College Majors You’ll Have to See to Believe
When Maya told her friends she was majoring in Theme Park Engineering, everyone laughed—until she explained she’d be learning physics, architecture, and ride design at Purdue University. Then her roommate chimed in: she was studying Fermentation Science at Oregon State, spending her senior year brewing beer and researching kombucha cultures. College has always been a place for exploration, but today’s college majors take that to a whole new level.
When Maya told her friends she was majoring in Theme Park Engineering, everyone laughed—until she explained she’d be learning physics, architecture, and ride design at Purdue University. Then her roommate chimed in: she was studying Fermentation Science at Oregon State, spending her senior year brewing beer and researching kombucha cultures. College has always been a place for exploration, but today’s college majors take that to a whole new level.
Gone are the days when students only picked between business, biology, or English. Colleges are now offering creative and surprisingly practical programs that prepare students for careers you won’t find in any traditional textbook. According to the National Center for Education Statistics (2025), more than 57% of U.S. universities have added at least one “specialized or emerging” degree since 2018. These programs bridge the gap between passion and profession—and often turn niche interests into full-time careers.
| Unique Major | University | What Students Study | Career Paths |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fermentation Science | Oregon State University | Microbiology, Brewing, Product Development | Brewer, Quality Control Analyst |
| Theme Park Engineering | Purdue University | Physics, Design, Engineering | Ride Engineer, Park Planner |
| Adventure Education | Plymouth State University | Outdoor Leadership, Risk Management | Wilderness Guide, Outdoor Program Director |
| Puppetry Arts | University of Connecticut | Design, Theater, Voice Acting | Puppeteer, Stage Designer |
| Comic Art | Minneapolis College of Art and Design | Illustration, Storytelling, Digital Media | Comic Artist, Animator |
When “Weird” Becomes Wonderful
These unusual college majors may sound quirky, but they’re rooted in real-world demand. Theme parks need engineers. Breweries need fermentation experts. Even puppetry plays a role in film and therapy. Instead of forcing students into traditional boxes, modern universities are expanding what counts as “serious study.”
Consider a few examples:
- The University of Kentucky offers a degree in Equine Studies—a program entirely devoted to horse science and management.
- At UC Berkeley, students can pursue Cognitive Science, a mix of psychology, computer science, and philosophy that once seemed too experimental to be real.
- And Utah State University offers Aviation Technology with Drone Operations, training students for jobs that didn’t even exist 15 years ago.
What It Means for Students and Parents
For students, these majors prove that college can be both imaginative and employable. For parents, they show how education is catching up with today’s evolving industries. Choosing a college major isn’t just about playing it safe—it’s about finding the balance between creativity and career readiness.
We’ll walk you through some of the weirdest and most fascinating college majors shaping the future of education, exploring how each one blends curiosity, culture, and cutting-edge skills in ways that might surprise you.
At Scholarlysphere , we help students and parents make smart, confident choices about college majors, admissions, budgeting, and college life—because the right degree might just be the one nobody’s heard of yet.
The 10 Weirdest (but Real) College Majors You Never Knew Existed
1. Fermentation Science — Oregon State University
You’ve probably never imagined earning a degree by studying yeast—but Fermentation Science is one of Oregon State University’s most innovative college majors.
Students explore:
- Microbiology and chemistry of fermentation
- Brewing, winemaking, and dairy processing
- Business management and sustainability
Career options:
- Brewer or winemaker
- Food scientist
- Quality assurance analyst
Fun fact: The U.S. craft beer industry now generates over $28 billion annually (Brewers Association, 2025), and graduates from this major are in high demand.
2. Adventure Education — Plymouth State University
If you’d rather scale a mountain than sit in a lecture hall, this college major might be your dream degree.
Adventure Education combines physical training with leadership, psychology, and risk management.
Students learn:
- Wilderness survival and expedition planning
- Outdoor leadership and education
- Environmental ethics
Career paths:
- Wilderness guide
- Outdoor program director
- Environmental educator
Why it matters: The outdoor recreation economy supports 4.5 million jobs nationwide (Outdoor Industry Association, 2024).
