You probably know English, science, math, history and a lot of the other more traditional majors offered at higher education institutions. But colleges have been busy creating ever more majors for students to choose from. Here are a few cool, non-typical majors that you might not have even ever heard of!
1. Decision Science
Yes, this major focuses on decision making. Its description says that the program is designed to increase "understand[ing] and improve[ment] [of] the judgment and decision making of individuals, groups, and organizations."
2. Science, Technology, and Society
Calling all science enthusiasts: this major studies how society, politics, and culture affect science and technology, and vice versa. I've actually taken a few courses in this major (although it is not my own major) and they are amazing. I definitely recommend.
3. Bagpiping
And if a Bachelor's in bagpiping isn't enough, there's a Master's you can go for as well. Carnegie Mellon in particular is known for its bagpiping program, as its founder Andrew Carnegie was fond of bagpipes.
4. Documentary Production
Of course, there are plenty of video production, media studies and related majors. What's not so common is something that only covers documentaries. So for the documentary enthusiast out there, here's a major tailored just for you.
5. Herbalism
If you like medicine, but don't feel like doing the normal pre-med or pharmacy track, here's one unique alternative.
6. Popular Culture
Sometimes keeping up with everything in pop culture makes me feel like I, too, need a degree in it. Similar is a major in media studies, which several of our own Odyssey staff members are pursuing.
7. Logic
Some people definitely need a major in this one. Spock doesn't. He knows logic already.
8. Paper Science and Engineering
I have to say, I've never really thought about this industry before, even though papers are such an everyday sort of item -- particularly for a student. How relevant.
9. Recreation and Leisure Studies
This major probably consists of a lot less leisure and a lot more studying, but at first glance it sounds like a fun major. In reality, it seems geared towards those planning recreation and leisure activities for other people to enjoy, not themselves.
10. Theme Park Engineering
The best part of this major has got to be testing it out. Hope you don't have motion sickness!
11. Sports Ministry
One might not normally connect sports and religion, but it's possibly to major in both and see how sports can be used in religious ministry.
12. Diversity and Community
A very timely major to what's going on around us right now. Some of our presidential candidates could really benefit from a major like this one.
13. Computer Science and Slavic Languages and Literatures
Wow, that's a lot. Respect to anyone who wants to pursue this unusual combination!
14. Music, Science, and Technology
This one's only as a Master's degree, sorry. But still, this is pretty cool, right?
15. Poultry Science
Undergraduate or graduate, there's actually an entire department dedicated to these sciences. The research they're doing looks incredibly intense. Don't sign up for this unless you're vegetarian or vegan...
So, now you know: if things don't work out with biology or history or art, here are 15 other options that will surely get you some odd looks at job interviews!