Which college majors require the most study time?

Hey everyone! I've been thinking a lot about what to major in after high school. One of my main concerns is managing my time effectively while still getting a thorough education in something I love. So, I'm curious, which college majors usually require the most study time? Is there any data supporting this?

There's a range of studies estimating the average amount of time students in different majors spend preparing for classes each week, including time spent reading, writing, doing homework or lab work, analyzing data, rehearsing, and other academic activities.

Here are some majors often cited as requiring a significant amount of study time:

1. Architecture: According to the National Survey of Student Engagement, architecture students reportedly spend a significant amount of time each week studying and preparing for classes. This does not include the time spent in studio classes, which can add up quickly. It's an intensive major due to the combination of academic study and creative design work.

2. Engineering: Many types of engineering (chemical, civil, electrical, mechanical, etc) also tend to have a high level of time commitment due to intense coursework, labs, projects, and study time. Estimates range from about 15-20 hours per week of study time on average.

3. Sciences: Majors like physics, biology, and chemistry tend to require significant amounts of study time. Not only are these subjects complex, but they often involve comprehensive lab work.

4. Pre-Med: While technically not a major, students pursuing pre-medical courses often spend a significant amount of time studying. These students need to maintain a high GPA to apply for medical school, hence, they often dedicate a huge chunk of time to studying.

5. Mathematics: This major requires abstract thinking, problem-solving, and often advanced coursework, which can be time-consuming.

6. Computer Science: This field requires a good understanding of complex systems, algorithms, and coding, which often demands plenty of out-of-classroom study and project time.

It's important to remember, however, that the amount of study time can significantly vary depending on the specific course, university, and the individual student's aptitude and study habits. Moreover, varying levels of passion for the subject matter can also affect how much time feels like "work" versus enjoyable learning. So while these figures can guide you, it's crucial to find a major that aligns with your interests and career goals. High study time typically correlates with high complexity, but also often with high reward in terms of knowledge gained and career opportunities.