What Are The Hardest STEM Majors?

Entering the field of STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) is an exciting choice that promises the possibility of a successful and fulfilling career, whether you want to be an astronaut, a scientist, a software engineer, a physician or surgeon, or a tech entrepreneur. But with this promise comes a considerable amount of hard work and dedication. STEM fields are notorious for their difficulty, but which among them are the hardest STEM majors?

What is STEM?

STEM stands for Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics. It is an interdisciplinary approach to education and careers that integrates these four fields to promote innovation, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills.

• Science: Encompasses natural sciences like biology, chemistry, physics, and earth sciences. It involves studying the natural world through observation, experimentation, and analysis.
• Technology: Focuses on the development and application of tools, machines, and software. It includes areas such as computer science, information technology, and telecommunications.
• Engineering: Involves designing, building, and maintaining structures, machines, and systems. It covers various branches like civil, mechanical, electrical, and aerospace engineering.
• Mathematics: The study of numbers, quantities, shapes, and patterns. It is fundamental to solving problems in science, technology, and engineering through theoretical and applied mathematical concepts.

In general, STEM education emphasizes hands-on learning, real-world applications, and collaboration, preparing students for a wide range of high-demand careers in an increasingly technological world.

The Hardest STEM College Majors

The hardest STEM majors can vary in difficulty based on your strengths and interests. However, some majors are generally seen as particularly challenging due to their rigorous coursework and demanding subject matter.

Engineering majors also top the list when it comes to the hardest STEM majors to pursue. There’s an inherent intensity that comes with these majors, whether it’s mechanical or civil engineering.

1. Aerospace Engineering 

Aerospace Engineering is one of the hardest STEM majors due to its multidisciplinary nature. You’ll need a deep understanding of complex physics, mathematics, and engineering principles. Advanced physics topics like aerodynamics, thermodynamics, and fluid dynamics are crucial for grasping how aircraft and spacecraft behave and what forces affect them. You’ll apply these principles to solve real-world problems in flight and propulsion, often involving intricate calculations and simulations.

Mathematics is another cornerstone, especially calculus, differential equations, and linear algebra. These are essential for modeling and analyzing aerospace systems, adding to the major’s difficulty.

Aerospace engineering also covers various disciplines, including materials science, structural analysis, control systems, and avionics. Each requires specialized knowledge, adding to the complexity. Precision is critical, as even minor errors can have catastrophic consequences. This field demands meticulous attention to detail and rigorous testing.

2. Electrical Engineering

Electronic engineering is one of the hardest STEM majors because it requires extensive knowledge of both theory and practice. You need to understand a wide range of topics, including circuit theory, electromagnetic fields, signal processing, control systems, power generation, and microelectronics. Mastery of advanced math like calculus, differential equations, linear algebra, and complex analysis is crucial for modeling and analyzing electrical systems, designing circuits, and solving signal behavior problems. Theoretical concepts like Maxwell’s equations and semiconductor physics add to the complexity.

In addition to theoretical knowledge, you’ll need practical skills. Designing, building, and testing electrical circuits and systems requires hands-on experience with tools like oscilloscopes, function generators, and microcontrollers.

3. Chemical Engineering

Chemical Engineering is one of the hardest STEM majors and one of the most difficult engineering majors  because it combines principles from chemistry, physics, and biology with core engineering concepts. You’ll need to master advanced chemical theories like reaction kinetics, thermodynamics, and process dynamics. Understanding fluid mechanics, heat transfer, and mass transfer is also essential.

The major also involves extensive laboratory work and complex problem-solving. Lab experiments give hands-on experience with chemical reactions, material properties, and process equipment, requiring precise measurements and accurate data analysis. You’ll also need to develop practical solutions for real-world problems, often involving large-scale industrial processes.

4. Physics

Physics is one of the hardest STEM majors because of its abstract concepts, intense mathematical background, and the deep understanding required. You’ll need to master a wide range of topics such as classical mechanics, electromagnetism, thermodynamics, and quantum mechanics. Each area involves complex theories and laws, like Newton’s laws of motion in classical mechanics, Maxwell’s equations in electromagnetism, principles of energy transfer in thermodynamics, and the probabilistic nature of particles in quantum mechanics.

Physics requires strong analytical and problem-solving skills due to the abstraction and complexity of these topics. Advanced mathematics, including calculus, differential equations, linear algebra, and complex analysis, is essential for modeling physical phenomena and solving theoretical problems. For example, understanding wave functions in quantum mechanics or solving equations of motion in classical mechanics involves intricate mathematical calculations.

5. Pure Mathematics

Mathematics is one of the hardest STEM majors because it combines abstract theory with practical application. In pure mathematics, you’ll study areas like algebra, analysis, topology, and number theory, which require understanding highly theoretical constructs and developing proofs. These concepts often lack immediate real-world applications, making them hard to visualize and comprehend. Mastering pure mathematics demands logical reasoning, creativity, and the ability to think deeply about non-intuitive problems.

