hether you’re an eager high school student awaiting the cumbersome decision of choosing what to major in or if you’re already in university, desperately trying to decide if you’ve picked your future field of study correctly, one thing is certain—there are levels of difficulty when it comes to the wide variety of majors available to college students today.
In today's day and age there are more majors available to college students than ever before. Where there used to only be a handful of college majors to choose between, there are now dozens upon dozens at your disposal. This means that identifying what you choose to major in can be an incredibly daunting task as so many of us are simply in a state of analysis paralysis as to what we would like to further educate ourselves in.
One filter that you can apply to this vast network of curriculums to significantly reduce the input of choices on your incredibly large radar, would be to educate yourself as to what the hardest majors in college really are. And while it is important to challenge yourself, one would be wise to research according to your capabilities and know your limits so as to further your chances of walking across that stage with that shiny, new diploma! This article will identify the statistically hardest majors in college to hopefully make your decision just a little easier. We will include various aspects to consider such as students' stress levels, the amount of time spent studying per week, and other factors such as grade point average.
Most Stressful College Majors
How do you identify the hardest majors in the first place? Well, one factor to seriously consider when attempting to identify the most difficult college majors is the levels of stress reported by students enrolled in that major. While it is important to challenge yourself, it is equally, if not, more important to be aware of your stress levels.
The reason it is important to take stress levels into account when choosing a major is because stress can have very serious negative physiological impacts on us. It can, and will, not only inhibit our ability to see the joy in life but it can also lead to a myriad of negative physical effects such as cardiovascular issues and immune system suppression.
All of which could make the end goal of graduating with a degree in a field that you’re passionate about a much more difficult task. In fact, about two-thirds of bachelor’s degree students who have considered pausing their studies (67%) say emotional stress has caused them to think of leaving, and 56% cite personal mental health reasons.This is not meant to deter any potential students from choosing to further their education but to simply inform them as to what they may face in the years to come.
Note: We can not stress the importance of studying something that you’re interested in enough. Those whose hearts aren’t in it, and are choosing a difficult degree due to the correlation of a higher-paying position should reconsider their motives as it will be significantly more difficult to persevere through those late night study sessions and long hours. For those who simply aren’t quite sure where their interests lie, consider taking a gap year to learn more about yourself. Additionally, many colleges offer exploratory majors meant to aid you in finding what you would like to study further.
1. Engineering
Due to its rigorous course load and intricate mathematical principles, engineering presents a significant challenge to many students. Along with regular studying, this degree frequently involves a lot of labs, team projects, and lengthy homework assignments, all of which may lead to stress.
2. Pre-med or Biology
Pre-med students frequently experience stress because of the demands of a rigorous course load in science and math as well as the need to maintain a high GPA in order to be accepted to medical school. Advanced biology courses include challenging topics such as anatomy, biochemistry, and genetics for majors in the field.
3. Architecture
Because it requires a lot of studio work, this major can be quite challenging. In order to achieve project deadlines, students frequently work through the night while designing and building models.
4. Physics and Math
The disciplines’ intricate nature can be difficult to understand, and there is usually a vast work load associated with this major.
5. Computer Science
Although it has grown significantly in recent decades, this field has its fair share of stressors. Completing time-consuming coding tasks and learning intricate programming languages are common course requirements.
The Amount of Time Spent Studying Per Week
Another measurable factor that can help determine the “hardness” of a major is the average time students spend studying each week. According to data from the National Survey of Student Engagement, the national average for full-time college students is about 15 hours of study time per week. However, for some majors, that number nearly doubles.
Engineering students, for instance, report studying 19-22 hours per week, depending on the subfield (mechanical, chemical, or electrical being most time-intensive). Architecture students often spend even more time—some reports estimate 25-30 hours per week—due to the extensive design and studio work required for project completion.
Pre-med and biology majors also top the list, with students typically studying between 18-21 hours weekly. These numbers make sense given the heavy reliance on memorization, lab-work, and preparation for standardized exams such as the MCAT. Similarly, students in physics and mathematics often dedicate 20+ hours per week just to problem sets and theoretical exercises.
Even in fields that are sometimes perceived as “less demanding,” such as business or communications, students can experience significant workloads, particularly in upper-level or research based courses. But generally speaking, STEM and design-based disciplines tend to require the most consistent out-of-class effort.
GPA (Grade Point Average)
Another way we can break down the difficulty of various majors with measurable data would be to investigate which majors have higher or lower GPAs. Lower average GPAs across large groups of stunts may be indicative of rigorous coursework, challenging exams, or particular grading standards.
While this may not be the most accurate way in which to measure the “hardness” of different college majors, due to the validity of such a measurement can be skewed by a wide array of factors. However, it is important to factor into the discussion so as to have a well-rounded operational definition of what “hardness” or “difficulty” really means.
Let’s delve into which majors have the lowest GPAs as it may indicate a more challenging college major:
- Chemistry majors: Often report some of the lowest average GPAs nationwide, typically around 2.8 to 3.0 on a 4.0 scale.
- Engineering majors: Follow closely behind chemistry majors with an average of 2.9 to 3.1.
- Physics and Mathematics majors: Also tend to hover around the 3.0 range, reflecting the precision required and the difficulty of mastering complex abstract concepts.
- Computer Science majors: Had averages that were slightly higher, between 3.1 and 3.2, but still lower than most humanities fields.
On the flip side, majors such as education, English, and communications often see higher GPAs (around 3.3-3.5), not necessarily because they are “easy,” but because grading systems and assignment types may allow for more flexibility and subjective interpretation.
The Importance of Passion and Fit
It’s worth emphasizing again that the “hardest” major is not always the one with the most hours of homework or the lowest average GPA—it’s one that feels hardest for you. A student who loves numbers might find engineering or physics exhilarating and hate writing creatively with a passion whereas someone else could have the exact opposite preferences.
College success depends as much on motivation and interest as it does ability. Students who pursue subjects they are genuinely curious about often perform better, retain information longer, and report lower stress even in demanding fields.
If you’re torn between several majors, consider asking yourself the following questions:
- What subjects do I naturally enjoy learning about, even outside of class?
- Do I prefer structured, technical problems or open-ended creative work?
- Am I motivated more by passion or by career prospects?
- What kind of workload can I realistically handle each week?
These questions can help guide your decision toward a balance of challenge and sustainability.
Choose Wisely, Not Just Boldly
At the end of the day, identifying the hardest majors in college isn’t about discouraging students from pursuing them—it’s about preparing you for what lies ahead. Majors such as engineering, biology, architecture, physics, chemistry, and computer science are consistently among the most demanding, both academically and emotionally. But if you enter them with the right mindset, time-management skills, and passion, they can also be among the most rewarding.
College is as much about self-discovery as it is about education. Don’t pick a major solely because it seems easy or promises a high salary. Pick one that aligns with your curiosity, your strengths, and your goals. The hardest majors might require the most effort—but they often cultivate the greatest sense of accomplishment once you’ve made it through.
So whether you’re an incoming freshman trying to narrow down your choices or a current student reconsidering your path, remember that difficulty is subjective, but passion is powerful. Find the intersection between what challenges you and what inspires you—and that’s where your true success lies.
