Quick Answer
For students who enjoy science but struggle with math, there are several potential college majors to consider that minimize math requirements while allowing you to study scientific topics that interest you. Some top options include:
- Biology
- Environmental Science
- Nursing
- Health Science
- Forensic Science
- Neuroscience
- Psychology
- Anthropology
- Geography
- Archaeology
Many science-oriented majors only require one or two semesters of college-level math, such as statistics or calculus. And some majors have no math requirements at all beyond basic high school math. Focus on your strengths and interests, not just your weaknesses, when choosing a major.
Evaluating Your Science Interests
Before deciding on a specific major, reflect on what you enjoy about science in general. Consider:
- Do you prefer biological sciences like studying plants, animals, and the human body?
- Are you interested in the environment, ecosystems, and sustainability?
- Do you like conducting experiments in a laboratory setting?
- Are you curious about the human mind and behavior?
- Do you like thinking about how the natural world works?
- Are you interested in the origin and development of human societies?
Getting a better sense of your scientific passions will help narrow down potential majors. Talk to your school counselor about taking a career assessment test. Job shadowing and internships are also great ways to explore different science-related fields firsthand.
Considering the Math Requirements
While evaluating majors, carefully examine the math courses required. Many science majors require:
- Statistics – Analyzing data and probabilities
- Calculus – Functions, derivatives, integrals
- Other specialized math – Linear algebra, differential equations
However, some majors have no specific math requirements or only require basic high school algebra. Avoid majors with extensive math unless you excel at and enjoy higher math. Consider taking a college math class while in high school to see if you are prepared to continue math studies.
Also look for majors that allow you to fulfill math requirements with applicable statistics or quantitative methods courses within the major’s department. For example, a psychology student might take Psychological Statistics instead of Calculus to fulfill a math requirement.
Choosing Among Promising Majors
Once you’ve identified majors aligned with your academic and career interests, consider other factors:
- Career options – Research typical careers and earning potential for graduates.
- Program reputation – Compare programs at different schools.
- Cost – Consider affordability and expected returns on investment.
- School culture – Determine if the environment seems like a good fit.
- Location – Decide if you prefer an urban or rural setting.
Schedule visits to experience campus life firsthand at your top choices. Reach out to current students in your potential major for insights as well.
Top Science Majors to Consider
Here is an overview of some of the best science majors to explore if you enjoy science but want to limit math requirements:
Biology
Biology majors study living organisms and their biological processes. Coursework explores cells, genetics, evolution, plant and animal biology, human anatomy, ecology, and more. Math requirements may include statistics and calculus but vary by program. Biology prepares students for careers like:
- Physician
- Veterinarian
- Pharmacist
- Research scientist
- Lab technician
- Science writer
Environmental Science
Environmental science majors examine the interconnected systems of the environment and how human activity impacts them. Courses cover ecology, sustainability, pollution, climate change, renewable energy, and more. Math requirements are typically moderate, involving statistics and sometimes calculus. Careers include:
- Conservation scientist
- Park ranger
- Policy analyst
- Land manager
- Sustainability consultant
- Outdoor educator
Nursing
Nursing students learn to provide skilled and compassionate patient care. The major covers human anatomy, physiology, nutrition, disease prevention, treatment protocols, and more. Most nursing programs have no college math requirement beyond basic algebra. Nurses can work in:
- Hospitals
- Physician offices
- Urgent care
- Nursing homes
- Home health care
- Public health
Health Science
A health science major provides a comprehensive overview of the healthcare system and prepares students for a variety of roles. Courses explore public health, kinesiology, health policy, community health education, and more. Limited college math is required. Graduates work in settings like:
- Hospitals
- Health departments
- Insurance companies
- Non-profits
- Research organizations
Forensic Science
Forensic science majors learn to apply scientific and investigative techniques in legal settings. The major covers biology, chemistry, criminal justice, and evidence analysis. Required math often includes statistics but not calculus. Graduates can pursue careers as:
- Crime scene investigator
- Forensics lab technician
- Ballistics analyst
- Digital forensics analyst
- Criminalist
Neuroscience
Neuroscience focuses on the biology of the nervous system and brain. Courses explore brain anatomy, cognition, neurophysiology, learning and memory, sensory systems, and more. Math requirements vary but may include calculus, statistics, and biomechanics. Career paths include:
- Neuroscientist
- Neuropsychologist
- Neurologist
- Speech pathologist
- Healthcare administrator
Psychology
Psychology students systematically study human thought, emotion, and behavior through courses like developmental psychology, social psychology, cognitive psychology, and research methods. Only one or two math courses, typically statistics, are required. Psychologists find employment as:
- Mental health counselors
- School psychologists
- Clinical psychologists
- Sports psychologists
- Industrial-organizational psychologists
Anthropology
Anthropology majors examine human culture, society, and biology through areas like archaeology, linguistics, and physical anthropology. Coursework emphasizes qualitative over quantitative methods, so math requirements are minimal. Career pathways include:
- Archaeologist
- Cultural resource manager
- Forensic anthropologist
- Linguistic anthropologist
- International development
Geography
Geography explores patterns on the earth’s surface, including culture, climate, vegetation, populations, transportation, urbanization, and more. Only one or two math courses, such as statistics, are typically required. Geography graduates may work as:
- Cartographers
- GIS analysts
- Urban planners
- Demographers
- Environmental consultants
Archaeology
Archaeology utilizes scientific techniques to study material remains of past human cultures. Coursework combines archaeology, anthropology, history, and field research methods. Math requirements are limited to statistics. Archaeologists are employed by:
- Colleges and universities
- Museums
- Government agencies
- Private cultural resource management firms
Complementing Your Major
To open up additional career opportunities, consider pursuing a double major or minor that complements your primary science major. For example:
| Primary Major | Complementary Major/Minor |
|---|---|
| Biology | Chemistry, Business, Technical Writing |
| Nursing | Psychology, Spanish, Nutrition |
| Environmental Science | GIS, Journalism, Political Science |
| Health Science | Communications, Healthcare Administration, Public Health |
Dual majors demonstrate expanded expertise to employers. Minors also strengthen your resume.
Finding the Right Fit
The ideal major for you aligns with your innate strengths, interests, values, and personality. Instead of avoiding math entirely, work to improve your skills and consider majors that incorporate the types of applied math you find most palatable. Statistics skills, for example, are highly useful in any field.
Ultimately, choose a science-oriented major that excites you so you stay motivated to meet its challenges. Also assemble a network of mentors, professors, tutors, and student support services to help guide you through to graduation and a fulfilling science career.
Conclusion
For students passionate about science but concerned about extensive math requirements, excellent college major options exist. Research majors like biology, environmental science, health science, nursing, anthropology, and psychology to find well-aligned programs with moderate math expectations, focusing on statistics over calculus. Complement your interests with a second major or minor for expanded career opportunities. Choose a supportive college environment that will help you thrive academically in your chosen scientific field. Matching your major to your natural capabilities and interests will lead to the greatest chance of college and career success.