Is Educational Studies a Hard Major? What Students Should Know in 2026

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Educational studies is often perceived as less demanding than STEM fields, but this misconception overlooks its intellectual and emotional complexity. According to recent data, nearly 15% of undergraduates in the U.S. pursue education-related majors, reflecting steady interest and the field's societal importance. The major requires critical thinking, research, and understanding diverse learner needs, which can present unique academic challenges.

This article will explore course rigor, typical workload, essential skills like communication and analysis, and factors such as individual learning styles that influence the perceived difficulty of educational studies. Understanding these elements helps students make informed decisions about whether this major aligns with their strengths and goals.

Key Benefits of Educational Studies as a Major

The major supports diverse learners, including career changers and full-time workers, by offering flexible course options tailored to varied schedules and experiences.
Students develop critical skills in communication, research, and pedagogy, enhancing both academic success and workplace adaptability.
Engaging with complex educational theories and real-world applications builds confidence in managing challenging coursework and fosters professional growth.

Where Does Educational Studies Rank Among the Hardest College Majors?

Educational studies is often ranked among the less challenging college majors nationwide, with difficulty assessments typically based on factors like average GPA, weekly study hours, and workload intensity. Majors in this area report about 14 hours of study per week, less than demanding fields such as engineering or physics, where students commonly exceed 18-20 hours.

Additionally, technical or analytical skills requirements tend to be lower in educational studies compared to STEM disciplines. However, many programs include practicum or fieldwork components, which can increase the time commitment and stress levels for students, especially those balancing external responsibilities.

The difficulty of educational studies varies depending on the institution and individual student aptitudes. Some students might find the major manageable, particularly those comfortable with group work and reflective assignments, while others might struggle with practicum demands or less familiar skills.

Nationally, educational studies is generally considered easier than majors like engineering, physics, or computer science, but roughly on par with communications or liberal arts. It tends to be more demanding than creative writing or dance. Ultimately, the perceived challenge depends heavily on personal strengths, learning preferences, and academic background, making the notion of difficulty subjective rather than absolute.

What Factors Make Educational Studies a Hard Major?

Several academic and skill-related demands contribute to making educational studies a challenging major for many students. These requirements test a student's ability to balance coursework, practical experience, and critical thinking.

Academic rigor: The program requires students to engage deeply with core courses, including educational psychology, philosophy, and equity and diversity topics. These subjects demand strong critical reading and analytical writing, reflecting the academic rigor in educational studies programs.

Time commitment: Students often must complete at least 44-45 credits, with additional work required for those pursuing teacher licensure. This includes field placements and student teaching, which are time-intensive and require significant planning, illustrating the educational studies workload and student success factors.

Technical and analytical complexity: Majors must master qualitative and quantitative research methods and analyze educational policies. This involves higher-order thinking skills, such as synthesis and evaluation, which adds to the program's complexity.

Field-specific demands: Clinical experiences and internships require students to apply theory in real educational settings while meeting rigorous assessment standards. These practical components are essential but challenging parts of the curriculum.

Performance standards: Maintaining a minimum grade, often a C- or higher in major courses, is required, emphasizing consistent academic performance throughout the program.

For students seeking the best online accelerated bachelor's degree, understanding these factors helps set realistic expectations and prepares them for the demands of educational studies.

Who Is a Good Fit for a Educational Studies Major?

Knowing who thrives in educational studies is essential for students to leverage their strengths and succeed in this major. The best skills for educational studies majors align closely with personal traits that support learning theory, social justice, and inclusive education.

