In higher education’s vast and diverse landscape, some college degrees stand out for their unusualness and unique focus. This article will discuss some of the weird college degrees you won’t believe exist.
While most students pursue traditional and familiar fields like business, engineering, or liberal arts, others delve into niche areas that might raise eyebrows or spark curiosity. These “weird” college degrees and programs delve into niche subjects, embrace unusual intersections of knowledge, or cater to specific career paths.
From studying the art of puppetry to exploring the science of surfing, many of the most unique college degrees defy convention. But before we go into them, let’s find out why we should add a weird degree to our bucket list.
Why Pursue a “Weird” Degree?
While these degrees may seem unusual initially, they cater to specific passions and career aspirations that traditional programs may not fully address. Here are a few reasons why students might choose to pursue such unique degrees:
Passion and Interest
Many students are deeply passionate about niche subjects like puppetry, auctioneering, or surf science, and pursuing a related degree allows them to study what they love.
Career Opportunities
These degrees often lead to careers in specialized industries where graduates can find unique and fulfilling employment opportunities.
Skill Development
Students gain valuable skills and expertise that are highly specialized, making them competitive in their chosen fields.
Cultural and Artistic Preservation
Degrees like Bagpiping or Comic Art contribute to preserving and promoting cultural traditions and artistic expressions. These weird college degrees offer insights into the fascinating array of interests and career paths available in academia today.
Let’s explore some of the most unconventional degrees you might not believe exist.
Weird College Degrees
Some of the weird college degrees, which are too weird for you to believe they exist, will be listed and talked about in this section. They are as follows;
- Ph.D. in Astrobiology
- Bachelor of Science in Comedy
- Masters in Puppetry
- Bachelor of Science in Turfgrass Science
- Master of Arts in Mythological Studies
- Bachelor of Science in Adventure Education
- Bachelor of Arts in Folklore and Mythology
- Ph.D. in Parapsychology
- Bachelor of Science in Fermentation Sciences
- Master of Science in Circus Arts
- Bagpiping
- Auctioneering
- Floral Management
- Comic Art
- Surf Science and Technology
1. Ph.D. in Astrobiology
Astrobiology combines biology, chemistry, astronomy, and planetary science principles to study the potential for life beyond Earth. This interdisciplinary field examines environments on Earth that mimic extraterrestrial conditions and explores the possibility of life on other planets.
Universities like the University of Washington and Penn State offer programs in astrobiology, preparing students for careers in space exploration, planetary protection, and astroecology.
2. Bachelor of Science in Comedy
Do you love making people laugh? Some colleges offer degrees in Comedy Writing and Performance that prepare students for stand-up comedy, improvisation, sketch writing, and comedic acting careers.
These programs typically cover topics such as joke structure, comedic timing, character development, and scriptwriting for comedy. Graduates may find work as professional comedians, comedy writers for television shows or movies, or comedy instructors.
Imagine studying comedy as a serious academic pursuit. The Bachelor of Science in Comedy, offered by Emerson College in Boston, Massachusetts, does just that.
This degree program covers comedy theory, history, and performance techniques across various mediums, such as stand-up, improvisation, and comedic writing. Graduates often pursue careers in entertainment, writing, or teaching comedy.
3. Masters in Puppetry
Ever imagined earning a degree in Puppet Arts? Yes, such a program exists! Institutions like the University of Connecticut offer Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) degrees where students can specialize in puppetry.
This program combines elements of theatre, visual arts, and craftsmanship to educate students on puppets’ creation, manipulation, and performance. Graduates from such programs often find careers in theatre, film, television, and even educational settings where puppetry is a medium for storytelling and entertainment.
Puppetry, traditionally seen as entertainment for children, has evolved into a serious art form and academic discipline.
The University of Connecticut offers a Master of Fine Arts (MFA) in Puppet Arts, where students explore puppet design, fabrication, performance, and theory. This program prepares graduates for theatre, film, television, and educational puppetry careers.
4. Bachelor of Science in Turfgrass Science
For those passionate about golf courses, sports fields, and landscaping, Turfgrass Science programs focus on cultivating, managing, and maintaining turfgrass.
Students learn about soil science, plant pathology, pest management, irrigation techniques, and turfgrass physiology. Graduates often work as golf course superintendents, sports field managers, groundskeepers for parks and recreational facilities, or consultants in the turfgrass industry.
A Bachelor of Science in Turfgrass Science might be the perfect fit for those passionate about lawns and landscapes. This degree, offered by institutions like Penn State University, focuses on the science behind growing and maintaining grass and turf for various purposes, such as sports fields, golf courses, and residential landscapes.
Graduates often work as turfgrass managers, consultants, or researchers in the agriculture and sports industries.
5. Master of Arts in Mythological Studies
Mythological Studies programs, such as the one offered by Pacifica Graduate Institute in California, delve into the cultural and psychological significance of myths across different societies and historical periods.
Students analyze myths from ancient civilizations to contemporary literature, exploring their impact on human behaviour, identity formation, and collective consciousness. Graduates may pursue careers in education, counselling, or cultural research.
6. Bachelor of Science in Adventure Education
Imagine studying how to lead outdoor adventures like rock climbing, kayaking, and wilderness survival as part of your college curriculum.
