10 Easiest and Hardest Science Majors for 2026

by Imed Bouchrika, Phd

Co-Founder and Chief Data Scientist

Share

What can you do with a science major?

A science major opens doors to a wide variety of career paths, ranging from traditional laboratory work to roles in business, education, and public policy. Depending on the specialization, graduates can pursue careers that directly apply scientific knowledge or leverage the critical thinking and analytical skills gained during their studies. Some common pathways include:

• Healthcare Professions: Many science majors, such as biology or chemistry, serve as stepping stones to careers in medicine, nursing, pharmacy, or allied health fields.
• Research and Development: Graduates can work in laboratories, universities, or private companies, contributing to advancements in areas like biotechnology, environmental science, or physics.
• Technology and Engineering: With science at the foundation of innovation, majors often transition into roles in software development, data analysis, or engineering disciplines.
• Education and Academia: Teaching at the secondary or postsecondary level is a popular option, allowing graduates to inspire and train future generations.
• Business and Industry: Science majors are valued in industries such as pharmaceuticals, energy, and manufacturing, where problem-solving and data-driven decision-making are essential.
• Government and Policy: Many find roles in regulatory agencies, environmental organizations, or public health institutions, shaping policies that impact society.

In short, a science degree provides a flexible foundation that can lead to specialized, high-impact careers or broader opportunities where analytical expertise is highly valued.

Where can you work with a science major?

A science degree equips graduates with versatile skills, making them employable in a wide range of industries and work environments. Depending on their field of study and career interests, science majors can find opportunities in:

• Hospitals and Healthcare Facilities: For majors like biology, chemistry, or neuroscience, careers in patient care, diagnostics, or medical research are common.
• Research Institutions and Laboratories: Universities, government agencies, and private organizations employ science graduates to conduct experiments, analyze data, and drive innovation.
• Technology and Engineering Companies: Physics, computer science, and engineering majors often work in software development, product design, or applied research for tech firms.
• Environmental and Conservation Organizations: Majors in environmental science, geology, or ecology can work in sustainability, wildlife management, and natural resource protection.
• Government Agencies and Public Sector: Agencies such as the FDA, EPA, or NASA hire science graduates to conduct research, ensure compliance, and guide policy decisions.
• Educational Institutions: Many science majors work as teachers, professors, or academic researchers, shaping the next generation of scientific minds.
• Private Industry and Corporate Sector: From pharmaceuticals to energy and manufacturing, companies value science graduates for their problem-solving and analytical expertise.

With such a broad spectrum of options, science majors are not limited to one career path—they can thrive in clinical, research, corporate, educational, or even entrepreneurial settings.

How much can you earn with a science major?

Earning potential with a science major can vary widely depending on the specific field, level of education, and career path. In general, science degrees are known for leading to strong salary prospects, especially in healthcare, engineering, and technology-related roles. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), many science-related occupations earn salaries well above the national median wage. Here are some examples:

• Biological Scientists: Median annual salary of around $84,600.
• Chemists and Materials Scientists: Median annual salary of about $90,100.
• Environmental Scientists: Median annual salary of roughly $78,000.
• Medical Scientists: Median annual salary of approximately $103,300.
• Physicists and Astronomers: Among the highest, with a median annual salary of about $139,200.

While entry-level salaries may start lower, science graduates often see steady increases with experience, advanced degrees, or specialization. This makes a science major a solid investment for students seeking both intellectual fulfillment and financial stability.

List of Easiest Science Majors

The easiest science majors are typically those that require less intensive math, advanced lab work, or highly technical coursework compared to their more rigorous counterparts. These programs often focus on broader concepts and applied knowledge rather than heavy theoretical or quantitative analysis.

While these degrees still demand critical thinking and dedication, they are generally seen as less demanding in terms of workload, complexity, and time commitment, making them appealing options for students who want a science background without the extreme rigor of fields like engineering, physics, or chemistry.

1. Environmental Science

Environmental Science is an interdisciplinary program that explores the interconnections between the earth's physical, chemical, and biological systems—such as water, air, soil, ecosystems—and how human activities affect them. Students delve into topics including environmental biology, geology, chemistry, earth science, resource management, and sustainability. Many programs include hands-on fieldwork and laboratory experiences to build practical skills in environmental research and data analysis.

