What Bachelor's Degree Requires the Least Amount of Math?

Written by Coursera Staff • Updated on

Learn more about the different degrees you can earn that require the least amount of math classes possible while completing your studies.

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Not everyone enjoys math class, and that’s perfectly okay. You can still earn a bachelor’s degree in many different areas without needing to take a math course every year. Whether you find math uninteresting or becoming an unwanted source of stress, you can still pursue a degree while avoiding spending too much time performing calculations. In this article, you can explore the many degrees you can earn with minimal math requirements to find an area of study that’s right for you and your career interests, too.

What bachelor's degree requires the least amount of math? 

You can find several bachelor’s degrees with minimal math requirements necessary to fulfill the general education requirements. For example, at the University of Pittsburgh, students must complete a university-level math course with a grade of C- or better as long as they meet the algebra prerequisite.  However, by choosing majors that focus on art, literature, foreign languages, and history rather than math, you can build skills that will be more relevant to your career interests. 

Read more: What Is an Undergraduate Degree?

14 bachelor’s degrees that don’t require much math

When searching for a bachelor’s degree, you have plenty of options that won’t have you performing calculations all semester. The following offers a look at the (almost) math-free degrees you can earn so you can focus more on the subjects that interest you. 

1. English

Majoring in English lets you focus your coursework more on reading and writing. You will develop valuable skills in areas such as persuasive writing, communication, and critical thinking in courses revolving around areas including classic literature, American literature, as well as language and culture. With a bachelor’s degree in English, you can become a journalist, technical writer, teacher, communications director, and much more.

2. International studies

International studies is an exciting major where your learning will highlight areas like geography, economics, history, religion, globalization, and foreign languages so that you can learn more about other countries and cultures around the world. A degree in international studies will allow you to compete in the global job market for several positions in journalism, international consulting, government, human rights, and international organizations.

3. Music 

If you have a passion for music, earning a bachelor’s degree in music is a fantastic way to set yourself up for a career doing what you love. Coursework in a music degree program typically includes subject material relating to music history and theory, music technology, and music education. This degree can help you prepare and qualify for careers as a music teacher, conductor, composer, or recording engineer.

4. Theater

You can find yourself working in the performing arts field by earning a theater degree. Coursework for theater majors generally includes subject matter about the history of dramatic literature, setting up technical productions, and performative professional theater training. With a bachelor’s degree in theater, you could work behind the scenes in wardrobe, directing, and design or shine center stage as a performer.

5. Anthropology

Anthropology is the study of humans and the overall human experience. The coursework teaches you about ancient civilizations, where we came from, who we were prehistorically compared to today, and our biological components as well. Some career possibilities for anthropology majors include working as an archeologist, primatologist, museum curator, or, of course, anthropologist.

6. Foreign language

Knowing how to communicate in a foreign language can be a considerable separator in the job market, allowing you to stand out amongst other candidates. Coursework in this major can revolve around the specific language in which you want to gain communication skills and the cultural importance of spoken language. With a foreign language degree, you can apply for jobs as a diplomat, flight attendant, language teacher, and several other public service roles.

7. History

History is a popular degree choice where you can learn more about the human experience throughout our world's history. Learning about how things once were thousands of years ago and in several different areas of human life, your coursework will involve areas such as war, globalization, economics, religion, technology, social structures, and much more. With a history degree, you can pursue positions as a history professor, journalist, archivist, or historian, amongst other roles. 

Read more: What Is a Community College?

8. Psychology

Majoring in psychology will allow you to understand human behavior better and what goes on in our minds. During your studies, you will learn about developmental psychology, cognitive psychology, social psychology, general psychology, and research methods. This major opens you up to careers where you can positively impact people’s lives in positions such as substance abuse counselor, social worker, case manager, or career counselor. 

9. Theology 

Theology is the study of religion and how religion is expressed in today’s world and in the past. While studying theology, coursework typically includes ethics, apologetics, and ancient churches. After earning a bachelor’s degree in theology, you can pursue a career as a religious education teacher, pastor, missionary, counselor, youth worker, or nonprofit leader.

10. Education

If you’re interested in a career in the classroom, earning a bachelor’s degree in education is a great choice. Coursework revolves around elementary or high school-age education and developing skills to help students learn, with the option to specialize in specific subject areas when working with older students. This degree opens you to career possibilities outside of teaching as a corporate trainer, school counselor, or school program director.

11. Communications

Communication is a crucial part of performing well in positions across virtually every field, whether that's written or verbal communication. In your communication degree studies, you will take courses to learn about media, interpersonal relationships, organizational structures, and the practice of communication. Your education will help prepare you for a career as a speechwriter, marketing specialist, public affairs specialist, communications director, and more.

12. Political science

Political science combines science and human perspectives to understand public policies, government, and how people exercise power in different situations. You can expect your political science coursework to include political theory, international relations, American politics, and comparative politics. After earning your bachelor’s degree, you can pursue a career as a political analyst, public relations specialist, campaign assistant, and many other government and law-related roles.

13. Graphic design

Studying graphic design can help you learn how to visually communicate information for purposes such as branding, advertisements, or website layouts. While earning your degree, your courses will focus on areas such as color theory, web design, typography, image generation, and 3D design. Potential careers for graphic design graduates include graphic designers, product developers, marketing specialists, or UX designers.

14. Philosophy

Studying philosophy allows you to gain a more robust understanding of the nature of our reality, who we are, and how we can differentiate right from wrong. You can break down philosophy studies into four main areas, practical philosophy, the history of philosophy, theoretical philosophy, and logic. After graduating, you could pursue a career as a writer, historian, public policy professional, or teacher.

Read more: What Are College Credits?

Getting started with Coursera

On Coursera, you can find highly-rated courses to help you identify the right degree path based on your career aspirations. For example, Career Planning: Your Career, Your Life from Macquarie University will assist you with planning the next steps in your career and offer practical suggestions.

Career Discovery from the University System of Georgia is another great option to learn more about your unique strengths, prepare your resume, and show you how to research career options effectively.

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This content has been made available for informational purposes only. Learners are advised to conduct additional research to ensure that courses and other credentials pursued meet their personal, professional, and financial goals.