Science is a fascinating topic, but with so many exciting disciplines, choosing a science major can be a challenge. Should you study chemistry, environmental science, or physics? And what kinds of jobs can you get with these degrees?
Whether you have a passion for the natural world or a knack for problem-solving, understanding the differences between science majors can help you make an informed decision about your academic path. Let Empowerly explore the realm of science majors with you. Along the way, we’ll highlight the most common science majors, outline the different career paths they can lead to, and discuss which science majors are the easiest (and the hardest).
Easy Science Majors
Science is no easy feat, but when it comes to picking a science major, there are a few avenues that many consider “easier” than others. We have based these rankings on firsthand accounts from students and graduates, but your experience may vary depending on the program you attend.
1. Biology
Biology majors develop a broad understanding of living organisms and the processes that drive life. Since biology coursework provides an overview of topics like cellular biology, genetics, ecology, and physiology instead of specializing in a single field, the classes are generally less rigorous. Although biology may not be as intensive as some other science disciplines, the diverse subject matter sets students up for a variety of different career paths, including medicine, zoology, marine biology, and microbiology. . Many biology majors go on to complete a graduate degree to specialize and prepare for their chosen profession.
Potential Courses: Introductory Biology, Plant Biology, Genetics, Microbiology, Chemistry, Mathematics, Environmental Science, Research Methods
Biology Major Median Pay: $65,000
2. Environmental Science
Environmental science attracts students who are passionate about the planet and sustainability. Environmental science is a multidisciplinary major that includes coursework in biology, chemistry, geology, and ecology. As environmental issues continue to gain global prominence, this major equips students to tackle the real-world challenges of a changing planet. Environmental science majors often go on to find environmentally-focused niches in a variety of fields, including law, engineering, consulting, education, and public policy.
Potential Courses: Biology, Chemistry, Math, Physics, Ecology, Earth Systems, Geology, Climate Change and Sustainability, GIS and GPS Computing
Environmental Science Major Median Pay: $76,480
3. Psychology
Although not strictly a natural science, psychology is certainly a scientific field, built on scientific methodologies and empirical research. Psychology explores the intricacies of the human mind, behavior, and cognitive processes. While psychology has its challenges, it is considered relatively accessible because of its relevance to everyday life. Psychology majors often pursue careers as therapists, social workers, counselors, human resource professionals, and forensic psychologists.
Potential Courses: Statistics, Research Methods, Psychometrics, Biopsychology, Communications, Human Behavior, and career-specific courses in Developmental, Cognitive, and Behavioral Psychology.
Psychology Major Median Pay: $85,330
4. Anthropology
Anthropology is a field at the intersection of science and the humanities. This major is the study of human societies, cultures, and evolution through a scientific lens. Anthropology majors often have the option to customize their curriculum around specific areas of interest, such as certain time periods or locations, so you don’t have to worry about slogging through boring classes! . Graduates can work in cultural resource management, museum curation, social research, and international development.
Potential Courses: Cultural Anthropology, Biological Anthropology, Linguistic Anthropology, Anthropology Methods, Folklore
Anthropology Major Median Pay: $68,641
5. Nursing
Nursing is an essential part of healthcare, providing care in a variety of venues, including hospitals, clinics, and community centers. Nurses assist doctors, evaluate patients’ health issues and needs, create and implement care plans, and keep medical records. It’s important to note that getting a nursing degree doesn’t automatically make you a nurse; in order to actually practice, you will need to earn a nursing license.
Potential Courses: Nursing Fundamentals Physiology, Microbiology, Gerontology, Pharmacology
Nursing Major Median Pay: $77,600
Hard Science Majors
If you’re up for more of a challenge, you can choose a more rigorous, specialized science major. These disciplines are difficult, but they are also incredibly rewarding.
1. Astrophysics
Astrophysics is a highly challenging science major that aims to unravel the mysteries of space. This field demands exceptional analytical skills and a strong foundation in physics and mathematics as students study celestial bodies, cosmology, and the fundamental laws that govern our universe. Astrophysics majors often go on to pursue careers in research, engineering, computer programming, and astronomy.
