One of the most common degrees obtained by college students is a college degree major, which increases your earning potential.
So, if you want to study a major that will lead to a good job that pays well, carefully go through this article to gain a better understanding of the most difficult college majors.
The most difficult college majors vary greatly depending on the student and where the student’s natural abilities and inclinations lie.
It will be more difficult for you to succeed in a major if you are not very good at a subject and, or do not have strong enthusiasm for or interest in it.
And if you are exceptionally gifted in a subject and are committed to learning it, you will most likely find that major easier.
This article provides a well-researched list of the hardest college majors that pay well.
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Hardest College Majors That Pay Well
1. Petroleum Engineering
Although it’s one of the most difficult college majors, Petroleum Engineering contributes to the discovery of oil and gas for any country’s energy needs.
Petroleum engineers develop techniques for extracting oil and gas from deposits beneath the Earth’s crust.
The early career earnings of Petroleum engineers are about $93,200.
2. Operations Research & Industrial Engineering
Industrial Engineering & Operations Research is one of the most difficult college majors because it combines two disciplines concerned with the operation of complex systems.
Students learn to use statistically rooted frameworks to model and solve system-level engineering problems.
Industrial Engineering’s mission is to make people and processes safer, more efficient, and effective.
Early career salary in Industrial Engineering & Operations Research is about $84,800.
3. Electrical Engineering & Computer Science
Electrical Engineering & Computer Science is an interdepartmental major for students who want to work in both of these fields.
It is primarily concerned with discrete and continuous mathematics, algorithm analysis and design, digital and analog circuits, signals and systems, systems programming, and computer engineering.
It maintains program coherence while allowing for flexibility in technical electives.
Early career salary in Electrical Engineering & Computer Science is about $108,500.
4. Interaction Design
The Bachelor of Science in Interactive Design program provides students with a hands-on, interdisciplinary approach to developing the technical, theoretical, and problem-solving skills required of interaction designers and user interface designers.
An early career salary in Interactive Design is about $68,300.
5. Marine Transportation Management
A Marine Transportation Management degree program focuses on the operational study of navigation, cargo handling and storage, controlling the safe operation of the ship, and caring for people on board.
Modules in Maritime Transportation, Logistics and Supply Chain Management, General Management, Maritime Law, Finance Management, Economics, and Business Communication are part of the degree program.
Supporting modules also include Basic Mathematics, Business Statistics, and Business Etiquette.
The early career salary in Marine Transportation Management is about $78,201.
6. Pharmacology
Pharmacology is the study of how a drug affects a biological system and how the body responds to the drug.
The origins, chemical properties, biological effects, and therapeutic applications of drugs are all investigated in the Pharmacology degree.
Early career earnings in Pharmacology are about $86,305.
7. Applied Economics and Management
The Bachelor of Science in Applied Economics and Management program prepares students for careers in business, finance, national, state, and local government, public and private research organizations, and nonprofit organizations.
Early career salary in Applied Economics and Management is about $66,100.
8. Actuarial Mathematics
Actuarial Mathematics is a broad-based business discipline that studies mathematics, statistics, accounting, economics, and finance, as well as their applications to long-term financial management.
Early career salary in Actuarial Mathematics is about $64,300.
9. Econometrics
Econometrics bachelor’s degrees teaches students on how to incorporate empirical data into theories so that they can be analyzed and evaluated.
Statistical theory aids in the development of econometric models and methods for solving economic problems.
Regression analysis, as a statistical technique, is important in econometrics and helps with problem-solving.
Early career earnings in Econometrics are about $64,200.
10. Building Science
Building Science, also known as ‘building physics’, is a branch of engineering that studies the physical behavior of buildings and the effects they have on energy efficiency, comfort, health, safety, and durability.
Understanding building science is critical for optimizing building design and performance.
Early career salary in Building Science is about $53,800.
11. Cognitive Science
Cognitive Science is a multidisciplinary, integrative, and experimental study of how humans, animals, and machines process information.
Students who major in Cognitive Science want to know how the mind works and can also be interested in psychology, neuroscience, philosophy, or linguistics and wish to conduct research in one of these fields.
A Cognitive Science graduate who can analyze cognitive and decision-making processes are well-prepared for a rewarding career.
The early career salary in Cognitive Science is about $68,700.
12. Physics & Astronomy
Physics is concerned with space, time, and motion concepts, as well as conservation, fields, waves, and quanta.
Some of the more specialized areas of physics are astronomy, computational and theoretical physics, experimental physics, geophysics, industrial and condensed matter physics, medical and biophysics, and solar energy physics.
The Department of Physics and Astronomy offers courses in the various areas of Physics, and the programs have widespread applications in industries, government, educational institutions, meteorology and aeronautics, metallurgy and mining, and other fields of engineering, medicine, business, and agriculture.
Early career salary in Physics and Astronomy is about $66,600.