What can an environmental science degree do? Upon graduation, environmental science majors pursue careers in government agencies, private industry, or research institutions. They often work as environmental scientists, sustainability consultants, planners, policy analysts, conservation officers, or educators, combining scientific knowledge with real-world problem-solving to protect and manage our natural environment.

Estimated Annual Salaries:

• Environmental Scientist: $76,500
• Environmental Engineer: $90,000
• Ecologist: $66,000
• Climate Change Analyst: $77,000–$109,000

2. Psychology

Psychology is a multifaceted field that examines how individuals think, feel, and behave—often exploring cognition, emotions, social dynamics, and mental wellness. As an academic program, it integrates coursework in research methods, statistics, biological bases of behavior, developmental psychology, and counseling techniques.

There are different types of psychology degrees. Graduates with a psychology degree typically branch into areas like clinical practice, counseling, education, human resources, marketing, research, or even technology, depending on their interests and further qualifications. While some pursue advanced degrees to become licensed practitioners—such as clinical, educational, or industrial-organizational psychologists—others leverage their understanding of human behavior in roles like HR, market research, or public relations.

Estimated Annual Salaries:

• Behavioral Support Technician: $37,330
• Non-Clinical Social Worker: $55,350
• Clinical/Counseling Psychologist: $85,000
• Organizational Psychologist: $147,000
• Mental Health Counselor: $59,000
• Human Resources Manager: $146,000
• Market Research Analyst: $79,000

3. Anthropology

Anthropology is the study of humanity, past and present, exploring cultural, biological, linguistic, and archaeological dimensions of human societies. As a major, it blends coursework in social theory, ethnography, human evolution, and societal patterns, developing strong skills in research, critical analysis, and cultural awareness. 

Graduates often pursue careers in academia, museums, non-profits, government, or business—working as archaeologists, museum curators, cultural analysts, policy officers, or market researchers, among other roles. They also hold roles in advertising, human resources, heritage management, and international development. 

Estimated Annual Salaries:

• Anthropologist: $63,800
• Anthropology and Archeology Teachers (Postsecondary): $102,530
• Area, Ethnic, and Cultural Studies Teachers (Postsecondary): $97,350

4. Biology

Biology is the study of living organisms—from microscopic cells and microbes to plants, animals, and entire ecosystems—exploring how life functions, evolves, and interacts with its environment. As a major, biology typically combines coursework in genetics, ecology, physiology, and molecular biology, and often includes hands-on laboratory and fieldwork experiences. 

Graduates commonly pursue careers in healthcare (such as pre-med paths, clinical research, or public health), environmental conservation, biotechnology, education, laboratory diagnostics, or further studies in fields like medicine or research. Whether entering the workforce directly or advancing academically, biology majors use their knowledge of living systems to contribute meaningfully to human health, environmental sustainability, and scientific innovation.

Make sure to look into the best biological science degree programs available. Yes, biology and biological science are essentially the same.

Estimated Annual Salaries:

• Microbiologist: $82,000
• Wildlife Biologist: $62,000–$70,600
• High-School or Postsecondary Biology Teacher: $79,000
• Biochemist/Biophysicist: $93,400
• Medical/Biomedical Scientist: $95,000–$100,000

5. Nursing

Nursing is a dynamic and rewarding field centered on delivering patient-centered care across diverse settings, from hospitals and clinics to community health and beyond. As a nursing major, students undertake rigorous coursework in anatomy, physiology, pharmacology, ethics, and nursing practice, coupled with extensive clinical rotations. 

Graduates typically become Registered Nurses (RNs), providing direct patient care, administering medications, collaborating with healthcare teams, and coordinating patient treatment plans. Many go on to expand their roles, becoming advanced practitioners, educators, administrators, or specialized clinicians, using both their clinical expertise and leadership skills to impact healthcare delivery and patient outcomes.

If you are looking for the highest paying nursing jobs, pursuing an advanced degree and becoming an advanced practice registered nurse (APRN) is the secret. A nurse anesthetist is usually the highest paid among APRNs.

Estimated Annual Salaries:

• Registered Nurse (RN): $71,000–$95,000
• Nurse Practitioner: $121,000–$128,000
• Nurse-Midwife: $131,000
• Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA): $212,000–$217,000
• Nurse Educator: $80,000K–$94,000
• Clinical Nurse Specialist: $114,000

List of Hardest Science Majors

Hard science majors are often considered the most challenging because they demand a high level of intellectual rigor, technical skill, and time commitment. These programs typically involve advanced mathematics, complex laboratory work, extensive research, and mastery of abstract theories that require both analytical and problem-solving abilities. Students in these majors often face heavier course loads, long hours of studying, and competitive grading environments. 

