STEM Major Degree Tier List (2021)

The video script begins with an introduction to a highly requested topic: ranking STEM degrees from best to worst. The speaker acknowledges the pandemic's impact on the relevance of certain degrees and outlines the tiers used for ranking, from S-tier (best) to F-tier (worst). The discussion emphasizes that while some degrees offer long-term payoffs, others may not be worth the investment. The speaker also promotes their College 101 course for further guidance on choosing a college degree and encourages viewers to subscribe to the channel and engage with the content.

The speaker discusses Actuarial Science as the first degree on the list, noting its focus on risk calculation and the potential for high-paying jobs as an actuary. While the degree is highly regarded, the speaker points out that a Mathematics degree with additional classes could serve the same purpose, making Actuarial Science less flexible. Despite this, the degree's strong job demand and earnings potential place it in a high tier.

The speaker critiques Agriculture and Animal Science degrees, arguing that these fields are better learned through hands-on experience rather than classroom instruction. The speaker believes that the theoretical approach of these degrees does not align well with the practical nature of farming and working with animals, leading to poor job statistics and a placement in the F-tier.

Architecture is discussed as a field where classroom learning is essential, despite the difficulty of entering the profession with only a bachelor's degree. The speaker acknowledges the saturation in the architecture job market and the need for higher education to succeed. Biochemistry, on the other hand, is praised for its usefulness and versatility, especially as a pre-med degree. Both degrees have their merits, but the speaker notes the importance of further education for Architecture, placing it in the C-tier, while Biochemistry is ranked higher.

Computer Science is hailed as a top-tier degree due to the vast opportunities in the tech industry and the ability to teach oneself through boot camps. The speaker emphasizes that a formal degree is beneficial but not strictly necessary for success. Engineering degrees are also highly regarded, with the speaker noting that while they may not be as in-demand as computer science degrees, they remain excellent choices due to their rigorous academic nature and strong future prospects, placing them in the S-tier.

Environmental Studies is discussed with a note of caution, as the speaker believes that the field's job market statistics are not favorable, suggesting that Environmental Engineering may be a better choice. Exercise Physiology is criticized for its poor job prospects, with the speaker arguing that the value of a personal trainer lies in motivation rather than academic knowledge, leading to a placement in the F-tier for both degrees.

Food Science is recognized as a relatively useful degree, especially for those interested in the food industry, but the speaker notes that other degrees like Chemistry or Biochemistry may offer more flexibility and similar job opportunities. Forestry is acknowledged for its appeal to those who love the outdoors but is criticized for its poor job market statistics and limited career prospects, resulting in a placement in the D-tier.

Geology is discussed as a degree with variable job prospects, often tied to the volatility of the gas and energy industries. The speaker notes that while Geology offers a relatively flexible degree, it may not provide consistent job security. Information Technology degrees are praised for their great pay and job opportunities, especially in the tech industry. The speaker suggests that while self-teaching is possible, a formal degree makes the path to a career much easier, placing IT degrees in the A-tier.

A Mathematics degree is discussed as a challenging and abstract field, with the speaker noting that further education is often required to become a mathematician. Despite potential difficulties in finding a first job, a Mathematics background is valued in the job market. Neuroscience is recognized as studying the complex human brain, with the speaker pointing out the need for higher education for most career paths in this field. While the degree is not as flexible as others, it does not have the worst statistics, placing it in the C-tier.

Physics is described as one of the most difficult degrees, with graduates often seen as assets by companies due to their problem-solving skills, despite the degree's lack of direct employability. The speaker notes that Physics degrees are unlikely to become saturated due to their difficulty. Psychology is highlighted as a highly popular and saturated degree, with the speaker recommending that viewers pursue higher education in this field to improve their job prospects, resulting in a D-tier placement.

Recreation and Leisure Studies are criticized for their lack of job market demand and employable skills, leading to an F-tier placement. The speaker humorously references the show 'Parks and Rec' to illustrate the impracticality of studying fun as a career. Statistics degrees are contrasted as more immediately useful and practical than Mathematics, with the speaker advocating for the补充 of programming skills to enhance employability, resulting in a high A-tier status.