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When you think of the word “science,” a few images may come to mind: steaming green beakers, soaring rocket ships, and Albert Einstein standing before a chalkboard backdrop of complicated physics equations. But when it comes to studying and working in an actual scientific career, science is a much broader and more nuanced field, encompassing dozens of major options. Some of these potential careers certainly do include labs and space travel, but many more deal in human relations, civic participation and collaboration, as well as behind-the-scenes tinkering and creating for corporations selling products, services and apps. If you’re considering a career in science, you may be wondering: what exactly do I want to do with my science degree when I graduate? And to get that degree, what are the easiest science majors I could study? What are the hardest science majors?

How Should I Determine the Easiest and Hardest Science Majors?

In compiling a list below of the easiest and hardest science majors, a main factor we want you to consider is your own qualifications for what makes a major “easy” or “hard.”

“Easiest” and “hardest” are subjective terms – what might be the easiest science major for you might be the absolute hardest science major for someone else! If you’re a hopeful psychology major, you may love calculating the statistical likelihood of mental and social behavior, but determining a titration volume and computing a chemical quantity might feel like a herculean task. You may find empirically examining living organisms and dynamic environmental systems fascinating while your fellow scientists may relish the stark certainty of mathematical solutions.

In general, however, science majors are often ranked as more difficult than non-science majors (check out our list of hardest college majors, half of which are in the sciences, and our list of easiest college majors, which only includes psychology). As you whittle down your search and try to determine what sounds “hard” and “easy” to you, you may want to consider: what kinds of courses will I complete within this major? Will I still need to go to grad school for my desired job, even after I get my bachelor’s degree? What kind of jobs can I expect to get? What kind of return on investment (ahem, future salary!) can I hope for? Perhaps most importantly: am I actually interested in this branch of science? Which brings us to our next section…

Interest: Your Key to the Easiest Science Majors?

So, what might make a field the easiest science major for you? Your own interest and strengths! This may seem obvious, but as you map out your career plans and draft your Common App essays, it can be easy to forget something fundamental about choosing your major — you should choose to study something you like (if not love)!

Put simply, not liking your major can result in burnout and .[i] What’s more, students who don’t like their courses are more likely to switch not just majors, but also schools. Around a third of college students , and a top reason is dissatisfaction with one’s original major choice. In particular, students majoring in a science might be more likely to switch majors than others. In 2017, while 35% of students who originally declared a STEM major switched majors, only 29% of those in non-STEM fields did so.[ii] [iii]

While there is absolutely nothing wrong with transferring schools or changing majors, it’s better to do so for positive reasons (e.g. transferring into an Ivy League, moving to a more desired location, or being inspired to pursue your true calling) than negative ones (e.g. repeatedly failing your chemistry lab). And unless you’re a self-made billionaire who’s just going to college for fun, you probably won’t want to spend even more money on tuition and extra time on courses you don’t need.

The Easiest and Hardest Science Majors

In our list of the easiest and hardest science majors, we’ve included a description of each major, a list of commonly required courses, and median salary estimates, which are an important factor when considering return on investment. The salary figures listed are estimates from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics’ most recent field of degree pages. Please note that these are averages that include median data from mid- and late-career salaries, along with salaries from entry-level positions. In other words, these numbers can only give you a rough estimate of what you may earn by mid-career in each major – your actual job choice, location, and years on the job will dramatically affect these numbers!

Finally, it’s worth remembering that if you are determined, hard-working, and a little lucky, you can succeed in almost any field or major.

Easiest Science Majors

1) Psychology

Psychology majors don’t need to strictly imagine a future with clipboards in their hands and patients lying on leather couches before them – the field is dynamic and encompasses jobs in rehabilitation, workplace and school counseling, social work, business, and human resources. To become an actual psychologist, you can expect to go to graduate school for a master’s degree or even a Ph.D. To practice, you will also need a psychology license – each state has different requirements to obtain one.

