The Most Difficult Degree to Obtain at University, Ranked
Voting rules: Choose the degree you think is the most difficult!
Updated on Apr 30, 2024 06:24
Choosing a degree is a pivotal decision for many aspiring students, marked by a mix of anticipation and apprehension. The difficulty level of a university program can significantly influence this choice, as it often correlates with future career demands and personal satisfaction. By listing and ranking these degrees based on difficulty, students can gain insights from the experiences of others who have faced these challenges before them.
This system allows students and educators alike to cast their votes on which degrees they perceive as the most challenging. Through collective input, a clearer picture emerges, assisting potential students in setting realistic expectations and preparing adequately. It's not just about finding out which degree is tough; it’s about understanding why and how you can use this knowledge to your advantage.
What Is the Most Difficult Degree to Obtain at University?
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149votesThis degree involves rigorous coursework, clinical rotations, and residency programs that can last up to 7 years. It also requires passing several licensing exams to practice medicine.The Doctor of Medicine (MD) is a professional degree in the field of medicine. It is one of the most advanced college degrees and serves as the qualification required for individuals wishing to practice medicine as a licensed medical doctor.
- Duration: The MD program typically takes four years to complete, following a bachelor's degree.
- Curriculum: The MD curriculum includes coursework in basic sciences, clinical skills, medical ethics, and various medical specialties.
- Clinical Experience: MD students gain hands-on clinical experience through rotations in hospitals and clinics, working under the supervision of experienced physicians.
- Licensing Exam: Upon completing the MD program, graduates are required to pass a licensing examination, such as the United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE).
- Residency: After earning the MD degree, graduates must complete a residency program, which typically ranges from three to seven years, depending on the chosen specialty.
Doctor of Medicine (MD) in other rankings- Position 2 of 10 in Most advanced college degree
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222votesSimilar to the MD, the DVM requires extensive coursework, clinical rotations, and residency programs to become a licensed veterinarian.The Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) is a professional degree for individuals who aspire to become veterinarians. It is the most advanced college degree in the field of veterinary medicine.
- Degree Level: Professional
- Field of Study: Veterinary Medicine
- Duration: 4 years
- Prerequisites: Bachelor's degree in a related field
- Curriculum: Includes coursework, laboratory sessions, clinical rotations, and externships
Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) in other rankings- Position 5 of 10 in Most advanced college degree
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315votesThis degree requires a combination of coursework, clinical practice, and licensing exams to become a licensed dentist. It can take up to 8 years to complete.The Doctor of Dental Medicine (DDM) is a professional doctoral degree in dentistry. It is a comprehensive program designed to train individuals to become licensed dentists capable of providing oral healthcare services. The degree encompasses a wide range of dental disciplines and emphasizes practical clinical experiences to develop proficiency in diagnosing and treating dental conditions.
- Duration: 4 years
- Curriculum: Intensive coursework and practical clinical training
- Admission Requirements: Undergraduate degree, prerequisite courses, entrance exam
- Licensing: Passing national licensing examination
- Specializations: Orthodontics, oral surgery, periodontics, etc.
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416votesThis degree involves rigorous coursework in pharmacology, pharmacy practice, and patient care. It also requires passing a licensing exam to practice pharmacy.The Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) is a professional degree in pharmacy. It is considered one of the most difficult degrees to obtain at the university level, requiring a comprehensive education in pharmaceutical sciences and clinical practice. The PharmD program prepares individuals to become licensed pharmacists who can provide direct patient care, perform medication management, and contribute to healthcare teams. Graduates of the PharmD program are equipped with the knowledge and skills necessary to ensure safe and effective medication use in various healthcare settings.
- Program Length: 4 years (6 years in some countries)
- Prerequisite Education: Completion of pre-pharmacy coursework or a bachelor's degree
- Curriculum Focus: Pharmaceutical sciences, pharmacotherapy, pharmacokinetics, clinical practice
- Licensure Requirement: Passing the North American Pharmacist Licensure Examination (NAPLEX)
- Clinical Rotations: Multiple rotations in various healthcare settings (hospitals, community pharmacies, ambulatory care)
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520votesThis degree is the highest level of law degree and requires extensive research and writing on a legal topic. It can take up to 3-5 years beyond a traditional law degree.The Doctor of Juridical Science (SJD) is the most advanced college degree in the field of law. It is an academic research degree designed for legal scholars who wish to pursue a career in academia or contribute to the development of legal theory and practice.
- Degree Level: Doctorate
- Research Focus: Legal theory and practice
- Target Audience: Legal scholars and academic professionals
- Entry Requirements: Completion of a JD or LLB degree
- Program Duration: Typically 3-5 years of full-time study
Doctor of Juridical Science (SJD) in other rankings- Position 3 of 10 in Most advanced college degree
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611votesThis degree involves advanced coursework, research, and writing in mathematics. It can take up to 6 years to complete and requires a dissertation on an original topic.The Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Mathematics is a highly challenging and prestigious degree program that focuses on advanced study and research in the field of mathematics. This program is designed for individuals who are passionate about expanding the boundaries of mathematical knowledge and making significant contributions to the field.
- Duration: Typically takes 4-6 years to complete, depending on the individual's progress and research work.
- Coursework: Involves a combination of advanced coursework in various mathematical disciplines, research seminars, and independent study.
- Research Thesis: Requires the completion of an original and rigorous research thesis that contributes to the existing mathematical knowledge.
- Comprehensive Examinations: Often includes comprehensive examinations to evaluate the candidate's depth of knowledge in different areas of mathematics.
