Whether you go to school at your local community college or at a Big 10 university, you’ve no doubt overheard the debate over whether a STEM major or a liberal arts major is more difficult–but who’s in the right?
STEM (science, technology, engineering, math) majors tend to lean towards careers that allow for straight answers. For example, math problems have an answer– there’s no gray area. The people that participate in those degree paths are often viewed as cold, calculated, and party downers because they spend less time at parties than they do in their quiet study zones. The work load associated with STEM degrees is higher than that associated with Liberal Arts degrees, leading many to believe that STEM degrees are harder.
Liberal Arts (English, Art, Humanities, etc…) majors are often viewed as the subjective opposite to the objective STEM majors. They think more with their heart than their brain and that makes some people think that the major is simply easier. Those who study liberal arts are seen predominately as the fun, outgoing, philosophical people on campus. Many people think that since liberal arts majors take less math and science, their course load is much easier than that of a STEM major. STEM has a reputation for being uptight, while the liberal arts are viewed as a more laid back career track.
However, both majors have their respective pros and cons. Of course, the above definitions of each major are based on stereotypes and overheard conversations between disgruntled students in the library. The only way to truly understand your opposition, whether they are a STEM or liberal arts major, is to be your opposition. Now, since most people don’t major in both STEM and liberal arts, that can be difficult, but as a member of both sides, I can help.
STEM majors are occasionally more straightforward, yes, but like liberal arts, you often have to make decisions on your own that can’t be found in a textbook. Speaking of textbooks, STEM often doesn’t have as many textbooks or supplies, but they are sometimes more expensive (order from cheap sites, everybody), so it evens out. The work involved with the courses is different as well, obviously, but those differences don’t make one or the other harder or easier. STEM classes will challenge the logical side of your brain whereas liberal arts classes will challenge the emotional side of your brain.
As for the people in STEM and liberal arts, there is just no demographic. There are definitely stereotypes, but one can not simply judge an entire section of a college by a handful of the included students, can they? There are STEM majors who spend more time reading or drawing than liberal arts majors and liberal arts majors who have a knack for stoichiometry and just prefer something else. On campus, you’ll find laid back STEM majors and uptight liberal arts majors. It has nothing to do with future careers and everything to do with the individual person, so no matter what your major, get to know those in both fields–you may be surprised at what you find.
