Top 10 Most Unusual Degrees in the World in 2027

Tired of the same old courses like engineering, medicine, or business? Want to study something new that still offers a good salary later? Then you are in the right place. From Manga Studies to Adventure Education, here you will see the 10 most unusual degrees that top universities are offering.

If you are looking for higher education options beyond common subjects like engineering, medicine, and business, you are in the right place. Some universities around the world offer unusual degrees that you may have never heard of. Many top universities in the world offer unique courses that can surprise students.

There are many rare courses in the world that focus on interesting and unusual subjects. Some of these courses can also lead to good career opportunities. They allow students to explore their interests while gaining skills for different jobs.

Some degrees may sound unusual at first, but they can open the door to interesting careers. Many unique degrees that pay well help students develop specialised skills. For example, courses in ethical hacking, viticulture, and other specialised fields can combine personal interests with career opportunities.

Some of the most unusual degrees in the world include Manga Studies, Biomimicry, Cannabis Biology, Puppet Arts, Viticulture, Fermentation Science, Bicycle Design, Digital Mapping, and Bakery Science. In this article, we explore the 10 most unusual degrees in the world. These courses may be different from traditional degrees, but they can offer students interesting subjects to study and new career opportunities.

Why Pursue a Rare Degree in 2027?

In a world where traditional fields are becoming crowded, specialized degrees provide a competitive edge. These unique university courses focus on niche markets where the demand for experts is high but the supply of graduates is low. By choosing a rare subject to study, you establish yourself as a top authority in a field with limited competition.

Top 10 Most Unusual Degrees with High Salary Potential

Before diving into the details, here is a quick overview of the most interesting degrees available today. These courses are selected based on their uniqueness, university reputation, and earning potential.

Detailed Breakdown: 10 Most Unusual Degrees in the World

Each of these unique degrees offers a comprehensive curriculum designed to turn a rare skill into a lucrative profession. Here is what you need to know about each program.

1. Manga Studies - Kyoto Seika University, Japan

Manga and anime are getting more famous in India every year. It’s said that around 3 to 5 lakh Manga and anime books are in circulation in India. Naruto, Attack on Titan, One Piece, Death Note, Berserk Volume 1, and My Hero Academia are popular Manga series

Kyoto Seika University is the only one in Japan having a full Faculty of Manga. The Manga Studies course here has five main study options: Cartoon Art, Comic Art, New Generation Manga, Character Design, and Animation. The teachers at Kyoto Seika are famous manga artists, illustrators, and animation directors who already work in the real industry.

This program teaches manga not only as an art, but also as a cultural storytelling form. Students learn both creative drawing and theory parts about culture and design.

Famous Alumni in Manga Studies:

• OHNO Kousuke – The Way of the Househusband
• ENOKIYA Katumasa – Hibi Rock
• KANESHIRO Muneyuki – As the Gods Will
• OIMO Mio – Manga artist
• ISUMI Masaki – Watashi no Bodyguard

2. Tea Husbandry and Technology - Assam Agricultural University, India

Have you ever thought that the tea which you love will land you a career? If not, then you are wrong. There is a dedicated course which is among the rare subjects to study, but students can opt for. The Assam Agricultural University is the first institute in the world to offer this unusual degree, which offers formal education on tea.

Students having degrees in Tea Husbandry & Technology can pursue a career in the tea industry in India and abroad. One can easily get employed in top tea companies like TRA, UPASI, Uganda Tea Growers Corporation, Iran Tea Organization, and even Auction Centres.

Career Paths: Graduates can work in agricultural management, tea production, or research roles within the beverage industry.

Tea Husbandry and Technology Notable Alumni

• Dr. Rana Pratap Bhuyan (A major adviser to PhD and MSc students)
• Dr. Aditi Smith Gogoi (A resource person for the Tea Board and NGOs)
• Dr. Gautam Kumar Saikia (Manager of the Experimental Garden for Plantation Crops from 1996–2020)

3. Astrobiology - Florida Institute of Technology, USA

The Astrobiology course at Florida Institute of Technology teaches about biology, physics, and planetary science together to understand if life can be found somewhere else in the big space.

