It should come as no surprise that if you want to earn $100k you will have studied a major that would make others go running in the opposite direction. There are many students with aspirations and professional goals in areas that are described as difficult and the hard major is just one of the steps that they will need to overcome to succeed. Maybe you are just curious and want to get an idea of the majors you should avoid! Whatever your reason, the following will give you a good insight into the most daunting majors that will provide you with the qualification to earn $100k.
Architecture
Although architecture does not sound that daunting there is a lot more to designing buildings than just producing drawings and making scale models with landscapes. Students that are interested in architecture and related areas of study must complete coursework in calculus and advanced physics combined with architectural styling, history, restoration and building preservation.
Architecture has the heaviest homework load, after all designing buildings that will be cost effective, attractive, energy efficient and safe is a time heavy process. Architects also need good people skills as they will have to work alongside a variety of professionals throughout the design and construction phases.
Crucial Stats for Architecture:
- The average grade points average of graduates is 3.32
- Average hours of school work per week is 24.5 hours
- Number of available jobs in this field earning $100k currently stands at one
Although the average grade point average is higher when compared to other majors, the high workload required by the student is on par with a similar workload that is required of a professional in this field. Due to the lack of jobs earning $100k the workload combined with the competitive field make this one of the most daunting majors.
Engineering Technologies
The field of engineering technologies has always been seen as a daunting but highly profitable field. The general field of engineering highlights engineering theory and concepts with a major in engineering focusing on the application of scientific knowledge to problems and issues in the real world. People majoring in engineering take coursework in various scientific and mathematical areas as well as specializing in areas such as biomedical, civil or computer contexts.
Due to the highly technical and complex subject matter which is covered by engineering technologies programs they have the lowest grade point averages amongst most majors, however majors do rank in the middle of the pack in terms of the amount of time that the student is expected to put into coursework outside of the classroom.
Crucial Stats for Engineering Technologies:
- The average grade points average of graduates is 3.06
- Average hours of school work per week is 14.83 hours
- Number of available jobs in this field earning $100k currently stands at four
Although a major and career in the field of engineering technologies is challenging the career prospects are amongst the best and if you enjoy solving complex and difficult problems and do not mind putting in the work, a career in this field can be a most fulfilling path to follow.
History
There are some schools that count history among the social sciences others see history as a part of the broader fields covered by humanities. However it is categorized history is a compelling and broad field that helps students to understand individuals and events from the past using recorded sources of information. The number of careers with a history major though is few and far between.
Although history doesn’t translate immediate to a specific career it does not mean that the degree cannot be a valuable professional investment. History majors can pursue a number of lucrative careers such as a lawyer or judge.
Crucial Stats for History:
- Average grade points 3.19
- Job availability in this field earning $100k stands at one
- Hours of school work required a week is 16.07 hours
History is a competitive field that requires time and can be difficult to pursue a career with, however there is a fair amount of flexibility on what a student actually studies in terms of regions, individuals etc. The crucial thinking skills that can be gained from this major may give students the advantage when pursuing a number of different career options.
Natural Resources
Those students choosing to major in natural resources and conservation will learn how mankind can face certain environmental challenges and protect animals, plants and their habitats. Amongst the topics covered there will be balancing the need for water for agriculture, manufacturing and drinking along with marsh and marine habitats and their water requirements. Students will also study forestry and the impacts of the various fuels on the environment and many other topics.
One of the main reasons that a major in natural resources are so daunting is that they are based heavily on science and incorporate biology, chemistry and engineering. This coupled with the fact that although solutions to problems may have been determined the political and social constraints are making them impossible to implement.
Crucial Stats for Natural Resources:
- The average grade points average is 3.06
- Average hours of school work per week is 16.73 hours
- Number of available jobs in this field earning $100k currently stands at one
Of all the majors surveyed, natural resources had the smallest number of students graduating with a 4.0 grade point average, however even though the degree may appear to be one of the hardest, those who graduate have the chance to try and solve some of the greatest challenges faced in the history of humanity.
Transportation
Transportation and occupations that fall within the materials moving occupations are crucial to the world economy. Moving whether it is people, finished goods or raw materials is big business. Whilst the Bureau of Labor Statistics reported that the average wage in this category in May 2014 was under $30,000 a year, certain occupations such as air traffic controller and pilots (airlines and commercial) have salaries in the $100k range. These jobs do require knowledge of weather, aviation and other topics plus biodata psychological tests which determine how well the individual reacts in high pressure, time sensitive situations.
As there are not only subject matter required but also psychological requirements to work in this field majors that lead to occupations within this field can be daunting for those looking to earn over $100K.
Crucial Transportation Stats:
- Average grade points of graduates is 3.36
- Average hours of school work per week is 16.18 hours
- Number of available jobs in this field earning $100k currently stands at two
With the highest grade point average amongst the most daunting majors as well as it being only 6% that earn 4.0, transportation may be one of the least intimidating majors intellectually, just be sure to make sure that you have a compatible psychological makeup before investing time and effort in this major.