Fields like engineering, physics, chemistry, and nursing, for example, not only require academic excellence but also practical application under pressure, such as lab experiments, clinical rotations, or fieldwork. Ultimately, the hardest science majors are those that combine theoretical difficulty with intensive hands-on practice and strict performance standards.

1. Astronomy

Astronomy is the scientific study of celestial objects such as stars, planets, galaxies, and the universe as a whole, combining physics, mathematics, and computer science to understand the cosmos. As a major, it typically covers topics like astrophysics, planetary science, observational techniques, and cosmology, often requiring strong analytical and quantitative skills. 

Graduates may pursue advanced research in academic or government institutions, work in observatories or planetariums, contribute to aerospace and technology sectors, or transition into data science and software development due to their computational expertise. For those seeking structured academic pathways, an online space studies degree provides a flexible option to build the technical and theoretical foundation necessary for these careers. With its broad applications, astronomy opens doors not only to careers in science but also in industries that value problem-solving, modeling, and data analysis.

Estimated Annual Salaries:

• Astronomer (Research/Academia): $128,000
• Astrophysicist: $95,000–$120,000
• Planetary Scientist: $95,000
• Aerospace Engineer: $126,880
• Observatory Technician/Research Associate: $45,000–$70,000
• Planetarium Director/Science Communicator: $60,000–$90,000
• Satellite / Space Mission Analyst: $80,000–$110,000

2. Neuroscience

Neuroscience is an interdisciplinary major that explores the structure and function of the brain, nervous system, and behavior by integrating biology, psychology, chemistry, and physiology. Students study topics such as neural signaling, brain anatomy, cognitive processes, and neurological disorders, often combining classroom learning with lab-based research. 

Graduates can pursue careers in research, healthcare, biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, or continue their education in medicine, psychology, or neuroscience-focused graduate programs. With its blend of scientific inquiry and real-world applications, neuroscience offers pathways into both cutting-edge research and patient-focused professions.

Estimated Annual Salaries:

• Neuroscientist/Medical Scientist: $103,300
• Neurologist (with medical degree): $267,660 
• Neuropsychologist: $106,420
• Pharmaceutical/Biotechnology Researcher: $90,000–$120,00
• College Professor (Neuroscience/Psychology/Biology): $84,380 

3. Biomedical Engineering

Biomedical Engineering is a multidisciplinary major that merges engineering principles with biological and medical sciences to design technologies that improve healthcare. Students study subjects such as biomechanics, biomaterials, medical imaging, and biomedical device design, often working on projects that integrate engineering innovation with clinical applications. 

Graduates can pursue careers in medical device development, pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, hospitals, or research institutions, and many go on to specialize further in graduate or medical school. With its focus on advancing healthcare technology, biomedical engineering opens doors to impactful careers that directly contribute to patient care and medical innovation.

Estimated Annual Salaries:

• Biomedical Engineer: $108,850
• Clinical Engineer (hospital technology management): $80,000–$100,000
• Medical Device Designer/Developer: $95,000–$120,000
• Biomaterials Engineer: $85,000–$105,000
• Biomedical Research Scientist: $90,000–$110,000
• Quality Assurance Engineer (medical devices/pharma): $82,000–$100,000
• Biotechnology Analyst/Consultant: $90,000–$115,000
• Academic/University Professor (Biomedical Engineering): $84,380

4. Quantum Physics

Quantum Physics is a highly specialized major within physics that explores the fundamental principles governing matter and energy at the atomic and subatomic levels. Students in this program study advanced topics such as quantum mechanics, particle physics, quantum field theory, and emerging applications like quantum computing and quantum information science. 

The major emphasizes mathematical modeling, problem-solving, and laboratory research, preparing graduates for roles in academia, government labs, tech companies, and industries developing cutting-edge technologies. Many pursue graduate study, but even at the undergraduate level, this major equips students with analytical and computational skills that are highly valued across scientific and technology-driven fields.