Strong Communicators: Students with excellent communication and interpersonal skills excel as they interact with diverse learners and colleagues, facilitating collaborative projects and reflection essential to the curriculum.
Patient and Adaptable: Those who are patient and resourceful handle the unpredictable educational environments well, using creative problem-solving to navigate challenges in both theory and fieldwork.
Interest in Social Justice: Individuals passionate about child and adolescent development, equity in education, and social factors engage deeply with course content that explores justice and inclusion, which drives their motivation.
Independent Researchers and Collaborative Workers: Successful students balance self-motivation with openness to feedback, managing a mix of independent study and teamwork that the major demands.
Interdisciplinary Thinkers: Those who enjoy connecting psychology, sociology, and curriculum design concepts naturally succeed by integrating diverse perspectives into their assignments and field experiences.

For those wondering what's the easiest masters degree to get, educational studies offers a meaningful challenge for the type of person who succeeds in educational studies and values developing empathy, critical thinking, and communication skills.

How Can You Make a Educational Studies Major Easier?

Many students find educational studies demanding due to its focus on critical thinking, research, and complex social concepts. However, adopting targeted strategies can make this major more approachable and less stressful.

Establish consistent study routines: Regularly dedicating time to review theories and summarize key material enhances understanding and alleviates exam anxiety.
Leverage time management tools: Utilizing planners or digital apps helps juggle various assignments and fieldwork, keeping deadlines and responsibilities organized.
Build core skills early: Practicing critical analysis, writing, and research techniques lays a strong foundation for tackling advanced coursework confidently.
Access campus support services: Engaging with writing centers, peer tutors, and faculty office hours provides valuable clarification and academic guidance.
Join study groups: Collaborative learning promotes deeper comprehension and offers peer encouragement, boosting motivation and retention.

As one graduate shared when I asked how to make the major easier, she recalled feeling overwhelmed initially by the volume of reading and different project demands. "I realized early on that trying to learn everything at once was exhausting," she explained. Instead, she started creating concise notes after every class and set weekly goals to break down larger tasks.

Regular check-ins with professors helped her identify where she struggled the most, allowing targeted improvement. She also mentioned, "Working with classmates made the material more relatable - discussing real-world examples and hearing diverse perspectives really helped." Reflecting back, she said those approaches transformed her experience from stressful to manageable and enabled her to enjoy the process of exploring educational theories and research methods deeply.

Are Admissions to Educational Studies Programs Competitive?

Admissions to educational studies programs can be competitive, primarily due to the balance between the number of applicants and the number of available spots. For instance, at a well-known UK university, about 85% of applicants were offered places, reflecting selectivity despite relatively high acceptance rates. Programs that have limited capacity, strong reputations, or specific prerequisites tend to be more selective. Requirements often include satisfactory GPA levels and relevant coursework, which narrows the candidate pool.

Selectivity varies widely depending on institution standards. Some schools expect GPAs above 3.0 and prerequisite classes in psychology or sociology. Additionally, programs may value relevant experience such as volunteering or working with children. Although national demand for education majors has declined in recent years, certain top programs remain highly competitive due to their prestige or capacity limits.

I recently spoke with a professional who majored in educational studies about his application experience. He described the process as "challenging but manageable," noting that he devoted time to building a strong volunteer background and carefully selecting his prerequisite courses. He recalled feeling uncertainty during the waiting period but emphasized how preparing thoroughly helped him feel confident. His journey highlights how balancing academic and practical experience can be key to gaining admission.

Is an Online Educational Studies Major Harder Than an On-Campus Program?

Online educational studies majors are neither inherently harder nor easier than on-campus programs; the level of challenge depends on multiple factors that influence student experience and success. The workload and academic expectations generally align across formats but differ in delivery and support.

Below is a comparison highlighting key aspects of the online Educational Studies degree workload and on-campus vs online Educational Studies difficulty:

Curriculum and pacing: Both formats follow similar curricula, but online programs offer more flexibility in pacing. This can benefit students balancing other responsibilities but requires stronger time management and self-discipline.
Interaction and support: On-campus students gain immediate feedback and easier collaboration through face-to-face engagement. Online learners may face social isolation and less direct communication, affecting motivation.
Learning environment: On-campus settings provide structured schedules and access to campus resources. Online students often experience a more self-directed environment, which can be challenging without a solid routine.
Unique online challenges: Reliance on stable technology and internet access is critical online. Technical issues can disrupt learning, and opportunities for networking are often reduced.
Unique on-campus challenges: Physical attendance requirements and rigid schedules can increase stress, especially when managing outside commitments. Larger class sizes may limit personalized attention.

