Despite the fact that what comes off as ‘hard’ is relative to individuals, we can agree that some majors are harder than others. 

Typically, the hardest college majors require more study time and more homework which makes them objectively harder than other college majors. However, they often come with the biggest payoff for graduates. 

Yes, they can be very challenging, from intense coursework to tasking practicals, down to long hours of study, but students who successfully graduate with these majors often earn a really good income. 

So are you up for the challenge? Follow us as we check out the top hardest college majors with careers and salaries. 

Hardest College Majors

Here is a list of the top 10 hardest majors based on average GPA

1. Chemistry – 2.28 GPA

2. Mathematics – 2.90 GPA

3. Economics – 2.95 GPA

4. Biology – 3.02 GPA

5. Geology – 3.03 GPA

6. Philosophy – 3.03 GPA

7. Finance – 3.08 GPA

8. Physics – 3.10 GPA

9. Computer Science – 3.13 GPA

10. Mechanical Engineering – 3.17 GPA

Note: The average GPAs may differ depending on the particular university, type of school i.e. public university, private university, liberal arts schools, trade school, etc, and program requirements. 

1. Chemistry

In first place in the list of the hardest college majors is chemistry. Chemistry students spend about 2 and half hours per day preparing for class each week. 

Chemistry covers biology but also covers aspects beyond living things. This maor focuses on the function, composition, behavior, and properties of matter and reactions between different forms of matter. 

Chemistry students spend ample time in the laboratories testing and re-testing theories and are required to take up classes including general chemistry, physics, biology, organic chemistry, caucus, and statistics.

There are multiple career paths available to graduates of Chemistry. You can choose to delve into education, pharmaceuticals, research, medicine, nursing, and law. 

You can also your education in this ford by pursuing a graduate degree where you can further develop your writing and speaking skills to present your findings. 

Chemistry Pros:

• You will know and understand how life functions
• There are opportunities to make big discoveries and inventions
• Lots of hands-on learning in the laboratory
• Your analytical skills, mental retentivity, and logical thinking skills will improve. 

Chemistry Cons:

• Long hours of study
• Frequent lab work or tests which could be challenging for some students
• To find a job outside of the ab or teaching environment, you will require more advanced degree. 
• Chemistry is centered on rights and wrongs and provides a little area for opinions.

Chemistry Major Jobs

The table below shows chemistry major jobs and their potential salaries according to the Bureau of Labour Statistics;

Job Title	Potential Salary
Biochemist / Biophysicist	$94,270
Chemist / Materials Scientist	$79,300
Environmental Scientist / Specialist	$73,230

Read More:

• 25 Easiest College Majors That Pay Well

• Best Colleges That Accept Low GPA In 2022

• Best Colleges That Accept A 1.5 GPA In 2022

2. Mathematics

Majors in mathematics study the relationships between numbers, structures, and patterns. They take classes in algebra and statistics and develop invaluable sis ie logic, critical and abstract thinking, problem-solving, and analysis which are beneficial to potential employers. 

These skills acquired qualify students to work in different fields including financia analysis, software development, cybersecurity, market research, animation, and patent law amongst others. 

Mathematics Pros:

• You would have a wide variety of job opportunities to pursue
• Improved reasoning and analytical capabilities
• Critica thinking skills
• You earn far above the national average
• The program is flexible 
• You would be considered a genius

Mathematics Cons:

• Achieving success can be challenging
• Most job entries require a graduate degree which costs more money and consumes more time.
• Involves lots of research and analysis and assessment of data

Mathematics Major Jobs

The table below shows mathematics major jobs and their corresponding potential sarees according to the bureau of Labour statistics;

Job Title	Potential Salary
Actuary	$111,030
Mathematician / Statistician	$93,290
Operations Research Analyst	$86,200
Financial Analyst	$83,660

3. Economics

This major involves the study of how individuals, communities, corporations, and nations decide to use their limited resources. It studies the behavior of people and how it relates to markets and finance.  

