Obscure College Majors: Are They Worth It?

I'm kinda intrigued by some less traditional, obscure college majors I've found. Are these specialized fields worth pursuing, though? Would love to hear experiences or advice from anyone who chose a more unique path for their major.

There are merits to choosing less traditional college majors depending on your goals and interests. Here are a few things to consider:

Scope of Interest: An obscure major might be rewarding if it aligns closely with what you're genuinely passionate about, far more so than commonly offered majors. Following your interests in this way can lead to a more engaged and meaningful college experience.

Career Goals: While less traditional majors could bring challenges in immediately finding a job post-graduation, they can also open doors to specialized job markets. For example, a student who majored in Viticulture and Enology could find work in the wine industry, which wouldn't typically be accessible to a general Business major.

Transferable Skills: Obscure majors often still equip students with a range of transferable skills. A student studying Egyptology may develop strong research, analysis, and language skills which can be employed in a variety of fields beyond Egyptology.

Unique Differentiator: Graduating in an unusual major can help you stand out from the crowd. In interviews and job applications, this could grab the attention of employers and offer more memorable talking points.

That being said, it's also valid to consider the potential drawbacks. Marketability upon graduation, lack of recognition of the specialized degree by some employers, and a less broad curriculum are some issues you might face. It may be worth considering pairing a less traditional major with another more conventionally recognized one.

At the end of the day, the worth of any major comes down to one's personal goals and interest in the subject matter. By careful planning and taking advantage of internships or research opportunities, any major can ultimately prove worth pursuing.