Earning a bachelor's degree can boost earning potential and job opportunities. It doesn't have to be grueling. Here are the easiest college majors and degrees.
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An award-winning historian and writer, Genevieve Carlton, Ph.D., has published multiple scholarly articles and a book with the University of Chicago Press. She currently works as a writer and consultant. She holds a Ph.D. in history from Northwestern...
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Updated on April 16, 2024
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By
Contributing Writer
An award-winning historian and writer, Genevieve Carlton, Ph.D., has published multiple scholarly articles and a book with the University of Chicago Press. She currently works as a writer and consultant. She holds a Ph.D. in history from Northwestern...
and
Reporter
Margaret Attridge is a news reporter for BestColleges focusing on higher education news stories in California. She graduated from the University of Maryland, College Park in May 2022 with a BA in journalism and government and politics....
Edited by
Writer & Editor
Danika Miller is a senior writer at BestColleges and Accredited Schools Online. Her writing has also appeared in Grad School Hub, Best Value Schools, Affordable Colleges Online, and Her Campus. Her financial expertise has been featured in The Simple ...
•
Reviewed by
Reviewer & Writer
Stephanie DeBord has spent the past eight years working in higher education. She has held various academic advising roles, and she currently works as a quality assurance manager at the College Credit in High School program at the Metropolitan State U...
Updated on April 16, 2024
Learn more about our editorial process
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One thing to consider when choosing your college major is rigor. Depending on your skills and interests, some majors will be easier to complete than others.
For example, science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) majors have a reputation for demanding coursework and complex curriculum.
But don't forget — the easiest bachelor's degree for one person might be challenging for another. You should weigh the pros and cons of each program, including potential careers after graduation, to find the best fit for your personal interests, strengths, and aptitudes.
Here's our take on the easiest college majors, from education to criminal justice.
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1. Anthropology
Anthropology majors examine humanity, with courses on archeology, linguistics, and cultural anthropology. The major can help you develop strong analytical and writing skills that may lead to careers in museum studies, the public sector, archeology, and community services.
A bachelor's in anthropology program traditionally lasts four years. Students can study fascinating topics like Central American archeology, forensic anthropology, and American culture.
Anthropology will often come easier to students with writing, research, and problem-solving skills.
Job | Median Annual Salary 2023 |
---|---|
Anthropology Professor or Researcher | $93,650 |
Archeologist | $63,800 |
Community Service Manager | $77,030 |
Market Research Analyst | $74,680 |
Archivist | $59,910 |
2. Business
Business isn't just one of the easiest college majors — it's also the most popular major. Business students can strengthen their analytical and leadership skills while taking industry-focused classes.
As a business major, you'll study core topics like accounting, management, and organizational behavior. With a bachelor's in business administration, you can pursue lucrative careers in finance, marketing, and human resources.
Business might not be the easiest degree to get if you struggle with analysis, statistics, or persuasive writing.
Job | Median Annual Salary 2023 |
---|---|
Accountant or Auditor | $79,880 |
Budget Analyst | $84,940 |
Financial Analyst | $99,010 |
Market Research Analyst | $74,680 |
Project Management Specialist | $98,580 |
3. Communications
A communications degree is great for those who are fascinated by the media and the news industry. You'll take classes like visual storytelling and multiplatform content creation as part of your degree.
Communications majors study public relations, mass media, journalism, and business communication. You can specialize your degree with concentration options like public relations, journalism, or technical writing.
In a communications program, students foster strong writing, public speaking, and analytical skills.
Job | Median Annual Salary 2023 |
---|---|
Editor | $75,020 |
Public Relations Specialist | $66,750 |
Public Relations Manager | $134,760 |
Reporter or Journalist | $57,500 |
Technical Writer | $80,050 |
4. Criminal Justice
Learn about law enforcement, criminology, and the legal system as a criminal justice major. Specialize your degree with a concentration in homeland security, law enforcement administration, or juvenile justice.
With a bachelor's in criminal justice, you can pursue a career as a federal law enforcement officer, paralegal, or forensic science technician. It's the ideal major to launch a criminal justice, public policy, or law career.
