By Genevieve Carlton
Published on September 24, 2020
Undergraduates in all majors dedicate several years to their degrees, but some majors are harder than others, especially in online programs. The hardest degrees depend largely on individual students and their strengths, but generally, the hardest college majors require many prerequisite courses and extensive in-person requirements, like internships and labs.
This page introduces some of the easiest and hardest majors. It also outlines which degrees are the easiest to pursue online based on factors like average GPA, employment rates, and graduate salary data.
Featured Online Schools
Determining Which Degrees Are Hardest and Easiest
To identify the easiest college majors, this guide uses data from three prominent schools: UC San Diego; the University of Nevada, Las Vegas; and the University of Wisconsin-Madison. The data gathered from each of these schools includes GPAs from various majors. Additionally, data was collected from Georgetown University's Center on Education and the Workforce about the average employment rates and salaries for graduates with each major.
Our formula for calculating the easiest and hardest college majors assumes that more difficult majors result in lower average GPAs.
What Are the Easier Online College Majors?
Some majors have a strong track record of success for online learners. This section introduces some of the easier online majors, such as special education, music, and social work. Online students majoring in these disciplines typically thrive, according to their high average GPAs and low unemployment rates.
Special Education
A special education major trains educators to teach children with special needs. In addition to general education courses, special education majors take classes in assessment, assistive technology, and behavior management. Undergraduates also learn about individualized education programs, special education regulations, and human development.
Special education programs may offer specializations in areas like autism spectrum disorders or gifted and talented education. Most programs require student-teaching experiences to strengthen students' classroom skills.
See AlsoWhat Programming Language Should I Learn First in 2024? [Solved]Why Do Students Drop Out of Computer Science Studies?Why Do Tech Companies Not Hire Recent Computer Science Graduates?Is a Computer Science Degree Worth It? [2024 Guide]- Average GPA: 3.8
- Average unemployment rate for this major: 4.5%
- Average salaries for professionals with these majors: $45,000
Elementary Education
Elementary education majors learn to teach young students core subjects like reading, mathematics, and writing. The major often includes coursework in instructional design, reading methods, curriculum development, and inclusive classroom management.
During an elementary education degree, majors complete a student-teaching internship to strengthen their classroom skills. Online learners typically complete their student-teaching requirement at a local school. Before enrolling, prospective teachers should check whether their intended programs meet the requirements for a teaching license in their state.
- Average GPA: 3.7
- Average unemployment rate for this major: 3.4%
- Average salaries for professionals with these majors: $39,000
Secondary Education
Secondary education majors train undergraduates to teach 6-12 grade levels. Students take classes in classroom management, pedagogy, assessment, and curriculum design. They may specialize their coursework around a teaching field like math, language arts, social studies, or the sciences.
In addition to coursework, learners complete a student-teaching experience to build classroom skills, which online learners can typically complete at a local school. After completing the degree, majors can usually apply for a teaching license.
- Average GPA: 3.6
- Average unemployment rate for this major: 4.1%
- Average salaries for professionals with these majors: $48,000
Music
Music majors take courses on topics like composition, music theory, performance, and music history. The degree prepares graduates for careers as professional musicians, arrangers, music teachers, and composers. Music majors can also add business courses to their degree, preparing to work as arts administrators, music agents, or music producers.
Music majors may focus on areas like songwriting, music production, sound design, performance, or music business. Students can also focus their degree on music composition for movies, games, and television.
- Average GPA: 3.6
- Average unemployment rate for this major: 4.5%
- Average salaries for professionals with these majors: $49,000
Social Work
Social work majors study social welfare systems, vulnerable populations, and public policy. They take courses in areas such as social work practice, research methods, case management, and human behavior.
Most social work programs incorporate an internship which students can complete at a variety of locations, including government agencies, healthcare facilities, and social services organizations. Graduates may work as case managers, social workers, or social services specialists. Clinical roles require a master's degree.
- Average GPA: 3.6
- Average unemployment rate for this major: 5.9%
- Average salaries for professionals with these majors: $42,000
What Are More Difficult Online College Majors?
Some majors are particularly difficult to complete online. For instance, fields that require extensive hands-on training, like engineering, can be challenging for online learners. Many of these majors also set competitive entrance requirements. However, many of the most challenging online majors report low unemployment rates and high average salaries. This section introduces the hardest majors to complete online.
Biology
Biology majors study living organisms and ecosystems. Students take classes in ecology, genetics, biochemistry, and anatomy. The major builds strong analytical and research skills, preparing graduates for careers in the sciences, healthcare, and business. Biology graduates may also apply to medical school or other graduate-level programs.
