What Are the Best Majors at Yale?

Yale's Academic Landscape

Yale University offers 79 areas of study, providing students with numerous opportunities for academic exploration and growth. The university is renowned for its double degree programs, unique majors, and academic flexibility, allowing students to tailor their education to their interests and career goals.

Yale's focus on interdisciplinary studies encourages students to think critically and engage with complex global issues from multiple perspectives.

Competitiveness at Yale

Yale's competitive admissions process reflects its high academic standards.

For the Class of 2028, only 2,146 students were admitted out of 57,465 applicants, resulting in a 3.7% overall acceptance rate – the lowest in Yale's history.

The Early Action acceptance rate also saw a decrease, dropping to 9% from the previous year's 10%, while the Regular Decision acceptance rate fell to 2.75% from 3.5%.

It's clear that Yale has a high bar for admission, so students applying to the school will typically need to present a remarkable record of rigorous academic achievements and a profile with outstanding extracurriculars.

10 Most Popular Majors at Yale

Yale offers a wide array of majors, but some stand out due to their popularity and the strength of their programs:

1. Economics - 11% of Students' Major

Overview: Economics is the most popular major at Yale, providing students with a deep understanding of economic theory, econometrics, and applied economics. The program equips students with analytical and quantitative skills, preparing them for careers in finance, consulting, policy, and academia.

The Department offers three undergraduate majors –Economics, Economics and Mathematics, and Computer Science and Economics– with a total of 250 students graduating each year with one of these majors.

2. Computer Science - 6% of Students' Major

Overview: The Department of Computer Science offers both Bachelor of Science and Bachelor of Arts majors in Computer Science and a combined Bachelor’s / Master’s program. It also offers joint majors with the Departments of Economics, Electrical Engineering, Mathematics, and Psychology.

The program balances technical education with a liberal arts approach, preparing students for careers in technology and beyond.

3. Political Science - 6% of Students' Major

Overview: Yale's Political Science Department is home to around 45 faculty, with its undergraduate major among the largest on camps.

This major covers a wide range of topics, including international relations, political theory, comparative politics, and American government. The program emphasizes critical thinking and research skills, preparing students for careers in public service, law, journalism, and academia.

4. History - 6% of Students' Major

Overview: History is one of Yale's most popular and diverse majors, covering nearly every region and time period of the past. The program is renowned for its breadth and depth, offering courses that span different regions, periods, and themes.

Students develop strong research and writing skills, which are valuable in careers such as law, education, public policy, and media.

5. Global Affairs - 4% of Students' Major

Overview: The Global Affairs major provides students with a multidisciplinary approach to international issues, combining political science, economics, history, and other disciplines. Students in the Global Affairs major have the flexibility to shape their own curriculums according to their interests and ambitions.

The program prepares students for careers in international organizations, government, non-profits, and global business.

6. English - 4% of Students' Major

Overview: Yale's English program emphasizes critical reading, analytical thinking, and effective writing. Students explore a wide range of literary genres and periods, preparing them for careers in writing, publishing, education, and media.

7. Molecular, Cellular & Developmental Biology - 4% of Students' Major

Overview: This major provides a comprehensive understanding of biological processes at the molecular, cellular, and developmental levels to investigate fundamental biological processes across a range of organisms, from viruses and microbes to plants, worms, flies, fish and mammals.

The program prepares students for careers in research, medicine, biotechnology, and academia.

8. Psychology - 3% of Students' Major

Overview: Yale's psychology program covers various aspects of human behavior and mental processes in the fields of clinical, cognitive, developmental, neuroscientific, and social psychology.

The program prepares students for careers in education and research; law; medicine and public health; politics and public policy; and in business fields such as marketing, finance, and management.

9. Statistics & Data Science - 3% of Students' Major

Overview: This major equips students with skills in statistical analysis, data management, and computational techniques.

Students majoring in Statistics and Data Science take courses in both mathematical and practical foundations and are well-prepared to participate in research efforts or pursue graduate school in Data Science.

10. History of Science, Medicine & Public Health - 3% of Students' Major

Overview: This interdisciplinary major explores the historical development of science, medicine, and public health across different cultures and times. Course topics range from American and Western medicine to health activism and climate change.

Students gain insights into how these fields have shaped and been shaped by society, preparing them for careers in healthcare, policy, education, and research.

Final Thoughts

Yale University offers a rich tapestry of academic opportunities. Whether you're drawn to economics, computer science, political science, history, global affairs, English, molecular biology, psychology, statistics, or the history of science, Yale provides a fertile ground for intellectual growth and professional development.

The competitive admissions process ensures that students who join the Yale community are among the brightest and most motivated individuals, ready to make significant contributions to society.

For assistance in your journey to the Ivy League, book a free consultation to learn how Crimson can help you!