Lisa O
Picking a major can be challenging, especially with so many options available. While fields like engineering, business, and nursing are popular in 2024—there are plenty of unusual and exciting choices if those don’t spark your interest. You could explore majors like amusement park engineering, comic art, or bicycle design and fabrication. Check out these 15 American colleges offering some of the most unique majors around.
Cannabis Biology and Chemistry, Colorado State University
Colorado State University offers an undergraduate program in cannabis biology and chemistry through its Department of Chemistry. This program prepares students for graduate studies in biology or chemistry and opens doors to careers in the growing cannabis science field. Students can choose between two focus areas: analytical or natural products. The analytical track centers on chemistry and prepares students for roles like biological technician, biochemist, or biophysicist.
Puppet Arts, University of Connecticut
Since 1964, the University of Connecticut has been teaching puppetry, preparing students for careers on Broadway, television, and in schools. UConn is one of only three universities in the U.S. that offers a Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) in puppet arts, and it also has master’s programs in the field. Unlike other majors, UConn’s BFA gets students into puppetry classes right from their first semester, with two-thirds of their coursework focused on puppet arts.
Bakery Science, Kansas State University
Kansas State University is the only place in the U.S. where you can get a four-year bachelor’s degree in bakery science and management. Students start with the basics of baking and then pick one of two tracks: cereal chemistry or production management. The University’s research labs include a flour mill, a pilot-scale bakery, and a food extrusion lab. Over the past five years—the program has boasted a 100% job placement rate.
Biomimicry, Arizona State University
Arizona State University offers a part-time master’s program in biomimicry, which is the study of designs inspired by nature, perfect for working professionals. ASU is the only school worldwide with a master’s in biomimicry, an exciting field that can lead to Ph.D. programs, consulting jobs, and leadership roles. The 30-credit online program includes core courses on biomimicry basics, electives on connecting with nature, and hands-on classes like BioBrainstorm Practicum.
Viticulture and Enology, Cornell University’s College of Agriculture and Life Sciences
At Cornell University’s College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, students in the viticulture and enology program learn all about grape-growing and winemaking. Undergraduates in this program take core classes in biology and chemistry, along with electives in business and plant science. To graduate, viticulture and enology majors must complete a capstone project and an internship.
EcoGastronomy, University of New Hampshire
The University of New Hampshire was the first in the U.S. to provide an ecogastronomy program, which dives into the connections between food, agriculture, and the environment. In this dual-major program, students take classes in agriculture, regional cuisine, hospitality management, and nutrition, plus courses in another major they pick. The program even includes a semester abroad in Ascoli Piceno, Italy.
Bicycle Design and Fabrication, Minnesota State College Southeast
Minnesota State College Southeast offers the first degree of its kind—a two-year associate of applied science in bicycle design and fabrication. In this program, students get to design and build their own custom bicycles. They learn about metal fabrication, 3D printing, and mechanical design. While it’s designed for those aiming for a career in the bicycle industry, the program also trains graduates for jobs in fabrication, mechanical design, manufacturing, and engineering technology.
Fermentation Science, Appalachian State University
Since 2012, Appalachian State University has offered a bachelor’s degree in fermentation sciences. Students take classes in subjects like biology, chemistry, math, fermentation, and business. Most students also minor in chemistry, with the option to add a minor in biology or entrepreneurship. They get hands-on experience in campus labs—learning how to manage operations and create new products.
Amusement Park Engineering, Ohio University
Ohio University’s Master of Engineering Management is an advanced online degree for engineers aiming to become leaders in their field. The program is mostly lab-based and covers classes in project management, leadership, and statistics for engineering. Graduates often go on to work as construction managers, computer systems analysts, training and development managers, industrial production managers, or engineering managers.
Egyptology and Assyriology, Brown University
Brown University’s Department of Egyptology and Assyriology has two tracks: Egyptology, which dives into ancient Egypt, and Assyriology, which explores Assyria and ancient Mesopotamia. Students have to take at least ten classes about these old civilizations. After graduation—they usually move on to advanced studies or land jobs as anthropologists or archaeologists. As of July 2024, the average annual salary for these roles was $65,004, according to Glassdoor.
Digital Mapping, University of Kentucky’s College of Arts & Sciences
The University of Kentucky’s College of Arts & Sciences provides a master’s degree in digital mapping aimed at working professionals. This program teaches students how to use big data to create both static and interactive maps. It’s an advanced version of the U.K.’s Graduate Certificate in Digital Mapping. Students learn skills in spatial data analysis, web mapping programming, and collaborative geovisualization.
Popular Music, USC Thornton School of Music
The super popular music program at the University of Southern California’s Thornton School of Music helps musicians get ready for careers in popular music performance. The 132-credit bachelor’s degree program includes a capstone project along with in-depth classes, private lessons, and academic courses. Students take classes in drumming and keyboard skills, audio recording and editing, MIDI sequencing, songwriting, and an intro to the music industry.
Costume Technology, DePaul University
DePaul University’s costume technology program sets students up for a career in the costume industry. As part of The Theatre School—students learn to design and make costumes and accessories. They gain hands-on experience as stitchers, drapers, craftspeople, and assistants in costume and wardrobe shops. In their final year, students can choose to do an internship.
Comic Art, Minneapolis College of Art and Design
This college provides a bachelor of fine arts in comic art. Over four years, students learn how to create both traditional and digital comic books, strips, and graphic novels. They also develop skills to become great storytellers. The program gets students ready for careers as cartoonists and storyboard artists in design firms, animation studios, film companies, and ad agencies.
Foresight, University of Houston
This University provides a master of science in foresight, which focuses on predicting future trends and needs. The online program can be finished full-time in one year or part-time in 3 to 5 years. This program prepares graduates for careers in forecasting and planning—helping clients and companies anticipate and prepare for future changes.