Hardest College Majors

Choosing one’s college major is an important step in getting ready for our future careers. Although you might have decided on the major you want to study, some people are still curious and want to know the hardest majors in any college.

Hardest College Majors

Hardest College Majors

It is difficult to determine which college majors are the “hardest” as different individuals may have different strengths and challenges. Some majors may be more difficult for some students due to the heavy course load, complex subject matter, or the need for advanced math and science skills. Other students may find these same majors easier due to their interests and strengths.

However, some majors that may generally be considered more challenging due to the high level of coursework and technical skills. Some hardest college majors include engineering, physics, and chemistry. Other challenging majors may include computer science, biology, and mathematics.

List of The Hardest College Majors

Biochemical Sciences

A major in biochemical sciences is one of the hardest college majors at the college level typically involves the study of the chemical processes and substances within living organisms. This includes the structure, function, and regulation of biomolecules such as proteins, carbohydrates, and lipids. In a college program in biochemical sciences, students may be required to take a variety of science and math courses, including biology, chemistry, biochemistry, and physics. They may also be required to complete laboratory work and research projects.

In addition to coursework, many college programs in biochemical sciences may also provide opportunities for students to gain practical experience through internships or research assistantships in academic or industry settings. These experiences can be valuable for students as they prepare for careers in the field or further education in graduate or professional programs.

Overall, a major in biochemical sciences at the college level can be challenging, but it can also be very rewarding for students who are interested in the field and have a strong foundation in science and math. 

Chemical Engineering 

A major in chemical engineering at the college level typically involves the study of the principles and practices of designing, constructing, and operating industrial plants and processes for the production of a wide range of chemicals and related products.

In a college program in chemical engineering, students may be required to take courses in subjects such as chemistry, physics, math, and engineering. These courses may cover topics such as thermodynamics, transport phenomena, process design, and chemical reactions.

Graduates of chemical engineering programs may go on to work in a variety of industries, including pharmaceuticals, petrochemicals, materials science, and environmental engineering.

Molecular Biology 

A major in molecular biology is one of the college majors at the college level typically involves the study of the structure and function of genes and other molecular components of living organisms. This includes the study of DNA, RNA, and proteins, as well as the processes by which these molecules function and interact within cells. In a college program in molecular biology, students may be required to take courses in subjects such as biology, chemistry, biochemistry, and genetics. These courses may cover topics such as gene expression, protein synthesis, cellular metabolism, and the regulation of genetic information.

Graduates of molecular biology programs may go on to work in a variety of fields, including research, biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, and medicine.

Genetics 

A major in genetics at the college level typically involves the study of the principles and mechanisms of inheritance, as well as the structure, function, and regulation of genes.

In a college program in genetics, students may be required to take courses in subjects such as biology, chemistry, biochemistry, and math. These courses may cover topics such as molecular genetics, population genetics, genomics, and genetic engineering. Graduates of genetics programs may go on to work in a variety of fields, including research, biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, and medicine.

Aerospace Engineering 

A major in aerospace engineering at the college level typically involves the study of the design, development, and operation of aircraft and spacecraft. This includes the study of topics such as aerodynamics, propulsion, structural analysis, and control systems.

In a college program in aerospace engineering, students may be required to take courses in subjects such as engineering, physics, math, and materials science. These courses may cover topics such as fluid mechanics, thermodynamics, structural mechanics, and aircraft design. Graduates of aerospace engineering programs may go on to work in a variety of industries, including the aerospace, defence, and transportation sectors.

Chemistry 

A major in chemistry is one of the hardest majors at the college level typically involves the study of the properties and behaviour of matter, including the structure, composition, and reactivity of chemical compounds.

In a college program in chemistry, students may be required to take courses in subjects such as chemistry, physics, and math. These courses may cover topics such as organic chemistry, inorganic chemistry, physical chemistry, and analytical chemistry. Graduates of chemistry programs may go on to work in a variety of fields, including research, pharmaceuticals, materials science, and environmental science.

Accounting

A major in accounting at the college level typically involves the study of the principles and practices of financial reporting, as well as the preparation and interpretation of financial statements.

In a college program in accounting, students may be required to take courses in subjects such as accounting, finance, business, and economics. These courses may cover topics such as financial accounting, cost accounting, auditing, and tax accounting. In addition to coursework, many college programs in accounting also provide opportunities for students to gain practical experience through internships or research assistantships in industry or academic settings. These experiences can be valuable for students as they prepare for careers in the field or further education in graduate or professional programs.

Overall, a major in accounting at the college level can be challenging, but it can also be very rewarding for students who are interested in the field and have strong analytical and problem-solving skills. Graduates of accounting programs may go on to work in a variety of industries, including public accounting, private industry, and government.

Finance 

A major in finance at the college level typically involves the study of the principles and practices of financial management, including the acquisition and management of financial resources.

In a college program in finance, students may be required to take courses in subjects such as finance, accounting, business, and economics. These courses may cover topics such as financial analysis, investment management, corporate finance, and international finance. Graduates of finance programs may go on to work in a variety of industries, including banking, investment, insurance, and corporate finance.

