Easiest College Majors [Complete Guide] | BestColleges (2024)

Table of Contents
What Are the Easiest College Majors of 2023? Featured Online Bachelors Degrees 1. Anthropology Major Anthropology Major Pros Anthropology Major Cons Featured Anthropology Programs 2. Business Major Business Major Pros Business Major Cons Featured Business Programs 3. Communications Major Communications Major Pros Communications Major Cons Featured Communications Programs 4. Computer Science Major Computer Science Major Pros Computer Science Major Cons Featured Computer Science Programs 5. Creative Writing Major Creative Writing Major Pros Creative Writing Major Cons Featured Creative Writing Programs 6. Criminal Justice Major Criminal Justice Major Pros Criminal Justice Major Cons Featured Criminal Justice Programs 7. Education Major Education Major Pros Education Major Cons Featured Education Programs 8. English English Major Pros English Major Cons Featured English Programs 9. Foreign Language Major Foreign Language Major Pros Foreign Language Major Cons Featured Foreign Language Programs 10. Health Major Health Major Pros Health Major Cons Featured Health Programs 11. History Major History Major Pros History Major Cons Featured History Programs 12. Humanities Major Humanities Major Pros Humanities Major Cons Featured Humanities Programs 13. Journalism Major Journalism Major Pros Journalism Major Cons Featured Journalism Programs 14. Liberal Arts Major Liberal Arts Major Pros Liberal Arts Major Cons Featured Liberal Arts Programs 15. Linguistics Major Linguistics Major Pros Linguistics Major Cons 16. Music Major Music Major Pros Music Major Cons Featured Music Programs 17. Religious Studies Major Religious Studies Major Pros Religious Studies Major Cons Featured Religious Studies Programs 18. Social Work Major Social Work Major Pros Social Work Major Cons Featured Social Work Programs 19. Sociology Major Sociology Major Pros Sociology Major Cons Featured Sociology Programs 20. Visual and Performing Arts Major Visual and Performing Arts Major Pros Visual and Performing Arts Major Cons Featured Visual and Performing Arts Programs Frequently Asked Questions About the Easiest College Majors Which easy majors are the highest paying? What are the hardest college majors? What are the easiest majors you can get online?

Hoping to earn a degree without spending hours on studying? Well, you're in luck — check out this list of the easiest college majors of 2023.

Easiest College Majors [Complete Guide] | BestColleges (1)

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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...

Updated on October 2, 2023

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Margaret Weinhold is an associate editor for BestColleges, where she focuses on core content. She is passionate about increasing visibility and accessibility around higher education. Margaret holds a BA in English from the University of Virginia....

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Easiest College Majors [Complete Guide] | BestColleges (5)

Genevieve Carlton, Ph.D.

Writer

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...

Edited by

Easiest College Majors [Complete Guide] | BestColleges (6)

Margaret Weinhold

Editor

Margaret Weinhold is an associate editor for BestColleges, where she focuses on core content. She is passionate about increasing visibility and accessibility around higher education. Margaret holds a BA in English from the University of Virginia....

Updated on October 2, 2023

Learn more about our editorial process

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Looking for easy college majors? Earning a bachelor's degree can boost your earning potential, which can lead to more job opportunities. But that doesn't mean your college major has to be grueling.

If you're looking for the easiest degree to get, our list can help you narrow down your choices.

What Are the Easiest College Majors of 2023?

Here's our take on the easiest majors in college, from anthropology to visual arts. But don't forget — the easiest bachelor's degree for one person might be challenging for another. So keep reading to learn the pros and cons of different majors and find the best fit for you.

Check out these 20 college majors:

  1. Anthropology
  2. Business
  3. Communications
  4. Computer Science
  5. Creative Writing
  6. Criminal Justice
  7. Education
  8. English
  9. Foreign Language
  10. Health
  11. History
  12. Humanities
  13. Journalism
  14. Liberal Arts
  15. Linguistics
  16. Music
  17. Religious Studies
  18. Social Work
  19. Sociology
  20. Visual and Performing Arts

Featured Online Bachelors Degrees

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

1. Anthropology Major

Curious about human evolution, social institutions, and culture? Then an anthropology degree might be right for you. Anthropology majors examine humanity, with courses on archaeology, linguistics, and cultural anthropology. The major helps you develop strong analytical and writing skills that lead to careers in museum studies, the public sector, and community services.

