Introduction
Choosing a college major is one of the most significant decisions a student will make in their academic journey. A major is the specific subject area that a student specializes in during their undergraduate studies. It typically constitutes between one-third and one-half of all courses taken, approximately 30-60 credit hours of a standard 120-credit bachelor’s degree program. The right major can align with your passions, strengths, and career aspirations, setting the foundation for your professional future.
This comprehensive guide categorizes hundreds of college majors across various disciplines, providing you with a complete overview of the academic options available in higher education as of 2025. Whether you’re just beginning to explore potential fields of study or narrowing down your choices, this resource will help you understand the breadth of possibilities in today’s academic landscape.
Agriculture & Natural Resources
Agriculture and natural resources majors focus on the cultivation, management, and conservation of plants, animals, and natural environments. These programs prepare students for careers in food production, environmental conservation, and resource management.
- Agriculture, General
- Agricultural Business & Management
- Agricultural Economics
- Agricultural Education
- Agricultural Journalism
- Agricultural Mechanization
- Agricultural Production
- Agricultural Technology Management
- Agricultural/Biological Engineering and Bioengineering
- Agribusiness Operations
- Agronomy & Crop Science
- Animal Behavior and Ethology
- Animal Science
- Aquaculture
- Aquatic Biology
- Bakery Science
- Botany/Plant Biology
- Entomology
- Environmental Science
- Feed Science
- Fisheries Science
- Floriculture
- Food Science & Technology
- Forestry
- Horticulture Operations & Management
- Horticulture Science
- Land Use Planning and Management
- Landscape Architecture
- Landscape Horticulture
- Natural Resources Conservation, General
- Natural Resources Management
- Plant Pathology
- Range Science and Management
- Soil Science
- Sustainable Resource Management
- Turfgrass Science
- Wildlife & Wildlands Management
- Zoology
Architecture & Design
Architecture and design majors combine artistic creativity with technical knowledge to create functional and aesthetically pleasing structures, spaces, and products.
- Architecture, General
- Architectural Drafting/CAD Technology
- Architectural Engineering
- Architectural Environmental Design
- Architectural History
- City/Urban/Regional Planning
- Environmental Design/Architecture
- Fashion Design
- Furniture Design
- Game Design
- Graphic Design
- Industrial Design
- Interior Architecture
- Interior Design
- Landscape Architecture
- Web Design
Area, Ethnic, & Multidisciplinary Studies
These programs focus on particular geographical regions, cultural groups, or interdisciplinary approaches that combine multiple fields of study.
- African American Studies
- African Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- African Studies
- American Indian/Native American Studies
- American Studies
- Ancient Studies
- Area Studies, General
- Asian Area Studies
- Asian-American Studies
- Canadian Studies
- Caribbean Studies
- Classics
- East Asian Studies
- East European Studies
- Ethnic & Minority Studies, General
- European Area Studies
- European History
- Gay and Lesbian Studies
- Hispanic-American, Puerto Rican, and Chicano Studies
- Islamic Studies
- Jewish Studies
- Latin American Area Studies
- Latin American Studies
- Latino/Chicano Studies
- Liberal Arts & General Studies
- Library Science
- Medieval and Renaissance Studies
- Middle Eastern Studies
- Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies
- Museum Studies
- Native American Studies
- North American Area Studies
- Peace Studies
- Scandinavian Studies
- Slavic Languages and Literatures
- South Asian Studies
- Southeast Asia Studies
- Women’s Studies
Arts: Visual & Performing
Visual and performing arts majors develop creative skills in areas such as painting, sculpture, music, theater, and dance, preparing students for careers as artists, performers, or arts educators.