Recent studies indicate mixed academic results in the debate over workload and difficulty. Some online students perform slightly lower on tests, while others outperform their on-campus peers in specific subjects. Ultimately, personal learning preferences and circumstances heavily influence success.

For students evaluating educational paths, understanding these differences helps align expectations and strategies. Those curious about majors that make the most money may also consider how format impacts their academic journey and work-life balance.

Are Accelerated Educational Studies Programs Harder Than Traditional Formats?

Accelerated Educational Studies programs are generally harder than traditional formats due to their condensed timelines and intensified workload, which demand rapid mastery of course material. These programs compress typical coursework into 12 to 24 months, requiring students to keep pace with a much faster schedule and heavier daily study hours. Understanding the traditional vs accelerated Educational Studies difficulty involves looking at various aspects of program structure and student experience.

Key differences between the two formats include:

Course Pacing and Content Density: Accelerated programs pack semester-long courses into five- to eight-week sessions, whereas traditional programs spread the workload over several months with breaks for reflection.
Workload Management: Nontraditional or working students may prefer accelerated online options for flexibility but still face more intense demands than in traditional settings.
Academic Expectations and Skills: Accelerated students must be highly organized and self-disciplined, as the program requires quick assimilation and retention of information.
Learning Retention and Stress: Accelerated formats can increase stress and sometimes reduce long-term retention, while traditional formats provide more support and opportunities for deeper learning.
Flexibility and Structure: Traditional programs offer regular day-to-day structure and extracurricular engagement, which can help balance demands and reduce stress.

Choosing between formats also depends on a student's ability to manage workload and pace, with accelerated Educational Studies program workload being significantly more intense for those unprepared for rapid learning. For students seeking accredited non profit online colleges with flexible options, resources like accredited non profit online colleges can offer pathways tailored to different needs.

Can You Manage a Part-Time Job While Majoring in Educational Studies?

Students can often balance a part-time job while majoring in educational studies, but this depends heavily on the intensity of their coursework and weekly time demands. Programs vary widely, with some requiring fewer credits and less fieldwork, while others include extensive readings, projects, and clinical experiences that increase the workload.

Flexible scheduling and strong personal study habits also play key roles in a student's ability to manage both commitments. Ultimately, course load and job flexibility determine how well one can maintain this balance.

Balancing part-time work alongside an educational studies major typically involves careful time management and prioritization, especially during periods with high project or fieldwork demands. Many students opt for flexible employment like tutoring or campus administration, which better aligns with their academic schedules.

Reducing credit loads in challenging semesters and utilizing campus resources such as academic advising or online support further support this balance. The discipline's requirements, including weekly readings and practical assignments, can be manageable for some but overwhelming for students engaged in full-time student teaching or heavier schedules.

What Jobs Do Educational Studies Majors Get, and Are They as Hard as the Degree Itself?

Career paths for educational studies majors vary widely in difficulty, responsibility, and required skills. While some jobs are as demanding as the degree itself, others may feel less challenging or require different types of competencies such as interpersonal or organizational skills.