Anthropology Major Pros

  • Study fascinating topics like Central American archaeology, forensic anthropology, and American culture.
  • As a flexible liberal arts degree, anthropology leads to opportunities in the nonprofit sector, business, education, and social work.
  • Strengthen in-demand skills like writing, research, and problem-solving with one of the easiest degrees to get.

Anthropology Major Cons

  • You'll need to get creative about career paths since the degree does not lead to a specific career path.
  • Some anthropology career paths require further education. For example, archivists and social workers often benefit from a master's degree.
  • Anthropology majors benefit from strategically pursuing internships and minors to launch their careers.

Featured Anthropology Programs

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

Popular Jobs for Anthropology Majors
JobMedian Annual Salary (May 2021)
Archivist, Curator, and Museum Worker$50,120
Social Worker$50,390
Public Relations Specialist$62,800
Interpreter and Translator$49,110
Human Resources Specialist$62,290

2. Business Major

Business isn't just one of the easiest college majors — it's also the most popular major. You'll study core topics like accounting, management, and organizational behavior. You can specialize your skills with upper-level courses in logistics, training and development, or entrepreneurship. With a bachelor's in business administration, you can pursue lucrative careers in finance, marketing, and human resources.

Business Major Pros

  • Strengthen analytical and leadership skills while taking industry-focused classes.
  • Boost your earning potential with experience or a master's degree — an MBA can prepare you for high-paying management careers.
  • Many business programs incorporate hands-on training through an internship and career support.

Business Major Cons

  • You can work in business without a business degree — so if you're not interested in business classes, a different major can still lead to business careers.
  • Business might not be the easiest degree to get if you struggle with analysis, statistics, or persuasive writing.
  • As the most popular college major, you'll compete with a lot of other business majors on the job market.

Featured Business Programs

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

Popular Jobs for Business Majors
JobMedian Annual Salary (May 2021)
Financial Analyst$95,570
Market Research Analyst$63,920
Budget Analyst$79,940
Human Resources Specialist$62,290
Project Management Specialist$94,500

3. Communications Major

Are you fascinated by the media and the news industry? Then a communications degree might be a great fit. Communications majors study public relations, mass media, journalism, and business communication. Or, you can move into technical fields by studying technical writing. You'll foster strong writing and analytical skills in this major.

Communications Major Pros

  • Take interesting classes like visual storytelling and multiplatform content creation as part of your degree.
  • Specialize your degree with concentration options like public relations, journalism, or technical writing.
  • Focus on analytical, writing, and research skills to pursue careers in business, marketing, or other high-paying fields.

Communications Major Cons

  • Many communications careers report below-average salaries for college graduates — journalists make under $50,000 per year.
  • Communications might not be the right major if you struggle with writing, research, or public speaking.
  • Some media and communications careers report negative projected job growth, which might mean fewer job openings.

Featured Communications Programs

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

Popular Jobs for Communications Majors
JobMedian Annual Salary (May 2021)
News Analyst, Reporter, and Journalist$48,370
Editor$63,350
Public Relations Specialist$62,800
Writer and Author$69,510
Market Research Analyst$63,920

4. Computer Science Major

The tech industry offers some of the highest salaries. But is a computer science degree right for you? If you've got strong technical skills, computer science might be the easiest major with the highest ROI. Make sure you're prepared for programming, math, and engineering classes before you declare a computer science major.

Computer Science Major Pros

  • Many computer science jobs report six-figure median salaries, including software developers and information security analysts.
  • There's strong demand for computer science professionals, with the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projecting 418,500 job openings annually from 2021-2031.
  • Most entry-level computer science careers only require a bachelor's degree, so you don't need to earn a graduate degree.

Computer Science Major Cons

  • While computer science might be easy for some students, it's a challenging major for others because of the technical content.
  • Students intimidated by computer science can consider less theoretical options like an information technology or information systems degree.
  • The tech industry is known for its ups and downs, so be prepared to possibly move companies and continue upskilling regularly.

Featured Computer Science Programs

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

Popular Jobs for Computer Science Majors
JobMedian Annual Salary (May 2021)
Software Developer, Quality Assurance Analyst, and Tester$109,020
Information Security Analyst$102,600
Computer Programmer$93,000
Computer Systems Analyst$99,270
Web Developer and Digital Designer$78,300

5. Creative Writing Major

Focus on your creative side with a creative writing major. You'll study genre writing, analyze texts, and create a writing portfolio. With a creative writing degree, you'll learn to hone your writing skills while also learning about storytelling and building research skills.

Beyond writing and publishing careers, consider roles in marketing, public relations, and the nonprofit sector.

