When you think of school, the first subjects that come to mind are probably science, math, history, and English. After all, these subjects have been the staples of education for decades. But if you’re looking to stand out from the crowd when applying for graduate or undergraduate programs, it might make sense to consider studying something a little less conventional.
Higher education comes in many shapes and sizes. There are various ways to extend your intellectual horizons, from certificate programs at technical schools to doctoral degrees at research universities. However, not all fields of study will prepare you for the same careers, and some disciplines are more challenging than others. If you’re planning to enroll but still not sure which path you’d like to take, we’ve compiled a list of the five most challenging areas of study in higher education:
1. Business Administration
Business administration is one of the most popular majors at both undergraduate and graduate levels. It’s easy to see why: business studies are both intellectually stimulating and financially rewarding, which is a win-win for any student. However, according to the U.S, the field is notorious for its high failure rate.
Department of Education, only about 5 percent of business students, complete their programs without taking remedial courses or withdrawing from school altogether. That means that 95 percent of those who enter a full-time BBA program will fail to earn their degree within six years (Source).
2. Biochemistry
Biochemistry is one of the most challenging fields of study because it requires great concentration, critical thinking, and mathematical skills. However, because the field relies on physics and chemistry, it also requires a strong background in those subjects.
The coursework in biochemistry is centered on the structure and function of life. This includes genetics, cellular biology, and chemical reactions that occur inside living organisms. Biochemistry is also an excellent choice for students who want to pursue careers in medicine or pharmaceuticals.
3. Psychology
Psychology is a field that has received a tremendous amount of attention in recent years. However, it is still less popular than other disciplines like history, sociology, or political science.
According to the Association for Psychological Science (APS), only about one-third of all undergraduate students study psychology as part of their degree program. That’s just 0.3% of all college graduates! The APS reports fewer than 10,000 psychologists in the United States.
In addition to being less popular among students than in other fields of study, psychology also requires advanced skills in research and writing. Finding work after graduation can be difficult because employers don’t always recognize the specialized training you’ve received in psychology.
4. Neuroscience
There aren’t many other things that will put your mind to the test quite like studying the human brain. In humanity’s quest to better understand the human brain and how it functions, there’s still a lot left to be discovered. The field of neuroscience encompasses a wide range of scientific disciplines, including anatomy, physiology, and psychology.
It uses techniques from molecular biology, genetics, cell biology, and biochemistry, along with experimental research in animals and humans. As expected, to land a job in this field, you’ll need advanced training in both the biological and behavioral sciences. With this in mind, you’ll want to get familiar with high-level coursework, possible field studies, and the medical school admission process. Fortunately, MCAT tutoring can help with the latter.
5. Computational Biology
Computational biology is a field that combines the use of computer programming with biology. In addition, it involves using mathematical modeling and systems theory to study biological processes. Computational biology can predict ecology, evolution, community structure, physiology, and molecular biology outcomes.
Computational biologists are often involved in studies where a mathematical model is combined with experimental data to predict the outcomes of a particular system or process. The goal is to determine how a particular set of variables affects an outcome. This type of research is also known as predictive analytics or forecasting due to its focus on prediction rather than explanation.
To work in this field, you’ll need an undergraduate degree in mathematics or statistics and some experience with computer programming. You might also want to consider a graduate degree in computational biology if you want to teach these subjects at the collegiate level or pursue research within this field after graduation.
Conclusion
As you can see, there are many different ways to pursue higher education and challenge yourself academically. First, consider your interests and goals for the future. Then look for a way to use those interests to reach those goals. Higher education can be challenging, but the rewards are well worth it.
