Unique College Majors

Standing Out: Putting a Spotlight on Interesting College Majors

Unique jobs call for unique majors. For example, aspiring beekeepers can pursue specialized education beyond horticulture or biology. Individuals who want to start their own jewelry company need to know metalsmithing and business. In these cases, a traditional major may not be the best choice.

Learners can benefit from creating a major that's different from all the others. The process allows students to specialize in their desired craft or career. It can also prepare learners to enter new and rare professions. Students with unique majors may be the only ones who can complete certain tasks.

Fortunately, many schools offer niche majors. Other schools allow students to design their own degrees. This guide explains how to make your own major. You can also browse colleges that offer unique majors.

Can You Make Your Own Degree?

Many schools allow learners to create their own major. However, the school needs qualified professors to teach the material. Many universities allow students to choose courses from 2-3 majors to create a specialized major.

Some courses allow students to take an independent study. These courses require collaboration with a professor. These meetings usually occur in a one-on-one format. Many learners who create their own major complete multiple internships for school credit.

Step-By-Step Guide to Creating a Major

Creating a major takes an eye for detail. It also requires organization skills. While there's no exact blueprint for creating a major, this framework helps. Check with your school to ensure enrollees can design their own major. You can also learn about the process for creating a major.

Benefits of Creating a Major

1. A Unique Major Can Get You Ahead of the Curve

   Being a trendsetter comes with benefits. Even if your school does not currently offer your major, it could in the future. You may inspire your school to begin offering your custom major. However, you most likely get to graduate as the first person in your region with that specific degree. If you choose the right major, employers will notice. You may face a less competitive applicant pool.

2. You Can Receive Tailored Learning

   Most traditional degrees cover topics that do not relate to every learner's career goals. When you create your own major, you get to learn about topics that interest you. However, make sure to design your major with versatility in mind. Niching down too much can trap you into one career path. This can make it hard to switch jobs in the future. Ensure that your major will help you develop skills useful for multiple jobs, like writing and presentation skills.

3. You Can Stand Out to Future Employers

   Job-seekers need to stand out from the crowd. Fortunately, creating your own major can help. Not many job applicants will have your same major. Additionally, creating your own major demonstrates determination. It shows that you care about your studies and desired field. Making your own major may help you create your desired job description in the future.

4. Mentorship Opportunities May Open Up

   Internships and mentorships offer hands-on experience. They also help you build a network. Earning a customized degree opens opportunities for one-on-one communication with professors and mentors. These connections can lead to referrals, references, and recommendations.

   In addition, most customized degree plans allow students to complete many internships for school credit. Many internships pay. Some could lead to a job immediately after graduation.

Colleges with Unique Majors and Programs

Tessa Cooper

Tessa Cooper is a freelance writer and editor who regularly contributes to international and regional publications focused on education and lifestyle topics. She earned a bachelor's in public relations from Missouri State University and is passionate about helping learners avoid high student loan debt while pursuing their dream major. Tessa loves writing about travel and food topics and is always planning her next meal or vacation.