Creative Writing Major Pros

  • Ready to submit short stories and poems for homework? Then a creative writing major might be perfect for you.
  • Strengthen in-demand skills like writing, research, and critical thinking.
  • Graduate with a portfolio to market your writing and launch your career in a creative field.

Creative Writing Major Cons

  • Writers and editors report above-average salaries, but entry-level roles can be low-paying and competitive.
  • You'll need to get creative to prepare for the job market, like adding a major or gaining internship experience.
  • Outside of writing jobs, you might need to convince prospective employers that your degree provides relevant skills.

Featured Creative Writing Programs

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

Popular Jobs for Creative Writing Majors
JobMedian Annual Salary (May 2021)
Writer and Author$69,510
Editor$63,350
Technical Writers$78,060
Public Relations Specialist$62,800
Journalist$48,370

6. Criminal Justice Major

Learn about law enforcement, criminology, and the legal system as a criminal justice major. With a bachelor's in criminal justice, you can become a federal law enforcement officer, paralegal, or forensic science technician. It's also a good major to launch a criminal justice, public policy, or law career.

Criminal Justice Major Pros

  • Study interesting topics like criminal behavior, technology in law enforcement, and forensic techniques.
  • Federal law enforcement roles and jobs in forensic science require a bachelor's degree.
  • Specialize your degree with a concentration in homeland security, law enforcement administration, or juvenile justice.

Criminal Justice Major Cons

  • Many criminal justice jobs, including police officer and correctional officer, do not require a bachelor's degree — so consider your career goals.
  • Criminal justice and protective service careers do come with risk — and many include physical training requirements.
  • Careers in this field also report high levels of stress and a tough work-life balance, so decide if it's worth pursuing even though it's one of the easiest majors in college.

Featured Criminal Justice Programs

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

Popular Jobs for Criminal Justice Majors
JobMedian Annual Salary (May 2021)
Police Officer and Detective$66,020
Correctional Officer and Bailiff$47,920
Forensic Science Technicians$61,930
Private Detective and Investigator$59,380
Probation Officer and Correctional Treatment Specialist$60,250

7. Education Major

If you love learning and teaching, an education major might be the easiest bachelor's degree. 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 prepares you for opportunities in training and development.

Education Major Pros

  • Demand for teachers at the K-12 level remains high in most parts of the country, so the degree can be a good investment.
  • Many states offer scholarships for teachers, and you'll also qualify for the federal TEACH grant.
  • You'll gain hands-on classroom training through a student teaching experience that can enhance job opportunities.

Education Major Cons

  • In many parts of the country, teachers earn low salaries and report high burnout levels.
  • For public school jobs, you'll need to meet licensure and certification requirements in your state, which can add time and money to your training.
  • Career advancement typically requires a master's degree, such as a master's in educational administration.

Featured Education Programs

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

Popular Jobs for Education Majors
JobMedian Annual Salary (May 2021)
High School Teacher$61,820
Middle School Teachers$61,320
Kindergarten and Elementary School Teacher$61,350
Special Education Teachers$61,820
Career and Technical Education Teachers$61,160

8. English

Want to read novels for school? As an English major, you'll study literary criticism, rhetoric, and writing. And an English degree is considered one of the easiest college majors. After honing communication, analytical, and research skills, you can work as a writer, teacher, or public relations specialist.

English Major Pros

  • Study literature and learn how to analyze prose in English classes, which can be challenging yet fun.
  • Love reading? Then you may thrive as an English major since it's one of the most reading-heavy majors.
  • As a humanities major, you can go into many fields, including business, education, the nonprofit sector, social services, or public relations.

English Major Cons

  • English majors can struggle to figure out a career path after college, but focusing on electives or doing an internship can help.
  • Career paths in English education often require a teaching license, which can mean extra coursework and student teaching experience.
  • Can't wrap your head around rhetoric or literary theory? English can be difficult if you struggle with analytical interpretation.

Featured English Programs

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

Popular Jobs for English Majors
JobMedian Annual Salary (May 2021)
Editor$63,350
Writer and Author$69,510
High School Teacher$61,820
Public Relations Specialist$62,800
Technical Writers$78,060

9. Foreign Language Major

Got an ear for languages? Then a foreign language major might be one of the easiest college majors for you. In today's global economy, studying foreign languages and cultures can give you a major advantage in the job market. In addition to careers in translation, your language skills can come in handy in business, education, or healthcare.