Jobs after completing Astrobiology include:

• Astrobiologist
• Astronomer
• Planetary scientist
• Astrochemistry researcher
• Space mission specialist
• Science writer
• Science illustrator
• Science communicator
• Space sciences researcher

4. Viticulture and Oenology - Cornell University, USA

Now think you're at Cornell University in the USA, where you can study everything about grape growing and wine making. If you ever wonder how wine gets made, the Viticulture and Oenology program at Cornell is one cool place for you to learn and try your hand too.

Cornell has a 4-year Bachelor of Science in Viticulture and Enology degree. Students don’t only read from books but also do real practice in the field.

Jobs after completing Viticulture and Oenology include:

• Winemaking
• Vineyard Management
• Teaching/Research
• Wine Business

Viticulture and Oenology Notable Alumni

• WillaKenzie Winery, Wine Production
• Bedell Cellars, Wine Production and Sales
• Farm Credit East, Credit Analyst

5. Bagpiping - Carnegie Mellon University, USA

6. Puppet Arts - University of Connecticut, USA

The Puppet Arts program at University of Connecticut is good if you like performance arts and want something different. You get to mix theater with making puppets and learn special skills.

At UConn, you can study puppetry; this program has students from many countries, including India. If you like puppets and how they tell stories and show feelings, this program is for you!

UConn is the only university in USA that gives puppetry degrees at three levels: BFA, MA, MFA. You can start after high school or after another degree.

You learn from teachers, make your own puppets, and perform for people. You also join a small, friendly group of puppet lovers.

UConn Puppet Arts famous alumni are:

• Pam Arciero – Main puppeteer on Sesame Street
• Jean Marie Keevins – Emmy-nominated, made puppet theater shows across USA and Off-Broadway
• John and Megan Regan – Couple, founded CactusHead Puppets, do folktale shows in Western New England
• Gavin Cummins – Made one-person play Ok, I Love You
• Kalob Martinez – Made El Beto, a story mixing Macbeth with a Mexican drug cartel setting

7. Adventure Education - Plymouth State University, USA

Adventure Education is fun and exciting. At PSU, New Hampshire, you can do a Bachelor of Science in Adventure Education. You learn by doing real outdoor stuff. After an Adventure Education degree, you can get jobs in:

• Outdoor education
• Recreational therapy
• Environmental education
• Adventure tourism

8. Theme Park Engineering - California State University, Long Beach, USA

Theme Park Engineering is all about designing and creating the rides and attractions that make theme parks so special. At CSULB, you can do Bachelor of Science in Amusement Park Engineering. You learn about ride design, safety rules, physics, mechanics, and basic engineering principles. You also do hands-on projects to build your own rides.

9. Viking Studies - University of Oslo

During Viking and Medieval Norse Studies, you study historical texts and cultural studies from the Viking Age. It prepares you for jobs in academia or cultural heritage management.

Career Opportunities after Viking and Medieval Norse Studies:

• Graduates can work as:
• Museum Curator
• Cultural Historian/Tour Guide

10. Fermentation Sciences - Appalachian State University, USA

The Fermentation Sciences course at Appalachian State University teaches you how to make beer, wine, and other drinks with fermentation. You also learn the science of fermentation behind it. This program is fun and different; it shows the art and science of fermentation that people have used for many years, even in India

Fermentation Sciences Top Employment Sectors

• Computer Systems Design and Related Services
• Legal Services
• Health Care
• Biotech/Engineering

How to Choose a Unique Major: A Step-by-Step Guide

Choosing a rare course requires a balance between passion and market demand. Follow these steps to ensure your unusual degree leads to a successful career.

• Research the Industry: Check if the niche market is growing or stagnant.
• Check University Partnerships: Does the degree program have links to top companies?
• Analyze Salary Data: Ensure the unique degree offers a high return on investment.
• Verify Accreditation: Confirm the degree is recognized by global education boards.

These unusual degrees in the world are the best example on how the world is not at all limited to traditional courses. One can choose their career by choosing the best course that aligns with their personal interests.

Top 10 Most Unusual Degrees in the World FAQs