Easiest College Majors and Degrees | BestColleges (2024)

Earning a bachelor's degree can boost earning potential and job opportunities. It doesn't have to be grueling. Here are the easiest college majors and degrees.

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Genevieve Carlton, Ph.D.Read Full Bio

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An award-winning historian and writer, Genevieve Carlton, Ph.D., has published multiple scholarly articles and a book with the University of Chicago Press. She currently works as a writer and consultant. She holds a Ph.D. in history from Northwestern...

and

Margaret AttridgeRead Full Bio

Writer

Margaret Attridge is a news reporter for BestColleges focusing on higher education news stories in California. She graduated from the University of Maryland, College Park in May 2022 with a BA in journalism and government and politics....

Edited by

Danika MillerRead Full Bio

Writer & Editor

Danika Miller is a senior writer at BestColleges and Accredited Schools Online. Her writing has also appeared in Grad School Hub, Best Value Schools, Affordable Colleges Online, and Her Campus. Her financial expertise has been featured in The Simple ...

Reviewed by

Stephanie DeBord, MARead Full Bio

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Stephanie DeBord has spent the past seven years advising students in various capacities. She currently helps undeclared/exploratory students navigate the college experience, explore program options, and map degree plans. Her background and expertise ...

Updated on April 16, 2024

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One thing to consider when choosing your college major is rigor. Depending on your skills and interests, some majors will be easier to complete than others.

For example, science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) majors have a reputation for demanding coursework and complex curriculum.

But don't forget — the easiest bachelor's degree for one person might be challenging for another. You should weigh the pros and cons of each program, including potential careers after graduation, to find the best fit for your personal interests, strengths, and aptitudes.

Here's our take on the easiest college majors, from education to criminal justice.

Featured Online Bachelor's Degrees

Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.

1. Anthropology

Anthropology majors examine humanity, with courses on archeology, linguistics, and cultural anthropology. The major can help you develop strong analytical and writing skills that may lead to careers in museum studies, the public sector, archeology, and community services.

A bachelor's in anthropology program traditionally lasts four years. Students can study fascinating topics like Central American archeology, forensic anthropology, and American culture.

Anthropology will often come easier to students with writing, research, and problem-solving skills.

Popular Jobs for Anthropology Majors
JobMedian Annual Salary 2023
Anthropology Professor or Researcher$93,650
Archeologist$63,800
Community Service Manager$77,030
Market Research Analyst$74,680
Archivist$59,910

2. Business

Business isn't just one of the easiest college majors — it's also the most popular major. Business students can strengthen their analytical and leadership skills while taking industry-focused classes.

As a business major, you'll study core topics like accounting, management, and organizational behavior. With a bachelor's in business administration, you can pursue lucrative careers in finance, marketing, and human resources.

Business might not be the easiest degree to get if you struggle with analysis, statistics, or persuasive writing.

Popular Jobs for Business Majors
JobMedian Annual Salary 2023
Accountant or Auditor$79,880
Budget Analyst$84,940
Financial Analyst$99,010
Market Research Analyst$74,680
Project Management Specialist$98,580

3. Communications

A communications degree is great for those who are fascinated by the media and the news industry. You'll take classes like visual storytelling and multiplatform content creation as part of your degree.

Communications majors study public relations, mass media, journalism, and business communication. You can specialize your degree with concentration options like public relations, journalism, or technical writing.

In a communications program, students foster strong writing, public speaking, and analytical skills.

Popular Jobs for Communications Majors
JobMedian Annual Salary 2023
Editor$75,020
Public Relations Specialist$66,750
Public Relations Manager$134,760
Reporter or Journalist$57,500
Technical Writer$80,050

4. Criminal Justice

Learn about law enforcement, criminology, and the legal system as a criminal justice major. Specialize your degree with a concentration in homeland security, law enforcement administration, or juvenile justice.

With a bachelor's in criminal justice, you can pursue a career as a federal law enforcement officer, paralegal, or forensic science technician. It's the ideal major to launch a criminal justice, public policy, or law career.

Popular Jobs for Criminal Justice Majors
JobMedian Annual Salary 2023
Correctional Officer$53,300
Forensic Science Technician$64,940
Police Officer$72,280
Private Detective or Investigator$49,540
Probation Officer$61,800

5. Education

If you love learning and teaching, an education major might be the easiest bachelor's degree. You'll gain hands-on classroom training through a student teaching experience that can enhance job opportunities.

With a bachelor's in education, you can become an elementary school teacher, high school teacher, or special education teacher. Outside of teaching, the degree can prepare you for opportunities in training and development.

Popular Jobs for Education Majors
JobMedian Annual Salary 2023
Elementary School Teacher$63,680
High School Teacher$65,220
Instructional Coordinator$74,620
Middle School Teacher$64,290
Special Education Teacher$67,190

6. English

Love reading? Then, you may thrive as an English major since it's one of the most reading-heavy majors. An English degree is also considered one of the easiest college majors. As an English major, you'll study literary criticism, rhetoric, and writing.

