What are the top 3 hardest college majors for average students?

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SUMMARY

The forum discussion identifies the top three hardest college majors as Pure Math, Philosophy, and Physics. Participants argue about the difficulty of these fields, with some suggesting that Engineering and Medicine should also be considered due to their rigorous demands. The conversation highlights that perceptions of difficulty vary based on individual strengths and interests, emphasizing that the hardest major is subjective and depends on personal biases and experiences.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of academic disciplines and their requirements
  • Familiarity with the concepts of Pure Mathematics, Philosophy, and Physics
  • Knowledge of the workload and expectations in Engineering and Medicine
  • Awareness of subjective experiences in education and personal biases
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the curriculum and challenges of Pure Mathematics
  • Explore the philosophical debates surrounding the nature of knowledge and learning
  • Investigate the workload and grading standards in Engineering programs
  • Examine the demands of pre-medical studies and their impact on student life
USEFUL FOR

Students considering their major, academic advisors, and educators interested in understanding the subjective nature of academic difficulty across various disciplines.

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1. Pure Math
2. Philosophy
3. Physics

This list I believe is valid for someone that is average basically in math, science and critical thinking and doesn't particularly excel in anything as of starting the major. What do you think?
 
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xdrgnh said:
2. Philosophy

No. Maybe if you're counting from the bottom.
 


You trying to say Philosophy is easy?
 


xdrgnh said:
2. Philosophy

HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAH

Pre-meds have a tough life too you know. I also would add English majors because they are expected to write out quality essays (pages long) in a week and read tons of boring books that no one cares in the real world.
 


I'm not trying to say that they don't... English could be up there but not in the top 3. What makes Philosophy very hard is that it's very open ended.
 


How is Engineering not on this list?!
 


Because it's less abstract then those 3.
 


xdrgnh said:
Because it's less abstract then those 3.

What?? What is your major? I am curious
 


Physics, I want to go into Theoretical physics. Engineering is a applied subject.
 
  • #10


xdrgnh said:
I'm not trying to say that they don't... English could be up there but not in the top 3. What makes Philosophy very hard is that it's very open ended.

Actually that's what makes it very easy.
 
  • #11


Pengwuino said:
Actually that's what makes it very easy.

Go tell a Philosophy major that.
 
  • #12


Listing these is rather pointless. It's going to be different for every individual. People in field A probably think that field A is the most difficult, lacking experience in field B. People in field B, likely feel that field B is the most difficult. I would suspect that the "most difficult major" for anyone person would be in whatever subject they like the least.

I personally think something like American History would be the worst.
 
  • #13


I said in my description that the person is average in all academic area so he has no bias.
 
  • #14


xdrgnh said:
I said in my description that the person is average in all academic area so he has no bias.

Oh sorry.

In that case Pure Math.
 
  • #15


Ivan92 said:
How is Engineering not on this list?!
you are joking?
 
  • #16


xdrgnh said:
Go tell a Philosophy major that.

I've talked to philosophy majors. I'm surprised a lot of them know how to make their own breakfast.
 
  • #17


I see you have a masters in Physics. Try to answer the question that Physics answers without math. That's what Philosophy majors do in a certain sense.
 
  • #18


They answer questions without using English?
 
  • #19


xdrgnh said:
I see you have a masters in Physics. Try to answer the question that Physics answers without math. That's what Philosophy majors do in a certain sense.

Wow. Then I wonder how philosophers even get out of bed, let alone make breakfast.

It's very easy to describe physics without math. "If I drop a ball, it will fall".
 
  • #20


Pengwuino said:
Wow. Then I wonder how philosophers even get out of bed, let alone make breakfast.

It's very easy to describe physics without math. "If I drop a ball, it will fall".
What's so special about you?
 
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  • #21


Pengwuino said:
I've talked to philosophy majors. I'm surprised a lot of them know how to make their own breakfast.

Oh ohhhh ohh this was so directed to me lol
 
  • #22


I could've sworn Penguin is working on his masters atm.
 
  • #23


Anyways, you can't beat mathematics if you want to start measuring things.
 
  • #24


xdrgnh said:
I see you have a masters in Physics. Try to answer the question that Physics answers without math. That's what Philosophy majors do in a certain sense.

Philosophers use logic. Isn't that a type of math?
 
  • #25


This thread is becoming a massive p!ssing contest. This type of question has never produced a meaningful discussion in my experience.
 
  • #26


Here comes the mathematician... I mean, he's just so above us all.

lol
 
  • #27


Don't let the mathematician try to butt in! He probably couldn't solve low energy compton scattering! *chuckles*
 
  • #28
Yes, I am saying Philosophy is easy. I know many philosophy majors and they all admit that it's very easy. They get straight A's with about 80% attendance.
 
  • #29


Willowz said:
Here comes the mathematician... I mean, he's just so above us all.

lol

Pengwuino said:
Don't let the mathematician try to butt in! He probably couldn't solve low energy compton scattering! *chuckles*

I am far from being a mathematician. The honors linear algebra course I'm currently taking is the most advanced course I've experienced. In other words, I'm still a complete newb.
 
  • #30
On what criteria are you basing "hardest"?

As far as work load goes, engineering, science, and math majors study far more then other majors (including philosophy). In fact, at my school it seems the standards of all the non engineering, science, and math are pathetically low. My 1 credit hour physics lab is probably ~3 times more work then my 4 credit hour macroeconomics class.

Additionally I find it easier to get high grades in my non technical courses (like humanities electives).

Although I still think the question is pointless. It is difficult to be "great" in any field.
 

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