• Courses: Statistics, Research Methods, Psychometrics, Biopsychology, Communications, Human Behavior, and career-specific courses in Developmental, Cognitive, and Behavioral Psychology.
• Median Pay: $55,000 (psychology) [iv]
• Related: Best Colleges for Psychology  How to Become a Psychologist, 10 Easiest College Majors

2) Environmental Science

Just because we’ve listed environmental science as one of the easiest science majors, that doesn’t mean that it’s not an important one! Environmental scientists study the natural world to positively affect change in many career fields: government, green consultation for businesses, oil and gas exploration, public health and safety, conservation science, ecosystem protection, and surveying. Not to mention they are often actively fighting climate change. Environmental scientists can also expect a in jobs over the next decade, which is higher than average.

• Courses: Biology, Chemistry, Math, Physics, Ecology, Earth Systems, Geology, Climate Change and Sustainability, GIS and GPS Computing
• Median Pay: $57,000 (natural resources)
• Related: Best Colleges for Environmental Studies/Science

3) Nutrition Sciences

Nutrition sciences is one of the easiest science majors that can lead to a wide array of potential careers. Whether you hope to start your own wellness business or use nutrition science as a springboard for medical school or a career in public health, this degree will help get you there. Hospitals, rehabilitation centers, nursing homes, government centers, clinics, and cafeterias all hire dietitians to offer outpatient counseling and supervise nutrition on-site, making this a field with many employment opportunities. Many nutritionists will need to complete a bachelor’s degree and possibly an internship or a licensure (depending on the state in which you’ll work).

• Courses: Biology, Biochemistry, Human Physiology, Research Methods, Microbiology, Public Health, and courses in Food and Culture.
• Median Pay: $69,680 (dietitians and nutritionists)
• Related: Best Colleges for Nutrition

4) Agricultural Science

If you have a green thumb or an interest in sustainability, agricultural science is one of the easiest science majors and might be just the right fit for you. This field is expected to see in the next ten years. Additionally, it encompasses a variety of nature-based jobs in both the government and private sector, including arboriculture and forestry, sustainable farming, soil science, marine and coastal biology, public health, and sustainable environmental design. Depending on your intended career, you may ultimately pursue a master’s degree or a Ph.D. As you choose, you may also want to consider where you’d like to work: in a lab? A government or business office? The field?

• Courses: Biology, Chemistry, Research Methods, Marine Science, Plant Science, Nutrition Science, Conservation, Environmental Toxicology.
• Median Pay: $55,000 (agriculture)
• Related: Best Colleges for Environmental Science

5) Information Systems

Information systems is a fascinating field that lies at the intersection between computer science, business, and human interaction: an information systems student makes “smart” systems smarter. The corporate and government worlds are teeming with career options for students who major in this field. You might find yourself working as a consultant who improves user interfaces on company apps or websites, tracking trends for social media platforms, or even designing technological tools to support public health, public policy, and government transparency. We’ve listed this as one of the easiest science majors because it is so versatile (and lucrative) – you can expect innovative and exciting career opportunities with this degree, which is primed to see steady growth in the next decade.

• Courses: Computer Science, Data Analytics, Mathematics, Health Information Systems, Technical Support and Cybersecurity. You can also expect to take on internships and team-based projects while you’re in school.
• Median Pay: $95,000 (computer and information technology)
• Related: Best Colleges for Management Information Systems

6) Geology

You might not think that the study of rocks is very profitable (or indeed, very interesting), but a degree in geology can lead to a variety of careers. Geologists find themselves working for oil and mining corporations, consulting for civil engineers, and advising government agencies on sustainability. With this degree, you might consider whether your interests are more theoretical or hands-on: would you rather spend your days in a lab as a researcher or in the field as a professor? Or would you love to work as a geological technician or engineer, helping companies explore and extract natural resources?

• Courses: Chemistry, Earth Sciences, Structural Geology, Earth Dynamics, Climate Systems, Field Geology, Research Methods, and courses on the Anthropocene.
• Median Pay: $53,440 (geological technician) / $100,640 (geological engineer)
• Related: Best Colleges for Geology

7) Statistics

From the outside, it may seem dull to look at numbers and probabilities all day, but statisticians calculate everything from political elections to business viability to sports outcomes. What’s more, the number of people employed as mathematicians and statisticians is expected to grow by – a much faster growth rate than other occupations. We’ve listed this major as one of the easiest science majors because of its versatility and its potential for such growth. While some positions are available to those with a bachelor’s degree, budding statisticians may also anticipate earning a master’s degree as well.

