Least Popular Majors: What's the Scene?

Hi peeps! I'm a high school junior thinking about college majors. Just out of curiosity, does anyone know which ones are the least popular? Just trying to explore all my choices before making the big decision.

Hello there! It's a smart move to look at college from a variety of angles as you explore potential majors. When it comes to "least popular majors," it's important to make sure we're clear about what we mean. I'm assuming you're asking about which majors are selected less frequently by students, rather than which ones are less highly regarded, so I'll respond accordingly.

The National Center for Education Statistics collects data on college majors and according to them, the majors often seen with the fewest students enrolled include Library Science, Soil Science, Military Technologies, and Cryptography. Other less commonly-selected majors include Educational Psychology, Mining and Petroleum Technology, and Agricultural Economics.

Also, you might find fewer students enrolled in interdisciplinary studies that combine multiple academic disciplines into one major, like Mathematical Biology, or that are very specific, like Golf Course Management.

However, just because a major is less commonly chosen, it doesn't mean it can't lead to a fulfilling career. Many of these majors offer unique and specialized knowledge that can qualify you for specific job roles after graduation.

Before making a decision on your major, it's recommended to identify your interests and intents first. A major should align with your career goals and personal interests, and should also offer a good return on investment if that is important to you.

Colleges usually have career counselors who can help you explore different majors and decide on the one best suited to your aspirations. If you're interested in less common majors, don't be shy to seek advice from your high school counselor, career center at prospective colleges, or professors and students in the field. You could also try reaching out to professionals working in those fields to get their perspective. Good luck with your exploration!