- Animation and Special Effects
- Art, General
- Art Education
- Art History, Criticism & Conservation
- Art Therapy
- Ceramics
- Church Music
- Cinema/Film
- Cinematography/Film/Video Production
- Crafts
- Dance
- Design & Visual Communications, General
- Drawing
- Fashion/Apparel Design
- Fiber, Textiles, and Weaving Arts
- Film
- Fine/Studio Arts
- Graphic Design
- Illustration
- Jazz Studies
- Jewelry and Metalsmithing
- Music, General
- Music Education
- Music History
- Music Management
- Music Performance
- Music Theory & Composition
- Music Therapy
- Musical Theater
- Painting
- Photography
- Piano
- Playwriting and Screenwriting
- Printmaking
- Recording Arts Technology
- Sculpture
- Sound Engineering
- Theatre Arts/Drama
- Visual Communication
- Voice
Business
Business majors prepare students for careers in commerce, finance, management, and entrepreneurship by teaching principles of economics, accounting, marketing, and organizational leadership.
- Accounting
- Accounting Technician
- Actuarial Science
- Advertising
- Banking & Financial Support Services
- Business Administration & Management, General
- Business Communications
- Business Education
- Business/Management Quantitative Methods, General
- Business/Managerial Economics
- Entrepreneurship
- Fashion Merchandising
- Finance, General
- Financial Planning & Services
- Hotel/Motel Management
- Human Resources Development/Training
- Human Resources Management
- Insurance & Risk Management
- International Business Management
- Investments & Securities
- Labor/Industrial Relations
- Logistics & Materials Management
- Management Information Systems
- Marketing Management & Research
- Office Supervision & Management
- Operations Management & Supervision
- Organizational Behavior
- Purchasing/Procurement/Contracts Management
- Real Estate
- Restaurant/Food Services Management
- Risk Management
- Sales, Merchandising, & Marketing, General
- Secretarial Studies & Office Administration
- Small Business Management/Operations
- Tourism & Travel Marketing
- Travel/Tourism Management
Communications
Communications majors study the creation, transmission, and interpretation of messages through various media, preparing students for careers in journalism, public relations, broadcasting, and digital media.
- Advertising
- Communication Disorders
- Communications, General
- Communications Studies/Speech Communication and Rhetoric
- Communications Technology, General
- Digital Communications/Media
- Graphic & Printing Equipment Operation
- Journalism, Broadcast
- Journalism, Print
- Mass Communications
- Multimedia/Animation/Special Effects
- Photojournalism
- Political Communication
- Public Relations & Organizational Communication
- Public Speaking
- Radio & Television Broadcasting
- Radio & Television Broadcasting Technology
- Technical Writing
Community, Family, & Personal Services
These majors focus on improving individual and community well-being through social services, recreation, and personal care.
- Adult Development & Aging/Gerontology
- Child Care Services Management
- Child Care
- Child Development
- Consumer & Family Economics
- Cosmetology/Hairstyling
- Culinary Arts/Chef Training
- Exercise Science/Physiology/Kinesiology
- Family & Consumer Sciences, General
- Food & Nutrition
- Funeral Services & Mortuary Science
- Gerontology
- Health & Physical Education/Fitness
- Mortuary Science
- Parks, Recreation, & Leisure, General
- Parks/Rec/Leisure Facilities Management
- Personal Services, General
- Recreation Management
- Sport & Fitness Administration/Management
- Textile & Apparel
Computer Science & Mathematics
Computer science and mathematics majors develop skills in logical reasoning, problem-solving, and technological innovation, preparing students for careers in technology, data analysis, and research.
- Applied Mathematics
- Artificial Intelligence and Robotics
- Computer & Information Sciences, General
- Computer Engineering
- Computer Graphics
- Computer Networking/Telecommunications
- Computer Science & Programming
- Computer Software & Media Applications
- Computer System Administration
- Computer Systems Analysis
- Data Management Technology
- Data Processing
- Information Science
- Information Technology
- Management Information Systems
- Mathematics Education
- Mathematics, General
- Statistics
- Webmaster and Web Management
- Webpage Design
Education
Education majors study teaching methods, curriculum development, and learning theories to prepare for careers as educators in various settings and subjects.
