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.
Want to build the best possible college application?
We can help. PrepScholar Admissions is the world's best admissions consulting service. We combine world-class admissions counselors with our data-driven, proprietary admissions strategies. We've overseen thousands of students get into their top choice schools, from state colleges to the Ivy League.
We know what kinds of students colleges want to admit. We want to get you admitted to your dream schools.
Learn more about PrepScholar Admissions to maximize your chance of getting in.
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.
Get Free Guides to Boost Your SAT/ACT
FAQs
What is the most useful college degree? ›
- Biomedical engineering. ...
- Computer science. ...
- Marine engineering. ...
- Pharmaceutical sciences. ...
- Computer engineering. ...
- Electrical engineering. ...
- Finance. ...
- Software engineering.
- Associate Degree.
- Bachelor's Degree.
- Master's Degree.
- Doctoral Degree.
There are generally four categories of college degrees: associate degree, bachelor's degree, graduate degree, and doctorate or professional degree.
What are the easiest degrees to get that pay well? ›- 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 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 fast and pays well? ›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.
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 least useful degree? ›- Film, video, and photographic arts. ...
- Languages. ...
- Music. ...
- Philosophy. ...
- Psychology. ...
- Studio arts and fine art. ...
- Theater Arts. A degree in theater arts allows a learner to study acting and the making of theater production. ...
- Travel and tourism. Sounds fun, right?
Science majors tend to have lower GPAs on average, with chemistry being the major with the lowest average GPA. Meanwhile, education majors earn the highest GPAs on average.
What is the happiest major? ›...
Least-regretted college majors.
Computer + information sciences | 72% 72% 72% |
---|---|
Health | 67% 67% 67% |
Business administration + management | 66% 66% 66% |
Finance | 66% 66% 66% |
- Chemistry.
- Environmental Economics and Policy.
- Environmental Earth Science.
- American Studies.
- Nuclear Engineering.
- Energy Engineering.
- Astrophysics.
- Applied Mathematics.
...
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% |
Musk attended Queen's University in Kingston, Ontario, and in 1992 he transferred to the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, where he received bachelor's degrees in physics and economics in 1997.
What degrees make you wealthy? ›- Computer science.
- Economics.
- Accounting.
- Engineering.
- Business administration.
- Sociology/social work.
- Mathematics/statistics.
- Psychology.
What is the hardest course in college? ›
The hardest degree subjects are Aerospace Engineering, Law, Chartered Accountancy, Architecture, Chemistry, Medicine, Pharmacy, Psychology, Statistics, Nursing, Physics, Astrophysics, Biomedical Engineering, Astronomy, and Dentistry.
What is the easiest 4 year degree? ›- Psychology.
- Criminal Justice.
- English.
- Education.
- Religious Studies.
- Social Work.
- Sociology.
- Communications.
Bachelor's degree – Includes Bachelor of Arts (B.A.), Bachelor of Science (B.S.) and Bachelor of Fine Arts (B.F.A.) Doctorate degree – Includes Doctor of Philosophy (Ph. D.) Professional degree – Includes Doctor of Medicine (M.D.) and Juris Doctor (J.D.)
What is higher than a PhD? ›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.
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 shortest bachelor degree? ›An accelerated online bachelor's program is usually the quickest way to earn a bachelor's degree. Students can take more credits at once and graduate earlier — sometimes in 1-2 years. However, most bachelor's programs take about four years, and part-time online programs can take much longer.
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 is a 2 year degree called a 4 year degree? ›This may vary slightly depending on the institution and location, but an associate's degree usually takes two years to complete full time. In the US this equates to 60 credit hours as opposed to the 120 hours required for a bachelor's degree – which takes about four years to complete full time.
How many years is a master's degree? ›Master's degrees typically take two years to complete, but the timeframe can vary from person to person. Depending on your degree program and whether you're going to school full-time or part-time, it could take you less time to get your master's degree – or more.
What 3 year degree makes the most money? ›
- 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.