3. Theme Park Engineering — Purdue University
Roller coasters, animatronics, and virtual rides aren’t just fun—they’re feats of engineering. Theme Park Engineeringturns childhood wonder into serious science.
| Focus Areas | Courses | Career Options |
|---|---|---|
| Ride Mechanics | Physics, Materials Science | Ride Design Engineer |
| Park Design | Architecture, Computer Modeling | Attraction Planner |
| Guest Experience | Human Factors Engineering | Operations Director |
Graduates work for Disney, Universal, and Six Flags—designing attractions that combine art, technology, and emotion.
4. Puppetry Arts — University of Connecticut
Believe it or not, UConn offers one of the few college majors in Puppetry Arts worldwide. It’s not just about crafting cute characters—it’s a blend of fine arts, theater, and storytelling.
Students study:
- Puppet design and construction
- Movement and voice performance
- Scriptwriting and set design
Career opportunities:
- Puppeteer in film or theater
- TV character designer
- Art therapist or educator
Fun fact: UConn alumni have worked on productions for Sesame Street and The Muppets.
5. Comic Art — Minneapolis College of Art and Design
For students who live and breathe graphic novels, Comic Art is a fully accredited bachelor’s program that brings visual storytelling to life.
Courses include:
- Sequential illustration
- Narrative design
- Digital publishing and layout
Career paths:
- Comic book artist
- Storyboard illustrator
- Game designer
With the graphic novel industry surpassing $1.3 billion in annual revenue (Publishers Weekly, 2024), this “niche” major is gaining real-world traction.
6. Bowling Industry Management — Vincennes University
Yes, this is real. Vincennes University in Indiana offers a Bowling Industry Management and Technology degree. Students learn everything about managing modern entertainment centers.
Program highlights:
- Facility management
- Business administration
- Bowling center equipment repair
Careers:
- Bowling alley manager
- Equipment technician
- Event operations manager
It’s a surprisingly stable field—recreation management is projected to grow 7% by 2030 (Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2025).
7. Astrobiology — Arizona State University
While some students study life on Earth, Astrobiology majors at ASU study life beyond it.
Core topics:
- Planetary science
- Microbiology and biochemistry
- Space mission data analysis
Graduates work as:
- NASA researchers
- Science educators
- Data analysts in aerospace firms
This interdisciplinary college major brings together biology, chemistry, and astronomy to explore one question: Are we alone?
8. Viticulture and Enology — Cornell University
Cornell’s Viticulture and Enology program teaches students the science and art of grape growing and winemaking.
You’ll study:
- Plant biology and soil chemistry
- Sensory analysis of wine
- Vineyard business management
Careers include:
- Vineyard manager
- Enologist (wine scientist)
- Wine marketing consultant
With global wine sales reaching $332 billion in 2024 (Statista), it’s a perfect blend of agriculture and entrepreneurship.
9. Packaging Science — Rochester Institute of Technology
Every box, bottle, and bag you touch is the work of packaging engineers. At RIT, Packaging Science is a technical major with endless job potential.
| Study Area | Real-World Skill | Career Use |
|---|---|---|
| Material Science | Eco-friendly design | Sustainability consulting |
| Graphic Design | Brand packaging | Marketing support |
| Supply Chain Logistics | Distribution efficiency | Product engineering |
Job demand: The packaging industry employs over 400,000 professionals nationwide (IBISWorld, 2025).
10. EcoGastronomy — University of New Hampshire
What you eat says as much about the planet as it does about your palate. The EcoGastronomy major fuses food, sustainability, and cultural studies.
Students explore:
- Sustainable agriculture
- Global food systems
- Culinary traditions and ethics
Careers:
- Sustainability coordinator
- Food policy analyst
- Culinary consultant
Fun fact: Students spend a semester in Italy studying local food systems and farm-to-table practices.
What These Weird Majors Reveal About Education
These degrees might sound strange, but they reveal how college majors are evolving to meet the world’s shifting needs. Today’s job market rewards specialization, creativity, and adaptability—traits these programs are built to develop.