Foreign Language Major Pros

  • Studying languages and cultures can be exciting — and it's a great option if you want to study abroad.
  • Cross-cultural communication is a high-demand skill in many fields, so you'll be in a good position for specialized roles.
  • Many government jobs look for candidates with foreign language skills. And it's also a plus for many graduate programs.

Foreign Language Major Cons

  • Not everyone finds it easy to study foreign languages at the college level. Consider a different field if language isn't your strong suit.
  • Career planning can be a challenge. Consider adding a minor or pursuing an internship to gain complementary skills.
  • Some foreign language majors recommend a double major for career reasons, which can add time and money to earning your degree.

Featured Foreign Language Programs

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

Popular Jobs for Foreign Language Majors
JobMedian Annual Salary (May 2021)
Interpreter and Translator$49,110
ESL Teacher$59,720
High School Teacher$61,820
Social Worker$50,390
Travel Agent$43,810

10. Health Major

Interested in healthcare? Then a health major might be a great investment. The healthcare field is one of the fastest-growing occupations, according to the BLS. And 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.

Health Major Pros

  • Within the broad category of health majors, you can specialize in fields like laboratory science, nursing, or healthcare administration.
  • A bachelor's degree in nursing trains you for high-paying, in-demand jobs with many opportunities for career growth.
  • High demand means nearly two million healthcare job openings annually, according to BLS projections.

Health Major Cons

  • Healthcare is a field notorious for burnout and a poor work-life balance.
  • Many of the highest-paying jobs like doctor, nurse practitioner, and dentist require a graduate degree.
  • As a popular degree, you might face competition in getting into healthcare programs.

Featured Health Programs

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

Popular Jobs for Health Majors
JobMedian Annual Salary (May 2021)
Registered Nurse$77,600
Dietitian and Nutritionist$61,650
Clinical Laboratory Technologist and Technician$57,800
Recreational Therapist$47,940
Medical and Health Services Manager$101,340

11. History Major

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

History Major Pros

  • Study interesting subjects, like the history of science, environmental history, and medieval Europe.
  • Gain in-demand skills like critical thinking, analysis, communication, and research.
  • A history degree prepares you for graduate study in fields like law, public administration, or business administration.

History Major Cons

  • History majors need to invest in career preparation with internships or other job planning.
  • Nearly half of history majors go to graduate school, so if you aren't interested in more education, another major might be a better fit for you.
  • Some career paths require additional coursework. For example, most high school history teachers need to meet licensure requirements.

Featured History Programs

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

Popular Jobs for History Majors
JobMedian Annual Salary (May 2021)
Archivist, Curator, and Museum Worker$50,120
Writer and Author$69,510
High School Teacher$61,820
Public Relations Specialist$62,800
Labor Relations Specialists$77,010

12. Humanities Major

You can earn an interdisciplinary degree with a humanities major. A bachelor's in humanities is a great way to take English, philosophy, history, and religious studies courses. And it's one of the easiest college majors if you already have transfer credits. Humanities majors apply their critical thinking and writing skills to fields like education, public relations, and publishing.

Humanities Major Pros

  • Many humanities programs let majors personalize their degree by choosing courses from multiple disciplines.
  • Since many classes meet the graduation requirements, humanities is a great option for transfer students.
  • Humanities majors examine interesting subjects like culture, literature, and human behavior.

Humanities Major Cons

  • Humanities majors benefit from an internship or adding a minor. These experiences can help them to launch their careers after graduation.
  • Careers in higher education, law, public administration, and some other fields require a graduate degree.
  • Graduates with a bachelor's in humanities often compete with many other humanities majors for jobs.

Featured Humanities Programs

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

Popular Jobs for Humanities Majors
JobMedian Annual Salary (May 2021)
Writer and Author$69,510
Editor$63,350
Archivist, Curator, and Museum Worker$50,120
High School Teacher$61,820
Public Relations Specialist$62,800

13. Journalism Major

If you're fascinated by mass media and have a nose for news, journalism might be the perfect major to choose. During a bachelor's in journalism, you'll learn how to interview sources and report the news ethically. You'll also study editing and broadcasting while honing your investigative skills.

Journalism Major Pros

  • Study cutting-edge topics like data journalism and multimedia storytelling.
  • Journalism majors can easily add courses in public relations or technical writing to prepare for jobs in those fields.
  • Gain lots of hands-on experience since journalism programs incorporate experiential learning.

Journalism Major Cons

  • Journalists tend to earn low salaries for college graduates, so it might not be the best easy major if you want a high income.
  • People who work in journalism often report a poor work-life balance in addition to low salaries.
  • The BLS projects demand for reporters and journalists to fall from 2021-2031, so jobs will likely be increasingly competitive.