Instructional Designer: Designs and develops educational materials, online courses, or training programs for schools and organizations. This role often calls for strong project management, curriculum theory, and technological expertise, making it as intellectually demanding as the major, especially in dynamic digital environments.
Academic Advisor: Guides students through academic planning and career choices, helping them meet graduation requirements and achieve personal goals. Though generally less rigorous academically than the degree, this job can be emotionally demanding due to the responsibility of supporting diverse student needs.
Community Outreach Coordinator: Creates and manages programs addressing community educational needs, often coordinating volunteers and events. This role prioritizes organizational and people skills over academic rigor; it is usually less intellectually demanding but challenging due to logistical complexities.
Curriculum Developer: Develops and evaluates instructional materials and educational programs for schools or publishers. The position is as demanding as the degree, requiring analytical and research skills akin to educational studies coursework, with a strong focus on detail and content expertise.
Daycare Provider or Teacher's Aide: Supports early childhood learning with hands-on care and basic instruction. These jobs tend to be less academically challenging than the major, emphasizing patience, communication, and routine management rather than advanced educational theory.

Regarding the Educational Studies degree job difficulty compared to coursework, recent data show that students typically maintain a moderate GPA of about 3.37, slightly above average. For those interested in the highest paying jobs for Educational Studies majors, career options often combine solid educational principles with practical skills. Students considering pathways can explore options through an affordable online bachelors degree that balances rigor with accessibility.

Do Educational Studies Graduates Earn Higher Salaries Because the Major Is Harder?

There is no clear evidence that educational studies graduates earn more because the major is more difficult. Salary levels do not directly correlate with the academic rigor of the field but instead depend on the skills acquired and how those skills are applied in the job market.

While some demanding majors, particularly in STEM fields, often lead to higher pay, educational studies is generally not considered among the most challenging or highest-paying disciplines. Market demand and the relevance of the skills gained tend to play a bigger role in determining income than the major's difficulty.

Several factors influence the earnings of those with an educational studies degree. Industry demand is key; for example, roles like instructional designer or education program manager tend to offer higher salaries compared to academic adviser or tutor positions.

Geographic location also affects pay due to variations in living costs and local job markets. Additionally, gaining relevant experience or advanced certifications often leads to better compensation. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, median annual wages for education graduates were about $55,000 in 2023, reflecting moderate earning potential shaped by job type and location rather than course difficulty.

What Graduates Say About Educational Studies as Their Major

Myles: "From a professional standpoint, educational studies required dedication and intellectual effort, but calling it "hard" depends on your passion for the subject. The cost, often averaging close to $100,000 total, was significant, but the major's impact on my ability to influence educational policies has been profound and fulfilling. The investment paid off with a meaningful career in education advocacy"

Zain: "Educational studies was surprisingly demanding, especially balancing theory with practical applications, but the experience opened many doors for me. Although the cost of attendance was a concern, with many students facing similar expenses, the knowledge I gained about diverse learning environments enriched my professional path in school counseling. Reflecting back, it was a valuable and eye-opening journey."

Louis: "Pursuing educational studies definitely challenged me, but it was also incredibly rewarding. The coursework pushed me to think critically about how education shapes lives, and despite the investment-tuition averaging around $25,000 per year-it felt worthwhile given the personal growth and career opportunities that followed. I now work in curriculum development, and I know the hard work was worth it."

Other Things You Should Know About Educational Studies Degrees

What types of coursework are involved in educational studies?

Educational studies programs typically include coursework in educational theory, psychology, sociology, and curriculum development. Students also engage in research methods and often study policy and administrative aspects of education. Practicum or observational experiences may be required to connect theory with classroom practice.

Does educational studies require a strong background in science or math?

No, educational studies does not heavily emphasize science or advanced math. While basic statistics may be part of research courses, the major primarily focuses on social sciences, humanities, and understanding learning processes rather than technical scientific or mathematical skills.

Are there standardized tests or certifications associated with educational studies?

Some educational studies programs prepare students to take certification exams, especially if they aim to become licensed teachers. However, the major itself typically does not require standardized tests beyond general university admissions and graduation requirements. Professional certifications depend on career goals, such as teaching licenses or counseling credentials.

How important are internships or field experience in educational studies?

Internships and field experiences are generally essential components of educational studies programs. They provide practical exposure to educational settings, helping students apply theoretical knowledge and develop skills for real-world challenges. The extent of required fieldwork varies by institution and program focus.