Job | Median Annual Salary 2023 |
---|---|
Correctional Officer | $53,300 |
Forensic Science Technician | $64,940 |
Police Officer | $72,280 |
Private Detective or Investigator | $49,540 |
Probation Officer | $61,800 |
5. Education
If you love learning and teaching, an education major might be the easiest bachelor's degree. You'll gain hands-on classroom training through a student teaching experience that can enhance job opportunities.
With a bachelor's in education, you can become an elementary school teacher, high school teacher, or special education teacher. Outside of teaching, the degree can prepare you for opportunities in training and development.
Job | Median Annual Salary 2023 |
---|---|
Elementary School Teacher | $63,680 |
High School Teacher | $65,220 |
Instructional Coordinator | $74,620 |
Middle School Teacher | $64,290 |
Special Education Teacher | $67,190 |
6. English
Love reading? Then, you may thrive as an English major since it's one of the most reading-heavy majors. An English degree is also considered one of the easiest college majors. As an English major, you'll study literary criticism, rhetoric, and writing.
After honing communication, analytical, and research skills, you can pursue work as a writer, teacher, or public relations specialist.
Job | Median Annual Salary 2023 |
---|---|
Advertising and Promotions Manager | $131,870 |
High School Teacher | $65,220 |
Librarian and Media Collections Specialist | $64,370 |
Public Relations Specialist | $66,750 |
Writer or Author | $73,690 |
7. Health
Interested in healthcare? Then, a health major might be a great investment. The healthcare field is one of the fastest-growing industries, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Within health, you can major in nursing, healthcare administration, health science, or nutrition to qualify for jobs with a bachelor's degree. But consider your career goals — many healthcare jobs require a graduate degree.
Job | Median Annual Salary 2023 |
---|---|
Clinical Laboratory Technologist | $60,780 |
Dietitians or Nutritionist | $69,680 |
Medical or Health Services Manager | $110,680 |
Medical Records Specialist | $48,780 |
Registered Nurse | $86,070 |
8. History
Curious about the past? Then history might be one of the easiest majors for you. As a history major, you'll strengthen your analytical, research, and writing skills.
During a bachelor's in history program, you'll study U.S. history, world history, and ancient history. With a history degree, you can pursue work in education, business, media, or marketing.
Job | Median Annual Salary 2023 |
---|---|
High School Teacher | $65,220 |
Historian | $72,890 |
History Professor | $82,140 |
Archivist | $59,910 |
Paralegal | $60,970 |
9. Psychology
If you are interested in working with people and helping them better understand themselves and their emotions, psychology may be for you. As a psychology major, you will be able to interact with many different types of people and study human behaviors and how we interact with the world.
However, several psychology career paths require a graduate degree — including school psychologists, counselors, or mental health professionals.
Job | Median Annual Salary 2023 |
---|---|
Clinical or Counseling Psychologists | $96,100 |
Market Research Analyst | $74,680 |
School Psychologist | $84,940 |
Social Worker | $63,770 |
Substance Use, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors | $53,710 |
10. Sociology
Sociology explores human behavior and social institutions. As a sociology major, you'll gain analytical and critical thinking skills. Explore interesting subjects like family sociology, organizational behavior, and social inequality.
Graduates can pursue careers in business, marketing, human resources, and community services.
Job | Median Annual Salary 2023 |
---|---|
Career Counselor | $61,710 |
Human Resources Specialist | $67,650 |
College Professor | $79,870 |
Market Research Analyst | $74,680 |
Social Worker | $63,770 |
Frequently Asked Questions About the Easiest College Majors
What are the hardest college majors?
The hardest college majors are most commonly in STEM fields. College students typically rank architecture, biochemistry, engineering, mathematics, neuroscience, and physics as the most difficult majors.
What is the quickest degree to get?
Accelerated online programs are the fastest route to a bachelor's degree. Students who choose the right accelerated bachelor's degree can enter the job market for their chosen field in as little as two years, saving time and money.
Is an online degree easier?
Generally, online programs are not easier than on-campus programs. The curriculum for online degrees is often the exact same as the on-campus curriculum.
Online programs can offer students convenience and flexibility. However, they also come with the normal stressors of school deadlines, coursework, and exams like in-person programs do.
Note: The insights on this page — excluding school descriptions — were reviewed by an independent third party compensated for their time by BestColleges. Page last reviewed March 15, 2024.