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In this article, we will list and tell you about the easiest majors you can pursue in college.
Of course, “easy” means something different for every person. Your personal favorite subjects and skills impact what you will find easy or hard.
Additionally, this list is not to say that the classes within the following majors aren’t interesting or challenging, and it certainly isn’t to say that these classes are less valuable than more difficult majors. Many of these majors in this article are in the liberal arts, a field that offers plenty of marketable and valuable skills.
However, based on extensive research comparing average credits required, hours spent outside of class, and student GPAs, here is our ultimate guide to the 20 easiest majors in college.
Click above to watch a video on the easiest college majors.
20. Economics
Do you love numbers but don’t love highly advanced math or science classes? Economics studies the choices humans make in the world, blending social sciences with mathematical reasoning, which means it could be a great choice for you.
Students who major in economics study macroeconomics, microeconomics, finance, markets, international economies, economic history, and econometrics (applying statistics to economic data). Many students who study economics may decide to pursue business school after earning their degree.
Much of the homework for economics classes is reasoning through word problems involving different economic concepts. Most colleges do not require advanced math courses to major in economics, and, crucially, many economics majors don’t have to write papers for their economics courses! Once you learn the specialized language and concepts, this major can be very useful and not too difficult.
19 .Linguistics
Linguistics is the study of language and its structure. Majors in linguistics include courses in morphology (word structure), syntax (grammar), phonology (sounds), and sentence structure. Many programs also include classes on how language and culture are connected in courses like sociolinguistics.
This major typically requires a couple of classes in analysis and methodology. There are a lot of grammatical structures and sound patterns to learn and memorize, but students studying linguistics rarely have to take advanced math or science classes.
Students with a passion for learning languages and studying how languages develop will enjoy this major. Alternatively, many students take on linguistics as a double major or minor alongside an English or foreign language major.
18. Humanities
As an academic discipline, the humanities encompasses fields including (but not limited to) literature, art, classics, global studies, and philosophy. Humanities is an extraordinarily broad field, sometimes overlapping with liberal arts and social sciences.
Every humanities major will look differently, because one of the points of the major is to allow students to take the courses that interest them the most. Selecting courses often includes picking at least one overarching theme or concentration, often with the help of a faculty advisor.
This major can be considered easy because there is so much student choice and agency in determining the course load. However, studying such a broad field has its own challenges as well, and almost all the classes within the humanities involve a lot of critical reading and writing.
Students who have a hard time picking just one major or career path may thrive studying the broader humanities. Additionally, students eager to create their own interdisciplinary major will likely find a lot of support completing a major in the humanities! Do research, first, however; not every school offers such a broad degree, and those that do might be listed under any number of names, including general studies, arts, open curriculum, or liberal arts.
17. Religious Studies
Religion has shaped the world for millennia, as both inspiration and a source of controversy. Religion has informed the world we live in almost every way imaginable: wars, literature, art, economics, and more.
Someone majoring in religious studies learns about world religions from prehistoric to modern times and studies both the ways that religion has shaped cultures and history, as well as the ways in which cultures and history have shaped religion.
This major includes courses in history, at least 4-5 different religions, and different methods to approach the study of religion. Students learn to read critically, as well as how to speak effectively and persuasively. Students with a fascination for the intersection of history, culture, and religion will be well-suited for a major in religious studies!
16. Philosophy
Did you love Chidi’s moral philosophy lessons on The Good Place? Have you ever read Nietzsche for fun? If so, philosophy might be a great major for you!
Similar to religious studies, philosophy majors focus on studying many different schools of philosophical thought throughout the centuries, from Greek and Roman classical philosophers to modern-day thinkers. Courses include a broad scope of different philosophical schools, including courses on epistemology, methodology, and ethics.
Due to the lack of hard sciences and math courses, this major is often considered relatively easy. However, the amount of reading and writing is considerable in a philosophy major. Additionally, students studying philosophy must be able to argue and defend their stances convincingly and confidently.
15. Art History
Art history studies is, well, the history of art! It’s more than that, though; art history majors study art and architecture of societies over the course of centuries and across different cultures and perspectives.
Art isn’t limited to paintings. Art history majors study everything from architecture and fashion to jewelry and photography. Art history programs also include critical reading, writing, research, and speaking.
Art history majors are inherently interdisciplinary and often include courses in geography, literature, anthropology, and race and gender theory. You may notice that there aren’t any hard math or science courses listed. That is one of the reasons many consider this an easier major.
If you love the expression of culture through art, then art history is a great major to consider. Additionally, if you are interested in a career in museums, an art history major is a great jumping-off point for graduate programs in curatorial work.
