Easiest College Majors and Degrees

Genevieve Carlton, Ph.D.Margaret Attridge
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Updated on November 26, 2024
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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.

Key Takeaways

  • Certain majors, such as anthropology, business, and communications, are generally considered easier than others.
  • STEM majors, like computer science and engineering, are typically seen as more difficult due to their emphasis on math.
  • Online degrees are not necessarily easier than on-campus degrees, but they can offer increased convenience and flexibility for students.

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.

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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
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics

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
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics

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
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics

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
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics

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
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics

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
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics

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
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics

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
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics

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
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics

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
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics

Frequently Asked Questions About the Easiest 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.


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