Estimated Annual Salaries:

• Quantum Physicist/Research Scientist: $110,000–$130,000 
• Theoretical Physicist (Academia/Research): $99,960
• Quantum Computing Researcher (Tech Industry): $120,000–$150,000
• Data Scientist/Machine Learning Specialist (with physics background): $103,500 
• Quantum Software Engineer: $115,000–$135,000
• Laboratory Scientist (Government or National Lab, e.g., DOE, NASA, NIST): $90,000–$120,000
• Optical Physicist (Photonics, Quantum Optics Applications): $100,000–$125,000 (Glassdoor)
• Financial Quantitative Analyst (using physics modeling in finance): $115,000–$130,000

5. Astrophysics

Astrophysics is a specialized branch of physics that focuses on the study of celestial objects, galaxies, black holes, and the fundamental laws that govern the universe. Students in this program explore topics such as stellar evolution, cosmology, relativity, and computational modeling, often combining theoretical coursework with data analysis from telescopes and space missions. 

Graduates may pursue careers in academia, observatories, aerospace, data science, or government research institutions like NASA and the European Space Agency. Many also continue their studies at the graduate level, as advanced research positions often require a master’s or Ph.D., while the analytical and problem-solving skills gained can also open doors to industries outside astronomy, such as finance and technology.

Estimated Annual Salaries:

• Astrophysicist/Research Scientist: $110,000–$130,000
• Astronomer (observatories, NASA, ESA, research institutions): $128,160
• Physics Professor (specializing in Astrophysics): $84,380
• Aerospace Scientist/Engineer: $126,880
• Satellite Research Scientist (space technology and communications): ~$95,000–$120,000 (industry estimate)

Why should you pursue a science major?

Choosing a science major is more than just selecting a field of study—it’s a decision that can shape your career, your mindset, and even the way you see the world. These majors, whether they are the easiest science majors or the hardest science majors, equip students with critical thinking, problem-solving, and analytical skills that are valuable across countless industries. They also offer the chance to explore how the world works, whether that’s through biology, physics, chemistry, or social sciences like psychology and anthropology. 

Beyond academics, a science degree can open doors to fulfilling careers, opportunities for research and innovation, and the ability to make meaningful contributions to society. For example, graduates can pursue careers with a technology management degree, combining scientific expertise with leadership and strategic skills in tech-driven industries.

Here are some of the key reasons why pursuing a science major can be a smart choice:

• Strong Foundation for Diverse Careers: Science majors prepare students for roles in healthcare, research, technology, education, and more. The skills you gain can be applied across multiple industries, giving you flexibility in career paths.
• Development of Transferable Skills: Critical thinking, data analysis, research, and communication are core to science programs. These transferable skills make graduates valuable not just in science-related jobs but also in business, policy, and other fields.
• Opportunities for Innovation and Discovery: Science majors often engage in research projects, lab work, or field studies, where they can explore new ideas and contribute to advancements in knowledge and technology.
• Impact on Society and the Environment: Many science fields address global challenges such as climate change, healthcare access, and technological advancement. A science degree allows you to play a part in solving pressing real-world problems.
• Pathway to Further Study and Specialization: If you’re interested in graduate school, a science major provides a strong academic foundation for advanced degrees in medicine, engineering, research, or other specialized fields.

The image below presents current trends in the life sciences industry that you might find interesting.

How do I pick a science major?

Choosing the right science major can feel overwhelming, especially with so many options ranging from the easiest science majors like biology and psychology to the hardest science majors like astrophysics and biomedical engineering. The best way to decide is to start by reflecting on your interests: Do you enjoy working with people, solving abstract problems, or conducting hands-on experiments? 

The next step is to consider your long-term career goals, since some majors, like nursing or environmental science, lead directly to specific professions, while others, such as physics or chemistry, may require graduate study for advanced career opportunities. It’s also important to weigh the level of academic challenge you’re ready for; some science majors are broader and more flexible, while others demand rigorous coursework in math and lab research. 

Finally, talking to academic advisors, shadowing professionals, and researching salary outlooks can help you align your passions with practical opportunities. For instance, exploring nursing education graduate certificate salary data can provide insight into potential earnings and help determine whether a nursing-focused major aligns with your financial and career goals.

What common skills are necessary when pursuing a science major?