14. Ministry
Now, we already talked about a religious studies major, but ministry is different. An undergraduate degree in ministry focuses on Christian theology. Courses include theology, Biblical knowledge, and church administration and history. Many colleges also require courses in public speaking, ethics, and literature.
Typically, students who study ministry expect to work in a church after graduation. This is why their courses involve hands-on knowledge about the day-to-day of running a religious institution.
Majors in ministry often do not have to take high-level math or science classes, but they do have to have a high-level understanding of the Bible and Christian history and must be able to present their knowledge in an accessible manner.
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13. Creative Writing
Have you been scribbling down stories for as long as you can remember? Is writing a novel a lifelong dream of yours? Was the personal essay your favorite part of applying to colleges? If so, many colleges offer stellar creative writing programs that can help guide you and hone your craft.
Many creative writing majors are housed within the English department and require courses in studying literature, alongside courses in reading and writing fiction, creative non-fiction, and poetry.
While there are minimal, if any, math and science courses required for this major, creative writing students are expected to read and write a lot. More than that, however, creative writing students are often expected to write from a personal place and then share that writing with not only their professors, but their peers, to critique. This level of vulnerability in sharing personal work it isn’t easy for everyone!
12. Social Work
Social workers are some of the most important employees in society. They deal with individuals and families who are in crisis or who need extra support to solve and cope with their problems. If you have a passion for helping people, social work can be a great path to pursue.
Majors in social work often include classes in sociology, psychology, gender studies, and social studies. Often, there is a fieldwork component where students complete an internship in the social work field for course credit.
The mental and emotional work of learning about, dealing with, and helping people manage heavy, sometimes life-threatening situations is its own challenge. However, in terms of coursework, this is a relatively easy major due to the lack of math and science courses.
11. History
You’ve probably heard that those who don’t learn from history are doomed to repeat it… So, what better way to combat that than to study history? A history major is a great course of study that teaches analytical and methodological skills that are super-transferable in many fields and paths, from international relations to law school to education.
Each college approaches history differently. For some, you have to pick a geographic concentration. For others, you have to pick a primary field of study. And still others allow students to take as wide a breadth of classes as they like. Regardless, you will be taking courses in ancient and modern history, as well as religion and foreign relations courses. Most colleges also require a research seminar.
Like many majors on this list, history is considered easier because it lacks required math and science courses. However, the amount of reading and writing history majors have to do is considerable.
10. Sociology
Sociology is the study of the science of human society, social relationships, and social institutions. This means sociology studies human behavior across individuals, groups, and systems. Sociology is a great major for students who eventually want to go to law school or work in business, communications, or government.
Sociology majors include courses in sociology, of course, but also include courses in sociological theory, analysis of social data, and social statistics. Many students don’t have experience with sociology in high school, so it’s a good idea to take an introductory course to decide if the subject is the right fit for you.
There are some basic math and statistics involved in pursuing sociology, especially within field research. The majority of your homework as a sociology major, however, will be essays, responses, and projects.
9. English Literature
Have you always loved reading novels? Do you enjoy thinking about how and why authors make the choices they do? If so, English literature is a great major to pursue.
Programs in English literature study novels, yes, but they also can encompass drama, poetry, film, and more. Literature programs focus on research and critical analysis when studying texts, giving students tools to read texts and make sense of them on both a literal and figurative level.
Literature majors almost never require math or science courses beyond general education requirements, instead focusing on attentive reading, clear writing, and persuasive arguing.
8. Sports Management
We all know sports is a massive business. Students with a passion for sports on any level – professional, collegiate, or community – can major in sports management to learn the ins and outs of managing and organizing sports teams, how teams raise money and market themselves, the sociology of sports, and more.
Courses in sports management programs cover a wide range of hands-on learning experiences. Electives can include sports economics and event management. Classwork and homework in these courses tend to focus on public speaking and writing essays and reports.
Typically, some math and economics courses are required, but the more difficult math courses are typically electives for specialized tracks, depending on the program.
7. Health Sciences
Health sciences is a great major for students interested in non-clinical health careers. Non-clinical roles do not provide medical treatment, but do often work with health professionals and patients in fields such as medical case management, corporate wellness, and medical transcription.
Health science programs require some math and science courses, but the major focuses on public health, clinical ethics, and research in the health field. Often, this major requires a hands-on internship as a part of the degree requirements.
Some students looking to pursue graduate work in the medical field, such as physical therapy school or medical school, also major in health sciences. Generally, though, health sciences is a great major for students who are interested in the health field, but not interested in the high-level science courses needed for a clinical role.
