14 Weirdest College Majors You Never Knew Existed
What’s Covered:
- 14 Weirdest College Majors You Never Knew Existed
- How to Decide on a College Major
- How to Find the Right College for Your Unique Major
Choosing a major is an important decision with the potential to affect your life for decades to come. Along with impacting the careers you’re best-positioned to pursue, your choice of major can influence earning potential and even where in the country you live. While you’re probably familiar with many of the popular major options—like English, biology, and history—you might not realize that some schools offer less common concentrations, as well. Keep reading to learn about the weirdest college majors you can pursue.
14 Weirdest College Majors You Never Knew Existed
For those who prefer walking the road less taken, traditional college coursework might not hold as much appeal. Here are some of the weirdest college majors for students to consider:
1. Penn State – Turfgrass Science
If you’re happiest on the golf course, you might want to consider majoring in Turfgrass Science. Available through Penn State’s College of Agricultural Sciences, this concentration focuses on basic and applied sciences and business management as they relate to the production and maintenance of turf.
As a bonus, students will have the opportunity to intern at local businesses during their college careers. You can use this degree to pursue a job in golf course maintenance, sod production, or research, among other industries.
2. Minneapolis College of Art and Design – Comic Art
Do you spend your days perusing the pages of graphic novels like Watchmen and Locke & Key? If you prefer your books with pictures and have a talent for design, you might want to consider majoring in comic art.
Along with teaching students the history of comic art and publishing, the program provides instruction on character development, storyboarding, color, and composition. Consider this major if you’re passionate about working as a comic book writer or illustrator.
3. Plymouth State University – Adventure Education
Who says you have to do all your learning inside the classroom? This New Hampshire major lets students get an education in the Great Outdoors. Sample courses include Rock Climbing Fundamentals and Whitewater Kayaking. Once you graduate, you can expect to find a job at a state or national park, or a facility that offers outdoor adventure programs for children and adults.
4. University of Connecticut – Puppet Arts
One of the weirdest college majors out there, Puppet Arts involves the study and production of puppetry. Offered through UConn’s School of Fine Arts, this program exposes students to courses like Scene Design, Marionette Performance, and Trends in Contemporary American Puppetry. Wondering what to do with a degree in this field? A Puppet Arts major prepares you to work for a school, museum, theatre, or television show.
5. University of Maryland – Fermentation Science
Have you ever stopped to think about how many things around the store are fermented? Kombucha, beer, kimchi, yogurt, and certain medicines are just a few products that are created through fermentation.
Students in the Fermentation Science major at UMD take courses in physical, biological, and behavioral sciences, and gain hands-on experience through internships in the industry, with potential job placements. This major prepares students for careers in traditional food and beverage industries, as well as the biotechnology/pharmaceutical fermentation sector.
6. Cornell University – Viticulture & Enology
It’s unlikely for high schoolers to be experts on wine—and for good reason! However, if you are fascinated by pinot noirs and proseccos, this New York-based viticulture program is a logical choice. In addition to teaching students the science behind soil, grapes, and vinification, the major focuses on the challenges specific to wine growing in the Northeast.
As a bonus, students have the opportunity to intern at one of New York’s 1,600 vineyards and wineries while earning their degrees. This major is best for those aspiring to work in wine making, vineyard management, or the wine business.
7. Michigan State University – Packaging Science
While it may seem fairly straightforward, packaging is a science with many behind-the-scenes considerations, such as materials, design, and environmental impact. At Michigan State University, you can get a Bachelor’s degree, Master’s degree, or PhD in Packaging Science.
Before you scoff at this unusual degree, you should know that graduates have an average starting salary of $71,000 and a consistently high job placement rate. Grads of the School of Packaging go on to be packaging engineers/designers, consumer behavior analysts, packaging operators, food scientists, and much more.
8. DePaul University – Costume Technology
Is your favorite part of going to the movies admiring the incredible costumes? If you love fashion, you might want to think about majoring in costume technology. Part of DePaul’s Theatre School, this concentration immerses students in the art and architecture of costume design while providing them with valuable information on managing a fashion business.
Graduates go on to work in TV, commercial, and film costuming. They also often break into the industries of fashion design, prop management, and even advertising.
9. University of Arizona – Race Track Industry
Among the weirdest college majors on the list, a degree in race track industry studies prepares students to work in training and managing race horses. An intriguing choice for current and aspiring equestrians, the program includes courses like race track marketing and media relations and function of the equine athlete.
