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Ten unique college majors

Oct 27, 2023

Choosing a college major is a big decision. You want to pick something that will hold your interest over the long haul—including into a lucrative, long-lasting career. Learning about under-the-radar majors could open up new possibilities if you aren’t sure what to study. Depending on your college, you may be able to choose your own path and create your own unique major. Check with your school to see what opportunities they offer.

In the meantime, consider the unique college majors below. Your future major, minor, area of concentration, or graduate degree might be on the list. You might also be able to pair one with your current major or minor.

1. Animal behavior major

If you love animals and are interested in psychology, this major might draw you in. It blends animal biology and behavior. There’s also a strong focus on the evolution of animal behavior. You might pursue a career in veterinary medicine, but there are many other possibilities to consider.

Courses might focus on

Behavioral ecology
Mechanisms of animal behavior
Learning and motivation
Biology of marine mammals
Behavior modification

Potential career paths

Wildlife technician
Wildlife conservationist
Animal shelter director
Animal behaviorist
Zoo/aquarium director

2. Comedic arts major

This college major is all about fine-tuning your funny bone, but comedic arts programs go far beyond joke-telling. They provide students with an in-depth history of comedy—and ways to bring a sense of humor to life, often through writing and acting coursework. It may be a good path for students who want to pursue careers in entertainment.

Courses might focus on

Sketch writing
Stand-up comedy
Sitcom writing
Improvisation
Acting

Potential career paths

Comedy writer
Stand-up comedian
Screenwriter
Show producer
Theater manager

3. Bakery science major

Majoring in bakery science is about more than making sweet treats, though that is part of it. This major takes a deep dive into ingredient technology and the science behind dessert-making. It could be a great fit if you want to learn more about the culinary arts and venture into the business of baking.

Courses might focus on

Basic nutrition
Principles of cooking
Baking theory
Mobile food fundamentals
Plant-based baking

Potential career paths

Baker/pastry chef
Chocolatier
Recipe researcher
Food scientist
Food sales marketer

4. Pop culture major

The study of pop culture focuses on past and present cultural trends and how they influence society—and vice versa. As the old saying goes, life imitates art. Expect to learn about media, human behavior, and how to conduct your own research.

Courses might focus on

American culture
Film, television, music, and gaming
Popular literary genres
Graphic narratives
Gender and sexuality

Potential career paths

Pop culture writer
Film/television director
Arts critic
Photographer
Pop culture museum director

5. Theme park engineering major

This unique college major might be attractive if you like bringing abstract ideas into physical form. It provides a mix of science, creativity, and big-picture thinking. Theme park engineering is meant to prepare you to work for amusement parks or companies that support them—like third-party design and manufacturing firms.

Courses might focus on

Physics
Electrical engineering
Civil and mechanical engineering
Electrical power
Hydraulics

Potential career paths

Roller coaster engineer
Structural designer
Audio/visual engineer
Attraction designer
Theme park creative director

6. Video game design major

Majoring in video game design allows you to spin a career out of a passion for gaming. The job of a video game designer is to tell a compelling story using advanced technical skills. This major teaches you the fundamentals, whether you’re looking to design your own games or work for a video game company.

Courses might focus on

Foundations of game design
Digital storytelling
Experimental interface design
Animation
UX design

Potential career paths

Software developer
Visual designer
Video game programmer
Data scientist
Graphic designer

7. Food science major

As far as unique college majors go, this one may be ideal if you’re a foodie who’s interested in becoming a food industry leader. That extends beyond running the front or back of house in restaurants. With a food sciences degree, you could start your own catering company or work for a government agency that improves food quality nationwide.

Courses might focus on

Food chemistry
Food quality control
Food processing
Food safety
Fermentation

Potential career paths

Food scientist/technologist
Restaurateur
Fermentation scientist
Fermentation technology engineer
Health/safety inspector

8. Astrobiology major

Astrobiology studies the evolution of life on a grand scale—including potential life on other planets. It combines different scientific disciplines and research projects, all while encouraging you to ask the big questions—and prepare for a future career where you may even answer some of them.

Courses might focus on

Physics
Chemistry
Biotechnology
Physical mechanics
Planetary science

Potential career paths

Space sciences researcher
Environmental researcher
Researcher at a university, government agency, or private institute
Biomedical researcher
College professor

9. Social media major

Social media is more than just a way to stay connected with the world. It’s also a powerful business tool. Majoring in social media can be a good track if you’re interested in digital marketing trends, want to learn how to leverage social media for sales and marketing—or even want to become an influencer yourself. Students learn about the world’s leading social media platforms, focusing on important metrics, strategies, and everything in between.

Courses might focus on

Video storytelling
Mass communication
Social media advertising
Social media branding
Social media metrics

Potential career paths

Influencer/content creator
Digital marketing expert
Social media analyst
Sales and marketing manager
Brand strategist

10. Family history major

Similar to a genetics major or anthropology major, a family history major offers a deeper understanding of ancestry. The result is a unique blend of science and history. You’ll likely study topics like genetic testing, how to analyze evidence, and ways to evaluate ancient writing systems.