Economics is believed to be only about money but it can be applied to other fields including healthcare, food and water, education, environmental policy, and so on. 

This major is considered hard because it involves lots of math and statistics classes, synthesizing of data, and critical thinking. As an economist, you can choose any career path, whether business, technology, finance, or even government. 

Economics Pros:

• Your major can help you find employment in a number of different industries as soon as you graduate (economists are in high demand)
• You will develop great analytical skills
• The critical thinking and problem-solving skills you develop will be valuable in your professional and personal life.

Economics Cons:

• You need to have a graduate degree to secure a job in most industries
• You may need to take more math classes than your contemporaries and this can be challenging if you struggle with math
• You may get bored studying graphs, charts, and spreadsheets every day 

Economics Major Jobs

The table below illustrates economics major jobs and their potential salaries according to the Bureau of Labour Statistics;

Job Title	Potential Salary
Actuary	$111,030
Economist	$108,350
Financial Analyst	$83,660
Budget Analyst	$78,970
Accountant / Auditor	$73,560

4. Biology

Biology studies the role of living organisms, their function, and their characteristics. With a bend of time in the classroom and research laboratories, students learn about all things about living things including evolution and life cycles, and also make new discoveries. 

Biology also has some ambiguous terms and processes that require time to learn and memorize. 

Biology Pros:

• Lots of job opportunities such as working in laboratories, conducting field research, or teaching at the secondary or post-secondary level
• There are several areas of specialization you can choose from
• High salary: Biology majors make an annual average of $103,208
• There are opportunities for word class research
• There are also opportunities to learn problem-solving skills

Biology Cons:

• Limited persona time
• High tuition costs
• Learning and memorizing can be difficult
• Biology students who plan to go into the medical field go through the stress of medical school which can be very demanding

Biology Major Jobs

The table below shows biology major jobs and their potential sarees according to the Bureau of Labour Statistics.

Job Title	Potential Salary
Microbiologist	$84,400
Environmental Scientist / Specialist	$73,230
Zoologists / Wildlife Biologist	$66,350
Biological Technician	$46,340

5. Geology

Geologists study the physical aspects of the earth, its history, and the forces acting upon it. Through their studies, they are able to predict future earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, and floods. 

Their knowledge is also instrumental in mapping out the right areas to build or set up structures. Although their job description is calculated and somewhat complex, it comes with great benefits.  

Geology Pros:

• Asoutey good pay
• You can work anywhere in the world. There are no country boundaries
• You will feel connected to nature
• You can get a job with only a bachelor’s degree.
• The field has lots of hands-on exploration.

Geology Cons:

• Working in various physical environments can sometimes be harsh
• You may be required to travel to remote areas for fieldwork
• You may be required to keep irregular and extended hours.

Geology Major Jobs

The table below illustrates geology major jobs and the potential salaries according to the Bureau of Labour Statistics;

Job Title	Potential Salary
Mining / Geological Engineer	$93,800
Geoscientist	$93,580
Hydrologist	$84,040
Environmental Scientist / Specialist	$73,230
Geological / Hydrologic Technician	$50,630

6. Philosophy

A philosophy major challenges students to examine questions with no right answers. You will study notable philosophers and their theories and you can even come up with theories of your own. This major develops you to think critically, identify and  evaluate arguments and engage in moral and ethical reasoning.

There are not many career opportunities in philosophy and most majors build their careers through their writing. 

Philosophy Pros:

• It improves your critical thinking and problem-solving ability
• Philosophy also helps to develop strong analytical and writing skills
• You can learn about the influence of ideas in our lives

Philosophy Cons:

• Limited job opportunities
• There are lots of concepts to understand and retain 
• Society often favors scientific facts over philosophy

Philosophy Major Jobs

The table below illustrates philosophy major jobs and their potential salaries according to the Bureau of Labour Statistics;

Job Title	Potential Salary
Philosophy and Religion Teacher, Postsecondary	$76,160
Writer or Author	$67,120
Market Research Analyst	$65,810

7. Finance

Do you have a flair for math and analyzing data?  You should consider a finance major. Finance majors need to be skilled in formulating strategies, communications, and critical thinking. 

