Top 10 Most Stressful College Majors Today

Most Stressful College Majors

It can be difficult for incoming undergraduate students to decide on a major. That's because your field of study will have a significant impact on how you live your life after graduation. The right major can lead to fulfilling employment that pays a living wage. On the other hand, picking the incorrect major may lead to years of unhappiness if the associated work is uninteresting, requires too much time, or is poorly compensated.

Knowing the crucial elements to take into account when selecting your major, being aware of the most and least difficult undergraduate majors, and keeping in mind that your decision isn't finalized yet may help reduce some of your stress. We'll go over everything in this practical guide to selecting your major so you can pick one that matches your requirements, preferences, and objectives.

Since choosing a major is a personal decision based on your interests, as well as the career path you want to take, deciding on the most stressful college major, can be quite subjective, and biased.

While it may be hard for some people, others managed to take advantage of the curriculum and excel without any difficulties. On the other hand, some courses, or majors ended up more difficult for some other people.

♦ Check More: What Are The Hardest College Majors to Challenge Yourself - Top 10+

Top 10 Most Stressful College Majors

Higher education frequently involves stress, but understanding the difficulties that certain majors entail may help us get through the difficulties we encounter. Although the list includes the college majors we found to be the most demanding and challenging, this may not be the case for you. Even if the college major they want to pursue is on this list of stressful majors, it doesn't inspire anyone to give up on their dreams.

1. Fine Arts

Average Weekly Study Hours: 16.5

Fine arts may not be stressful for everyone, but learning all the theoretical information about the development of art throughout time while also engaging in practical work in the studio can be very taxing on students. This is especially true given the oversaturated job market and the difficulty of finding a job that will allow students to pay back their student loans and provide a worthwhile return on investment.

Unfortunately, other art majors suffer the same fate, with fine arts being just one example. Many students experience a variety of demanding and stressful tasks throughout their academic careers, only to face even greater challenges in the future in finding employment.

Potential Careers Paths and Median Salaries for Fine Arts Graduates:

Professional Artist: $49k

Art Director: $97k

Graphic Designer: $53k

Interior Designer: $60k

Art Professor (requires further education): $85k

2. Nursing

Average studying time per week: 14-17h

A great major with a wide range of potential career paths is nursing. In addition, many successful students are assured employment after graduation. Additionally, the students can continue their education to earn a Master's degree and expand their career options.

Fornurses with a graduate degree, there are various career paths. The process of studying is by no means simple. It's demanding because it combines a lot of theoretical coursework with clinical rotations at hospitals and other healthcare facilities.

The practical work is frequently quite unpleasant, and how well you perform overall at those brief internships determines your grade moving forward. It's important to keep in mind that some of the practical work is not everyone's cup of tea and may deter them from continuing their studies due to pressure and stress from their jobs.

Because of that, this degree might not be suitable for everyone.

Potential Career Paths and Median Salaries for Nursing Graduates:

Registered Nurse: $75k

Midwife: $111k

Nurse Anesthetists: $184k

3. Theoretical & Experimental Physics

Average studying time per week: 15-17h

A physics degree is very challenging and stressful to earn on its own. When enrolling in studies, students are expected to have a broad understanding of various scientific concepts. More importantly, they must have a strong background in mathematics.

Having the same amount of math preparation can be challenging for many students who want to grasp the curriculum because many students come from diverse environments and educational backgrounds.

The fact that future employment as a researcher will be based on GPA, overall student performance, and the quantity of peer-reviewed research papers published in the field makes this degree even more stressful.

In light of this, a major in theoretical and experimental physics can be both exciting and challenging while also being quite stressful.

4. Philosophy

Average studying time per week: 11-15h

Although philosophy majors are frequently thought of as being straightforward, this is far from the truth. Students majoring in this field are expected to read, research, and analyze a lot. They also require crucial qualities and abilities like logic and an acute sense of detail.

More importantly, in order to pursue a career in politics or law or another field, you typically need to complete additional education like a Master's and Ph.D. in order to get a high-paying job with a philosophy degree.

5. Architecture

Average studying time per week: 18-22h

Average GPA: 3.3

Average Salary: $67,000

Beautiful as it is, architecture is a major that is also very demanding and stressful. You'll see from the list above that compared to the other majors, architecture requires more weekly study time. Combining intricate, comprehensive, and wide-ranging theoretical knowledge with diligent practical work is the essence of architecture.

Not only that, but earning an architecture degree is quite expensive, and the market is prone to saturation.