Before declaring a biology major, undergrads typically take introductory courses in biology and chemistry. Many programs include laboratory requirements, and some encourage majors to complete internships. Online learners can typically fulfill these in-person requirements in their local areas.
- Average GPA: 3.2
- Average unemployment rate for this major: 4.7%
- Average salaries for professionals with these majors: $96,000
Computer Science
Computer science majors learn about programming languages, software development, computer engineering, and theoretical computer science. At advanced levels, majors may study artificial intelligence, machine learning, and algorithm development.
Computer science ranks as one of the hardest college majors for its combination of theoretical and technical material. Majors must master operating systems, computing principles, and data structures. Online computer science programs generally do not include in-person requirements, though applicants must often meet prerequisites in math and science before declaring the major.
- Average GPA: 3.2
- Average unemployment rate for this major: 5.6%
- Average salaries for professionals with these majors: $83,000
Civil Engineering
A civil engineering major studies the built environment, including bridges, buildings, transportation systems, and water supply systems. Students learn to design buildings, manage sanitation systems, and build public works projects.
Within civil engineering, undergrads may specialize in construction engineering, environmental engineering, transportation engineering, or structural engineering. As a STEM major, civil engineering requires advanced math and science coursework. The major also typically requires an internship or co-op project, which online students can complete in their area.
- Average GPA: 3.3
- Average unemployment rate for this major: 4.5%
- Average salaries for professionals with these majors: $83,000
Mechanical Engineering
A mechanical engineering degree trains students in materials science, mechanical design, and power utilization. Learners study thermodynamics, machine design, manufacturing, and material mechanics. They may learn to design robots, create heating and cooling systems, and develop mechanical tools.
Mechanical engineering programs typically require in-person labs and internships. Online programs work with students to complete these requirements in their local area. The field of mechanical engineering ranks as one of the hardest majors in part because of its technical requirements. Students must take advanced mathematics and science courses as part of their training.
- Average GPA: 3.3
- Average unemployment rate for this major: 3.8%
- Average salaries for professionals with these majors: $87,000
Social Science
A social science major studies people and society. Majors within the social sciences include sociology, political science, and economics. Many colleges also group history and psychology with the social sciences.
Social science majors build strong research, analysis, and critical thinking skills, which they can apply in a wide variety of career paths. A social science degree generally does not include in-person requirements, but some programs may encourage students to complete an internship in their local area.
- Average GPA: 3.3
- Average unemployment rate for this major: 6.8%
- Average salaries for professionals with these majors: $47,000
Are Online Colleges Easier Than On-Campus Programs?
"Accredited online programs must meet the same standards as on-campus programs, meaning an online major should not be easier than an on-campus version of the same major."
More than one in three college students take online classes as part of their degree, according to the National Center for Education Statistics. But how do online programs differ from on-campus programs, and are online colleges easier?
While online and on-campus programs vary in their delivery methods, they often use identical syllabi and course materials. Accredited online programs must meet the same standards as on-campus programs, meaning an online major should not be easier than an on-campus version of the same major. In fact, colleges that offer online classes often award the same diploma to online and on-campus students.
Students considering online and on-campus programs should choose the method that helps them learn effectively and best fits their schedule.
Finding an Online Program
Prospective online students can determine the best program for their needs by researching factors like tuition costs, program format, funding opportunities, and graduation requirements.
Many students start their college search by looking at costs. Tuition isn't the only factor in college costs -- undergrads should also factor in housing, book, and any other expenses. Online learners should also research scholarships and other financial aid opportunities.
Another important consideration for online students is a program's delivery format. Online programs may operate synchronously and/or asynchronously. Synchronous programs require set meeting times each week, while asynchronous programs do not, making this format the more flexible of the two.
Additionally, online learners should determine the graduation requirements of their intended program, such as labs, internships, and any other in-person requirements.
Students with prior college experience should check their prospective school's transfer credit policy. Transferring credits toward a bachelor's degree saves undergrads time and money, but each school sets different policies on accepting transfer credits. Prospective online students can reach out to individual schools for more information.
Determining the Best Major for You
"...each student should choose a major that aligns with their strengths, goals, and interests."
An easy major for one student can be one of the hardest majors in college for another student. Therefore, each student should choose a major that aligns with their strengths, goals, and interests. Students fascinated by language and communication might struggle as math majors, while learners who love numerical reasoning might find an early education major too challenging.
Learning styles are another important consideration when choosing a major. Some students thrive in lecture-based classes, while others prefer hands-on laboratories or internships.
Undergrads should also consider their career goals. Certain majors prepare graduates for specific careers. For instance, an education major trains students to work as teachers. Other majors, like social science, build transferable skills for many career paths.
