Hard to Earn Degrees: Looking for a Challenge?

College talk has been buzzing all around school lately, and I've been hearing about some degrees being remarkably difficult, both to earn and to gain admission. Does anyone have insight on the hardest university degrees out there? I'm fine with the challenge, just curious about what others think.

Certainly, the difficulty of a degree can vary greatly depending on the university, the specific program, and the student's individual strengths and interests. However, some commonly referred to as challenging courses include those in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics) fields, such as Physics, Engineering, Computer Science and Biochemistry, largely due to the complexity and volume of the material covered.

For instance, 'Engineering' typically requires a strong aptitude for both math and physics. Various subfields of engineering - such as Chemical, Electrical, or Aerospace Engineering - might present additional challenges in the form of complex problem-solving, extensive laboratory work, or rigorous design projects.

'Medical' degrees, as well as other health-related fields like Nursing or Pharmacy, are commonly regarded as difficult because of the significant amount of memorization they require, the intense clinical training, and the emotional resilience required when dealing with patients.

In terms of competitive admission, 'Fine Arts' programs, particularly in Music and Visual Arts, can be hard to get into due to the audition or portfolio requirements. Similarly, 'Acting' programs at conservatories and some universities are known for admitting a very small number of students each year.

In the realm of social sciences, 'Economics' and 'Psychology' degrees can also be challenging, particularly at competitive universities. These fields combine elements of mathematics and statistical analysis with complex theories and concepts, making them both challenging and intellectually rewarding.

So, it's crucial to interpret the concept of "difficulty" according to your aptitudes and passion for the subject. What could be a real challenge for one candidate might turn out to be a genuinely enjoyable realm of discovery for another one. It's always valuable to research programs extensively, reach out to current students or alumni, and perhaps even sample some of the coursework via online platforms or community college classes to test your interest and aptitude.