Temporary work is simple to find because there are so many different architecture directions and freelance opportunities. Finding a long-term job, however, is much more challenging, which can be stressful for many recent graduates in architecture.

Potential Career Paths and Median Salaries for Architecture Graduates:

Building Architect: $82k

Landscape Architect: $71k

Architectural Drafter: $58k

6. Molecular Biology

Average studying time per week: 17-18h

The degree requirements for molecular biology are similar to those for physics. Not only that, but you might not be able to find a respectable job with a good salary with just a bachelor's degree. Instead, you'll probably need to complete a number of specializations and earn a doctoral degree.

Unsurprisingly, students spend more than 17 hours a week studying, which can be stressful for those who are not used to spending a lot of time in the lab.

Additionally, the average GPA is low in comparison to some other majors, but the amount of work required is quite substantial.

Overall, if you don't have the requisite specialization degree, your chances of landing a respectable job soon after graduation are slim. Students who spent a lot of time studying and working at internships to pass certain classes may find that to be very stressful.

7. Electrical Engineering

Average studying time per week: 18-20h

One of the most sought-after engineering specialties, electrical engineering draws many applicants each year who are competing for limited openings in universities and colleges. Few of those students, however, persist through their majors; many drop out before their first year has ended.

The return on investment is indeed quite high, but students must persevere through both good and bad times while studying and learn about a variety of subjects that will be necessary for future employment. In addition, it necessitates a significant amount of weekly study due to the frequent tests, lab exams, and midterms.

It can be challenging for students to balance the theoretical and practical work during the lengthy lab sessions. Electrical engineering is regarded as one of the most stressful majors as a result.

8. Chemical Engineering

Average studying time per week: 20-24h

One of the majors with the most opportunities for future graduates is chemical engineering. But it necessitates a lot of work, perseverance, and discipline, just like every other STEM discipline. Additionally, students must learn how to balance the laboratory practical with the theoretical curriculum.

It's no secret that a degree in chemical engineering can pay off handsomely if you manage to land a suitable position.

However, bachelor's degree holders are frequently required to complete additional specializations, such as the Master's or Doctoral degree, in order to improve their chances of landing certain jobs as well as to join academia and produce outstanding research results.

9. Medicine & Healthcare

Average studying time per week: 20-25h

Although the terms "medicine" and "healthcare majors" are both general, since nursing was already mentioned above, these are the courses that will prepare you to become a general practitioner or obtain a specialization.

Both of them are stressful for various reasons. The degree for a pediatrician or a doctor who practices as a general practitioner can take at least 6 years to complete, not including the specialization. A further three to five years may be required for the doctoral studies.

It also contains a lot of theoretical studies and thick, dense textbooks that must be read thoroughly over time. Last but not least, given that doctors are trusted with people's lives, there are numerous ethical dilemmas and moral dilemmas.

10. Law

Average studying time per week: 15-18h

Some people will argue that law schools are not particularly challenging, but in reality, years of study and intense specialization are required to become a lawyer or to pursue any other career in the legal field. Law graduates can become judges, lawyers, or other professionals by earning a variety of titles.

More importantly, law students need to be knowledgeable about international legal systems in addition to ancient laws like Roman law. Many people find this information to be stressful, and many give up on their studies before finishing their major.

How To Choose The Right Major?

The fact that students don't select majors that they are interested in or that match their skills and abilities causes a lot of stress regarding studying for a particular degree plan. A study on preferences for high school graduates was done by ACT, College Choice.

About 80% of the students who responded to the survey indicated the major they intended to choose when they entered college. But about 65% of the participants selected a major that didn't match their academic performance, professional abilities, or general interests.

Working with your advisors, looking at your grades, and giving serious consideration to your major are all important because your college experience will determine the range of your career path.

Some majors can be stressful, but the stress may originate from the fact that you don't really care about those majors. Here are some pointers to help you choose the ideal major for you:

Take into account your interests, hobbies, and areas of strength. There is nothing wrong with seeking advice on potential majors from your parents, teachers, or advisors.

How much time do you want to dedicate each week to studying? The most difficult topics on this list shouldn't be chosen if you don't want to spend the entire weekend and weekdays studying and catching up on the classes you missed.

What do you intend to do after that? Future career decisions will be influenced by your major, so make an informed decision.

Will my chosen major provide a good return on my investment? Some majors are very challenging and stressful, but they have a great return on investment. Although it can be simple and carefree to finish some majors, getting a job is incredibly challenging. It's important to choose a major that will prepare you for a potential career, even if you don't want to become extremely wealthy with your degree.

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