After honing communication, analytical, and research skills, you can pursue work as a writer, teacher, or public relations specialist.

Popular Jobs for English Majors
JobMedian Annual Salary 2023
Advertising and Promotions Manager$131,870
High School Teacher$65,220
Librarian and Media Collections Specialist$64,370
Public Relations Specialist$66,750
Writer or Author$73,690

7. Health

Interested in healthcare? Then, a health major might be a great investment. The healthcare field is one of the fastest-growing industries, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Within health, you can major in nursing, healthcare administration, health science, or nutrition to qualify for jobs with a bachelor's degree. But consider your career goals — many healthcare jobs require a graduate degree.

Popular Jobs for Health Majors
JobMedian Annual Salary 2023
Clinical Laboratory Technologist$60,780
Dietitians or Nutritionist$69,680
Medical or Health Services Manager$110,680
Medical Records Specialist$48,780
Registered Nurse$86,070

8. History

Curious about the past? Then history might be one of the easiest majors for you. As a history major, you'll strengthen your analytical, research, and writing skills.

During a bachelor's in history program, you'll study U.S. history, world history, and ancient history. With a history degree, you can pursue work in education, business, media, or marketing.

Popular Jobs for History Majors
JobMedian Annual Salary 2023
High School Teacher$65,220
Historian$72,890
History Professor$82,140
Archivist$59,910
Paralegal$60,970

9. Psychology

If you are interested in working with people and helping them better understand themselves and their emotions, psychology may be for you. As a psychology major, you will be able to interact with many different types of people and study human behaviors and how we interact with the world.

However, several psychology career paths require a graduate degree — including school psychologists, counselors, or mental health professionals.

Popular Jobs for Psychology Majors
JobMedian Annual Salary 2023
Clinical or Counseling Psychologists$96,100
Market Research Analyst$74,680
School Psychologist$84,940
Social Worker$63,770
Substance Use, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors$53,710

10. Sociology

Sociology explores human behavior and social institutions. As a sociology major, you'll gain analytical and critical thinking skills. Explore interesting subjects like family sociology, organizational behavior, and social inequality.

Graduates can pursue careers in business, marketing, human resources, and community services.

Popular Jobs for Sociology Majors
JobMedian Annual Salary 2023
Career Counselor$61,710
Human Resources Specialist$67,650
College Professor$79,870
Market Research Analyst$74,680
Social Worker$63,770

Frequently Asked Questions About the Easiest College Majors

What are the hardest college majors?

The hardest college majors are most commonly in STEM fields. College students typically rank architecture, biochemistry, engineering, mathematics, neuroscience, and physics as the most difficult majors.

What is the quickest degree to get?

Accelerated online programs are the fastest route to a bachelor's degree. Students who choose the right accelerated bachelor's degree can enter the job market for their chosen field in as little as two years, saving time and money.

Is an online degree easier?

Generally, online programs are not easier than on-campus programs. The curriculum for online degrees is often the exact same as the on-campus curriculum.

Online programs can offer students convenience and flexibility. However, they also come with the normal stressors of school deadlines, coursework, and exams like in-person programs do.


Note: The insights on this page — excluding school descriptions — were reviewed by an independent third party compensated for their time by BestColleges. Page last reviewed March 15, 2024.

Easiest College Majors and Degrees | BestColleges (2024)

FAQs

What is the easiest major to pass in college? ›

10 Easiest Bachelor's Degrees of 2024
  1. Business. Interested in an easy major with many career options? ...
  2. Communications. As a communications major, you'll study mass media, public relations, and journalism. ...
  3. Criminal Justice. ...
  4. Education. ...
  5. English. ...
  6. General Studies. ...
  7. Health Science. ...
  8. Liberal Arts.

Which is the easiest degree to achieve? ›

10 Top Easy Bachelor's Degree
  • Criminal Justice. ...
  • English. ...
  • Creative Writing. ...
  • Healthcare Administration. ...
  • Communication. ...
  • Music. ...
  • Humanities. Advertisem*nt. ...
  • Social Work. Advertisem*nt.

What is an easy degree that pays well? ›

Among the most suitable options for career changers are degrees in business administration, project management, healthcare administration, human resources, and education. These programs equip students with transferable skills that are valuable across various industries and can be applied to a wide range of positions.

What is the #1 hardest major? ›

List of the Hardest College Majors
  1. Legal Studies. Average GPA: 3.35. ...
  2. Computer Science. Average GPA: 3.0. ...
  3. Environmental Earth Science. Average GPA: 2.96. ...
  4. Chemistry. Average GPA: 2.77. ...
  5. Environmental Economics and Policy. Average GPA: 2.95. ...
  6. American Studies. Average GPA: 3.12. ...
  7. Nuclear Engineering. Average GPA: 3.14. ...
  8. Energy Engineering.
May 30, 2024

What jobs pay 6 figures straight out of college? ›

As you start your job search, consider these six-figure jobs you can get with a bachelor's degree:
  • Financial manager. ...
  • Development director. ...
  • Aeronautical engineer. ...
  • Sales engineer. ...
  • Software engineer. ...
  • Architect. ...
  • Actuary. ...
  • Chief executive officer (CEO)
Apr 18, 2024