• Courses: Calculus, Data Analysis, Game Theory, Probability, Research Methods, Statistical Learning and Inference, Machine Learning, Biostatistics and Numerical Analysis.
• Median Pay: $80,000 (mathematics)
• Related: Best Colleges for Statistics

8) Marine Biology, Zoology, and Animal Sciences

If you’ve always known you want a career involving animals, a major in animal sciences, zoology, or marine biology may just be for you! Similar to environmental science majors, students in these animal-loving fields can find themselves useful in government and private sectors as consultants on sustainability. Students with a degree in animal sciences may work immediately in animal management (in kennels, zoos, stables, shelters, aquariums, or stores), or may pursue graduate school to complete advanced research in the field.

• Courses: Biology (including Molecular Biology), Chemistry (particularly Biochemistry), Mathematics, Physics, Physical Sciences, Geology, Oceanography
• Median Pay: $31,830 (animal caretakers) / $70,600 (zoologist and wildlife biologist)
• Related: Best Colleges for Animal Science, Best Marine Biology Colleges

9) Civil Engineering

Elsewhere, we’ve listed civil engineering as one of the easiest engineering degrees because there is a “low threshold for understanding the concepts” involved in the degree: civil engineers work to improve infrastructure, design sustainable power, sewage, and water systems, and help fortify buildings for safe and lasting use. In addition, this is one of the easiest science majors because we can expect this field to over the next ten years and civil engineers can often begin work with a bachelor’s degree (though you’ll probably need state-specific licensure to practice).

• Courses: Calculus, Chemistry, Physics, Linear Algebra, Mechanics, Differential Equations, Geology, and General Biology, along with course-specific classes on Environmental, Transportation, and Sustainable Engineering
• Median Pay: $80,000 (engineering technology)
• Related: Best Colleges for Civil Engineering,  10 Easiest Engineering Degrees

10) Computer Science

Computer scientists can find themselves working in numerous fields: designing data communication networks, writing and modifying code, analyzing systems, securing and storing data, or developing software. Not to mention, it’s one of the highest-paying college majors you can find. We’ve listed it as one of the easiest science majors, but whether you need to go to graduate school or can expect a readily available job in computer science will strongly depend on your . For instance, while both computer systems analysts and computer programmers can often begin work with a bachelor’s degree, systems analysis is set to in the next decade, while programming can expect a

• Courses: Mathematics, Robotics, Computational Biology, Speech and Natural Language Processing, Software Systems, Graphics, Geometry, AI and Machine Learning
• Median Pay: $95,000 (computer and information technology)
• Related: Best Computer Science Schools,  Changing Your Major to Computer Science

Hardest Science Majors

1) Chemical Engineering

Chemical engineering is listed as one of the hardest science majors because you can expect to dive directly into difficult, major-specific courses. Additionally, engineering majors in general have some of the highest rates of attrition: an estimated 50% of engineering students change majors or drop out before graduating.[v] However, if these facts don’t deter you, chemical engineering can be a lucrative and versatile major! You can expect to work in any of the following fields: pharmaceuticals, oil and minerals, nuclear energy, or environmental sustainability. Graduate school in chemical engineering is not always necessary, though many employers value job candidates who have had internship experience if they are applying with only a bachelor’s degree. Finally, the number of people employed as chemical engineers is expected to grow

• Courses: Chemistry (organic and inorganic), Physics, General Engineering, Calculus, Computer Science, Thermodynamics, and Biology, plus career-specific courses tailored toward the student’s particular interests (e.g. nuclear engineering vs. bioengineering)
• Median Pay: $76,000 (physical science)
• Related: Different Types of Engineering Majors, Best Colleges for Chemical Engineering

2) Aerospace Engineering

Perhaps you’ve wanted to design airplanes since you first rode in one as a child – or maybe you’ve been to space camp every year since grade school. Or maybe you’re just learning that aerospace engineering is one of the most profitable fields out there, with a chance for over the next decade and dynamic career options in defense, commercial flight, and even space travel. Whatever the reason for your interest in this field, it’s worth knowing that aerospace engineering is one of the hardest science majors out there, with a no-nonsense course load and a grueling curriculum filled with mathematics and physics. But if this is your dream major, don’t let this deter you – get out there and soar!

