Thinking about diving into the world of STEM? It’s a field full of great career opportunities, but not all STEM majors require endless hours of complex math and science.
Some STEM careers demand that you become an expert in calculus or chemistry, while others are less intensive. But how do these compare to the hardest STEM majors? Is there a degree that stands out as the easiest STEM major?
To figure that out, we’ll look at factors like coursework difficulty, the level of science and math involved, and overall workload. In this blog, we’re breaking down the 10 easiest STEM majors to help you find a path that fits your strengths and interests.
What Are the Easiest STEM Majors?
When you think of STEM majors, you probably picture tough math problems, complex science experiments, and long hours of studying. While many STEM degrees are challenging, not all of them are overwhelmingly difficult.
Of course, “easy” doesn’t mean effortless—every STEM major requires dedication, problem-solving, and technical skills. However, some fields involve less abstract math, fewer intensive lab hours, or a more manageable workload.
If you’re interested in science and technology but want to avoid the most demanding coursework, you’re in luck. In this list, we’re diving into some of the easiest STEM majors together with their average salary from the US Bureau of Labor Statistics.
1. Environmental Engineering
Average salary: $100,090
If you like the idea of making a positive impact on the planet but aren’t thrilled about extreme math-heavy coursework, environmental engineering might be the perfect fit for you. Unlike mechanical or electrical engineering, this major focuses more on environmental science, sustainability, and policy rather than hardcore physics and calculus.
Sure, you’ll still take some math and engineering courses, but the emphasis is on applied science rather than abstract equations. Plus, a lot of your work will involve field studies, research, and projects instead of non-stop problem-solving. If you enjoy hands-on learning and want an engineering degree without drowning in differential equations, this one’s a solid pick.
Top 5 schools that offer environmental engineering:
- University of California – Berkeley
- Stanford University
- University of Michigan-Ann Arbor
- University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
- Georgia Institute of Technology
2. Industrial Engineering
Average salary: $99,380
Want an engineering degree but don’t want to spend years buried in advanced calculus and physics? Industrial engineering is often considered one of the easiest STEM majors because it focuses more on efficiency, processes, and management rather than deep technical math and science.
You’ll still take core engineering courses, but the curriculum leans more toward business applications, operations research, and human factors. Instead of designing circuits or working with complex thermodynamics, you’ll be optimizing systems and improving workflows—skills that translate well into real-world industries. If you like problem-solving but prefer practical applications over theory-heavy math, this is a great choice.
Top 5 schools that offer this program as per US News and World Report:
- Georgia Institute of Technology
- University of Michigan-Ann Arbor
- University of California-Berkeley
- Northwestern University
- Virginia Tech
3. Biological Sciences
Average salary: $71,000
If you’re looking for a STEM major that doesn’t require intense math or programming, biology is a popular pick. While biology majors still study science-heavy topics like genetics, anatomy, and ecology, they generally don’t deal with the higher-level calculus, physics, or coding that engineering and computer science majors face.
Instead, expect a mix of memorization, lab work, and applied learning. If you enjoy studying living organisms, don’t mind working in a lab, and prefer real-world applications over abstract equations, biology might be one of the easiest STEM majors for you. Just keep in mind—if you plan on med school, you’ll still need to take chemistry-heavy courses!
Top 5 schools that offer this program as per US News and World Report:
- Stanford University
- Massachusetts Institute of Technology
- University of California-Berkeley
- California Institute of Technology
- Harvard University
4. Computer Science
Average salary: $145,080
At first glance, computer science might not seem like an easy STEM major. While it does require learning programming languages and problem-solving, it doesn’t demand the same level of math that, say, physics or electrical engineering does.
If you enjoy logical thinking, puzzles, and structured problem-solving, CS might actually be one of the easiest STEM majors for you. The key is your approach—coding can feel like learning a new language, but once you get the hang of it, many CS courses follow predictable patterns.
Plus, you’ll likely have fewer lab reports and memorization-heavy exams compared to majors like biology or chemistry. If you’re a natural problem solver, computer science could be an accessible and rewarding choice.
Top 5 schools that offer this program as per US News and World Report:
- Carnegie Mellon University
- Massachusetts Institute of Technology
- Stanford University
- University of California-Berkeley
- University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
5. Agricultural Sciences
Average salary: $83,770
If you love the idea of working with plants, animals, and sustainable farming practices, agricultural production and management could be a great fit. This major focuses more on practical applications than heavy theory, meaning you’ll spend less time buried in textbooks and more time learning through hands-on experience.
While there is some science involved—like soil management, crop science, and food production—this major generally doesn’t require advanced math or hardcore lab work like biology or chemistry.
Many programs also emphasize business and management skills, making it a great option if you’re interested in running your own farm or working in agricultural industries. If you enjoy the outdoors and hands-on learning, this could be one of the easiest STEM majors for you!
Top 5 schools that offer this program as per US News and World Report:
- University of California-Davis
- Cornell University
- University of Florida
- University of Wisconsin-Madison
- Texas A&M University
6. Animal Sciences
Average salary: $89,450
Love animals but don’t want to commit to the intense coursework of pre-vet or biomedical sciences? Animal sciences is a solid alternative. This major focuses on the biology, nutrition, and care of animals, but it’s generally considered easier than majors like microbiology or biochemistry because it involves less math and fewer high-level chemistry courses.
