Most Challenging College Majors 2021 

When choosing a college program, a lot of factors are considered by a certain individual. It could be because it is the career they want to pursue, or it may be because it was a childhood dream. But another factor that a student should consider is the difficulty in taking that specific program.

Why is it important to know whether a particular program is challenging or not? It is part of the process for your mindset. Knowing the difficulty of a specific course would allow you to prepare your mind for the challenge ahead. It is not that you will prepare less if it is not difficult, but of course, the more challenging the course is, the better you can set your expectations.

Now here are some of the most challenging programs in college this 2021. The list is based on the total amount of time the student spends preparing for the class and accomplishing the tasks.

Chemistry

On average, Chemistry majors usually spend 18 hours per week preparing for class. This program tackles composition, function, and the behavior of matter on a molecular level. It also studies how each matter reacts with one another. When taking this program, you also have to deal with physics, biology, calculus, statistics, and organic chemistry.

Neuroscience

Like chemistry, these majors consume roughly 18 hours or more of preparation time every week. This field is about the human nervous system and talks about its role, structure, and development. It focuses on the brain and its cognitive properties and involves taking up lessons about biology, calculus, psychology, and physics.

Mechanical Engineering

This academic discipline involves creating, designing, and manufacturing various mechanical systems and anything that requires motion. A mechanical engineer makes everything you see around you. 

When tackling this major, one has to be good with numbers and analytical thinking. This major involves studying calculus, physics, chemistry, thermal science, dynamics, manufacturing, and design. Students usually spend 19 hours on this major per week.

Petroleum Engineering

Students taking petroleum engineering usually spend 18 ½ hours per week. This engineering field teaches students about the production and extraction of different oil and natural gas. It also includes other programs such as geomechanics, geology, physics, petrophysics, and chemistry and involves studying the environment and petroleum fluids.

BioEngineering

Also called biological engineering, this major deals with studying both biological and engineering principles to create products such as diagnostic tools and medical devices. Typically this major includes studying statistics, biology, the science of materials, computer programming, and biochemistry.

Biochemistry

Just like Bioengineering, Biochemistry usually takes students 18 ½ hours per week to get ready for class. This major teaches students about the chemical process and substances of various living organisms. It involves the study of biological phenomena and living organisms and is closely related to Biophysics. As a Biochemistry/Biophysics major, you have to take chemistry, biology, evolutionary biology, neurobiology, and computing classes.

Astronomy

If the vast universe is what sparks your interests, then this major is for you. But be prepared as you have to allow 18.6 hours per week for you to prepare for this course. This major is a study about celestial objects like asteroids, stars, planets, and deals with subjects such as calculus, astrophysics, planetary geology, cosmology, and computer science.

Physics

This major deals with the properties and movement of matter through space and time and also talks about the concept of energy and force. When taking this major, the student must also cover electricity, quantum physics, magnetism, waves, vibrations, gravity, and thermodynamics. Astronomy majors spend at least 18 ½ hours per week preparing for the course.

Cell And Molecular Biology

If you are willing to spend 18 hours and 40 minutes a week for class preparation, this major is for you. A combination of Chemistry and Biology, this major allows you to study processes at a cellular level, giving you a more in-depth understanding of the structure and function of life forms.

But take note that the difficulty may vary from one student to another. What’s difficult for one student may be easy for others. It all depends on the student’s strengths, passion, and willingness to excel in their chosen field. Whatever major you decide, you must study hard and keep your eye on your goal.