What Is The Easiest Degree to Get?

All college degrees require self-discipline and effort, but some may be easier for you than others. What makes a degree easy or challenging is mainly subjective. Factors like your prior studies, the major you choose, your responsibilities outside of school, and the program format can all add to the difficulty level. 

Use this guide to explore several degrees and determine if one might be right for you. 

What is the easiest type of degree to get?

Students entering college can get an associate degree or a bachelor's degree. Knowing the difference between an associate and a bachelor's degree and the different types of both can help you decide which degree might be easier for you.

Associate degrees

An associate degree typically takes two years to complete. Some common types of associate degrees include:

• Associate of Arts (AA): Focuses on liberal arts and continuing on to a four-year degree. This degree focuses on courses like humanities and writing, preparing you for a career by helping you develop skills like critical thinking. 

• Associate of Science (AS): Focuses on science, technology, engineering, or math (STEM) subjects and prepares learners to continue on to a four-year degree. An AS can help you prepare for diverse careers, including data analytics, accounting, and criminal justice.

• Associate of Applied Arts (AAA): This degree option focuses on arts-related subjects and pursuing entry-level jobs. It opens the door to studying various art-based subjects, including graphic design.

• Associate of Applied Science (AAS): Focuses on technical subjects and entering the workforce. This degree focuses on developing a combination of technical expertise and skills to prepare you for entering a career, including jobs like air traffic controller, veterinary technician, and paralegal.

Bachelor's degrees 

A bachelor's degree takes longer than an associate degree, usually requiring four years of full-time study. When deciding what type of degree to get, consider the difference between a Bachelor of Arts (BA), a Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA), and a Bachelor of Science (BS) degree. 

A BA typically has a humanities emphasis, and it can help you develop knowledge and skills for various careers, including marketing, business, public relations, and human resources, among others. A BFA has an arts emphasis, and students focus on visual arts (painting, sculpture, etc.), creative writing, dance, music, theater, filmmaking, or photography.

In many BFA programs, students spend two-thirds of their time studying art subjects and the remainder on required general education courses like math and science. A BS focuses on technical skills, often in science and technology, preparing you for careers like technology, data analysis, nursing, accounting, and criminal justice. 

What is the easiest degree to get by subject?

The effort to get a college degree depends partly on the subject matter. For instance, your best friend might have difficulty learning math, while you may find it difficult and confusing. Explore several college majors that might be easier to learn than others.

Anthropology

An anthropology degree involves the study of human beings, including where humans came from, how they are different from other species, how they have changed over time, and how and why humans differ across cultures. Four subfields of anthropology include archeology, cultural anthropology, biological anthropology, and linguistic anthropology. 

Jobs you can get with an anthropology degree: Archeology field technician, medical anthropologist, museum curator 

Business administration or management

A business administration or management degree will provide you with the skills and knowledge you need for a position in business. Throughout your study, you'll learn about the fundamentals of accounting, business operations, sales, marketing, and organizational management. You'll also learn skills that transfer to many careers, like communicating with colleagues, being a good leader, working as part of a team, and following a set of ethical standards. 

Jobs you can get with a business degree: Human resources coordinator, market analyst, sales representative 

Communications

A communications degree involves learning to communicate information to various audiences, from work colleagues and the press to the general public. As a communications major, you'll learn to share information effectively through various methods, including emails, web content, social media, verbal communication, video, and more. 

Jobs you can get with a communications degree: Brand manager, public relations specialist, social media strategist

Education

A degree in education will prepare you for teaching in the classroom. You'll explore different educational theories and practices and discover how culture, family environment, social influences, and a learner’s psychological state affect learning. Education majors also participate in student teaching, usually lasting 12 to 16 weeks. Student teaching allows future teachers to get hands-on experience creating curriculums, teaching in the classroom, and assessing students. 

Jobs you can get with an education degree: Teacher (pre-K through high school), adult education instructor, educational writer

Psychology

A psychology degree involves the study of the human mind, brain function, and mental processes and how they all relate to human behavior. Students learn about the history of psychology and various branches in the field, including abnormal, behavioral, developmental, and social psychology and basic psychological research methods. Psychology students also study theories developed by famous psychologists like Albert Bandura, Jean Piaget, Carl Rogers, and Sigmund Freud. 

Jobs you can get with a psychology degree: Caseworker in a social service agency, high school counselor, real estate agent

Sociology

A degree in sociology focuses on how people behave with other people. Students study how humans interact in pairs, groups, communities, and societies and how demographics like age, gender, race, ethnicity, and social class affect human interactions. Sociology students also collect data and research to address important societal topics like income inequity, cultural conflicts, and religious discrimination.

Jobs you can get with a sociology degree: Community activist, non-profit fundraiser, politician

Choosing the right degree for you: 4 Questions to ask 

Take some time for self-reflection before pursuing a college degree. When considering a specific degree, ask yourself four questions:

1. Does the subject matter interest me?

The path to an easy degree starts with enjoying the subject matter. Choosing a major you're interested in helps ensure higher engagement, increased focus, and possibly better grades.

2. What skills and strengths do I have?

When considering different degrees, consider how your skills and strengths might benefit your studies and future career. For instance, if you have good communication and problem-solving skills and enjoy leading others, a degree in business management might be a good fit for you. If you're creative and patient and communicate well with children, you may want to consider a degree in education. 

3. What do I envision for my future?

If you can't decide on a degree, pondering your future may help. Reflect on how much time you want to spend in school, where you may want to live once you've finished your studies, whether you want to work indoors or outdoors, and if you enjoy working alone or with others. It's also vital to think about the annual salary you're hoping to make. All of these considerations can help you navigate your degree choices. 

4. What is the best format for me to get my degree?

The way that you get your degree may affect your degree choice. If you have family obligations or a job that prohibits you from attending college in person, you may have to opt for an online degree. The benefits of an online degree include studying on your own schedule and the ability to "attend school" from anywhere with a good internet connection. If you need to pursue an online option, look for degrees available in this format. 

Getting started on Coursera

To ensure a smooth college application process, consider enrolling in Applying to College 101 offered by the University of Pennsylvania (Penn) on Coursera. You'll get advice from an Ivy League dean of admissions and other college admissions experts to help guide you in areas like finding the right college, applying for admission, and paying for your education.