13. Mechatronics
This is a new field that combines mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, and computer science to create, construct, and operate intelligent machines.
The early career salary in Mechatronics is about $72,800.
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14. Aeronautical Science
Aeronautical Science is the primary engineering discipline concerned with aircraft and spacecraft design.
Aeronautical engineering and astronautical engineering are the two major branches that overlap.
Avionics engineering is also similar to aerospace engineering in that it focuses on electronics.
Early career earnings in Aeronautical Science are about $77,600.
15. Chemical Engineering
This is an interdisciplinary field that deals with the conversion of raw materials into useful products.
Chemical engineers develop and optimize the processes used to create and refine products.
They also work to create better materials with better properties that are more durable and last longer.
This program covers topics such as mechanics, thermodynamics, chemical reaction kinetics, and process design.
These engineering and scientific principles will come in handy during your research and analysis.
The early career salary of Chemical engineers is about $76,900.
16. Electrical Power Engineering
The Electrical Power Engineering Technology program’s goal is to provide students with a high-quality, applications-oriented undergraduate education that is based on cutting-edge electrical technology equipment.
Early career earnings in Electrical Power Engineering are about $76,100.
17. Systems Engineering
This field of study enables the development, analysis, and management of systems such as electrical, mechanical, chemical, biological, or involving business processes and logistics.
Systems engineering is made up of multiple interacting components performing a function that cannot be performed by any one component alone.
Early career earnings in Systems engineering are about $77,700.
18. Computer Engineering
This unique program combines digital design elements from electronic engineering programs with a focus on computer software engineering.
The program emphasizes the rapidly expanding fields of embedded systems, network computing, internet protocols, and applications.
The fundamentals of each discipline, such as programming, circuit design, communications, and signals, will be covered in study modules.
The early career earnings of a Computer Engineer are about $79,000.
19. Marine Engineering
The marine engineering discipline is concerned with the design, innovation, construction, and maintenance of seagoing vessels and navigation equipment.
Marine engineers specialize in the design and construction of internal systems for boats, ships, and submarines.
Propulsion systems, auxiliary power machinery, and operational equipment are all designed by them.
Naval architecture, nautical sciences, oceanographic engineering, and automotive and mechanical engineering are all closely related to marine engineering.
Fluid mechanics, propulsion, applied mathematics, control engineering, and computer-aided design are all areas of study that require a strong understanding of physics.
The early career salary of a Marine Engineer is about $79,900.
20. Nuclear Engineering
Within the School of Nuclear Science and Engineering, there are numerous opportunities for students to gain practical knowledge and experience in a variety of fields.
Undergraduate students have numerous opportunities to participate in research activities carried out by our faculty and graduate students, and research, development, and testing are hallmarks of the school.
The early career earnings of a Nuclear Engineer are about $76,400.
21. Mining Engineering
In engineering, Mining Engineering is the extraction of minerals from beneath, above, or on the ground.
Mining engineering encompasses mineral processing, exploration, excavation, geology and metallurgy, geotechnical engineering, and surveying.
The early career salary of a Mining Engineer is about $78,800.
22. Mechanical Engineering
Engineers in this field design and develop almost everything, from nanotechnology to automobiles, buildings, airplanes, and space stations.
The field of study combines science, mathematics, and computer science, and is the study of machinery at all levels, as well as how to build and maintain it.
It’s a broad subject with applications ranging from cars to cities, energy to artificial intelligence, and military to healthcare.
The early career earnings of a Mechanical Engineer are about $71,000.
23. Industrial Engineering
The focus of Industrial Engineering is on how to improve processes or design things that waste less money, time, raw materials, manpower, and energy while adhering to safety standards and regulations.
Industrial engineers can use their knowledge of math, physics, and social sciences to analyze, design, predict, and evaluate the process and device outcomes, and bottlenecks.
As one might expect, skilled industrial engineers are in high demand all over the world.
The early career salary of an Industrial Engineer is about $71,900.
24. Automotive Engineering
An Automotive Engineering degree is a branch of engineering and technology that focuses on creating new vehicles or improving existing machine technology and systems.
This difficult college major is an interdisciplinary subject that combines knowledge from various disciplines such as Electrical Engineering, Mechatronics, and Materials Science.
Automotive Engineering courses employ mechanical, electrical, electronic, safety, and software engineering tools and methods.
These tools enable engineers to create perfect driving machines by combining functionality, safety, and aesthetics.
The early career salary of an Automotive Engineer is about $67,300.
25. Energy Management
The Energy Management program teaches you everything you need to know about the energy and mineral exploration industries.
Students are also taught land and resource management principles from the perspectives of business administration, economics, geology, and environmental studies.
An early career salary in Energy Management is about $72,300.
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Conclusion
Ensure you consider your natural talents, passion, and career opportunities when researching the most difficult college majors that pay well.
Then you can easily consult this article on the top hardest job that pays well and go ahead and choose a preferred college major.
Have a great day.
