University Majors List: Every Main Field Explained

Most students can name only a few majors, such as medicine, engineering or business. This majors list shows the bigger picture: ten main fields of study, the majors inside each one, what you actually learn and where each field can lead. Use it as a map before you narrow your choices. Program names, lengths and contents vary by country and university, so always check the official page of any program you like.

How this majors list is organised

Universities name their programs in different ways. For example, the same degree can be called computer science, informatics or computing. That is why this majors list groups programs into broad fields, much like international education statistics do. For each field, you will find the main majors, what you usually study and where the field can lead. Some universities also add a separate group for agriculture, food science and veterinary science.

Majors list for science and technology

1. Engineering. The main majors include civil, mechanical, electrical, industrial and chemical engineering. You study maths, physics and design, and then you solve real problems in labs and team projects. Engineering can lead to work in construction, energy, manufacturing, transport and many other industries. If you are thinking about Türkiye, read our guide to studying engineering in Turkey.

2. Computing and IT. This field covers computer science, computer engineering, software engineering, information technology, data science, artificial intelligence and cybersecurity. You learn programming, algorithms, networks and systems. Graduates build software, run networks, protect data or analyse it. Our guide on computer science or computer engineering compares these majors in detail.

3. Natural sciences and mathematics. Majors include biology, chemistry, physics, mathematics, statistics and environmental science. You also spend a lot of time on theory, lab work and research methods. These majors can lead to laboratories, research, teaching, data work or a master’s degree.

Health majors: medicine and beyond

4. Medicine and health sciences. Medicine, dentistry and pharmacy are the best-known majors. However, this field also includes nursing, physiotherapy, nutrition and dietetics, midwifery and medical laboratory science. You study biology, chemistry and patient care, usually with long hours of clinical practice. Most health careers also need a licence, and the rules differ by country. Our guide to healthcare majors covers the options beyond medicine, while studying medicine in Turkey explains the YKS route.

Business, law and social sciences in the majors list

5. Business and economics. This part of the majors list includes business administration, economics, finance, accounting, marketing and management information systems. You learn how companies, markets and money work, as well as how to lead teams and projects. Graduates often join companies, banks or public institutions, and some start their own business.

6. Law and political science. Law, political science and international relations sit here. You read a lot, write a lot and learn to build an argument. Law usually leads to legal work, although many countries also ask for a bar exam or a traineeship before you can practise.

7. Social sciences, psychology and media. This group includes psychology, sociology, communication, journalism and public relations. You study how people think, behave and share information. These majors can lead to research, media, marketing and human resources, and, after further training, to counselling roles.

Education, humanities and the arts

8. Education. Teaching majors prepare you to teach an age group or a subject, such as primary school, maths or English. You combine your subject with teaching methods and practice in real schools.

9. Humanities and languages. History, philosophy, literature, languages, translation and interpreting all belong here. So you read, analyse and write a lot. These majors suit students who enjoy words, cultures and ideas, and they lead to teaching, translation, publishing and cultural work.

10. Arts, design and architecture. Architecture, interior design, graphic design, fine arts, music and film fall into this field. Many programs ask for a portfolio or a talent exam, so check the entry rules early. You learn through studio projects, feedback sessions and a lot of practice.

How long degrees usually take

Program lengths are not the same everywhere, so treat these figures as typical ranges:

• Bachelor’s degrees: usually three to four years. Many last three years in England and France, while most last four years in Türkiye and the US.
• Medicine: usually five to six years where you can start it after high school, and then specialist training comes on top.
• Dentistry, pharmacy and veterinary science: often around five years, although this varies by country.
• Short programs: many countries also offer two-year vocational or associate degrees, such as the associate degree in Turkey.

Always confirm the length on the university’s own page, because it also changes your total cost.

How to turn a majors list into a shortlist

A long list only helps when you narrow it down. Try these steps:

1. Cross out the fields that clearly do not suit you. Be honest, but do not judge a field by its name alone.
2. Mark three or four fields that interest you, and then read about two majors in each one.
3. Look at the jobs behind each major. The US Occupational Outlook Handbook describes what people do in hundreds of jobs and what education they need.
4. Check the entry requirements, such as school subjects, exams or a portfolio.
5. Talk to a student or a professional in each field before you decide.

Next, our step-by-step guide on how to choose the right university major takes you from this shortlist to a final decision. If you worry about workload, also read our guide to the hardest and easiest majors. Still choosing your school track? See our guide to choosing high school subjects, while our guides on highest paying majors and changing majors cover pay and second thoughts.

How ILEAP helps you explore majors

In ILEAP partner schools, university awareness sessions explain how majors, university systems, program lengths and admission requirements work. Students then meet university representatives at University Open Days and ask their questions directly. They can also join live online sessions with universities that cannot visit. In addition, field experts and young graduates share what their studies and their work are really like. See how university awareness works or explore the ILEAP program.

Frequently asked questions

How many university majors are there?

There is no single number, because each university names and splits its programs in its own way, so one field can contain dozens of majors. That is why it helps to think in fields first and in majors second.

Is this majors list the same in every country?

The main fields are similar almost everywhere. However, program names, lengths and contents vary by country and university, so always read the official program page.

Which majors on this list are best for the future?

Demand changes over time and differs from one country to another. Our guide to the best majors for the future explains which degrees feed growing sectors and how to future-proof any major.