- Family and Consumer Sciences. $32K.
- General Social Sciences. $34K.
- Performing Arts. $34K.
- Social Services. $35K.
- Anthropology. $36K.
- Early Childhood Education. $36K.
- Theology and Religion. $36.6K.
- Psychology. $37K.
- Civil Engineering. ...
- Licensed Practical Nurse / Licensed Vocational Nurse. ...
- Radiology Technician. ...
- Massage Therapist. ...
- Paramedic / EMT.
- Nursing. ...
- Electrical Engineering. ...
- Accounting. ...
- Chemical Engineering. ...
- Finance. ...
- Biomedical Engineering. ...
- Human Resources. ...
- Actuarial Science.
Jobs that pay $100K a year typically require a bachelor's degree or higher. For example, according to the Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) program, physicians, surgeons, chief executives, lawyers, pharmacists, and dentists in the U.S. all earn more than $100,000 per year, on average.
What's the fastest career to get into? ›...
High-Paying Jobs With Little Schooling Required
- Police Officer. ...
- Aircraft Mechanic. ...
- Mechanical Engineering Technician. ...
- Radiologic (X-Ray) Technologist. ...
- Welder. ...
- Diesel Mechanic.
- Air Traffic Controller. Salary: $124,540. ...
- Computer Programmer. Salary: $82,240. ...
- Radiation Therapist. Salary: $80,570. ...
- Nuclear Technician. Salary: $80,370. ...
- Nuclear Medicine Technologist. Salary: $75,660. ...
- Dental Hygienist. Salary: $74,070. ...
- Registered Nurse. Salary: $70,000. ...
- Web Developer.
- Anesthesiologists. Median annual salary: $208,000. ...
- Oral and maxillofacial surgeons. Median annual salary: $208,000. ...
- Obstetrician and gynecologist. ...
- Surgeon. ...
- Orthodontist. ...
- Physician. ...
- Psychiatrist. ...
- Nurse anesthetist.
- Software Development.
- Computer Science & Information Technology.
- Accounting.
- Finance.
- Marketing.
- Human Resources.
- Engineering.
- Methodology.
- Financial manager. National average salary: $100,178 per year. ...
- 2. Development director. ...
- Aeronautical engineer. ...
- Electronics engineer. ...
- Sales engineer. ...
- Security engineer. ...
- Compensation manager. ...
- Deputy director.
What is the most versatile degree? ›
- Business Administration.
- Communication.
- Business Management.
- Psychology.
- Sociology.
- Biology.
- Economics.
- Political Science.
- 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 least regretted college majors, which graduates would choose all over again, are reportedly Computer and Information Sciences, Criminology, Engineering, Nursing, Health, Business Administration and Management, Finance, Psychology, Construction Trades, and Human Resources Management.
What is the best degree to get 2023? ›- Computer Engineering.
- Actuarial Science.
- Computer Science.
- Management.
- Electronics Engineering.
- Healthcare Administration.
- Health Informatics.
- Construction Management.
- Investment banking. ...
- Entrepreneur. ...
- Enterprise sales. ...
- Consultant. ...
- C-level executive. ...
- Influencer. ...
- Earn several streams of income. ...
- Gain effective media exposure.
...
Nine Degrees That Put You on the Fast Track to $100K
- Petroleum Engineering. ...
- Computer Engineering. ...
- Economics. ...
- Chemical Engineering. ...
- Applied Mathematics. ...
- Physics. ...
- Statistics. ...
- Finance.
- General and Operations Managers. Number of employees: 2,289,770.
- Software Developers and Programmers. Number of employees: 1,666,270. ...
- Physicians and Surgeons. ...
- Lawyers. ...
- Financial Managers. ...
- Financial Analysts and Advisors. ...
- Computer and Information Systems Managers. ...
- Sales Managers. ...
- Nuclear Engineering.
- Physics.
- Computer Science.
- Chemistry.
- Information Technology.
- Communications.
- Nursing.
- Education.