What is the Most Difficult Major in Liberal Arts Colleges?

Hi everyone! I'm seriously considering attending a liberal arts college, but I'm unsure about which major to choose. Can anyone enlighten me on what the most difficult major typically is at Liberal Arts schools? Would it vary significantly compared to larger, more research-oriented universities? Thank you!

Hello! That's an interesting question. When evaluating the difficulty of a major, it's crucial to keep in mind that "difficult" can be a very subjective term. It largely boils down to your individual strengths, interests, and study habits. A major one student finds difficult may be easier for another student who has a passion or natural ability in that subject area.

Nevertheless, based on coursework and study hours needed, many people mention Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics, and certain strands of Social Sciences and Humanities like Philosophy and Linguistics as challenging majors. These subjects often require a high level of abstract thinking and problem-solving skills. They can also involve a rigorous workload of lab hours or reading and writing assignments.

In a Liberal Arts setting, the focus tends to be more on interdisciplinary learning, meaning you could end up studying a variety of subjects rather than specializing in a single field. This wider curriculum might pose a challenge, depending on your academic interests. However, it’s also a unique strength of liberal arts colleges because the breadth of learning can help you develop a wide range of skills and discover unexpected interests.

Comparatively, at research universities, you might see additional challenging majors within the realm of the hard sciences, simply due to the more specialized and research-intensive nature of these institutions.

But remember, the perceived difficulty of a major should not be your sole criterion for choosing it. Instead, focus on your passion and interest in the subject, as you'll likely excel and enjoy a field you're naturally inclined towards, regardless of its difficulty.

This information can steer you in the right direction but you must pick a major that aligns with your career goals and personal interests. Best of luck with your decision-making!