• Courses: Physics, Mathematics, Propulsion, Structural Design, Aero- and Astrodynamics, Structures and Materials, and Research Methods
• Median Pay: $100,000 (engineering)
• Related: Best Colleges for Aerospace Engineering

3) Biology

Many students use a bachelor’s degree in biology as a starting point for medical, dental, or veterinary school. However, this field is a broad one that can serve as an entryway for careers in botany, genetics, environmental science, zoology, nursing, ecology, microbiology and immunology, pharmaceuticals, and forensic science. Depending on your career of choice, you may find that biology can be one of the easiest or hardest science majors (e.g. if you’re going to be a physician, you’ll need to spend at least becoming a doctor).[vi]

• Courses: Introductory Biology, Plant Biology, Genetics, Microbiology, Chemistry, Mathematics, Environmental Science, Research Methods
• Median Pay: $71,000 (biology)
• Related: Best Colleges for Biology

4) Chemistry

Like biology, chemistry is incredibly versatile, even if it is one of the hardest science majors. Many chemistry majors go on to become physicians, researchers, engineers, pharmaceutical developers, forensic scientists, patent agents, professors, and lab technicians. To become a chemist, you’ll need at least a bachelor’s degree, though most research-based positions will require a master’s or a Ph.D. as well. What’s more, the number of people employed as a chemist or material scientist is on track to increase .

• Courses: Chemistry (organic and inorganic), Computational Chemistry, Analytical Chemistry, General Physics, Calculus, Chemical and Statistical Thermodynamics, and Research Methods
• Median Pay: $76,000 (Physical science)
• Related: Best Colleges for Chemistry

5) Biochemistry and Molecular Biology

Although “biochemistry and molecular biology” is a mouthful, careers in these fields are ultimately some of the most lucrative. Graduates with degrees in these hardest science majors can expect jobs in the pharmaceutical, medical, genetics, immunology, forensics, ecology, and toxicology fields. If you’re considering majoring in biochemistry or molecular biology, you should note that many jobs in these fields require a Ph.D. (especially to conduct research) and your workplace environment may be primarily situated inside a lab or behind a computer screen. If that sounds like your cup (or beaker!) of tea, you should be excited to learn that the number of people employed as biochemists and biophysicists is expected to in the next decade.

• Courses: Biological Sciences, Biochemistry, Chemistry, Microbiology, Computational Biology, Mathematics, Ecology
• Median Pay: $107,460 (biochemists and biophysicists)
• Related: Best Colleges for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology

6) Mathematics

Along with biology and chemistry, mathematics majors can find themselves with a wealth of career opportunities upon graduation. Maybe you’d like to major in math because you know it can lead to careers in business, medicine, finance, engineering, or even law. Or perhaps you simply long to luxuriate in numbers and want to become a teacher or professor of mathematics. If you’re gifted in math, you might not find mathematics to be one of the hardest science majors at all; however, your career choice will greatly affect your course load, potential years spent in graduate school, and your ultimate return on investment.

• Courses: Calculus, Statistics, Linear Algebra, Applied Mathematics, Information Theory, Computing, Differential Equations, Probability
• Median Pay: $120,000 (actuary) / $80,000 (mathematics)
• Related: Best Colleges for Mathematics,  Best Colleges for Applied Mathematics

7) Physics

Okay, Einstein! If you’re interested in this field, which is arguably one of the hardest science majors (at least stereotypically), chances are that you’re at least a little bit brilliant. At least 45% of students who earn a bachelor’s degree in physics will go on to pursue a master’s or Ph.D. in physics or related fields. In general, this adaptable major will give you transferable skills in a growing field and highly profitable career options in astrophysics, engineering, applied physics, teaching, research, nuclear power, or even astronomy.