Featured Journalism Programs

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

Popular Jobs for Journalism Majors
JobMedian Annual Salary (May 2021)
News Analyst, Reporter, and Journalist$48,370
Editor$63,350
Writer and Author$69,510
Public Relations Specialist$62,800
Technical Writer$78,060

14. Liberal Arts Major

As a flexible and easy college major, liberal arts is a great choice if you want an interdisciplinary degree. During a bachelor's in liberal arts, you'll take courses in the humanities, social sciences, and natural sciences. This well-rounded education can lead to careers in social services, business, education, or many other fields.

Liberal Arts Major Pros

  • Personalize your degree by taking courses in psychology, English, history, and other liberal arts disciplines.
  • Liberal arts is a great option for students with prior college experience because you can maximize your transfer credits.
  • If you're not sure what you want to study, liberal arts is a great way to try out many subjects.

Liberal Arts Major Cons

  • Figuring out a career path after majoring in a broad field can be hard.
  • Liberal arts majors need to think strategically about their coursework and professional development.
  • Some careers, like teaching at a public school, require extra coursework and training.

Featured Liberal Arts Programs

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

Popular Jobs for Liberal Arts Majors
JobMedian Annual Salary (May 2021)
Public Relations Specialist$62,800
Fundraiser$60,660
Interpreter and Translator$49,110
Editor$63,350
High School Teacher$61,820

15. Linguistics Major

You can study language scientifically as a linguistics major. You'll learn about language acquisition, the structure of languages, and how languages evolve. Plus, you can strengthen your analytical and logic skills while earning a linguistics degree. And linguistics majors benefit from some surprising job opportunities in tech — their training makes them well-suited for machine language learning roles.

Linguistics Major Pros

  • Linguistics majors work in cutting-edge tech fields like artificial intelligence and natural language processing.
  • Study multiple languages and pick up some fascinating skills, including the ability to teach languages.
  • A linguistics degree is a great option for any field that involves teaching or writing.

Linguistics Major Cons

  • If you're interested in tech careers, you'll also need programming knowledge.
  • Linguistics majors interested in teaching careers may need to complete more coursework for a license.
  • The major's focus on research and theory can challenge some students.

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

Popular Jobs for Linguistics Majors
JobMedian Annual Salary (May 2021)
Interpreter and Translator$49,110
Data Scientist$100,910
ESL Teacher$59,720
Technical Writer$78,060
Public Relations Specialist$62,800

16. Music Major

Music is an exciting industry. And a music degree can help launch your career. With a music major, you'll study theory, composition, and the business side of music. Many programs offer concentrations in music business, songwriting, or music production. You can also prepare for teaching career paths with a degree in music education.

Music Major Pros

  • Study music and create a portfolio to showcase your skills as an artist, composer, or producer,
  • Learn the theory behind music to improve your craft and grow as a musician.
  • Gain performance and composition experience since music is a hands-on degree.

Music Major Cons

  • Many music careers report low salaries and high competition.
  • You don't need a degree in music for many careers in the field — which is very competitive.
  • If you're looking for an online degree, music might not be the best option. Many programs require in-person classes.

Featured Music Programs

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

Popular Jobs for Music Majors
JobMedian Annual Salary (May 2021)
Music Director and Composer$49,130
Musician and Singer$30.49 per hour
High School Teacher$61,820
Broadcast and Sound Engineering Technician$48,790
Producer and Director$79,000

17. Religious Studies Major

As a religious studies major, you'll study comparative religion, religious history, and religious art. You'll strengthen analytical and critical thinking skills while examining religion, culture, and society. With a religious studies degree, you can work in faith-based careers or as a counselor, community services professional, or social worker.

Religious Studies Major Pros

  • Study religion in an academic context to learn more about the role of religion in society and culture.
  • Take a variety of courses, including in history, art, philosophy, sociology, and literature.
  • Religious studies is a great option if you're interested in faith-based roles.

Religious Studies Major Cons

  • You'll need a degree in theology or divinity for many clergy career paths.
  • If you're not interested in careers related to religion, you'll need to think about how to showcase your skills.
  • Some career paths, like social worker or counselor, benefit from a graduate degree.