6. Public Relations and Advertising
This is another major that might have many names. This field of study is often listed under any combination of the following terms: public relations (PR), communications, strategy, advertising, and/or marketing. Regardless of the name, this major focuses on communicating a message to a particular audience in the most effective way.
Courses for this major include advertising theory, public image, and persuasion. Graduates from these programs are prepared to work in any number of fields, including corporations, nonprofits, and government work.
Coursework for a PR/advertising major often focuses on writing reports, public speaking, and projects. Some electives may also include statistical analysis. For students looking to attend business school or start their own business, this a great major to consider!
5. Psychology
Psychology is the study of the human mind and brain. In a psychology major, students learn the basics of psychology, research methods in psychology, and statistics.
There are many elective paths a student can explore within this major, including child development, neuroscience, cognitive psychology, and abnormal psychology. Often, students are required to take a wide variety of these courses to gain a breadth of knowledge about the field.
Aside from statistics, most universities do not require math or science courses for a psychology major. This is a great major to pursue for students who are interested in the brain or for students who are looking for a future in the psychiatric or psychological fields.
4. Political Science
Do you love campaigning for positions in student council? Or do you watch political dramas in all your free time? Political science is a great path to pursue if you are interested in a future in politics or government.
Political science majors take courses in political theory, U.S. government, international law, international relations, and comparative politics. Electives can range across countries and millennia. Most majors also require a research element within a seminar and/or thesis.
Coursework and homework in a political science major often involve reading, writing, and speaking, with little to no math or science requirements.
3. Education
Teachers are some of the most important employees in society, and they certainly have tough jobs. To become a teacher, however, education classes often focus on relationship-building, teaching across skill levels, and building lesson and unit plans. The coursework and homework are generally only reading, writing, and speaking.
Of course, depending on what subject and age level you want to teach, you may have to take extra courses to become certified, so make sure to keep that in mind! Education majors also have to complete a semester-long student teaching experience for credit.
Education is a great choice for students who are passionate about helping others and working with younger generations.
2. Anthropology
Anthropology is the study of humans, human societies, and human cultures. This is a great major for students interested in museum or archival work.
In an anthropology major, students learn field-specific terminology and methods, and they take courses in culture, society, archeology, and human origins. Students also learn valuable skills in research, critical thinking, analysis, and professional writing.
Like many of the courses on this list, there are not many math or science courses required for an anthropology major. This is a major that many students don’t know about entering college, so it’s a good idea to take an introductory course to make sure you like it!
1. Communication Studies
Communication studies is a social science that explores oral, written, and interpersonal communication across society. Because of this broad scope, students take classes in literature, composition, public speaking, critical reading, persuasion, and behavioral sciences.
Communication studies is a diverse discipline that is perfect for students with diverse interests. This major equips students with skills to effectively communicate is practically any setting. Students with this major are prepared to succeed in almost any workplace environment.
This is a great major for students who enjoy working with others and are comfortable in front of an audience. There are rarely any required math or science courses to complete for this major.
So, Should I Choose a Major Just Because It’s Easy?
No! First, remember what we said at the beginning. “Easy” is subjective. For some, calculus is easier than poetry, and for others, the reverse is true. Also, even when completing a major that doesn’t require math or science, your university may require those classes as a general education credit.
Most importantly, you are investing a lot of time and money into a college education. It is important to pursue a major that is fulfilling for you personally and offers opportunities that excite you. If you select a major just because it’s easy, but you don’t actually enjoy it, you aren’t setting yourself up for success.
How Should I Select a College Major?
Selecting a college major can be a really overwhelming process! This article has some great advice.
The most important considerations are your personal fulfillment and future plans. Think long term: if you have a dream career, what major will help you get on the right track? Be sure to consider the growth prospects of the industry you are interested in as well.
Some students have dreams of attending more college after they graduate: law school, medical school, dental school, PhD programs, and more. If you have those aspirations, look into a major that fulfills the prerequisites for the program you are interested in.
Another important consideration is return on investment, or ROI. This statistic represents certain majors’ earning potentials and how likely students are to be able to earn enough money to make up for the cost of their college education.
Conclusion: Easiest College Major
There are tons of college majors to choose from. The list above represents majors that require the least amount of outside work and the highest student GPAs, but don’t let this list decide your major for you!
Choose a major that interests you and can move you forward on your career path. Remember that most students will end up changing their major or adding on an additional major throughout their time at college.
With preparation and dedication, you can gain a lot of skills from any major. If you do research and consider all the factors at hand, you will find the perfect major for you!