Finance majors learn economic, social, and entrepreneurial methods to create financial plans or give investment advice to clients. They also learn how to work with businesses to streamline operations through financial planning, investing, problem-solving, and budgeting.

Finance Pros:

• Finance jobs tend to pay better than other professions
• Financial and accounting services would always be in high demand irrespective of the economy.
• Finance provides opportunities to work in different areas including government, business, international trade, and so on.

Finance Cons:

• Long working hours. Finance workers work up to 40 hours per week including the weekends
• Limited personal time
• It is relatively stressful
• The industry is constantly evolving so it demands continual studying

Finance Major Jobs

The table illustrates finance major jobs and their potential salaries according to the Bureau of Labour Statistics

Job Title	Potential Salary
Personal Financial Advisors	$89,330
Management Analysts	$87,660
Financial Analysts	$83,660
Financial Examiners	$81,430
Logisticians	$76,270

8. Physics

Physics is one broad subject that encompasses everything about nature and the properties of matter and energy. It explains how the world works and how the universe is structured. 

Majors in physics gain exposure to both classical and modern theories in the field and spend quality time carrying out experiments in the laboratory. 

To excel in this field you would need to be skilled in math, sciences, problem-solving, communications, and teamwork.

Although the coursework is very demanding, the degree provides you with job opportunities in multiple fields including scientific research, business, finance, technology, and engineering. 

It is particularly important for physics students to be skilled in their writing so that they can deliver professional-level findings. 

Physics Pros

• Decent job security
• You can publish research papers
• If you love research, you will have the opportunity to work on demanding projects
• Beings a physicist allows you to work indoors

Physics Cons

• Physicicist often require an advanced degree to secure an employment
• Most physicists don’t get rich
• You wi need dedication for research
• The coursework can be pretty tough
• You may find it difficult working in the corporate world

Physics Major Jobs

Job Title	Potential Salary
Physicist / Astronomer	$129,850
Aerospace Engineer	$118,610
Nuclear Engineer	$116,140
Chemist / Materials Scientist	$79,300

9. Computer Science

Are you tech savvy and ove to solve compex problems? A computer science major might be just right for you. This major is for individuals skilled in problem-solving, who wish to learn how to use computers and computational processes to build websites, program robots, mine data, and so on. 

You will also require a good dose of patience and persistence to excel in this field. There are several programming languages in computer science and to learn them, you need a willing mind. 

Computer science majors can get advanced degrees in the field and they can work in different industries.

Computer Science Pros:

• You can have a flexible schedule with remote computer science obs
• It develops mutitasking capabilities
• Job security. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects faster-than-average employment growth for computer scientists at 22% from 2020 to 2030.
• You could work for different types of corporations like insurance companies, Google, the CIA, etc.  
• With technology constantly evolving, you have opportunities to learn and grow. 

Computer Science Cons:

• You require analytical skills and commitment to excel in computer science
• Pursuing an education in computer science may be expensive, depending on your choice of institution
• The world of computer science is fast-paced and while you may be learning a particular language or skill, you may find that it is obsolete. ,
• Although there are multiple job opportunities in big industries and companies, you may not be opportune to work there. You may find employment in a less glamorous environment but there is room to still make good money. 

Computer Science Major Jobs

Job Title	Potential Salary
Computer and Information Systems Manager	$151,150
Hardware Engineer	$119,560
Network Architect	$116,780
Software Developer	$110,140
Information Security Analyst	$103,590

10. Engineering

This is an interdisciplinary study of math, science, and some business principles. It is also one of the hardest college majors as it explores a wide range of challenging subjects (maths, sciences, and technology).

Engineering courses teach students the principles of design and how to conduct experiments, identify and solve problems, understand professional and ethical responsibility, and communicate effectively.

Engineering is a broad field with many branches that include mechanical, civil, electrical, management, chemical, and geotechnical. These branches are different in scope and have numerous sub-categories. 