Electrical Engineering 

A major in electrical engineering at the college level typically involves the study of the principles and practices of designing, developing, and maintaining electrical systems and equipment. This includes the study of topics such as electrical circuits, electronics, control systems, and computer hardware.

In a college program in electrical engineering, students may be required to take courses in subjects such as engineering, physics, math, and computer science. These courses may cover topics such as circuit analysis, digital electronics, electromagnetism, and communication systems. In addition to coursework, many college programs in electrical engineering also provide opportunities for students to gain practical experience through internships or research assistantships in industry or academic settings. These experiences can be valuable for students as they prepare for careers in the field or further education in graduate or professional programs.

Overall, a major in electrical engineering at the college level can be challenging, but it can also be very rewarding for students who are interested in the field and have a strong foundation in science and math. Graduates of electrical engineering programs may go on to work in a variety of industries, including telecommunications, computer engineering, power and energy, and electronics.

Neuroscience 

A major in neuroscience at the college level typically involves the study of the structure and function of the nervous system, including the brain and spinal cord. This includes the study of topics such as neuroanatomy, neurophysiology, neurochemistry, and behaviour.

In a college program in neuroscience, students may be required to take courses in subjects such as biology, psychology, chemistry, and math. These courses may cover topics such as cellular and molecular neuroscience, sensory and motor systems, learning and memory, and perception. Overall, a major in neuroscience at the college level can be challenging, but it can also be very rewarding for students who are interested in the field and have a strong foundation in science and math. Graduates of neuroscience programs may go on to work in a variety of fields, including research, pharmaceuticals, psychology, and medicine.

Materials Engineering And Materials Science 

A major in materials engineering and materials science at the college level typically involves the study of the properties and behaviour of materials, including metals, ceramics, polymers, and composites. This includes the study of topics such as materials processing, materials characterization, and materials design.

In a college program in materials engineering and materials science, students may be required to take courses in subjects such as engineering, physics, chemistry, and math. These courses may cover topics such as solid mechanics, thermodynamics, materials processing, and materials characterization. Overall, a major in materials engineering and materials science at the college level can be challenging, but it can also be very rewarding for students who are interested in the field and have a strong foundation in science and math. Graduates of materials engineering and materials science programs may go on to work in a variety of industries, including aerospace, automotive, electronics, and biomedical.

Microbiology 

A major in microbiology at the college level typically involves the study of microorganisms, including bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites. This includes the study of their structure, function, and role in various ecological and environmental contexts.

In addition to coursework, many college programs in microbiology also provide opportunities for students to gain practical experience through internships or research assistantships in academic or industry settings. These experiences can be valuable for students as they prepare for careers in the field or further education in graduate or professional programs. Overall, a major in microbiology at the college level can be challenging, but it can also be very rewarding for students who are interested in the field and have a strong foundation in science and math. Graduates of microbiology programs may go on to work in a variety of fields, including research, pharmaceuticals, environmental science, and medicine.

Nuclear Engineering

A major in nuclear engineering at the college level typically involves the study of the principles and practices of designing, developing, and maintaining nuclear systems and equipment. This includes the study of topics such as nuclear reactions, radiation detection and measurement, and nuclear materials.

In a college program in nuclear engineering, students may be required to take courses in subjects such as engineering, physics, math, and chemistry. These courses may cover topics such as nuclear physics, radiation protection, reactor design, and the nuclear fuel cycle. Overall, a major in nuclear engineering at the college level can be challenging, but it can also be very rewarding for students who are interested in the field and have a strong foundation in science and math. Graduates of nuclear engineering programs may go on to work in a variety of industries, including energy, healthcare, defence, and research. 

Mechanical Engineering 

A major in mechanical engineering at the college level typically involves the study of the principles and practices of designing, developing, and maintaining mechanical systems and equipment. This includes the study of topics such as mechanics, thermodynamics, materials science, and control systems.

In a college program in mechanical engineering, students may be required to take courses in subjects such as engineering, physics, math, and materials science. These courses may cover topics such as statics, dynamics, fluid mechanics, and heat transfer. Overall, a major in mechanical engineering at the college level can be challenging, but it can also be very rewarding for students who are interested in the field and have a strong foundation in science and math. Graduates of mechanical engineering programs may go on to work in a variety of industries, including aerospace, automotive, manufacturing, and energy.

Architecture 

A major in architecture at the college level typically involves the study of the principles and practices of designing and constructing buildings and other structures. This includes the study of topics such as building materials, construction techniques, environmental design, and urban planning.

In a college program in architecture, students may be required to take courses in subjects such as architecture, engineering, art, and design. These courses may cover topics such as architectural history, building codes, computer-aided design, and structural analysis. Overall, a major in architecture at the college level can be challenging, but it can also be very rewarding for students who are interested in the field and have a strong foundation in art and design. Graduates of architecture programs may go on to work in a variety of fields, including architectural design, urban planning, and construction management.

Conclusion

It is important to note that although these majors are considered to be the hardest college majors, their difficulty varies per individual as it all depends on each student’s capabilities.

Frequently Asked Questions
  • Is Chemical Engineering Major Hard?

Yes, the Chemical Engineering Major is considered by most students as difficult.

  • What is the Average GPA required to Study Neuroscience in College?

The average GPA needed to study neuroscience in college is 3.5 and above.