What is the Rarest College Degree?
Choosing a college major is an important decision that can impact your career opportunities and earning potential. While popular degrees like business, engineering, and nursing lead to well-known career paths, some uncommon majors can also open interesting doors.
In this guide, we will explore some of the rarest bachelor’s degrees awarded in the United States based on data from the National Center for Education Statistics. We’ll discuss what each program entails, potential careers you can pursue, the number of graduates, and more to help you discover some unique options.
Nuclear Engineering
Nuclear engineering focuses on the application of physics and math to the design, development, and operational aspects of systems related to nuclear fission and fusion reactions.
Some of the subjects covered in nuclear engineering programs include nuclear physics, reactor theory, radiation protection and shielding, thermodynamics, materials science, and more. Students also gain hands-on experience through lab work.
Potential Careers:
- Nuclear engineer
- Health physicist
- Nuclear equipment sales representative
- Nuclear reactor operator
- Nuclear technician
The number of bachelor’s degrees awarded in 2016-2017: 899
Paper Science Engineering
Paper science engineering deals with the study of the processes involved in the production of paper and pulp. The program provides a foundation in math, physics, chemistry, and engineering, along with specialized courses in paper science.
Some of the areas covered include paper chemistry, pulping techniques, papermaking processes, environmental control, and the business aspects of paper production. Extensive lab work is also involved.
Potential Careers:
- Process engineer at paper/pulp manufacturing plants
- Quality control specialist at paper companies
- Technical sales representative for suppliers to the paper industry
- Research scientist developing improved papermaking methods
- Sustainability manager at a paper mill
The number of bachelor’s degrees awarded in 2016-2017: 90
Packaging Science
Packaging science is an interdisciplinary program drawing on elements of engineering, design, and business. Students learn about materials, production processes, graphic design, packaging regulations, supply chain logistics, and business aspects related to packaging.
Coursework covers areas like structural design, packaging graphics, distribution, production, sustainability, and more. Many programs also incorporate co-ops for hands-on training.
Potential Careers:
- Packaging engineer
- Quality control specialist
- Packaging equipment sales representative
- Packaging design specialist
- Procurement manager for packaging
The number of bachelor’s degrees awarded in 2016-2017: 237
Nuclear/Nuclear Power Technology
Nuclear/nuclear power technology programs prepare students to work in nuclear power generation facilities. The curriculum covers nuclear physics, nuclear plant design and operation, instrumentation and control systems, health physics, and radiation safety regulations.
Students gain hands-on experience through lab work and facility tours. Some programs also incorporate a utility internship.
Potential Careers:
- Nuclear equipment operator or supervisor
- Technical support specialist at a nuclear plant
- Radiation protection technologist
- Nuclear technician
- Instructor at nuclear training facilities
The number of bachelor’s degrees awarded in 2016-2017: 111
Mining Engineering
Mining engineering deals with the study and practice of extracting minerals from the earth. The program covers principles of geology, mineral exploration, surface and underground mining methods, mine ventilation, ground control and rock mechanics, mineral processing, safety procedures, and mine economics.
Students gain crucial hands-on experience through labs, computer software, and mine tours.
Potential Careers:
- Mining engineer
- Mine supervisor
- Technical sales representative for mining suppliers
- Mining equipment operator
- Mine safety inspector
The number of bachelor’s degrees awarded in 2016-2017: 115
Naval Architecture & Marine Engineering
Naval architecture and marine engineering focuses on the design, construction, and maintenance of marine vessels and structures. Students take courses in hydrodynamics, structural analysis, ship design, marine engineering, and more.
The program aims to produce graduates who can design effective and efficient marine vessels and associated systems. Extensive lab work is also incorporated.
Potential Careers:
- Naval architect
- Marine engineer on ships or offshore structures
- Coast guard marine inspector
- Marine surveyor
- Consultant for maritime accidents and failures
The number of bachelor’s degrees awarded in 2016-2017: 63
Mortuary Science
Mortuary science, or funeral services education, prepares students to work in the death care industry. Coursework covers areas like funeral home management, embalming, restorative art, pathology, anatomy, bereavement counseling, and ethics.
The program also incorporates a practicum to gain hands-on training in a real funeral home. Graduates must pass a national licensing exam for funeral directors and embalmers.
Potential Careers:
- Funeral home director
- Embalmer
- Preplanning funeral consultant
- Crematorium technician
- Cemetery manager
The number of bachelor’s degrees awarded in 2016-2017: 250
Technical Theatre Production
Technical theater production programs provide training in the technical aspects of theatrical production rather than performance. Students take courses in stage technology, lighting design, costume design, makeup design, scene painting, production management, and more.
Extensive hands-on experience is gained through working on college theater productions. Some programs incorporate a professional internship.
Potential Careers:
- Theater technical director
- Lighting designer for theater or TV/film
- Stage manager
- Scenic artist
- Costume designer
- Makeup artist for theater/film
The number of bachelor’s degrees awarded in 2016-2017: 741
Forest Management
Forest management deals with overseeing forested lands to balance economic, recreational, and ecological benefits. Students take courses in biology, ecosystem ecology, geospatial technology, forest harvesting, urban forestry, wildfire management, and more.
