What Is the Easiest Major for College Success?

Determining the "easiest" college major is subjective and depends on individual strengths, interests, and career goals. However, some majors are often perceived as less demanding due to factors like average GPA, weekly study hours, and course content.

So, what is the easiest major? That depends on your skills, interests, and long-term career goals. What's simple for one person might be difficult for another. This article explores majors commonly perceived as less demanding and may be a good fit for those balancing work and studying.

What Makes a Major "Easy"?

Many factors contribute to a major's perceived difficulty. Heavy math and science courses with required labs and long problem sets increase study time, making them challenging for many students.

STEM majors often have lower average GPAs because of this technical coursework. Conversely, humanities and social sciences offer more subjective grading and flexibility.

The Federal Reserve Bank of New York’s study, recent college graduate outcomes by major, shows majors with higher early career earnings. These tend to be less subjective but have strong career outlooks. Consider factors beyond the curriculum, such as desired work type and location.

Easiest Majors and Their Career Paths

While "easy" is subjective, some majors consistently appear on "easy" lists due to curriculum and general student experience. Let’s explore these majors, plus expected career paths. There are certain jobs associated with particular degrees.

There's a growing trend toward generalized degrees with various employment opportunities. Many startups offer internships leading to employment. Any degree from an accredited university opens doors. These may otherwise remain closed.

Psychology

Psychology is a good choice for those who enjoy analyzing human behavior. It offers a broad curriculum with minimal quantitative work, allowing students to gain analytical skills applicable across various industries.

While clinical psychology jobs need a master’s degree, many prospects are attainable with a bachelor's degree. Psychology majors develop critical thinking and effective communication skills. This prepares students for roles in human resources, business consulting, social media management, and marketing coordination.

Criminal Justice

Criminal justice is often seen as an accessible major. These programs launch careers in law enforcement and justice careers. This major suits those fascinated by social justice and working within the justice system.

Early-career median earnings are around $41,000. Mid-career earnings climb to $70,000. The unemployment rate is low, at 2.8%, in the 22-27 age bracket (recent college graduate outcomes by major, May 2023). This demonstrates the potential for career growth (Bureau of Labor Statistics, May 2023).

English

The value of an English degree might not be as immediately obvious as a business degree. Some English majors might not immediately land a family company job. 44% of college degrees lead to careers in different fields after college (Harvard Business Review).

English majors become editors, technical writers, advertising sales agents, and writers. They have a solid mid-career trajectory, with salaries approaching $72,000 (recent college graduate outcomes by major).

Communications

Communications is a great option for those intrigued by behind-the-scenes work or public speaking. It's a versatile major for marketing, public relations, and other dynamic fields. Whether it is sharing opinions in business magazines or leading companies into new tech, this major provides career options.

Education

Often ranked as low-intensity, education degrees offer diverse employment opportunities. Early childhood education, special education, and general studies are common areas of focus. Early life revolves around schooling and extracurriculars, spanning from public to private institutions. Education graduates can pursue various opportunities, including after-school care, private tutoring, and homeschooling (Bureau of Labor Statistics).

Business Administration

Business administration is a widely recognized, broad field. Students tailor their interests in college, developing targeted proficiencies. Many business graduates pivot into unrelated fields after college (National Center for Education Statistics).

Business administration provides a solid base for any employment sector. Graduates enjoy solid early-career salaries. The mid-career earning potential is also substantial. This degree offers flexibility in career choices. This also applies to those who seek employment in emerging industries where startups play a vital role.

Other Easy Majors

Several other majors are also commonly viewed as less rigorous. This is not to say these easy majors can't get demanding as students progress. Upper-level classes become more challenging in any subject.

Need More Guidance?

Choosing a college major is a personal decision. The question remains: What is the easiest major? We've explored some less rigorous options above.

Ryan Clark, an independent consultant with over 17 years of experience in college planning, has guided countless students toward achieving their educational and career goals. As a Certified College Planning Specialist and author based in Charlotte, NC, Ryan’s expertise reveals that "easy" doesn’t mean taking shortcuts—it means choosing a major that aligns with your strengths, passions, and desired outcomes.