Featured Religious Studies Programs

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

Popular Jobs for Religious Studies Majors
JobMedian Annual Salary (May 2021)
Community and Social Service Specialist$47,390
Clergy$49,720
Religious Activities Director$46,980
Social Worker$50,390
Counselor$45,160

18. Social Work Major

Interested in community services and social justice? Then a social work degree might be the perfect fit. But how hard is a social work major? Social work is considered one of the easiest majors, especially if you've got strong communication and interpersonal skills. With a social work degree, you can work for government agencies or nonprofits focused on social and community services.

Social Work Major Pros

  • Social work majors gain valuable skills for careers that interact with the public or include advocacy or assessment.
  • You can concentrate your degree in school social work, case management, social work policy, or children and family social work.
  • Many social work programs incorporate internships or other hands-on practice to prepare for the field.

Social Work Major Cons

  • Social work careers tend to pay low salaries. The BLS reports that the median social worker salary is around $50,000, and many social workers hold a graduate degree.
  • Clinical social workers need a master's degree, so you should budget for two more years of school if that's your goal.
  • People with jobs in the community and social services typically report high burnout and a poor work-life balance.

Featured Social Work Programs

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

Popular Jobs for Social Work Majors
JobMedian Annual Salary (May 2021)
Social Worker$50,390
Social and Community Service Manager$74,000
Substance Misuse and Behavioral Disorder Counselor$48,520
Social and Human Service Assistant$37,610
Probation Officers and Correctional Treatment Specialists$60,250

19. Sociology Major

Sociology explores human behavior and social institutions. Sound interesting? Then a sociology degree might be the easiest degree to get. As a sociology major, you'll gain analytical and critical thinking skills. Graduates pursue careers in business, marketing, human resources, and community services.

Sociology Major Pros

  • Explore interesting subjects like family sociology, organizational behavior, and social inequality.
  • As a social sciences major, you'll gain analytical, research, writing, and critical thinking skills, which are all in high demand.
  • Sociology programs often incorporate internship opportunities to gain hands-on experience and network for the job market.

Sociology Major Cons

  • As a sociology major, you'll be competing with many other liberal arts majors for the same kinds of jobs.
  • Social and community service career paths, including social work and counseling, tend to pay low salaries.
  • Many sociology majors go to graduate school to further specialize their education.

Featured Sociology Programs

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

Popular Jobs for Sociology Majors
JobMedian Annual Salary (May 2021)
Fundraiser$60,660
Counselor$45,160
Human Resources Specialist$62,290
Social Worker$50,390
Public Relations Specialist$62,800

20. Visual and Performing Arts Major

Want to explore your creative side? Then a visual and performing arts major might be one of the easiest college majors for you. Within this field, you can study everything from theater to graphic design. Other art majors include animation, interior design, web design, and media management.

Visual and Performing Arts Major Pros

  • Study topics that you're passionate about, like dance, photography, film, or design.
  • Art classes are some of the most enjoyable and easiest college classes to earn your degree.
  • Strengthen your critical analysis and creative thinking skills with a visual and performing arts major.

Visual and Performing Arts Major Cons

  • Many careers in the arts report low salaries and high competition for jobs.
  • In some visual and performing arts majors, you can't earn a degree online. So if you want a flexible program, you might need to get creative about your major.
  • Higher-paying career paths, like special effects animator, require computing and technical skills.

Featured Visual and Performing Arts Programs

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

Popular Jobs for Visual and Performing Arts Majors
JobMedian Annual Salary (May 2021)
Craft and Fine Artists$49,960
Graphic Designers$50,710
Art Directors$100,890
Special Effects Artists and Animators$78,790
Interior Designers$60,340

Frequently Asked Questions About the Easiest College Majors

Which easy majors are the highest paying?

Business is the easiest college major with the highest salaries. Business majors study organizational behavior and strategic decision-making. Common entry-level titles include financial analyst and project manager, both of which report median annual salaries of over $90,000, according to BLS data.

Other high-paying careers include market research analyst, logistician, and human resources specialist. And with experience, business majors can move into high-paying management roles.

What are the hardest college majors?

Trying to avoid the hardest college majors? Then stay away from engineering, physics, and mathematics, which college students typically rank among the hardest majors. Other challenging majors include biochemistry, neuroscience, and architecture.

What are the easiest majors you can get online?

The easiest online majors include business, liberal arts, criminal justice, and psychology. These are also popular majors. But what makes these easy majors for online learners? The coursework can easily translate to an online learning format while allowing students to gain hands-on experience through a local internship.

Students can also major in healthcare or tech online. It's more difficult to major in a performing arts or music field online, though many colleges offer hybrid or specialized online options.

Easiest College Majors [Complete Guide] | BestColleges (2024)
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