Adventure Education programs focus on teaching students how to facilitate outdoor activities safely and effectively while also incorporating elements of environmental education, leadership development, and risk management.
Graduates may work as outdoor educators, wilderness guides, or program directors for adventure-based youth programs and outdoor recreation centres.
Adventure Education programs, like the one at Plymouth State University in New Hampshire, combine outdoor activities with educational theory and leadership skills.
Students learn how to facilitate experiential learning through rock climbing, wilderness survival, and team-building exercises. Graduates often work as outdoor educators, adventure guides, or program directors for youth camps and educational institutions.
7. Bachelor of Arts in Folklore and Mythology
Folklore and Mythology degrees explore the narratives, traditions, and beliefs passed down through generations within different cultures.
Universities like Harvard and UCLA offer programs that study folklore and mythology worldwide, examining themes such as storytelling, ritual practices, and cultural identity. Graduates may find careers in academia, museum curation, cultural preservation, or publishing.
8. Ph.D. in Parapsychology
Parapsychology investigates phenomena that lie outside the scope of conventional scientific understanding, such as telepathy, psychokinesis, and near-death experiences.
While controversial, programs like the one at the University of Edinburgh offer research opportunities in parapsychology.
They explore the intersection of psychology, consciousness studies, and anomalous experiences. Graduates may work as researchers, consultants, or educators in parapsychological institutes or academic settings.
9. Bachelor of Science in Fermentation Sciences (Viticulture and Enology)
Fermentation Sciences programs, such as the one at Appalachian State University, focus on the science and technology behind fermentation processes used in brewing, winemaking, and food production.
Students learn about microbiology, chemistry, and business management related to fermentation industries. Graduates often pursue careers in breweries, wineries, distilleries, or food production companies as brewers, fermentation scientists, or quality control specialists.
For wine enthusiasts with a passion for the science and art of winemaking, degrees in Viticulture (the science of grape cultivation) and Enology (the study of wine and winemaking) are available at various institutions worldwide.
These programs provide comprehensive education on grape growing, vineyard management, fermentation processes, wine chemistry, and sensory evaluation. Graduates often pursue careers as winemakers, vineyard managers, wine marketers, or consultants in the wine industry.
10. Master of Science in Circus Arts
Circus Arts programs, offered by institutions like the National Centre for Circus Arts in London, train students in various circus disciplines such as acrobatics, aerial performance, clowning, and production management.
This interdisciplinary program combines physical training with theoretical studies in circus history, performance theory, and business skills. Graduates may perform with circus companies, work as circus instructors, or pursue roles in circus management and production.
11. Bagpiping
Yes, you read that right – Bagpiping! Some institutions, especially in Scotland, where the bagpipes hold cultural significance, offer degree programs in Bagpipe Performance.
Students learn to master the complex techniques of playing the bagpipes, study Scottish music history, and participate in ensemble performances. Graduates often become professional bagpipers, performing at events such as weddings, ceremonies, and cultural festivals worldwide.
12. Auctioneering
Have you ever attended a lively auction and wondered about the skills behind the fast-paced chant of the auctioneer? Believe it or not, there are college programs that specialize in Auctioneering.
These programs train students to conduct auctions, including the legal aspects, bid-calling techniques, marketing strategies, and auction management.
Graduates may work as professional auctioneers in auction houses, estate sales, livestock markets, or government surplus auctions.
13. Floral Management
Floral Management programs are designed for individuals passionate about flowers and floral design.
Students learn about flower cultivation, floral arrangement techniques, design principles, and business management skills specific to the floral industry.
Graduates often pursue careers as floral designers, wedding florists, floral shop owners, or floral consultants for events and corporate clients.
14. Comic Art
Comic Art programs cater to aspiring comic book artists, graphic novelists, and illustrators. Students learn about storytelling through visual art, character development, sequential art techniques, and digital illustration tools.
These programs often emphasize traditional and digital art skills, preparing graduates for careers in comic book publishing, graphic novel illustration, storyboard creation for animation studios, or concept art for video game companies.
15. Surf Science and Technology
Surf Science and Technology programs are designed for surf enthusiasts who want to blend their love for the sport with academic study. These programs explore the physics of waves, surfboard design and construction, marine biology related to coastal ecosystems, and sustainable surf tourism.
Graduates may pursue careers as surf instructors, surfboard designers, coastal engineers, marine researchers, or environmental consultants focusing on coastal conservation.
Conclusion
The diversity of these weird college degrees reflects society’s evolving interests and demands, showcasing how higher education adapts to accommodate niche fields and unconventional passions.
While some of these programs may initially seem unusual, they provide valuable skills and knowledge that contribute to various industries, from entertainment and the arts to science and education.
Whether you’re intrigued by puppetry, fascinated by myths, or passionate about fermentation, these degrees demonstrate that there’s a path for every interest in academia.
In conclusion, while the concept of “weird” college degrees may raise eyebrows, they play an important role in the diverse ecosystem of higher education.
These programs cater to individuals with unique interests and career goals, allowing them to study and specialize in areas that align with their passions. Whether you dream of becoming a professional puppeteer, a master winemaker, or a renowned bagpiper, there’s likely a college degree out there that can help you achieve your goals.
So, embrace your quirks, explore your passions, and consider where your educational journey might take you – even if it’s down a path less travelled by others.