- Agricultural Education
- Art Education
- Business Education
- Career & Technical Education
- Counseling & Student Services
- Curriculum & Instruction
- Early Childhood Education
- Education Administration
- Education, General
- Educational Psychology
- Elementary Education
- English-as-a-Second-Language Education
- English/Language Arts Education
- Foreign Languages Education
- Health Education
- Junior High/Middle School Education
- Mathematics Education
- Music Education
- Physical Education & Coaching
- Postsecondary Education
- Science Education
- Secondary Education
- Social Studies/Sciences Education
- Special Education
- Teacher Assisting/Aide Education
- Teacher Education, General
- Teacher Education, Subject-Specific
- Teaching English as a Second Language
- Technology Education
Engineering
Engineering majors apply principles of science and mathematics to design, develop, and improve structures, machines, systems, and processes for solving practical problems.
- Aerospace/Aeronautical Engineering
- Agricultural/Bioengineering
- Architectural Engineering
- Automotive Engineering
- Biomedical Engineering
- Ceramic Engineering
- Chemical Engineering
- Civil Engineering
- Computer Engineering
- Construction Engineering/Management
- Electrical, Electronics & Communications Engineering
- Engineering (Pre-Engineering), General
- Engineering Mechanics
- Engineering Physics
- Environmental Health Engineering
- Industrial Engineering
- Mechanical Engineering
- Metallurgical Engineering
- Mineral Engineering
- Naval Architecture
- Nuclear Engineering
- Ocean Engineering
- Petroleum Engineering
- Textile Engineering
- Welding Engineering
Engineering Technology & Drafting
These programs focus on the practical application of engineering principles and technical skills for implementing and maintaining engineering systems.
- Aeronautical/Aerospace Engineering Technologies
- Architectural Drafting/CAD Technology
- Architectural Engineering Technology
- Automotive Engineering Technology
- Civil Engineering Technology
- Computer Engineering Technology
- Construction/Building Technology
- Drafting/CAD Technology, General
- Electrical, Electronics Engineering Technologies
- Electromechanical/Biomedical Engineering Technologies
- Engineering Technology, General
- Environmental Control Technologies
- Fire Protection & Safety Technology
- Industrial Production Technologies
- Mechanical Drafting/CAD Technology
- Mechanical Engineering Technology
- Quality Control & Safety Technologies
- Surveying Technology
English & Foreign Languages
These majors focus on the study of languages, literature, and linguistic expression, developing skills in communication, critical thinking, and cultural understanding.
- American Literature
- American/English Literature
- Arabic
- Asian Languages & Literatures
- Chinese
- Classical/Ancient Languages & Literatures
- Comparative Literature
- Creative Writing
- English Composition
- English Language & Literature, General
- Foreign Languages/Literatures, General
- French Language & Literature
- German Language & Literature
- Hebrew
- Italian
- Japanese
- Korean
- Linguistics
- Middle Eastern Languages & Literatures
- Modern Greek
- Portuguese
- Russian
- Spanish Language & Literature
Health Administration & Assisting
Health administration and assisting programs prepare students for supportive roles in healthcare settings, focusing on the operational and administrative aspects of healthcare delivery.
- Dental Assisting
- Health Services Administration, General
- Hospital/Facilities Administration
- Medical Office/Secretarial
- Medical Records
- Medical/Clinical Assisting, General
- Occupational Therapy Assisting
- Physical Therapy Assisting
- Veterinarian Assisting/Technology
Health Sciences & Technologies
Health sciences and technologies majors study the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of disease and injury, preparing students for careers in healthcare and medical research.
- Athletic Training
- Chiropractic (Pre-Chiropractic)
- Communication Disorder Services (e.g., Speech Pathology)
- Dental Hygiene
- Dentistry (Pre-Dentistry)
- Diagnostic Medical Sonography
- Emergency Medical Technology
- Health-Related Professions & Services, General
- Massage Therapy
- Medical Technology
- Nursing
- Occupational Therapy
- Pharmacy
- Physical Therapy
- Physician Assistant
- Pre-Medicine
- Pre-Optometry
- Pre-Veterinary Medicine
- Public Health
- Radiologic Technology
- Rehabilitation Services
- Respiratory Therapy
- Speech Pathology
Humanities & Philosophy
Humanities and philosophy majors explore human culture, thought, and expression through disciplines like philosophy, religion, and ethics.
