensive subject matter exams.
What is the easiest masters degree? ›- Masters of Fine Arts (MFA)
- Masters of Arts (MA)
- Masters in Mass Communication.
- Masters of Psychology.
- Masters of Finance.
- Masters of Human Resource Management (MHRM)
- Masters of Business Administration (MBA)
- Masters of Science (MSc)
Neither degree ranks as better than the other, but one might better suit specific career goals. For example, students interested in technical careers may need a BS for graduate school applications. In some majors, undergrads choose between a BA and a BS. Many psychology programs, for instance, offer both options.
What is the highest degree called? ›Doctoral degree. The top of the academic degree hierarchy, a doctoral degree represents the most in-depth education within a discipline. Upon completion of a rigorous program, doctoral students are designated as authoritative experts in their field.
How many years is a PhD? ›On average, a Ph. D. may take up to eight years to complete. A doctorate degree typically takes four to six years to complete—however, this timing depends on the program design, the subject area you're studying, and the institution offering the program.
What 4 year degrees make 6 figures? ›Pursuing a bachelor's degree in I.T., computer science, engineering, mathematics, or any related field is the first step towards the goal of earning 6-figure salaries in this field.
What is the least useful degree? ›- Creative writing. Pursuing a creative degree may not make you much money after college, and that's particularly true of creative writing. ...
- Communications. ...
- Fashion design. ...
- Hospitality. ...
- Education. ...
- Computer science. ...
- Culinary arts. ...
- Music.
Degrees pertaining to business and technology tend to be the most flexible degrees, and communications also pertains to many different fields. You may take the first step of your educational journey today by exploring online bachelor programs from accredited universities.
What 2 year degree pays the most? ›- Electrical Engineering. ...
- Aeronautics. ...
- MRI Technology. ...
- Radiology Technology. ...
- Respiratory Therapy. ...
- Occupational Therapy. ...
- Mechanical Engineering. ...
- Network Engineering. Network engineers design, administer, and maintain local and wide area network systems.