What is the least hardest major? ›

Top 10 Easiest College Majors in 2022
  • Easiest Majors: Pros and Cons for Pre-Med Students. These easiest majors are for students who want to minimize stress and academic workload during their undergraduate years. ...
  • English. ...
  • Psychology. ...
  • Education. ...
  • Criminal Justice. ...
  • Business Administration. ...
  • Religious Studies. ...
  • Social Work.
Jun 18, 2022

What is the quickest degree to get? ›

Associate degrees usually take two years to complete, but an accelerated format can help you finish a degree in just 12-18 months. An associate degree is a useful tool for job seekers, and many bachelor's programs allow you to transfer associate degree credits toward a four-year degree in a related field.

What is the shortest bachelor's degree? ›

Fast-track degree programs like the Bachelor of Arts in Organizational Management may be completed in just 16 months. To be eligible for admission to this quick online degree, applicants should have had two years of full-time professional experience.

What is the shortest career to study? ›

Many of these meaningful, 2 year degree jobs also pay well, from careers in the medical field to working with computers.
  • Data Analyst.
  • Veterinary Technician.
  • Aquaculture Technician.
  • Web Developer.
  • Animal Shelter Attendant.
  • Wastewater Technician.
  • Junior Aquarist.
  • Medical Assistant.

Which major is easiest to get a job? ›

10 Easiest College Majors for 2024
  • Psychology. ...
  • Accounting. ...
  • Nursing. ...
  • Finance. ...
  • Economics. ...
  • Healthcare Administration. ...
  • Logistics. ...
  • Marketing. A marketing degree may come as an easy pursuit for individuals with creative and communication skills.
May 16, 2024

What job is the least stressful? ›

Some low-stress jobs come with good to excellent annual salaries.
  1. 14 Low-Stress Jobs. In its annual report, CareerCast considered 11 stress factors when ranking the jobs. ...
  2. Data Scientist. ...
  3. Dietitian. ...
  4. Medical Records Technician. ...
  5. Massage Therapist. ...
  6. Appliance Repairer. ...
  7. Librarian. ...
  8. Diagnostic Medical Sonographer.

What job makes the most money with the least education? ›

Get Matched!
  • Executive Assistant. #1 in Highest-Paying Jobs Without A Degree. ...
  • Patrol Officer. #2 in Highest-Paying Jobs Without A Degree. ...
  • Flight Attendant. #3 in Highest-Paying Jobs Without A Degree. ...
  • Sales Representative. ...
  • Sound Engineering Technician. ...
  • Structural Iron and Steelworker. ...
  • Electrician. ...
  • Plumber.

What is the most regretted major? ›

The most-regretted college major is journalism, according to the study. Eighty-seven percent of those graduates sampled said they would choose a different major if they could. Below is the list of the top 10 most-regretted majors based on the 1,500 job seekers ZipRecruiter surveyed.

What's the easiest major ever? ›

  1. Anthropology. Anthropology majors examine humanity, with courses on archeology, linguistics, and cultural anthropology. ...
  2. Business. Business isn't just one of the easiest college majors — it's also the most popular major. ...
  3. Communications. ...
  4. Criminal Justice. ...
  5. Education. ...
  6. English. ...
  7. Health. ...
  8. History.

What is the least regretted major? ›

Engineering majors have the fewest regrets: Just 24 percent wish they'd chosen something different, according to a Federal Reserve survey.

What is the easiest course to pass in college? ›

Check out the easiest college majors below:
  • Humanities.
  • Liberal Arts.
  • Linguistics.
  • Music.
  • Psychology.
  • Religious Studies.
  • Social Work.
  • Sociology.

Which is the hardest degree to pass? ›

What are the hardest degree subjects?
  • Psychology. ...
  • Statistics. ...
  • Nursing. ...
  • Physics. ...
  • Astrophysics. ...
  • Biomedical Engineering. ...
  • Astronomy. ...
  • Dentistry. Dentistry, like medicine, is an important profession, and if you wish to study it at university you must be prepared to undertake high volumes of both theoretical and practical work.

What is the hardest course to pass in college? ›

The Top Toughest Courses in the World
  • Chemical Engineering. ...
  • Pharmacy. ...
  • Astrophysics. ...
  • Medicine. ...
  • Electrical Engineering. ...
  • Chartered Accountancy. ...
  • Law. A law degree's difficulty is in the amount of reading required. ...
  • Nursing. Nursing is another course that is often regarded as one of the most challenging.
Oct 24, 2023

What is the least useful major in college? ›

We also show you how many years it takes to earn back your investment in each of these degrees and suggest alternative paths to consider.
  • Photography. ...
  • Fine and Studio Arts. ...
  • Anthropology. ...
  • Philosophy. ...
  • Psychology. ...
  • Health/Medical Preparatory Programs. ...
  • Biology. ...
  • Criminal Justice.

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