Based on your specific career objectives, you can opt to concentrate on the business or equine management end of the field. Two Kentucky Derby winners have graduated from the program!
10. Otis College of Art and Design – Toy Design
Creative students and those who have always felt young at heart may be interested in the Toy Design major at Otis. Along with coursework related to game theory, child psychology, and game design, the program offers instruction in conceptual drawing, sculpting, and prototyping.
By the time you graduate, you’ll be prepared to design the next great plush toy, action figure, or even video game. Additionally, students leave school with a portfolio showcasing their talents across various toy groups.
11. Florida Institute of Technology – Astrobiology
Astrobiology is an interdisciplinary field that combines astronomy, biology, chemistry, and physics. It focuses on the origins, evolution, and potential for life beyond Earth. Florida Tech’s major in astrobiology prepares students for space-related careers and graduate studies.
The bachelor’s program offers a solid foundation in physical sciences and mathematics, with options to later specialize in astrophysics, biology, or chemistry, based on your individual and personal interests. Whether you’re interested in extraterrestrial life, the effects of space on familiar organisms, or the design of planetary life-support systems, this program equips you to explore and innovate in the field.
12. Kansas State University – Bakery Science & Management
It’s hard to beat a delicious freshly baked pastry! With baked goods constantly in high demand, there is a need for wide variety and high quality in the industry. For over five decades, Kansas State University has helped to equip this industry with the professionals who keep it running.
K-State is the only U.S. school that offers a four-year Bachelor of Science in Bakery Science and Management. For several years and counting, their graduates have enjoyed a 100% job placement rate in fulfilling high-salary careers, with opportunities in cereal food manufacturing, ingredient facilities, R&D laboratories, and commercial bakeries worldwide.
13. University of Nevada, Las Vegas – Entertainment Engineering and Design
There is a lot that goes on behind the scenes in the entertainment industry—from stage construction to robotics, and from lighting to acoustics, skilled professionals are needed so the show can go on.
UNLV’s Entertainment Engineering and Design program covers fields like computer science, civil and mechanical engineering, and electrical engineering, the program focuses on applying scientific and mathematical principles to design, build, and manage entertainment components. Students prepare for the technical demands of the entertainment world, while maintaining a strong connection to the fine arts.
14. Bowling Green State University – Popular Culture
Bowling Green State University is the only school in the U.S. with a dedicated Department of Popular Culture. The curriculum for the B.A. in Popular Culture includes courses on popular music, TV, film, literature, sports, amusement parks, folklore, and the analysis of how popular culture shapes society.
The Popular Culture program prepares students for a wide range of careers by exploring cultural phenomena that impact large populations through the study of entertainment choices, the meaning behind TV shows and movies, marketing of products, and the ways in which these influence beliefs and values. Graduates have found roles in museums, mass media, public relations, radio, television, and business.
How to Decide on a College Major
While many students enter college undecided, it’s helpful to have an idea of what subject matter you want to study. After all, not every school offers the same major programs, and the field you want to pursue could affect your choice of college. Below are some tips on choosing a college major while you’re still in high school.
1. List Out Your Favorite School Subjects and Hobbies
If you’re struggling to find a major, start by compiling a list of your top activities both inside and outside the classroom. For example, if you enjoy your English classes and love keeping up with current events, a career in journalism or online media might be the way to go. On the other hand, students who favor their math classes and spend hours playing Minecraft could be destined for a future in computer science or video game design.
2. Consider Your Strengths and Weaknesses
The sad truth is that we aren’t always good at the things we wish we were. While you might be intrigued by the idea of a career as an actor, a fear of public performance could prevent you from succeeding in this field. For best results, choose a major that aligns with your strengths and natural talent.
3. Talk to Working Professionals
Just because a major or career sounds interesting in theory doesn’t mean you have a good sense of what employees in that field do on a daily basis. One of the best ways to determine if a major is a good fit is to speak to professionals currently using their degrees. Start by talking to your parents, teachers, or school counselors to see if they know anyone you can sit down with. For best results, show up for your phone or in-person interview with a list of questions to ask.
How to Find the Right College for Your Unique Major
Choosing a major is only half the battle. If you’re having trouble narrowing your list of colleges, count on CollegeVine to be in your corner. You can search through our school hub to find colleges that resonate with you. This tool allows you to sort using factors such as major, location, tuition, athletics, public/private status, and more.
Once you have a solid list, take a look at our free chancing engine, which uses a variety of factors—including academics, extracurricular activities, and demographics—to estimate your chances of getting into hundreds of colleges across the country.