6. Computer Science

Computer Science is one of the hardest STEM majors due to its broad scope and depth in both theory and practice. You’ll study algorithms, data structures, software development, and computational theory, each requiring strong math skills and logical thinking. 

Computational theory, including automata theory, computability, and complexity theory, adds to the rigor by requiring you to understand abstract concepts that define the limits of computation. You’ll also need high proficiency in practical skills like programming, software development, and system design. This means writing code in multiple programming languages, learning different software development paradigms, and using various tools and technologies.

7. Chemistry

Chemistry is one of the hardest STEM majors because it involves the intricate study of matter, its properties, and the reactions that transform substances. You’ll dive into various sub-disciplines like physical chemistry, organic chemistry, and biochemistry, each with its own challenges.

Physical chemistry combines physics and chemistry principles to understand matter at a molecular and atomic level. This includes mastering complex concepts such as quantum mechanics, thermodynamics, and kinetics, which require advanced math skills and a deep understanding of physical laws.

Organic chemistry focuses on the structure, properties, and reactions of carbon-containing compounds. You’ll need to memorize and understand numerous chemical reactions and mechanisms, visualize molecules in three dimensions, and predict their behavior during reactions.

Biochemistry bridges chemistry and biology, studying the chemical processes within living organisms. This requires thorough knowledge of both chemical principles and biological systems.

8. Biology

Biology is one of the hardest STEM majors because of its broad scope and the deep understanding needed to grasp complex biological systems. While it may not be as math-heavy as other STEM fields, biology covers many sub-disciplines, each with its own challenges.

For example, molecular biology examines the molecular mechanisms that control cellular functions. It requires you to understand the details of DNA, RNA, and protein interactions. You need a solid grasp of biochemistry, genetics, and cell biology, and you must keep up with fast-paced research and technologies.

Genetics focuses on heredity and variation, requiring you to understand genetic mapping, gene expression, and mutation processes. The complexity of these topics, combined with the need to interpret experimental data, makes genetics particularly challenging. This is why Biology is considered one of the hardest stem majors.

Moreover, bioinformatics combines biology with computer science and statistical analysis to manage and analyze biological data. This field demands programming skills, data analysis proficiency, and a thorough understanding of biological concepts. You’ll need to develop and use algorithms to process large datasets, like genomic sequences, and extract meaningful insights.

The mix of theoretical knowledge and practical skills, along with rapid advancements in biological research, means you need to stay adaptable and continually update your knowledge. This combination of breadth, depth, and interdisciplinary research makes biology one of the most challenging STEM majors.

9. Architecture

Architecture is one of the hardest STEM majors because it combines creative design with technical knowledge, requiring a wide range of skills and deep understanding in multiple areas. You need proficiency in both artistic and scientific disciplines to create structures that are both beautiful and functional.

You must have strong skills in creative thinking and visualization, along with a solid grasp of engineering principles and materials science. This means mastering complex math concepts like geometry, trigonometry, and calculus to accurately calculate dimensions, structural integrity, and material quantities. Physics is also crucial, as you need to understand forces, loads, and stress to design buildings that can withstand various conditions.

Technical skills are essential too, especially in computer-aided design (CAD) software, which is used to create detailed architectural drawings and models. This requires you to stay up-to-date with evolving CAD tools and technologies, necessitating continuous learning.

Factors that Contribute to the Difficulty of STEM Majors

Several factors contribute to the difficulty of STEM majors, making them some of the most challenging academic paths.

Complex Concepts and Deep Understanding

• STEM courses and the hardest STEM majors are built on intricate and challenging concepts.
• Mastery of subjects like quantum mechanics in physics, organic chemistry, and computer science algorithms requires not just memorization but a deep comprehension and application of abstract and non-intuitive ideas.

Strong Problem-Solving Skills and Practical Application

• Students must not only understand theoretical knowledge but also apply it to real-world problems.
• This involves conducting experiments, designing prototypes, and using advanced computational tools.
• Example: Engineering students might design and test machinery, while biology students conduct detailed lab experiments to understand cellular processes.

Fast-Paced Technological Advancements

• STEM fields are constantly evolving with new discoveries and innovations.
• Students must stay current with the latest research and developments in their areas.
• Example: Computer science students, considered one of the hardest STEM majors, need to keep up with new programming languages and software developments, while medical students must understand advancements in medical technology and treatments.

Intensive Coursework and Demanding Workload

• Intensive lectures, hands-on laboratory work, and challenging assignments can be time-consuming and mentally taxing.
• Balancing multiple demanding courses simultaneously requires significant study and preparation.
• Despite the challenges, the rewards for passionate and dedicated students can be immense, offering personal satisfaction and excellent career opportunities.

