Adjacent and Hidden Gem Majors

Choosing a college major can feel overwhelming, especially when students think their options are limited to the most popular or competitive programs. But beyond the well-known paths lie two powerful strategies for smart planning: adjacent majors and hidden gem majors. In many cases, they can lead to better fit, less stress, and unexpected opportunities. 

Adjacent Majors 

These are college majors that are closely related to another field of study. It shares similar coursework, skills, or career paths, but may approach the subject from a slightly different angle.

Instead of Business or Finance: 
Human Dimensions of Organization 
Economics 
Entrepreneurship 
Project Management 

Instead of Communications: 
Advertising & PR 
Communication Studies 
Communication & Leadership 
Journalism & Broadcasting 

Instead of Engineering: 
Physics
Geophysics 
Geosystems
Hydrogeology 

Instead of Computer Science: 
Statistics & Data Science 
Math
Informatics 

Instead of Biology:
Health & Society
Public Health 
Human Development & Family Sciences 

Instead of Psychology: 
Sociology 
Cognitive Science 
Neuroscience 

Hidden Gem Majors 

These are majors that often get overlooked in the major research or are new to the college. They might not be highly advertised and usually offer smaller class sizes. They offer some valuable paths and might just fit your interests. 

Sustainability Studies 

Youth & Community Studies 

Geosciences 

Health Informatics 

Black Studies 

Arts & Entertainment Technologies 

Community & Leadership American Studies 

If you would like to learn more about choosing your college major, see our blog here.