The program prepares graduates to sustainably manage public and private forest resources. Field work and internships are often required.
Potential Careers:
- Forestry manager
- Urban forest manager
- Forest fire inspector
- Timber buyer
- Park ranger
- Professional tree climber
The number of bachelor’s degrees awarded in 2016-2017: 320
Wildlife Biology
Wildlife biology is the study of animals living in their natural habitats. The program covers zoology, conservation biology, population ecology, wildlife policy and law, field research techniques, and more.
Extensive fieldwork, lab work, and internships are incorporated to provide crucial hands-on training. Graduates are prepared for careers focused on understanding and protecting wildlife species.
Potential Careers:
- Zoologist
- Wildlife biologist
- Park ranger
- Zookeeper
- Wildlife rehabilitator
- Hunting guide
The number of bachelor’s degrees awarded in 2016-2017: 726
Atmospheric Science & Meteorology
Atmospheric science and meteorology programs cover the physics, chemistry, and dynamics of the atmosphere. Students take courses in meteorology, climatology, atmospheric physics, mathematical modeling, weather analysis, remote sensing, and more.
Lab sessions and field work are critical components of the program. Graduates are prepared to study and predict weather patterns.
Potential Careers:
- Meteorologist
- Atmospheric scientist
- Weather forecaster
- Broadcast meteorologist
- Climate researcher
- Air quality scientist
The number of bachelor’s degrees awarded in 2016-2017: 618
Textile Science
Textile science deals with understanding the properties and performance of fibers, yarns, fabric structures, dyes, and finishes. It incorporates key principles of physics, chemistry, math, and engineering.
Coursework covers areas like fiber science, textile technology, quality control, design, testing standards, and more. Extensive lab work is also required.
Potential Careers:
- Textile engineer
- Fabric and apparel patternmaker
- Textile quality control technician
- Textile chemist
- Fiber science researcher
The number of bachelor’s degrees awarded in 2016-2017: 146
Commercial Fishing
Commercial fishing programs cover seamanship, navigation, vessel handling, equipment maintenance, fishing methods and gear, fisheries management, seafood handling, and business operations. Deckhands gain crucial hands-on experience.
Graduates are prepared for careers harvesting and managing wild aquatic species on commercial fishing vessels. Licenses are mandatory for roles like captain.
Potential Careers:
- Commercial fisher
- Fishing vessel captain
- Marine engineer on fishing boats
- Fisheries observer
- Fish hatchery technician
The number of bachelor’s degrees awarded in 2016-2017: 51
Musical Instrument Fabrication & Repair
This program teaches the principles of musical instrument design and techniques for fabrication and repair of instruments. Students gain woodworking and metalworking skills along with acoustics knowledge to produce and maintain instruments.
Hands-on training is offered in guitar making, brass instrument repair, reed making, piano tuning, and more. Business and entrepreneurship courses are also included.
Potential Careers:
- Luthier building and repairing string instruments
- Woodwind repair technician
- Piano tuner
- Custom drum maker
- Instrument amplifier repairer
The number of bachelor’s degrees awarded in 2016-2017: 24
Scientific Diving
Scientific diving programs train students in the methods and techniques of scuba diving to study and document underwater sites. Coursework covers topics like diving physics and physiology, underwater navigation and search patterns, diving equipment repair and maintenance, hyperbaric medicine, and more.
Potential Careers:
- Marine scientist
- Underwater photographer/videographer
- Fisheries survey diver
- Underwater crime scene investigator
- Diving instructor
The number of bachelor’s degrees awarded in 2016-2017: 14
FAQ
Here are some frequently asked questions about rare college degrees:
What are some other unusual degree programs?
Some other less common bachelor’s degrees include:
- Plastics Engineering: Focuses on plastic material design, mold design, production, and applications
- Auctioneering: Prepares students to conduct auctions, procure items for sale, and manage auction facilities
- Adventure Education: Trains students to facilitate outdoor recreational activities and wilderness expeditions
- Turf Management: Deals with sustainability, irrigation, pest control, and other aspects of taking care of sports fields and golf courses
- Technical Theater Design: Covers sound, lighting, costumes, makeup and visual elements for live entertainment
- Packaging Engineering: Focuses on designing, testing and manufacturing product packaging
Why pursue a rare degree program?
Less common degrees can open up unique, niche career opportunities with good job prospects and competitive salaries since there are fewer graduates to fill roles. These programs also cater perfectly to students with specialized interests and strengths.
What are the drawbacks of rare college degrees?
The small size and specificity of some programs may limit college options and geographic mobility. Job opportunities may also be concentrated in certain industries or locations.
Changing career paths can be more difficult compared to broader, more versatile degrees as well. Programs with very few graduates may also struggle with name recognition among employers.
How can you decide if an unusual degree is right for you?
Make sure your interests align closely with the course material, research career outcomes thoroughly, speak to current students if possible, and confirm program quality and accreditation status. Geographic constraints, cost, and program culture should also be evaluated.
What steps can you take if you choose a rare degree?
Create connections within your specialty field starting early, seek targeted internships and mentors, build a strong professional network, develop niche skills, and be willing to relocate for the best opportunities to maximize career success.