For whichever branch you choose, you have to put in the required work to excel. Some of the major degrees in engineering include;

• Aerospace
• Agricultural
• Architectural
• Automotive
• Biological
• Biomechanical
• Biomedical
• Ceramics
• Chemical
• Civil
• Computer
• Earth and Atmospheric Sciences
• Electrical
• Electronics
• Management
• Physics
• Environmental
• Geological
• Geomatics
• Industrial
• Manufacturing
• Marine
• Materials Science
• Mechanical
• Mechatronics
• Metallurgical
• Microelectronic
• Mining
• Nanotechnology
• Nuclear
• Operations Research
• Paper
• Petroleum
• Photonics
• Robotics
• Structural
• Sustainable
• Systems

Most of these degrees are highly specialized and may be available only at certain schools or may have classes only at the graduate level.

Note: Engineering majors cover topics in chemistry, physics, statistics, calculus, and so on. 

Engineering Pros:

• Engineers earn top dollar
• You can venture into different fields 
• There are opportunities for promotion
• Regular working hours
• You can work for multiple companies

Engineering Cons:

• The coursework is rigorous and demanding which makes getting a degree hard
• You may not be able to develop other interests such as art or writing.

Engineering Major Jobs

Job Title	Potential Salary
Petroleum Engineer	$137,330
Computer Hardware Engineer	$119,560
Aerospace Engineer	$118,610
Nuclear Engineer	$116,140
Chemical Engineer	$108,540

Which College Majors Pay The Most?

The hardest college obs are most often the highest-paying, most in-demand jobs. Here is a list of some high-paying college majors and salaries;

Major	Job Title	Median Salary
Computer Science	Computer and Information Systems Manager	$151,150
Engineering	Petroleum Engineer	$137,330
Physics	Physicist / Astronomer	$129,850

How To Find The Hardest College Majors

Different people learn and retain information differently so how hard a subject might be is subjective. However, there are certain factors that can make one major seem harder than the other. These factors include;

• Number of hours spent in classes and labs 
• Number of hours spent studying
• Stricter professors
• Stricter grading policies

STEM ( Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) are generally considered hard because of the rigorous courses in maths and the sciences. 

The difficulty of a major also depends on the university. Different schools have different grading policies, different course materials, different professors, and different courses required for a particular degree.

Average GPAs Differ Between Public And Private Colleges

Did you know that where you attend university can impact your overall Grade Point Average (GPA)? It does, but the difference isn’t much. Students attending public universities have an average GPA of 3.1 and those attending private universities have an average GPA of 3.3.

GPAs By Field Of Study

The table below shows the average Grade Point Average by subject area at Conell University.

Major	Average GPA
Chemistry	2.78
Mathematics	2.90
Economics	2.95
Biology	3.02
Geology	3.03
Philosophy	3.08
Finance	3.08
Physics	3.10
Computer Science	3.13
Mechanical Engineering	3.17

Top 16 Easiest Majors By Field Of Study

The hardest college majors listed above may not be your cup of tea. If you are interested in taking the easiest majors that pay well, here is a list;

• English
• Psychology
• Criminal Justice
• Education
• Religious Studies
• Social Work
• Sociology
• Communications
• History
• Health
• Liberal Arts
• Creative Writing
• Anthropology
• Linguistics
• Music
• Humanities

Frequently Asked Questions

Conclusion

There you have it – Top 10 hardest college majors (with careers and salaries). Remember, the hardest college majors are subjective to individual as it stems from your lack of interest and natural talent for a subject. 

To excel in these fields, you need to put in long hours of hard work and a good dose of devotion. Dont forget – the potential payoff is huge! 

However, these college majors are not for everyone. Other majors like English, Psychology, Social Work, Music etc are important as well and they also have a great career opportunities. You can pursue any of them if you have an interest. 

What are your thoughts? Do you think the majors listed are as difficult as we say they are? We would love to hear your reviews. Kindy share this post and leave your comments in the section below.