• Courses: Introductory Physics, Calculus, Quantum Physics, Computer Science, Relativity, Statistical Physics, Astrophysics, Advanced Mechanics, Research Methods, and Linear Algebra
• Median Pay: $76,000 (physics) / $149,530 (physicists and astronomers)
• Related: Best Colleges for Physics,  Best Colleges For Astronomy and Astrophysics

8) Electrical Engineering

As we’ve noted above, engineering majors face some of the highest rates of attrition, and those who do leave the major have “demonstrated statistically significant decreases in their general impressions of engineering, enjoyment of math and science courses, confidence in chemistry, and perception of the engineering profession.”[vii] However, if you’re willing and able to stick it out, you can expect a lucrative salary and a in the field over the next ten years. In other words, though it’s one of the hardest science majors, the payoffs are great. After securing a bachelor’s in electrical engineering, you can expect to find a high starting salary and employment opportunities in research and development, robotics, infrastructure, government, telecommunications, manufacturing, or even gaming!

• Courses: Physics, Calculus, Differential Equations, Electrical Design, Digital Design, Mechanical Engineering, Energy Systems, Research Methods, Linear Algebra, Probability
• Median Pay: $109,010 (electrical engineers)
• Related: Best Colleges for Electrical Engineering,  Median Starting Salaries (By Institution): Electrical Engineering

9) Neuroscience

This fascinating major explores the function, structure, and development of the nervous system. Students who study neuroscience may have careers in fields as diverse as linguistics, psychology, engineering, computer science, or medicine. Because this major is so widely applicable, many students use it as a springboard for graduate school or medical school. As with many of the other hardest science majors, the salary and expected field growth within neuroscience will vary widely, depending on a student’s choice of career.

• Courses: Biology, Chemistry, Statistics, Human Neuroscience, Psychology, Anatomy
• Median Pay: $100,890 (medical scientist) / $92,750 (psychologist)
• Related: Best Colleges for Neuroscience

10) Materials Science

Materials science is an interdisciplinary field that examines the physical properties of matter to optimize material utilization in tools and structures. In other words, materials scientists explore how we can make better use of materials. Materials science majors may ultimately seek careers in the medical field, bioengineering artificial limbs, or more efficient diagnostic tools. They may work in environmental engineering, exploring new ways to optimize sustainability. Or they may find themselves consulting for automotive, aerospace, or electronics businesses to create better products. Most students with a materials science degree can expect to need internship experience in this diverse field (with an expected in the next ten years).

• Courses: Physics, Chemistry, Engineering, Thermodynamics, Crystallography, Material Behavior, Electronic and Photonic Materials, Research Methods
• Median Pay: $104,100 (materials engineer)
• Related: Best Colleges for Materials Science and Engineering,  10 Hardest Engineering Majors

Easiest & Hardest Science Majors — Works Cited

[i] American College Health Association: National College Health Assessment. Fall 2017 Reference Group Executive Summary.  

[ii] Beginning College Students Who Change Their Majors Within 3 Years of Enrollment. National Center for Educational Statistics. Data Point December 2017. https://nces.ed.gov/pubs2018/2018434/index.asp#:~:text=About%20one%2Dthird%20of%20students,percent%20of%20bachelor’s%20degree%20students.

[iii] Chen, Xianglei and Matthew Soldner. STEM Attrition: College Students’ Paths Into and Out of STEM Fields. National Center for Education Statistics, U.S. Department of Education. November 2013.

[iv] Salary figures are estimates from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2023 . Please note that these are averages that include median data from mid- and late-career salaries, along with salaries from entry-level positions. In other words, these numbers can give you a rough estimate of what you may earn by mid-career in each major.

[v] Shuman, Larry J., Cheryl Delaney, Harvey Wolfe, Alejandro Scalise. Engineering Attrition: Student Characteristics and Educational Initiatives. Engineering Education: Assessment Methodologies and Curricula Innovations. 20 June 1999.

[vi] Wood, Sarah. How Long is Medical School and What is it Like?. U.S. News and World Report. 12 January 2024.

[vii] Shuman, Larry J., Cheryl Delaney, Harvey Wolfe, Alejandro Scalise. Engineering Attrition: Student Characteristics and Educational Initiatives. Engineering Education: Assessment Methodologies and Curricula Innovations. 20 June 1999.