When you first start thinking about college, you will probably have a general idea of what your choices for a major are. You could study humanities, science, art, business, education, music and so on—you know the drill. But what if none of the traditional areas of study really set fire to your passions? You might be surprised to learn that there are plenty of specialized college degrees just underneath the academic surface, waiting to be discovered. One of the following extra-unique majors might be just what you’ve been looking for.
Aquaculture. This major mixes farming and fishing; students learn how to cultivate large communities of water creatures like algae, fish and shrimp. Some people even study how to grow pearls! Kentucky State University, Louisiana State University, SUNY Cobleskill.
Cereal Chemistry. No, it’s not the sparks that fly when your Rice Krispies crackle—cereal chemistry is the process of making healthy, great tasting cereal. You can thank cereal chemists for inventing some of the best concoctions over the years (Honey Nut Cheerios, anyone?), or do one better by joining their ranks. Kansas State University, North Dakota State University, Purdue University (Food Science Department).
Toy Design. Though the title of this degree seems self-explanatory, a lot goes into becoming a children’s toy designer. Prepare to learn some child psychology, 3-D visualization, mechanical engineering and some plain old Thomas Edison perseverance. Fashion Institute of Technology in New York, Otis College of Art and Design in Los Angeles, Savannah College of Art and Design.
Railroad Operations. Only a handful of schools around the country offer this degree; it prepares future train conductors, rail crews, train signalers and tracklayers for service. Put all those years of playing with toy trains to good use. Sacramento City College, San Bernardino Valley College, St. Philip’s College in Texas.
Mortuary Science. This one’s not for the faint of heart. Future morticians study dead bodies and learn embalming. Some students go on to become full-fledged funeral directors. One great perk is that there is always a huge demand for morticians, since the industry is never going to, uh, die. Lindenwood University in Missouri, Eastern Michigan University.
Equestrian Studies. If you love horses, this major is for you; the degree focuses on the breeding and care of horses of all stripes. Hopefully you’ll also be okay with smelly barns, working mostly outdoors and shoveling manure. North Dakota State University, Rocky Mountain College in Montana, Wilson College in Pennsylvania.
Other unique degrees include comedy writing, floristry, ranching, wood science, adventure recreation, bakery arts and even Canadian studies (not a bad idea, eh?). With this smorgasbord of lesser-known programs at your fingertips, you have an even greater chance of unearthing what you’re all about.
