The 15 Strangest College Majors Offered Today

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We’ve already covered The 15 Strangest College Courses in America, but what if you want anentire degree devoted to weird stuff? As it turns out, there are plenty of options available. Whether you’re interested in bowling management, magic, parapsychology, or even The Beatles, there’s a degree out there for you, and many of them are surprisingly useful. Read on to discover 15 strange but real college majors available today.

Folklore & Mythology:

Does this degree even exist? At Harvard University, it does. Harvard has an entire committee for degrees in Folklore & Mythology. Founded in 1967, Harvard boasts the oldest undergrad program in this field. Students in this school study folklore and mythology in a variety of different cultures, taking courses including Witchcraft, Swahili Women Storytellers, and The Mythic Imagination. The committee reports that although many alumni of the program go on to teach and research within the field, many pursue more traditional careers including medicine, journalism, and law.

Adventure Education:

Green Mountain College in Vermont is full of adventurous students, thanks to its Adventure Education department. This program trains students to become professional leaders in adventure education, using the tools of adventure to teach participants and clientele. Students in the program can achieve a B.S. in Adventure Education, with minors available in Adventure Education, Recreation, and Therapeutic Adventure. Academic features of the program include rock instructor courses, raft guide training, backpacking, and student-planned expeditions.

Magic:

Yes, you really can major in the study of magic. But don’t be fooled, there’s only one magician with a Bachelor of Magic: Jordan Goldklang, a 2010 graduate of Indiana University. Goldklang created this course of study through IU’s Individualized Major Program. Although we haven’t heard of any more budding magicians following suit, we’re sure that IU would be open to a new magic man (or woman) on campus.

Comedy:

Here’s a major that’s guaranteed to be a barrel of laughs: comedy. At Southampton Solent University in the U.K., students take comedy seriously, as students learn the mechanics of comedic writing and performance, including sitcom and stand-up. Teaching staff include high-profile comedians in the industry, many of whom have worked in famous comedy clubs and with the BBC. Students learn to analyze comedy, understand satire, and master the art of performance. Students enjoy the opportunity to use university radio and TV studios, and the network of their well-connected professors.

Parapsychology:

The Koestler Parapsychology Unit at the University of Edinburgh offers an intense course in the study of parapsychology. That is, the existence of psychic ability and belief in the paranormal. This subject has been taught at the University of Edinburgh for more than 40 years, offering reliable, balanced information for critical thinking on parapsychological concepts. There’s plenty to learn from the Koestler Parapsychology Unit, and you don’t even have to go to Scotland to do it: starting this fall, they’ll be offering an online course in parapsychology. On-campus courses include History of Unorthodox Psychology and Parapsychology.

The Beatles:

Plenty of people like The Beatles, but some people really like The Beatles, so much so that they’ll devote an entire master’s degree to the study of the band. At Liverpool Hope University, students can enjoy The Beatles, Popular Music and Society master’s degree, examining the band’s cultural, musical, and historical impact. Started in 2009, only a select few have graduated from this program so far. We’re thinking that they’re in high demand by just about every record shop out there.

Canadian Studies:

What’s so great about Canada, eh? You can find out in the Canadian Studies program at SUNY Plattsburg. With a full course load exploring Canada’s culture, economics, and world impact, graduates of the program are well-versed in all that Canada has to offer. They can even study at Canadian universities to get a first-hand experience. SUNY reports that this major is especially useful for students who intend to work in international trade, intergovernmental affairs, travel, economic development, and public relations.

Puppetry:

At the University of Connecticut, you’ll find both undergrad and graduate degrees in puppetry. UConn has a rich history of puppetry studies, dating back to classes that started in 1964, classes that were so popular, the university had to limit enrollment. These classes eventually grew into the programs that are offered today: a BFA, MA, and MFA in puppetry. Students in the program study lighting, scenes, costumes, performance, and more in the world of puppetry. This world-renowned puppetry program produces graduates that go on to perform and design for theaters around the world, working in internationally recognized TV programs, museums, films, and even toy design.

Professional Nanny:

Babysitting is something that most students do as teens, but for those who want to make it a profession, Sullivan University offers a professional nanny program. This program is for child care workers who would like to really set themselves apart when it comes to being skilled in the art of caring for children. Graduates of the professional nanny program complete courses in child development, nutrition, family dynamics, lesson planning, and even get certified in CPR, first aid, and water safety. They’ll also experience 180 clock hours in externships with childcare centers and in-home care. Graduates of the program go on to become day nannies or even live-in nannies for specific families.

Mime:

Don’t have much to say? You might consider pursing a course of study from the New Jersey Center for Mime, offered by Yass Hakoshima. At this institute, you’ll learn about the aspects of mime and movement, from theory to performance. Courses are open to professionals, amateurs, and even educational providers. Graduates of the program leave with new skills and an increase of physical and mental strength. And of course, the ability to practice as a mime.

Decision Making:

In this doctoral program, the indecisive need not apply. With degrees in decision sciences, information systems, and operations management, this program is designed for business leaders, researchers, and teachers responsible for critical management decisions. Students of this program will learn about analytical decision making through mathematical problems, tackling issues in finance, marketing, operations, and more.

Bowling Management:

Can’t get enough of bowling? Perhaps you should manage your own bowling alley, and you can learn how to do just that from Vincennes University’s program in Bowling Industry Management and Technology. With the only bowling management degree program in the country, Vincennes offers a comprehensive study of bowling center management, sales, marketing, and technology. Students can learn from the on-site 18 lane bowling center lab, instructor and NJCAA hall of fame coach Gary Sparks, and even take part in the school’s top-ranked collegiate bowling team.

Medical Marijuana:

We’re not even sure if this is real, but it does seem plausible, considering the high growth of the medical marijuana industry. Founded in 2007, Oaksterdam University is America’s first cannabis college, offering degrees in cannabis horticulture, sales, even cannabis culinary arts. Students will learn about the laws, politics, history, patient relations, and more surrounding the sale of marijuana. Graduates are prepared to enter the cannabis job market and to even operate medical marijuana dispensaries of their own.

Turfgrass Management:

Most people don’t give grass a moment’s notice, but turf really is a big deal. Golf courses, communities, even professional sports depend on beautiful, healthy grass, and Michigan State is graduating professionals that can manage it. MSU’s Turfgrass Science program offers degrees in turfgrass management for golf courses, as well as sports and commercial applications, plus degrees in turfgrass management and American Sino turfgrass education. Students learn about urban agriculture, lawn management, park and grounds maintenance, and more. We bet the professors have beautifully landscaped lawns.

Packaging:

Don’t dare tell students of the University of Wisconsin Stout’s packaging program to “think outside the box.” They’re too busy focusing on the box, learning about using packaging to protect, market, and facilitate products for use. Although like turfgrass, most people don’t consider the importance of packaging in daily life, the B.S. Degree in Packaging from UWS produces professionals that are an important part of the multibillion dollar packaging industry.

Contacts and sources:
Elena Verlee