Around 15% of high school students met the STEM benchmarks in 2023 based on the ACT scores. Students in science majors develop a broad set of skills that are valuable both in academics and in professional careers. Whether you are pursuing the easiest science majors or the hardest science majors, the following skills are very important:

• Critical Thinking & Problem-Solving: Ability to evaluate evidence, analyze data, and draw logical conclusions.
• Quantitative & Analytical Skills: Comfort with mathematics, statistics, and data interpretation for experiments and research.
• Research & Laboratory Skills: Proficiency in conducting experiments, handling specialized equipment, and adhering to safety protocols.
• Communication Skills: Clear writing for lab reports, strong presentation skills, and effective teamwork with peers or colleagues.
• Time Management & Organization: Balancing lectures, labs, and projects while meeting deadlines and managing heavy coursework.
• Adaptability & Perseverance: Staying motivated through challenging coursework, long lab hours, and complex problem-solving.
• Technological Proficiency: Using scientific software, data analysis tools, and digital resources to support research and projects.

Students can start developing these skills as early as when they are still in elementary and secondary school. So science teachers play a very important role in cultivating these skills among students while they are still young. Look into how to become a science teacher if you want to help shape young minds into becoming great scientists in the future. 

What factors make some science majors easier than others?

The difficulty of a science major often depends on the balance between theoretical complexity, workload, and required skills. Majors with fewer advanced math or chemistry requirements, such as psychology or environmental science, are typically seen as easier because they emphasize concepts, critical thinking, and writing over heavy technical calculations.

Course structure also plays a role; majors with lighter lab schedules or more flexible electives may feel less demanding compared to programs that require long lab hours, clinical rotations, or strict sequencing of classes.  For students focused on nursing, determining the answer to the question why get a DNP degree can also inform choices, as it highlights the advanced competencies and commitment needed for doctoral-level nursing paths.

Finally, personal strengths and interests strongly influence perceived difficulty. For example, a student who excels at math may find physics manageable, while someone who prefers reading and analysis may find social science–oriented majors easier to handle.

So, to summarize, these factors are used to measure whether a science major is easy or hard:

• Level of Math and Science Requirements: Majors with fewer advanced math, physics, or chemistry courses (like psychology or environmental science) are often perceived as easier.
• Course Structure and Flexibility: Programs with more elective options and fewer required sequences tend to feel less rigid and demanding.
• Lab and Practical Workload: Science majors that involve minimal lab hours, fieldwork, or clinical rotations are usually lighter compared to those with intensive hands-on requirements.
• Type of Learning Emphasis: Majors that prioritize reading, writing, and conceptual understanding over technical problem-solving may feel more approachable.
• Individual Strengths and Interests: Students who align their natural abilities and passions with their major often perceive it as easier, even if it’s considered challenging by others.

Are the easiest science majors still respected in academic and professional settings?

The so-called easiest science majors are still respected in both academic and professional environments, though the context matters. While they may not demand the same level of advanced mathematics or lab intensity as the hardest science majors like astrophysics or biomedical engineering, they still require discipline, critical thinking, and scientific reasoning. Fields such as psychology, environmental science, and anthropology are highly valued because they provide essential insights into human behavior, societal trends, and global challenges like climate change. 

Employers and graduate schools recognize that every science major develops important research, analytical, and problem-solving skills. Ultimately, respect comes less from whether a major is considered “easy” or “hard” and more from how well students apply their knowledge, build expertise, and pursue meaningful contributions in their chosen field.

It should be noted, however, that respect for these fields do not necessarily translate to high employment levels and high demand.

The Federal Reserve Bank of New York looked into the unemployment rates of recent college graduates, which are adults 22- to 27-year-old holding a bachelor's degree or higher, by major. The analysis used data from the Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey, which covered 73 majors and subject groups. It found that 28 majors had unemployment rates that were above the overall 3.6% rate for recent grads. While the majors with the highest unemployment rates were from different fields, it was anthropology graduates that led the list with an unemployment rate of 9.4%, followed by physics at 7.8%.

Check the chart below for a list of majors with the highest unemployment rate:

Do the hardest science majors usually require graduate school?

In many cases, the hardest science majors do lead students toward graduate or professional school, though it depends on the career path they choose. Majors like physics, astrophysics, neuroscience, and biomedical engineering often provide strong foundational knowledge but may not directly qualify graduates for specialized careers without further study. For example, becoming a neuroscientist, astrophysicist, or biomedical researcher typically requires a master’s or Ph.D., while entering medicine or healthcare-related fields may call for medical or professional degrees. 

However, not all paths demand graduate school. Some students find opportunities in research labs, technology firms, or industry roles right after earning their bachelor’s. Ultimately, the need for advanced study depends on the level of expertise, specialization, and professional responsibility a student wants to pursue.