- Biblical Studies
- Bioethics
- History, General
- Humanities
- Missions
- Pastoral Studies
- Philosophy
- Pre-Seminary
- Religious Studies
- Theology
Law & Legal Studies
Law and legal studies programs prepare students for careers in law, legal services, and related fields by studying legal principles, processes, and institutions.
- Corrections
- Criminal Justice
- Criminal Science
- Criminology
- Law Enforcement
- Paralegal Studies
- Pre-Law
Life Sciences
Life sciences majors study living organisms and biological processes, preparing students for careers in research, healthcare, and environmental conservation.
- Anatomy
- Biochemistry
- Biology, General
- Biopsychology
- Biotechnology
- Cell Biology
- Ecology
- Genetics
- Marine Biology
- Microbiology
- Molecular Biology
- Molecular Genetics
- Neurobiology
- Neuroscience
- Pharmacology
- Physiology
- Toxicology
Military Science
Military science programs prepare students for careers as officers in the armed forces by studying military history, leadership, tactics, and management.
- Military Science
- Military Technologies
- Naval Science
- ROTC
Physical Sciences
Physical sciences majors study non-living systems through disciplines like chemistry, physics, astronomy, and geology, developing skills in scientific inquiry and analysis.
- Astronomy
- Astrophysics
- Atmospheric Science
- Chemical Physics
- Chemistry
- Geological Engineering
- Geology
- Geophysics
- Materials Science
- Oceanography
- Paleontology
- Physics
- Planetary Science
Public Administration & Services
Public administration and services majors prepare students for careers in government, nonprofit organizations, and public policy by studying governance, policy analysis, and public service management.
- Community Organization & Advocacy
- Protective Services, General
- Public Administration
- Public Administration & Services, General
- Public Affairs & Public Policy Analysis
- Public Policy Analysis
- Social Work
- Urban Planning
- Urban Studies
Social Sciences
Social sciences majors study human behavior, social interactions, and societal institutions through disciplines like psychology, sociology, anthropology, economics, and political science.
- Anthropology
- Archeology
- Cognitive Psychology
- Clinical Psychology
- Developmental Psychology
- Economics
- Experimental Psychology
- Geographic Information Science
- Geography
- Government
- Industrial Psychology
- International Relations
- International Studies
- Political Science
- Physiological Psychology
- Psychology
- Rural Sociology
- Social Psychology
- Sociology
Specialized Professional Programs
These programs prepare students for specific professional careers through specialized training and education.
- Air Traffic Control
- Aviation
- Construction Management
- Historic Preservation
- Home Economics
- Hospitality
- Human Development
- Industrial Management
- Tourism
Conclusion
The college major you choose will significantly shape your academic experience and can influence your career trajectory. While this list is comprehensive, it’s important to note that many institutions offer unique or interdisciplinary programs that may combine elements from multiple fields. Additionally, some majors may be known by different names at different institutions, and new fields of study continue to emerge as knowledge expands and industries evolve.
When selecting a major, consider your interests, strengths, and career goals, but also remain open to exploration and discovery. Many students change their majors during their college years as they gain exposure to new subjects and better understand their own capabilities and passions. Remember that your college major is an important decision, but it doesn’t necessarily determine your entire career path—many professionals work in fields different from their undergraduate majors.
As you navigate the process of choosing a major, take advantage of resources available to you, such as academic advisors, career counseling services, and opportunities to speak with professionals in fields of interest. These resources can provide valuable insights into the relationship between specific majors and career opportunities, helping you make an informed decision that aligns with your personal and professional aspirations.
