The 10 Hardest College Majors

[tcb-script async=”” src=”//pagead2.googlesyndication.com/pagead/js/adsbygoogle.js”][/tcb-script][tcb-script](adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});[/tcb-script]

While it is true that no college degree is ‘easy’, there are certainly some degreeswhich require an immense amount of work, stamina and determination. Becauseof the amount of work required, lots of these degrees have high drop-out rates –but for those who can make it across the finish line, jobs acquired as a result ofyour degree will make it financially worthwhile! Let’s have a look at the top tenhardest degrees.

1

Engineering

With such a vast and difficult array of subjects on which engineering students aretested (physics, statistics, calculus etc.), this subject has the highest rate of Cgrades and the lowest rate of A grades. The drop-out rate, perhaps because ofthis, is as high as 60% in some colleges. For this degree, you will need aminimum SAT Math score of 490 and reading score of 460. Many colleges requirehigher scores than this, however. Furthermore, not many colleges check yourwriting score for an Engineering degree. An average starting salary for a qualifiedengineer is around $54,000.

[Cannot display listing: You must configure the listing from the admin screen before you can add listings to your page.]

2

Architecture

The most difficult aspect of an architecture degree is the amount of time studentsmust dedicate to their work. Architecture can become a life-commitment! This isreflected in the exceptionally high drop-out rates of up to 82%. However, with anaverage starting salary of $45,000, this can be a good pay-off with manyarchitects earning $75,000 as their careers progress. The minimum SAT score forentry onto an architecture degree is approximately 1700 and students arerequired to have compiled a portfolio of work prior to application.

[Cannot display listing: You must configure the listing from the admin screen before you can add listings to your page.]

3

Life Sciences

Whilst an interesting degree to study, many students enter onto this path to gaincareers in medicine or veterinary sciences. A life sciences degree is onlybeginning of a qualification in fields such as this and so students often spend afurther 7 or 8 years studying after they have acquired their life sciences degree!Despite this, early drop-out rates for this degree are only around 20%. SubmittedSAT scores must include one science test and the combined score should beapproximately 2300. Starting salaries vary depending on which job field you wishto choose however an average starting salary for those with a Life Sciencesdegree is around $55,000.

[Cannot display listing: You must configure the listing from the admin screen before you can add listings to your page.]

4

Business & Management

Business & Management degrees can lead to high-powered jobs which can bestressful. Many students can find this degree very challenging due to theworkload and the drop-out rate can be as high as 50%. To apply for this degree,many colleges have their own written essays and tests for candidates to submit.Furthermore, you will need a combined SAT score for Math and critical reading ofapproximately 1200. The starting salary for a manager or business associate isaround $50,000 and this salary can increase dramatically throughout your career.

[Cannot display listing: You must configure the listing from the admin screen before you can add listings to your page.]

5

Physical Sciences

This field includes subjects such as physics, chemistry and geology. Because ofthe world’s move towards cleaner energy, this has meant there are less jobsavailable in this field and so graduates are finding it difficult to acquire full timework. Despite this, the drop-out rate for Physical Sciences is only 20%! Therequired SAT score is 1800 with a minimum of 600 in critical reading, Math andwriting. Starting salaries for jobs in this field vary between $30,000 and $50,000 depending on the job you choose.

[Cannot display listing: You must configure the listing from the admin screen before you can add listings to your page.]

6

Social/Behavioural Sciences

What makes this degree challenging is not the level of work or commitment; itsgraduates are the 4th lowest in finding full-time work after graduation. Subjects inthis field include psychology, sociology and political science. Despite having one ofthe lowest SAT score requirements (approximately 1000), the drop-out rate isstill rather high at around 48%. Furthermore, this degree provides one of thelowest starting salaries of around $37,000.

[Cannot display listing: You must configure the listing from the admin screen before you can add listings to your page.]

7

Philosophy and Religion

This difficult degree requires complete immersion in the subject. Constant workand self-improvement is required and many graduates go on to become priestsetc.. A combined SAT score of around 1600 is required for this degree and dropoutrates are only 20%. Starting salaries for a career after graduation are around$40,000.

[Cannot display listing: You must configure the listing from the admin screen before you can add listings to your page.]

8

Arts & Humanities

The difficulty in this degree lies in providing a varied portfolio and proving yourtalent. This degree will be more practical than theoretical however finding fulltimework as an artist after graduation can be extremely difficult. The requiredSAT scores for admission are around 1500 and drop-out rates are only 20%.Earnings vary greatly depending on job choice after graduation, however expectto begin somewhere around $40,000 for a full time job.

[Cannot display listing: You must configure the listing from the admin screen before you can add listings to your page.]

9

Education

Many students enter into an education degree as they think it will be an easy A. However, education requires a huge amount of studying and theoretical learning;it is not just a practical subject. Therefore, drop-out rates can be quite high ataround 40%. The SAT requirements are generally quite low at a score of 1000and this is reflected in a starting salary after graduation of around $30,000.

[Cannot display listing: You must configure the listing from the admin screen before you can add listings to your page.]

10

Economics

Economics degrees require a good aptitude at Math and the constant changingworld means you need to be adaptable. The SAT requirement for an Economicsdegree is a combined score of around 1300 and there is a relatively averagedrop-out rate of 37%. The starting salary of around $48,500 is an excellentattraction to this field, however.

[Cannot display listing: You must configure the listing from the admin screen before you can add listings to your page.]

Because these degrees are difficult, it certainly does not mean that they aren’tworth your time and hard work. In fact, investing time and energy into aprestigious degree can pay off immensely in your future with a highly paid andwell respected job – as you can see from some of the starting salaries above! Ifyou enjoy the courses you choose then the hard work is never a chore. Don’tforget that changing your major is possible; not everyone gets it right the firsttime and it is not a failure to change your mind. The most important thing toremember is that your future is in your hands and you can carve out whatevercareer you want so long as you have determination and commitment.

[tcb-script async=”” src=”//pagead2.googlesyndication.com/pagead/js/adsbygoogle.js”][/tcb-script][tcb-script](adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});[/tcb-script]

Leave a Comment