In this article, we look into some of the hardest College Majors and their potential salaries.
In college, students have to pick what they want to study, and this decision can be pretty big. Some students change their minds about what they want to study a few times. But whatever they decide, choosing what to major in is super important during college.
What you choose to study can really change how your college experience goes and might even affect what kind of job you get later on. It’s not just about picking a subject—you also have to think about when you choose it and if you might change your mind later. All of this can impact when you finish college, get your degree, and how much it costs.
Plus, the major you pick can shape the rest of your time in school. That’s why we’re going to talk about some of the toughest college majors. These majors are tough because they take a lot of time to finish and can change how your whole college experience goes, including how long it takes and how much money it costs.
What Makes a College Major Hard?
Before we dive into the list, let’s talk about what makes certain college majors tough. Different things can make a major hard for one person and easier for another. There’s no fixed rule for what makes a major hard for everyone, but some things usually apply to most people.
One thing that can make a major hard is how much time students need to spend preparing for class each week. If a class needs a lot of studying, homework, reading, writing, and research, it’s likely to be harder.
Also, if a major has a heavy workload, it can be tough. Some students might spend as much as 30 hours each week in class, doing homework, reading, writing, and practising.
When the subjects or the material in courses are tough to understand and learn, that major can be hard for students.
And, of course, if a student isn’t really into the field they’re studying, that major will probably be tough for them. Passion can make a big difference in how hard a major feels.
List of the Hardest College Majors
1. Architecture
Studying architecture in college is known as one of the toughest majors in the US. According to a study by Indiana University, students in this field face significant challenges. They typically spend about 22 hours per week handling their coursework for various classes.
In their studies, architecture students dive into multiple projects, juggling different aspects like design, planning, sections, and models—both physical and computer-based. This constant back-and-forth is crucial to ensure the success of their projects. However, the challenges don’t end there. After graduation, these students often grapple with job opportunities.
Despite the growing demand for architects each year, more than half of them work for themselves, earning an average of $100,000, with the median salary hovering around $70,000. Nevertheless, experts predict a significant rise in the demand for architects in the coming decade, especially as the need for modern architectural designs continues to grow. This shift might offer promising opportunities for future architects entering the field.
Also Read: Hardest Degree In Guinness World Record
2. Chemical Engineering
Chemical engineering is known as one of the toughest college majors, joining architecture in its difficulty. A study from Indiana University found that chemical engineering students spend roughly 19 hours each week handling their coursework. This includes homework, extra reading, writing, and lab work.
The classes in this major are really challenging. They cover subjects like physics, chemistry, advanced math, and various specialized topics like organic chemistry, physical chemistry, heat and mass transfer, and reaction engineering. There are a bunch more tough classes too.
Students have to spend a lot of time just getting ready for these classes, not even counting the hours needed to study for exams. But, the good news is, there’s a growing need for chemical engineers in the job market. Plus, the average yearly salary is around $100,000 and is predicted to keep going up in the next ten years. That’s a promising factor for those considering this tough but rewarding career path.
3. Aerospace and Astronautical Engineering
Studying aerospace and astronautical engineering is often considered one of the toughest college majors, alongside chemical engineering. Students in this field typically dedicate about 19 hours a week to studying and managing their workload.
The reason it’s so challenging is because it covers a wide range of subjects like math, physics, and even chemistry. Courses focus on fluids, requiring detailed calculations and an advanced understanding of math and physics. Since these students will design rockets and planes, the academic standards are very high.
While job opportunities for aerospace engineers are expected to grow by only 2% in the next decade, they are still in demand. On average, those in this field earn about $115,000 per year. It’s a tough path, but for those passionate about building the next generation of flight technology, it’s a rewarding journey.
4. Biomedical Engineering
The Biomedical Engineering major is ranked fourth among the toughest college majors. It blends engineering and medicine, demanding around 18 to 19 hours of study per week. This field is vast, incorporating chemical engineering, physics, computer science, electrical engineering, material science, and biology. Students must master these areas to excel as biomedical engineers. It’s a challenging path, not for the faint-hearted.
In terms of employment, the demand for biomedical engineers is predicted to grow by 4% over the next ten years. Regarding salaries, the median annual income stands at $88,550. However, those working in pharmaceuticals or research and development can expect around $94,800 annually.
Biomedical engineering involves creating devices, procedures, and systems to improve healthcare. It’s a fascinating field but requires dedication and hard work. With advancements in technology and healthcare, the demand for skilled professionals in this area continues to rise.
5. Physics
Choosing physics as a major isn’t an easy path; it’s known as one of the toughest college subjects. Students who delve into physics dedicate about 18 hours a week to studying, doing assignments, and grasping the concepts of this complex field.
Physics isn’t just about memorizing formulas. It’s about observing, understanding how things relate in time and space, and using problem-solving skills, math, logic, and intuition. This subject demands a well-rounded approach, balancing formula knowledge with broader skills and understanding.
Practical work is a big part of studying physics. Students spend considerable time in hands-on classes, applying theories to real-world situations. Looking ahead, the demand for physicists is expected to grow by 9% in the coming decade, offering promising job prospects.
Currently, physicists earn an average annual salary of $115,000. Those involved in research and development tend to earn more, averaging around $131,000. So, while challenging, pursuing physics can lead to rewarding career opportunities.
6. Medicine
Studying medicine is tough—it takes a lot of time, effort, and money. Medical students spend around 18 hours a week studying, sometimes even more, depending on what they’re focusing on. Working hard and staying dedicated to learning and growth are really important in this field.
It’s not an easy road. Students face constant pressure and are always learning and practising. Getting into a medical course is super competitive, and staying in it is even tougher.
Some students change their minds and switch majors because of how challenging it is. But those who stick with it commit around 10 to 15 years of their lives to become doctors. They’re incredibly passionate about medicine. If you’re not absolutely sure about it, it might be better to pick a different major and save yourself time and money.
On the bright side, there’s a growing demand for doctors and surgeons—about a 7% increase. Salaries vary based on the medical speciality. For instance, an internist makes around $264,000 a year on average, while surgeons can earn up to $536,000 annually.
Also Read: What are the Easiest College Majors that pay well?
7. Petroleum Engineering
Studying petroleum engineering is tough. More than half of students struggle in their first year. To succeed, students need to put in around 17 to 18 hours each week, just like other engineering courses.
It’s a broad field covering everything about getting natural gas and oil out of the ground. This means diving into chemistry, physics, and more technical subjects like petrophysics and geomechanics. It’s a lot to learn!
But here’s the catch: getting a job isn’t as easy as it used to be. More people are turning to cleaner energy options, so only about 3% of petroleum engineers find work. However, the money is still good. On average, a petroleum engineer makes about $153,000 a year. Depending on the job and company, those in petroleum and coal production can earn between $123,000 and $134,000.
Conclusion
Let’s face it, college can be tough if you’re not really into what you’re studying. Some majors, like being a doctor, a petroleum engineer, or an architect, can be especially challenging. They need a lot of time for classes, hard work, and real dedication. Not everyone can do these jobs, and that’s okay.
Imagine if everyone was super smart and did these kinds of jobs – the world might be a bit boring! It’s cool to have all sorts of interests and talents.
For those thinking about these majors as a career, I hope this info helps. Even though they’re tough, remember hard work usually pays off in the end. It’s about sticking with it and staying motivated.
It’s a challenging field that demands a lot of time and effort, but the rewards can be pretty substantial, especially when it comes to the paycheck.
