Shane Thompson
GMAT Sprint Contributor
Hey there, future scholars! It’s great to have you here. Today, we’re diving into a topic that’s both intriguing and essential for anyone considering their educational path: the difficulty of various college degrees. Whether you’re a high school student contemplating your future or a college student thinking about a major switch, understanding the challenges associated with different degrees can help you make informed decisions.
We’ll be ranking these degrees from S-tier, which represents the most challenging, to F-tier, which indicates the least difficult. Remember, this ranking is subjective and can vary based on personal strengths and interests. So, let’s jump right in!
Starting off our list is accounting. While business degrees are generally considered easier, accounting stands out as one of the more rigorous options. It requires a solid understanding of numbers and financial principles, making it a B-tier degree.
Next up is aerospace engineering, which undoubtedly earns its place in the S-tier. This degree is known for its complexity and the high level of technical knowledge required. If you’re passionate about aircraft and spacecraft, be prepared for a challenging journey!
Surprisingly, anthropology is more challenging than many might think. It requires critical thinking and a deep understanding of human cultures, placing it in the C-tier.
Architecture is a unique blend of creativity and logic, demanding a lot of time and effort from students. With its artistic and technical components, this degree lands in the A-tier.
Art degrees can be quite subjective, and while they keep students busy with projects, they aren’t overly difficult. Thus, art finds its place in the C-tier.
Many people find biology fascinating, but it’s also quite rigorous. The depth of study required makes it an A-tier degree.
Biomedical engineering is another challenging field, combining engineering principles with medical sciences. This degree also lands in the A-tier.
General business degrees are relatively straightforward, so they fall into the C-tier. However, the difficulty can vary depending on the specific focus or school.
One of the toughest degrees out there, chemical engineering, earns its rightful place in the S-tier. It’s a demanding field that requires a strong grasp of chemistry and engineering principles.
Chemistry is often underestimated, but it’s quite challenging. With its complex concepts, it sits comfortably in the A-tier.
Civil engineering is one of the easier engineering degrees, but it still requires significant effort, placing it in the A-tier.
Communications degrees are often seen as easier, especially for athletes. This degree typically requires minimal studying, landing it in the D-tier.
Computer engineering is a technical field that demands a lot of problem-solving skills, placing it in the A-tier.
Similar to computer engineering, computer science is often underestimated. It’s a challenging degree that also finds its place in the A-tier.
Creative writing is one of the easiest degrees, making it an F-tier choice. If you enjoy writing, this could be a fun and fulfilling path!
Dance is another degree that is relatively easy to pass, placing it in the F-tier.
Economics can vary in difficulty based on the school, but overall, it’s a B-tier degree.
Education degrees are often considered easier, landing them in the F-tier. However, I recommend looking for accelerated or competency-based programs to speed up your journey!
Electrical engineering is known for its theoretical challenges, making it an S-tier degree.
This degree is often ranked as one of the most difficult, so it also earns an S-tier ranking.
English degrees can keep you busy, but they aren’t overly difficult. Thus, they land in the C-tier.
Finance is similar to accounting in terms of difficulty, placing it in the B-tier.
Geography is a relatively straightforward degree, landing it in the C-tier.
Geology is a bit more challenging, placing it in the B-tier.
History degrees can be engaging but aren’t particularly difficult, so they find their place in the C-tier.
Industrial engineering is one of the easier engineering degrees, but it still requires effort, placing it in the A-tier.
This degree allows students to explore various fields, making it an F-tier option.
Journalism can be demanding but isn’t overly difficult, landing it in the C-tier.
Language degrees require a long-term commitment to learning, placing them in the D-tier.
This technical business degree is one of my favorites and falls into the B-tier.
Marketing is generally considered an easier degree, placing it in the C-tier.
Mathematics is a challenging field, almost making it to S-tier, but it comfortably sits in the A-tier.
Mechanical engineering is a demanding field, placing it in the A-tier.
Microbiology requires a lot of memorization, making it an A-tier degree.
While music can be time-consuming, it’s not overly difficult, landing it in the D-tier.
Nuclear engineering is a challenging field, placing it in the A-tier.
Nursing is often perceived as difficult, but it’s not as hard as many think, landing it in the B-tier.
Petroleum engineering is a challenging field, placing it in the A-tier.
Physics is one of the most difficult degrees, earning its place in the S-tier.
Political science can keep you busy but isn’t overly difficult, landing it in the C-tier.
Public relations is generally considered an easier degree, placing it in the D-tier.
This degree is also relatively easy, landing it in the D-tier.
Social work is a fulfilling field but not overly difficult, placing it in the C-tier.
Sociology is another degree that is relatively easy, landing it in the D-tier.
Statistics can be quite challenging for many, placing it in the A-tier.
Theater is often seen as an easy degree, landing it in the F-tier.
Finally, pre-med and pre-law degrees require excellent grades for acceptance into top schools, making them A-tier degrees.
And there you have it! A comprehensive ranking of college degrees by difficulty. Remember, this is just a guide, and your experience may vary. If you’re preparing for the GMAT or any other standardized test, consider using GMAT Sprint to track your progress and stay organized. It’s a great way to ensure you’re on the right path!
Thanks for joining me today! If you found this article helpful, feel free to share your thoughts in the comments below. Happy studying!
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