Here’s how these majors compare in a broader context:
| Category | Focus | Example Majors | Career Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| Science & Tech | Innovation and research | Astrobiology, Packaging Science | Research, Engineering |
| Art & Culture | Creativity and storytelling | Puppetry Arts, Comic Art | Media, Entertainment |
| Nature & Sustainability | Ecology and production | EcoGastronomy, Viticulture | Agriculture, Policy |
| Recreation & Design | Experience and leadership | Adventure Education, Theme Park Engineering | Management, Design |
Key takeaways for students and parents:
Flexibility for the future: As industries evolve, unique degrees offer diverse career options.
Interdisciplinary learning: Students blend art, science, and business skills in ways traditional majors rarely allow.
Embracing the Unusual in Higher Education
Choosing a college major doesn’t have to fit the mold. As we’ve explored, programs like Fermentation Science, Theme Park Engineering, and Puppetry Arts might seem unconventional—but they offer real skills, career paths, and opportunities for innovation.
These majors prove that higher education is evolving to meet a world where creativity, technology, and niche expertise are increasingly valuable. Students no longer need to choose between passion and practicality—they can have both.
Here are some key lessons for students and parents:
- Follow your curiosity. Unique majors often combine multiple disciplines, fostering versatile skills.
- Consider career potential. Research shows niche fields can lead to specialized, high-paying jobs.
- Look at the industry. Trends in craft brewing, gaming, sustainability, and theme parks are creating new job opportunities.
- Stay flexible. Even if your first choice seems weird, skills learned often transfer to multiple careers.
- Balance fun with focus. The best outcomes happen when passion and market demand intersect.
At Scholarlysphere , we help families and students navigate the ever-changing landscape of college majors, admissions, budgeting, and college life. By exploring both traditional and unconventional options, you can make informed decisions that suit both your personality and your future career goals.
Remember: today’s “weird” majors could become tomorrow’s hottest industries. They demonstrate that education is more adaptable, diverse, and exciting than ever before. The right college major doesn’t just prepare you for a job—it helps you carve a unique path, develop specialized skills, and stand out in a crowded job market.
So as you think about your next steps, ask yourself: which unusual college major could turn your curiosity into a career you never imagined?
References
Allied Market Research. (2024). Comic book market analysis 2024. https://www.alliedmarketresearch.com/comic-book-market-A98892
Arizona State University. (n.d.). Astrobiology. https://asu.edu/majors/astrobiology
Brewers Association. (2025). Economic impact data. https://www.brewersassociation.org/statistics-and-data/economic-impact-data/
Cornell University. (n.d.). Viticulture and enology. https://grapecollege.cornell.edu/majors/viticulture-enology
FinTech. (2025). How the beer industry powers the U.S. economy in 2025. https://fintech.com/blog/how-the-beer-industry-powers-the-us-economy-in-2025
ICv2. (2025). Comics & graphic novel sales 2024. https://icv2.com/articles/markets/view/60012/comics-graphic-novel-sales-2024
Minneapolis College of Art and Design. (n.d.). Comic art program. https://mcad.edu/programs/comic-art
Oregon State University. (n.d.). Fermentation science. https://fermentation.oregonstate.edu/
Plymouth State University. (n.d.). Adventure education. https://www.plymouth.edu/academics/adventure-education
Purdue University. (n.d.). Theme park engineering program. https://polytechnic.purdue.edu/degrees/theme-park-engineering
Recreation Roundtable. (2023). New data shows outdoor recreation is a $1.2 trillion economic engine supporting 5 million American jobs. https://recreationroundtable.org/news/new-data-shows-outdoor-recreation-is-a-1-2-trillion-economic-engine-supporting-5-million-american-jobs/
University of Connecticut. (n.d.). Puppetry arts. https://puppetry.uconn.edu/
Vincennes University. (n.d.). Bowling industry management and technology. https://www.vinu.edu/programs/bowling-industry-management