The chart below are the majors with the lowest unemployment rate. Among these are nursing, animal and plant sciences, nursing, and aerospace engineering. Taking the top spot is nutrition sciences with only a 0.4% unemployment rate.

How does the difficulty of a science major compare to other fields like business or humanities?

Science programs—even the easiest science majors—are often seen as more challenging than business or humanities majors because of their emphasis on technical knowledge, quantitative reasoning, and hands-on application. Unlike many humanities or business programs that may focus heavily on reading, writing, or case studies, science majors frequently require advanced math, complex problem-solving, and laboratory or clinical work. This translates to heavier workloads, longer study hours, and a greater need for precision in both theory and practice.

That said, difficulty is also subjective; what feels demanding to one student may come more naturally to another. For example, a student strong in analytical and numerical reasoning may find science courses manageable but struggle with writing-heavy humanities courses.

Similarly, a student who excels in communication and critical analysis might find business or social sciences more aligned with their strengths. Ultimately, the perceived difficulty lies in the type of skills each discipline emphasizes, but science majors generally require a higher volume of technical and applied learning compared to business or humanities.

It's worth noting that an analysis of scores from ACT college-admission tests among high school students found that in the four areas tested, science and math garnered the lowest college readiness benchmarks. Only 15% of high school students met STEM benchmarks in 2023, down from 20% in 2018-19.

What does meeting a benchmark even mean? A student who meets the STEM benchmark, for example, would have a 75% chance of earning at least a C, and a 50% chance of earning a B or higher, in their introductory math and science courses in college. Similarly, check out the infographic below for the job outlook for applied scientists in the US.

What are the challenges of pursuing a science major?

Science majors can be incredibly rewarding, but they also come with unique challenges that students should be prepared for. These programs are rigorous, time-intensive, and demand a strong commitment to both theory and practice. Below are some of the most common challenges science majors face:

• Heavy Workload: Science programs, most especially the hardest science majors, often involve long hours of studying, frequent lab sessions, and detailed assignments. Balancing coursework, lab work, and exams can feel overwhelming compared to other fields.
• Complex Subject Matter: Subjects like physics, chemistry, and biology often include abstract concepts, mathematical models, and intricate systems that require deep understanding and application—not just memorization.
• Mathematical and Analytical Demands: Many science majors—especially the hardest science majors—require advanced math and statistical analysis, which can be a stumbling block for students who are not comfortable with quantitative reasoning.
• Time-Intensive Labs and Research: Lab work is a core component of most science majors. Labs can take several hours a week, sometimes outside regular class time, requiring patience, precision, and teamwork.
• High Academic Expectations: Science fields often have rigorous grading standards, where partial understanding isn’t enough. Students are expected to demonstrate accuracy and mastery in both theory and practice.
• Pressure to Pursue Advanced Degrees: For many specialized careers in science, a bachelor’s degree is just the beginning. Students may feel pressure to continue into graduate or professional school to access higher-level opportunities.

Are you interested in pursuing a degree in natural sciences? You can check out accelerated bachelor’s in natural sciences online if you want to earn your degree earlier than usual and if you want to have the flexibility of remote learning.

Here’s What Science Majors Have to Say About Their Careers

Other Things You Should Know About the Easiest and Hardest Science Majors

Are the easiest science majors less rigorous than non-science fields?

Not necessarily. Even the easiest science majors still require critical thinking, lab work, and research, which may be more demanding than coursework in some humanities or business programs. The difference lies in the intensity of math and technical requirements.

Do the hardest science majors have higher dropout rates?

Yes, harder science majors like engineering, physics, and chemistry often have higher dropout or switch rates because of their demanding workload and challenging concepts. Students sometimes transfer to other science fields that feel more manageable.

Which science majors are most math-heavy?

The hardest science majors usually involve advanced math. Fields like physics, astrophysics, and engineering require calculus, linear algebra, and sometimes differential equations, while easier majors may only require introductory statistics or algebra.

Do “easy” science majors still provide opportunities for research or hands-on projects?

Yes, even “easy” science majors provide opportunities for research and hands-on projects, though the scope may vary compared to more technical fields. Programs like psychology, environmental science, or anthropology often include lab work, field studies, or independent research. These experiences help students build practical skills and prepare for graduate studies or professional roles.