Potential Courses: Foundational Math, Physics, Astronomy, Astrophysics, Programming Languages, Quantum Mechanics
Median Pay: $166,290
2. Biomedical Engineering
Biomedical engineering combines two challenging fields: biology and engineering. Students in this major tackle the design and development of medical devices, diagnostic tools, and cutting-edge technologies to address health-related issues. The rigorous curriculum combines principles from biology, chemistry, and engineering, making it one of the most demanding science majors.
Potential Courses: Biomedical Engineering, Biology and Chemistry, Biomaterials, Biomechanics, Physiology, Medical Imaging, Biomedical Design
Median Pay: $89,447
3. Quantum Physics
Quantum physics, a subfield of physics, deals with the behavior of particles at the atomic and subatomic levels. Understanding quantum phenomena involves grappling with complex mathematical equations and abstract concepts, which can be daunting for many students. To thrive in this rigorous major, you need genuine passion, strong critical thinking skills, and incredible discipline. Quantum physics majors often become quantum physicists, but they can also pursue careers as nuclear engineers, data scientists, and astronomers.
Potential Courses: Quantum Physics, Classical Mechanics, Quantum Mechanics, Quantum Field Theory, Atomic Physics, Nuclear Physics
Median Pay: $292,726
4. Astronomy
An astronomy degree is very similar to another advanced scientific field, astrophysics, but with a few key differences. While astrophysics focuses on understanding the movement of celestial bodies, astronomy focuses on finding and cataloguing them. Astronomy involves less high-level analysis than astrophysics, but it is still a rigorous pursuit that involves countless hours of painstaking research.
Potential Courses: Cosmology, Physics, Calculus, Observational Astronomy, Galactic Astronomy
Median Pay: $132,710
5. Neuroscience
Neuroscience delves into all the complexities of the human brain–making the field as complicated as the organ it studies. Neuroscience majors have to combine both concrete and abstract thinking in their coursework. While there are many parts of the brain that scientists understand, there are just as many mysteries to uncover. With a degree in neuroscience, you can pursue a career as a neurologist, occupational therapist, speech therapist, neurophysicist, research scientist, or laboratory technician.
Potential Courses: Neuroanatomy, Neurophysiology, Cellular Neuroscience, Cognitive Neuroscience, Computational Neuroscience.
Median Pay: $127,654
Video: Science Degree Tier List (Science Majors Ranked)
Which Science Major is Right For You?: Questions to Ask Yourself
So, how do you actually choose a science major for college? Start by asking yourself some questions to clarify your interests, goals, and strengths.
Here are some crucial questions to consider:
- What scientific subjects am I genuinely passionate about?
- What scientific questions have always intrigued me?
- What science-related activities or experiences have I enjoyed in the past?
- Do I prefer working with living organisms (biology), understanding the universe (physics/astronomy/astrophysics), or exploring matter and chemicals (chemistry),?
- What are my strengths, and how do they match with different science majors?
- Am I comfortable with the level of math required for the major(s) I’m considering?
- How do my career goals align with the science majors I am interested in?
- Am I willing to pursue further education (e.g., graduate school) to achieve my career goals?
- What kind of research opportunities does each science major offer for undergraduates?
- Am I looking for a broad overview of a discipline, a more specialized science major, or an interdisciplinary program that combines multiple fields?
- Have I talked to academic advisors and professors about the science majors I am considering?
- Am I excited by the core courses and electives that are part of this major?
- Are there any specific opportunities for hands-on experience, internships, or co-op programs in the science majors I am interested in?
- How important is work-life balance to me, and does my chosen science major allow for it?
- What are the potential challenges and rewards of pursuing each science major?
- Am I prepared to adapt and explore new interests if my initial choice isn’t the right fit?
- Are there any specific extracurricular activities or clubs related to the science majors I am considering?