How to Handle and Survive Difficult STEM Majors

Handling difficult STEM majors requires a combination of strategic study habits, effective time management, and utilizing available resources. Here are some specific and practical examples:

1. Develop Strong Study Habits

• Active Learning: Engage with the material actively by summarizing concepts in your own words, teaching them to someone else, or applying them to real-world scenarios. Example: For a complex topic in quantum mechanics, try explaining the concept to a study group or drawing diagrams to visualize the principles.
• Practice Problems: Consistently work on practice problems to reinforce theoretical understanding and improve problem-solving skills. Example: In mathematics, often named one of the hardest STEM majors, solve a variety of problems from different sources, including textbooks, online resources, and past exams.
• Regular Review: Schedule regular review sessions to revisit and reinforce previously learned material. Example: Use a spaced repetition system (SRS) for reviewing organic chemistry reactions and mechanisms over weeks and months.

2. Effective Time Management

• Prioritize Tasks: Identify and prioritize the most critical tasks and assignments. Example: Use a planner or digital calendar to schedule study sessions, lab work, and deadlines, ensuring you allocate sufficient time for each major assignment or exam.
• Break Down Projects: Divide large projects or study material into manageable chunks. Example: For a semester-long engineering design project, break it into phases such as research, design, prototyping, testing, and final reporting, with specific milestones for each phase.

3. Utilize Available Resources

• Office Hours and Tutoring: Take advantage of professors’ office hours and tutoring services to clarify difficult concepts and receive guidance. Example: If struggling with a topic in physical chemistry, prepare specific questions and attend office hours to discuss these with your professor.
• Study Groups: Join or form study groups to collaborate with peers, discuss challenging topics, and share resources. Example: Meet weekly with a group of classmates to work through difficult physics problems and prepare for upcoming exams.
• Online Resources: Utilize online platforms such as Khan Academy, Coursera, or MIT OpenCourseWare for additional explanations and tutorials. Example: If you find a particular topic in computer science challenging, watch instructional videos or complete online exercises related to that topic.

4. Maintain a Balanced Lifestyle

• Physical Health: Regular exercise, sufficient sleep, and a healthy diet can significantly impact your ability to concentrate and perform academically. Example: Incorporate short breaks for physical activity, like a 20-minute walk, into your daily schedule to refresh your mind.
• Mental Health: Practice stress management techniques such as mindfulness, meditation, or deep-breathing exercises. Example: Use apps like Headspace or Calm for guided meditation sessions, especially during high-stress periods like finals week.

5. Seek Real-World Experience

• Internships and Research: Gain practical experience through internships, research projects, or co-op programs. Example: Participate in a summer research internship to apply theoretical knowledge from your biology major, one of the hardest STEM majors, to real-world laboratory research, enhancing both understanding and resume.
• Networking and Mentorship: Connect with professionals in your field through networking events, professional organizations, and mentorship programs. Example: Attend industry conferences or join professional societies like the American Institute of Chemical Engineers (AIChE) to build connections and gain insights into the field.

By implementing these strategies, students can better manage the demands of difficult STEM majors and enhance their academic performance and overall well-being.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What are the top 5 most difficult engineering majors? 

The top 5 most difficult engineering majors ranked by difficulty, known for their intensive coursework and challenging concepts, are:

• Aerospace Engineering
• Electrical Engineering 
• Chemical Engineering
• Mechanical Engineering
• Biomedical Engineering

2. Are difficult stem majors lucrative? 

Yes, difficult and the hardest STEM majors are often lucrative due to high demand for specialized skills, competitive salaries, strong job security, and opportunities for career advancement in rapidly growing and innovative industries.

3. What STEM degree is the hardest?

Aerospace Engineering is often considered the hardest STEM degree due to its rigorous coursework in advanced mathematics, physics, aerodynamics, and complex system design.

4. What is the easiest STEM major?

The easiest STEM major can be subjective and depends on individual strengths and interests, but many consider Environmental Science to be one of the less difficult STEM majors due to its broader focus on interdisciplinary subjects, which often include more accessible courses in biology, earth science, and environmental policy compared to the intense mathematical and technical requirements of other STEM fields.

5. What is the hardest biology major?

The hardest biology major is often considered to be Molecular Biology. This field requires a deep understanding of complex concepts such as genetics, biochemistry, and cell biology. Molecular biology, also considered one of the hardest STEM majors, involves intensive laboratory work, detailed study of molecular mechanisms, and the use of advanced technologies and techniques. The intricate nature of the subject matter and the high level of detail and precision required make it particularly challenging.

6. What is the lowest-paying STEM major?

The lowest-paying STEM major is typically considered to be Biology, particularly for those with only a bachelor’s degree. While biology graduates can find rewarding careers in research, education, and environmental science, entry-level positions in these fields often offer lower salaries compared to other STEM disciplines like engineering or computer science. Higher-paying opportunities in biology usually require advanced degrees and specialization.

7. What is the highest-paying STEM major?

The highest-paying STEM major is typically Petroleum Engineering. Graduates in this field often secure high salaries due to the specialized knowledge and skills required to extract oil and gas efficiently and safely. Petroleum engineers design and develop methods for extracting oil and gas from deposits below the Earth’s surface, and their expertise is in high demand, leading to lucrative compensation packages.