A lot of the coursework is applied science—meaning you’ll be learning through case studies, fieldwork, and lab experiences rather than theoretical problem-solving. If you enjoy working with animals and prefer a more practical, real-world approach to STEM, this could be an easier and more enjoyable path for you.
Top 5 schools that offer this program as per US News and World Report:
- University of California-Davis
- Cornell University
- University of Wisconsin-Madison
- Texas A&M University
- University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
7. Psychology
Average salary: $92,740
While some psychology programs fall under social sciences, many universities classify it as a STEM major because of its research and data analysis components. If you’re interested in human behavior and mental processes but don’t want to dive into complex physics or calculus, psychology might be one of the easiest STEM majors for you.
The good news? The math requirement is relatively light—typically just introductory statistics rather than advanced calculus or differential equations. Plus, the coursework is more about understanding theories, conducting experiments, and analyzing behavior rather than solving complex equations. If you enjoy studying people and prefer writing papers over crunching numbers, psychology is a great choice.
Top 5 schools that offer this program as per US News and World Report:
- Stanford University
- University of California-Berkeley
- Harvard University
- University of California-Los Angeles (UCLA)
- University of Michigan-Ann Arbor
8. Health and Safety Engineering
Average salary: $103,690
Health and safety engineering is one of the lesser-known but more approachable engineering fields. Unlike traditional engineering majors that require heavy calculus and physics, this one focuses on designing safe work environments, reducing hazards, and implementing regulations.
The coursework is a mix of science, management, and practical applications rather than hardcore engineering math. You’ll still take some technical courses, but the focus is on risk assessment, workplace safety, and environmental health—subjects that rely more on logic and analysis than complex problem-solving.
Top 5 schools that offer this program as per US News and World Report:
- Georgia Institute of Technology
- University of Michigan-Ann Arbor
- University of California-Berkeley
- Massachusetts Institute of Technology
- Stanford University
9. Nutrition Sciences
Average salary: $69,680
If you’re passionate about health and wellness but don’t want to deal with advanced math or difficult lab experiments, nutrition sciences might be one of the easiest STEM majors for you. This field focuses on how food affects human health, covering topics like metabolism, diet planning, and public health.
While there is some biology and chemistry involved, it’s usually more applied than theoretical—meaning you’ll spend more time learning about real-world health issues rather than solving complex equations or conducting difficult lab work. If you enjoy helping people live healthier lives and want a science degree with a practical focus, nutrition sciences is a great choice.
Top 5 schools that offer this program as per US News and World Report:
- Harvard University
- Tufts University
- University of California-Davis
- University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
- Cornell University
10. Earth Sciences
Average salary: $92,580
Ever been fascinated by rocks, volcanoes, or earthquakes? Geology and earth science is one of the more hands-on, less math-intensive STEM majors. While you’ll need some basic physics and chemistry, the focus is on understanding the Earth’s processes rather than solving complicated equations.
Many geology courses involve fieldwork, where you get to explore landscapes, analyze rock formations, and study environmental changes firsthand. Compared to other STEM fields like physics or engineering, the math requirements are relatively light, and a lot of the coursework is visual and conceptual. If you love the outdoors and hands-on learning, this could be one of the most enjoyable and accessible STEM majors for you!
Top 5 schools that offer this program as per US News and World Report:
- California Institute of Technology
- Massachusetts Institute of Technology
- Stanford University
- University of California-Berkeley
- Columbia University
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the easiest STEM major?
The easiest STEM major depends on how you define “easy.” Some students find majors with less math-intensive coursework easier, while others prefer fields with fewer lab requirements or a lighter workload.
However, the majors included in the list above like Psychology, Environmental Science, and Nutrition Sciences are often considered among the least demanding STEM majors based on factors like math intensity, lab work, and overall difficulty.
2. What are the STEM majors with the least math?
If you’re interested in STEM but want to avoid heavy math courses, there are several majors that focus more on applied sciences, critical thinking, and problem-solving rather than advanced calculus or complex equations. Some of these include psychology, environmental science, and geology.
3. Do easy STEM majors pay well?
Yes, some of the easiest STEM majors can still lead to well-paying careers, though they generally don’t offer the same high earning potential as the hardest STEM majors like engineering, computer science, or actuarial science. However, certain fields within psychology, information technology, environmental science, and construction management can yield competitive salaries.
4. What is the average salary of STEM graduates in the US?
The average salary of STEM graduates is $62/hour in the US. The average annual salary is $128,609.
Takeaways
- Some of the easiest STEM majors include environmental engineering, biology, industrial engineering, nutrition sciences, and animal sciences.
- Some of the best schools to pursue a STEM degree at are MIT, Stanford, and UC Berkeley.
- While the easiest STEM majors may not be as mathematically or scientifically intense as fields like engineering or computer science, they still offer solid career opportunities with competitive salaries.
- Majors like Information Technology, Environmental Science, and Psychology (in specialized fields) can lead to well-paying jobs, especially with the right certifications and experience. The average annual salary amounts to around $128,609 per year.
- Picking the right STEM major is a big decision, and getting into a top school for STEM can be even more challenging. Our team of experts offers personalized guidance in guiding students like you through the college admissions process.
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