- Advisor: Students work closely with a faculty advisor who guides them throughout the program and oversees their research.
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715votesSimilar to the PhD in mathematics, the PhD in astrophysics requires advanced coursework, research, and writing on original topics in astrophysics. It can take up to 6 years to complete.The Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Astrophysics is an advanced academic degree that focuses on the study of celestial objects, their properties, and the physical laws that govern them. It is considered one of the most challenging degrees to obtain at the university level due to its rigorous coursework, extensive research requirements, and the high level of expertise required in both physics and astronomy.
- Duration: 4-6 years (full-time)
- Coursework: Advanced courses in astrophysics, particle physics, quantum mechanics, cosmology, and observational techniques.
- Research: Original research in a specialized area of astrophysics, leading to a dissertation.
- Faculty Guidance: Close guidance and mentoring by experienced astrophysics faculty members.
- Mathematical Proficiency: Strong mathematical background with proficiency in calculus, differential equations, linear algebra, and statistical analysis.
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87votesThis degree involves a combination of coursework and studio work in architecture, as well as passing a licensing exam to become a licensed architect. It can take up to 5 years to complete.The Bachelor of Architecture (BArch) degree is a professional undergraduate program that prepares students for a career in the field of architecture. It focuses on the design, construction, and planning of buildings and other structures.
- Duration: Typically a 5-year program
- Studio-based Learning: Emphasis on hands-on design projects and studio work
- Design Studio: Extensive coursework in architectural design and conceptualization
- Building Technology: Courses covering construction materials, building systems, and technical aspects of architecture
- History of Architecture: Study of architectural history, styles, and significant works
Bachelor of Architecture (BArch) in other rankings- Position 3 of 10 in Most difficult bachelor's degree
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99votesThis degree involves rigorous coursework in a specific field of engineering, as well as hands-on experience in labs and internships. It can take up to 4-5 years to complete.The Bachelor of Science (BS) in Engineering is a highly challenging degree program offered at universities worldwide. It is designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of the principles and practices of engineering disciplines.
- Duration: Typically 4 years of full-time study
- Coursework: In-depth study of math, physics, chemistry, computer science, and engineering subjects
- Specializations: Various fields such as civil engineering, mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, chemical engineering, etc.
- Core Subjects: Mechanics, thermodynamics, circuit analysis, materials science, engineering design, etc.
- Laboratory Work: Extensive hands-on experience in engineering labs
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108votesThis degree involves coursework in programming, algorithms, data structures, and computer systems, as well as hands-on experience in projects and internships. It can take up to 4-5 years to complete.The Bachelor of Science (BS) in Computer Science is an undergraduate academic degree program that focuses on the theoretical foundations and practical applications of computer science. It prepares students for careers in various areas of computing such as software development, system analysis, data management, and computational research.
- Duration: Typically requires four years of full-time study.
- Curriculum: Comprises a combination of core computer science courses, mathematics, electives, and general education subjects.
- Programming Languages: Students gain proficiency in multiple programming languages, including but not limited to Java, C++, Python, and JavaScript.
- Mathematical Foundation: Emphasizes mathematical concepts such as discrete mathematics, calculus, linear algebra, and probability theory as they apply to computer science.
- Algorithms and Data Structures: Covers the design and analysis of algorithms, and the implementation and use of various data structures.
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Discussion
Ranking factors for difficult degree
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Academic rigorThe level of difficulty and complexity of the subject matter, as well as the amount of critical thinking, problem-solving, and analytical skills required to successfully complete the coursework.
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WorkloadThe amount of time and effort needed to complete assignments, projects, readings, and exams, as well as the quantity of coursework, labs, and research requirements.
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CompetitivenessThe level of competition among students within the program, which can impact access to resources, support, and opportunities. Additionally, the selectiveness of the program during the admissions process could also indicate difficulty.
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Time commitmentThe amount of time required to study and attend classes, labs, and other mandatory activities, as well as the overall length of the degree program.
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Prerequisites and skill requirementsThe required knowledge and skills students are expected to have in order to be accepted and succeed in a particular program.
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Research demandsThe extent to which the degree requires students to undertake and complete independent research, as well as the difficulty of obtaining desirable research opportunities.
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Faculty expectationsThe expectations from professors in terms of quality of work, commitment, engagement, and successful outcomes for their students.
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Required internships or clinical hoursThe lengths and difficulty of mandatory internships or practice experiences that are necessary to obtain the degree.
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Accreditation standardsThe professional standards and requirements that must be met for the program to be accredited or recognized by national or international organizations, which can impact the program's difficulty.
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Post-graduation challengesThe challenges of obtaining a job or pursuing further education in a given field after completing the degree, which may be impacted by factors like job market competition and graduate school admission requirements.
About this ranking
This is a community-based ranking of the most difficult degree to obtain at university. We do our best to provide fair voting, but it is not intended to be exhaustive. So if you notice something or degree is missing, feel free to help improve the ranking!
Statistics
- 1606 views
- 170 votes
- 10 ranked items
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Voting Rules
A participant may cast an up or down vote for each degree once every 24 hours. The rank of each degree is then calculated from the weighted sum of all up and down votes.
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More information on most difficult degree to obtain at university
Obtaining a degree is a significant achievement, but not all degrees are created equal in terms of difficulty. While some degrees may seem more challenging than others, the level of difficulty can vary depending on the individual's strengths and interests. However, there are certain degrees that are widely regarded as being more difficult to obtain than others. These degrees typically require a high level of academic rigor, extensive research, and a significant investment of time and effort. In this article, we will explore the most challenging degrees to obtain at university and what makes them so demanding.
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