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The Ultimate IQ Ranking: 15 College Majors With The Highest Average Intelligence Scores (2025 Update)

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The intellectual landscape of academia is often quantified and debated, but few metrics spark as much curiosity as the average Intelligence Quotient (IQ) of students in different college majors. As of the most recent analyses and data updates in late December 2025, the figures reveal a stark hierarchy in cognitive ability across university departments, challenging common assumptions and confirming others.

This comprehensive ranking is based on widely cited estimates from educational testing experts and meta-analyses of standardized cognitive assessments. It serves not as a definitive measure of individual worth, but as a fascinating look at the collective cognitive horsepower required for—or attracted to—specific fields of study, from the rigorous demands of theoretical physics to the more broad-based requirements of general administration.

The Cognitive Elite: Top 15 College Majors Ranked by Average IQ

The following list compiles the most frequently cited average IQ scores associated with various academic specializations, drawing primarily from estimates by groups like the Education Testing Service (ETS) and subsequent academic reviews. These figures represent the approximate mean IQ of students entering or completing these degree programs.

  • 1. Physics and Astronomy: 133
  • 2. Mathematical Sciences (Pure Mathematics): 130
  • 3. Philosophy: 129
  • 4. Materials Engineering: 129
  • 5. Chemical Engineering: 128
  • 6. Economics: 128
  • 7. Electrical Engineering: 127
  • 8. Computer Science: 126
  • 9. Mechanical Engineering: 125
  • 10. English Language and Literature: 120
  • 11. Religious Studies: 121
  • 12. History: 119
  • 13. Psychology: 118
  • 14. Marketing: 115
  • 15. Administration/Management: 107

The Rationale Behind the Top-Tier Majors

The majors clustered at the very top of the list—Physics, Mathematics, and Philosophy—share a common thread: an intense reliance on abstract reasoning, complex problem-solving, and a high degree of logical deduction. These fields demand a level of cognitive ability that correlates strongly with high IQ scores.

Physics and Astronomy (Average IQ: 133) consistently rank highest. The study of the universe, quantum mechanics, and fundamental forces requires exceptional spatial reasoning, mathematical fluency, and the capacity to grasp incredibly abstract concepts. The rigorous theoretical and problem-solving nature of the curriculum acts as a powerful intellectual filter.

Mathematical Sciences (Average IQ: 130) is a close second. Pure mathematics, in particular, is the language of logic and structure, requiring superior analytical intelligence. Success in this field is predicated on the ability to handle complex proofs and axiomatic systems.

Surprisingly to some, Philosophy (Average IQ: 129) often outranks many STEM fields. This is due to its focus on formal logic, critical thinking, epistemology, and the analysis of highly dense, abstract arguments. A philosophy degree is essentially a training course in advanced reasoning and conceptual clarity.

The various Engineering disciplines—Materials, Chemical, and Electrical—form the next tier. These fields bridge theoretical science with real-world application, demanding both high mathematical ability and practical spatial-mechanical reasoning skills. Their placement underscores the high intellectual demands of designing and building complex systems.

The Humanities and Social Sciences: A Deeper Look at Intelligence

While often perceived as less "difficult" than STEM fields, several humanities and social science majors still attract students with superior cognitive abilities, demonstrating that high IQ is not exclusive to quantitative fields. For instance, English Language and Literature (Average IQ: 120) and Religious Studies (Average IQ: 121) rank highly.

Success in these areas is often tied to verbal intelligence, reading comprehension, and the ability to synthesize vast amounts of complex information and articulate nuanced arguments—skills measured effectively by the verbal components of intelligence tests. A strong correlation exists between high verbal IQ and success in fields like Law and History (Average IQ: 119).

Economics (Average IQ: 128), often classified as a social science, is a notable outlier, placing near the top alongside engineering. This is because modern economics is heavily quantitative, relying on advanced calculus, statistics, and econometric modeling, effectively making it a mathematical science disguised as a social study.

The Broader Context: Why the Numbers Matter (and Why They Don't)

It is crucial to interpret these rankings with a healthy dose of skepticism and context. The IQ scores cited are often based on decades-old data, standardized test scores (like the GRE or SAT), or self-reported data, which can introduce biases. Furthermore, the overall average IQ of undergraduate students has reportedly declined over the past 80 years, settling at a mean of approximately 102 today, just slightly above the general population average of 100.

The Correlation with Gender and Socioeconomic Status

One of the most controversial findings in the analysis of major-specific intelligence is a statistically significant correlation between a major's average IQ and its gender ratio. Studies have suggested that majors with a higher proportion of male students tend to have a higher average IQ, while female-dominated majors often have lower scores. This correlation is a complex issue intertwined with societal factors, career preferences, and historical gender biases in academic fields.

IQ vs. Rationality and Practical Intelligence

Another major criticism of relying solely on IQ as a measure of academic fitness is that it primarily measures cognitive ability—the potential to learn—rather than rational thinking skills or practical intelligence. An individual with a high IQ may still make irrational decisions or lack the common sense and emotional intelligence needed for career success. Fields like Administration (Average IQ: 107) and Marketing (Average IQ: 115), while ranking lower in abstract IQ, may heavily reward high scores in emotional intelligence, networking, and practical decision-making that are not captured by a standard IQ test.

The choice of a college major is a complex decision influenced by passion, career prospects, and personal intelligence. While the data on average IQ by major provides a compelling glimpse into the intellectual demands of various fields, it should serve as a point of interest, not a definitive judgment. The true measure of intellectual success lies in the application of one's unique cognitive profile to a field they genuinely care about.

Ultimately, a high average IQ in a major like Physics or Philosophy indicates a high barrier to entry in terms of abstract reasoning. Conversely, a lower average IQ in a major does not imply a lack of intelligence, but rather that the field may place a greater emphasis on other critical skills, such as interpersonal communication, creativity, or practical application.

The Ultimate IQ Ranking: 15 College Majors With The Highest Average Intelligence Scores (2025 Update)
average iq by major
average iq by major

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