Which Degree is Rarest? Unveiling the Most Unique College Degrees

Have you ever wondered which degree is the rarest to pursue? It’s not as simple as picking a field that’s less popular. Some degrees are not just rare in terms of numbers, but also in terms of their uniqueness, the expertise they require, and the impact they have on the world. Let’s dive into this intriguing question and uncover the degrees that are not only rare but also fascinating.

The Rarity of Specialized Degrees

Some degrees are inherently rare because they focus on highly specialized fields or disciplines that attract only a handful of students. These programs often require extensive knowledge, dedication, and sometimes a bit of a leap of faith in pursuing something so niche.

Astronomy and Astrophysics: The Cosmic Dream

One degree that stands out is Astronomy or Astrophysics. While many universities offer courses in basic physics or general science, specialized programs in the study of the universe are rare. The numbers of students pursuing this field are small because it’s demanding, both academically and financially.

A friend of mine, Rachel, always dreamt of becoming an astrophysicist. She told me once how difficult it was to even find a program in her country, let alone gain acceptance. After a lot of searching, she finally enrolled in a specialized astrophysics program in a university abroad, but even there, the class sizes were extremely small. And here’s the kicker: it’s not just rare in terms of the number of students, but also because the job market for astrophysicists is competitive. Still, for those with a deep passion for the stars, this degree offers a sense of accomplishment like no other.

Linguistics with a Focus on Endangered Languages

Another incredibly rare and impactful degree is Linguistics, specifically focusing on endangered languages. With fewer people speaking these languages, there’s a growing need for linguists to document, preserve, and revitalize them. Yet, because the field is niche, not every university offers such programs. I recently had a chat with Sam, a linguistics graduate who studied endangered languages, and he shared how his degree was one of the few in his region. Now, Sam works with indigenous communities to document languages that might otherwise vanish forever. It’s rare, but incredibly meaningful.

Degrees That Require Extreme Commitment

Some rare degrees are ones that require an intense level of commitment. These fields are so demanding and specific that only the most dedicated individuals pursue them.

Veterinary Science (Exotic Animal Focus)

When you think of Veterinary Science, the first thing that comes to mind is treating dogs and cats, right? But the field becomes rarer and even more specialized when it focuses on exotic animals—think tigers, bears, or even elephants. These programs require students to have a deep commitment to studying and working with wild or endangered species.

A friend of mine, Daniel, was passionate about exotic animals, and he went through years of intense training to specialize in veterinary care for wildlife. It’s not a field many people think about, but for Daniel, working with animals like tigers and pandas has been the fulfillment of a lifelong dream. The number of people entering this specialty is extremely low, making it not just rare but deeply rewarding for those who have the heart for it.

Marine Biology: Studying the Unknown Depths

Marine Biology is another example of a field where the degree is rare but vital. The oceans cover more than 70% of the Earth’s surface, and yet, there’s still so much to learn about marine ecosystems. A degree in Marine Biology, especially one focusing on the deep sea or coral reef conservation, is incredibly specialized.

I remember chatting with a marine biologist who had spent years studying the Great Barrier Reef. She shared how the field had fewer students each year, as the work was often isolating and required long hours under the sea. But it was also one of the most rewarding careers—she was part of efforts to save ecosystems critical to the health of our planet. It's rare, and it takes passion, patience, and an adventurous spirit.

Technology and Emerging Fields

With the rise of technology, certain degrees are becoming rare because they focus on emerging fields that may not yet be widely understood or offered at all universities.

Quantum Computing

Quantum computing is one of the most exciting (and rare) fields in tech right now. The concepts are mind-bending, and the field is still in its infancy, with a few universities offering specialized programs in this area. This degree requires a deep understanding of physics and advanced mathematics, and as you can imagine, not everyone can handle the complexity of quantum algorithms.

One of my colleagues, Emma, is currently pursuing a PhD in Quantum Computing. She told me how the field is so niche that they regularly hold conferences where only a handful of researchers attend. Quantum computing is the future, but right now, it's a rare specialty for a select few minds who can navigate the quantum realm.

Artificial Intelligence Ethics

As Artificial Intelligence (AI) continues to evolve, a new degree field is emerging—AI Ethics. While AI technologies are being adopted in many industries, the ethical implications of these advancements are being studied less. Universities are beginning to offer degrees focused on understanding how AI affects society, privacy, and the economy.

This degree is rare because it’s so new. In fact, when I first heard about it, I didn’t even think it would be a degree people would pursue. But it’s crucial for ensuring that AI is developed responsibly. I spoke with Mark, a graduate in AI Ethics, who explained how his degree was unlike anything else he had come across. The courses were few, and the interest was just starting to pick up, but he’s now part of teams advising large tech companies on ethical AI development.

Conclusion: The Rarest Degree Might Be the One You’re Passionate About

So, which degree is the rarest? It depends on how you look at it. Whether it's a degree in astrophysics, endangered languages, or quantum computing, rarity is not just about the number of students, but also the commitment, expertise, and passion required. These degrees are rare because they appeal to the driven, the curious, and the visionary—those willing to dive deep into complex and evolving fields.

The rarest degree might not be the one that’s most talked about, but the one that speaks to you personally. Have you thought about pursuing a rare degree yourself? It could be more rewarding than you think.

Is 165 cm normal for a 15 year old?

The predicted height for a female, based on your parents heights, is 155 to 165cm. Most 15 year old girls are nearly done growing. I was too. It's a very normal height for a girl.

Is 160 cm too tall for a 12 year old?

How Tall Should a 12 Year Old Be? We can only speak to national average heights here in North America, whereby, a 12 year old girl would be between 137 cm to 162 cm tall (4-1/2 to 5-1/3 feet). A 12 year old boy should be between 137 cm to 160 cm tall (4-1/2 to 5-1/4 feet).

How tall is a average 15 year old?

Average Height to Weight for Teenage Boys - 13 to 20 Years

How to get taller at 18?

Staying physically active is even more essential from childhood to grow and improve overall health. But taking it up even in adulthood can help you add a few inches to your height. Strength-building exercises, yoga, jumping rope, and biking all can help to increase your flexibility and grow a few inches taller.

Is 5.7 a good height for a 15 year old boy?

Generally speaking, the average height for 15 year olds girls is 62.9 inches (or 159.7 cm). On the other hand, teen boys at the age of 15 have a much higher average height, which is 67.0 inches (or 170.1 cm).

Can you grow between 16 and 18?

Most girls stop growing taller by age 14 or 15. However, after their early teenage growth spurt, boys continue gaining height at a gradual pace until around 18. Note that some kids will stop growing earlier and others may keep growing a year or two more.

Can you grow 1 cm after 17?

Even with a healthy diet, most people's height won't increase after age 18 to 20. The graph below shows the rate of growth from birth to age 20. As you can see, the growth lines fall to zero between ages 18 and 20 ( 7 , 8 ). The reason why your height stops increasing is your bones, specifically your growth plates.