- Have I sought advice from professionals in the fields related to the science majors I am interested in?
As you ask yourself these questions and reflect on your answers, you’ll gain a clearer understanding of which science majors resonate most with your interests, strengths, and aspirations. Remember, choosing a science major is an important decision, and it’s okay to take time to explore and make the best choice for your academic and professional future.
Video: Rankings Science Degree Majors
Factors to Consider When Choosing a Science Major
Once you understand your personal goals a little more clearly, it’s time to take a deep dive into different factors that can help you make your final decision.
- Assess Your Interests and Passions
Before embarking on your academic journey, take the time to reflect on your interests and passions. Consider the topics in science that genuinely excite you. Are you fascinated by the complexities of biology, the mysteries of space, the intricacies of chemistry, or the principles of physics? Even the “easy” science majors require lots of hard work, so if you choose one that aligns with your genuine curiosity, you will find it easier to stay motivated.
- Evaluate Your Strengths and Skills
Understanding your strengths and skills is essential when picking a science major. Are you naturally inclined towards mathematics and problem-solving? Are you a strong communicator or an analytical thinker? Different science fields demand different sets of skills, and aligning your strengths with your chosen major will improve your academic success and overall satisfaction.
- Research Career Opportunities
While your passion for a subject should inform your decision-making, considering potential career opportunities is also crucial. Are you actually interested in the jobs that this major will prepare you for? Research the job market for the science majors you are considering, carefully weighing the day-to-day reality of the work against the earning potential and industry forecasts.
- Talk to Academic Advisors and Professors
Consult with your academic advisors and professors to see if they have any advice. These experienced individuals can provide valuable insights into each major’s curriculum, research opportunities, and potential career paths, and they can also speak to which fields align with your skills and goals.
- Explore Course Offerings
Dive into the course offerings for each science major you are considering. Look for classes that engage your intellectual curiosity. The more excited you are about a class, the more likely you are to succeed, even if it is challenging.
- Consider Interdisciplinary Options
In recent years, many universities have introduced interdisciplinary science programs that explore the relationship between two or more fields to offer a broader perspective and unique research opportunities with real-world applications. Consider whether an interdisciplinary major aligns with your goals.
- Assess Research Opportunities
Research experiences are invaluable for students pursuing a science major. They can help expand your skills, establish you in your field, connect you with other professionals, and set you apart as you apply for jobs and graduate programs. Check if the programs you are interested in offer research opportunities for undergraduates.
- Think About Postgraduate Education
For certain science fields, such as medicine, engineering, and academia, postgraduate education is often necessary to pursue your career goals. Consider whether you are willing to invest your time and money in post-graduate degrees , as this will influence your choice of major.
Why choose a Science Major?
Before we explore the easiest and hardest science majors, let’s take a step back. Why should you choose a science major at all? The simplest answer is that you love science, but there are plenty of other things that may influence your major.
- Curiosity and Discovery:
Curiosity may have killed the cat, but it has also given us many amazing scientists and their discoveries. Science is all about asking questions and searching for answers. If you are someone who loves a good puzzle, a science major could be the right fit for you.
- Make a Difference:
Science is an ever-evolving field that strives to solve the world’s most pressing issues, so it is one of the best ways to make a tangible difference. In science, there is always a challenge to work on, from developing life-saving medicines to creating sustainable energy sources to creating new products that revolutionize daily life.
- Strong Job Prospects:
A science major can lead to many in-demand, high-paying jobs within a wide range of industries. From laboratories to classrooms to hands-on field work, your career options are endless.
Get Into Your Top Science Program with Empowerly
Choosing the right science major is just the first step in your academic journey. Next, you have to find and get accepted to your dream science program. Empowerly can help!
Empowerly is your number one resource for college counseling. Our admissions specialists will support you every step of the way, helping you get into a top tier science program. 98% of our students get accepted into Ivy League and top 25 schools, and we have been proven to improve your chances of admissions by 11x.Book your FREE consultation today to start your science journey!
