8 Easiest Degrees for International Students Who Hate Essays

If you do a quick Google search for the “easiest degrees for international students,” you will find that most of the degrees suggested are creative degrees.

But how easy are these degrees?

The point is that you can’t determine whether a degree is easy or difficult for everyone varies depending on, among other things, a person’s academic background, language skills and interests.

However, there are some factors that can help you choose a degree that best suits your interests and abilities.

For example, social science programs such as sociology, philosophy, and journalism are more essay-driven, so students are expected to do a lot of writing.

Choosing these programs can be a struggle for students who may not be proficient in English.

However, there are more technical subjects, such as engineering, mathematics and business administration, where the emphasis is not on the English language.

This obviously means that at least some writing is required.

What if you fall somewhere in between?

That is, you are good at English, although it takes time to write well in this language, or you are only good at English, but enjoy learning the language and writing essays from time to time.

If so, these are our picks for the easiest degrees for international students who prefer a program with less writing work.

8 Easiest Degrees for International Students Who Don’t Like Essays

For fashion enthusiasts, fashion design is an excellent study choice for you. Source: Cristian Hernandez/AFP

1. Fashion design

Fashion design is one of the easiest degrees for international students who are creative and passionate about fashion.

This topic focuses on visual and hands-on learning. You will sketch, draw, drape and work on textile selections – skills required of a fashion designer.

Students also learn theories, concepts and the history of fashion design.

2. Computer Science

Computer science majors usually work with computers and code. Not many lab reports or essays will be required of you.

Instead, you will have to write code snippets in computers, solve mathematical equations and develop applications.

But be careful: just because it doesn’t require many essays doesn’t mean learning computer science is easy. According to the National Science Board, 30% to 50% of STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) students do not complete their degrees.

Earning a math degree doesn’t require any type of essay writing, which is great for students who are strong with numbers but don’t have a good command of English. Source: Safin Hamed/AFP

3. Mathematics

One of the easiest degrees for international students who are good with numbers but bad with words is mathematics.

Unlike finance and accounting, business administration offers a broader knowledge of the various aspects of business and management.

During the courses you will learn to obtain figures from the mathematics and economics modules.

You will still have to write essays, but you don’t need good English to write them. It’s a skill you can hone throughout your program, making this one of the easiest degrees for international students for whom English is not their native language.

Engineering students can expand into a wide range of specializations, including software engineering, aerospace engineering, and biomedical engineering. Source: Maria Giulia Trombini/AFP

5. Technology

Technology is a broad field of study. An engineering curriculum involves an interdisciplinary application of mathematics and science to processes, systems, machines and structures.

It often integrates more advanced applied mathematics and science than other science courses.

In addition to laboratory reports, you will be dealing with numbers and formulas most of the time.

6. Architecture

Architecture students can expect to spend long hours in studios honing their technical and creative skills to design structures that meet the demands of their clients.

You must demonstrate that you can visualize, plan, problem solve and design. Writing essays in perfect grammar, while a bonus, is not entirely necessary.

7. Performing arts

The world of performing arts is about expressing yourself to the world.

It is a fluid and subjective study that goes beyond words and numbers and focuses instead on conveying a message through performance.

During your program, you may learn about the theory and history behind some art forms, which may lead to essay writing. But ultimately, any conversation about a performance artist brings to mind the soft skills of self-confidence, effortless communication skills, and strong networking capabilities.

Cornell University has an online Master Beekeeping Certificate that requires written, oral and field exams. Source: AFP

8. Agriculture

As the Earth spirals deeper into a climate crisis and a growing food security problem, having expertise in agriculture and its related studies is a step in combating the larger problem.

Your studies will revolve around practical and theoretical lessons as you learn about the practices of agriculture, in addition to the ethical and environmental solutions to food security challenges. Although a good command of English will be helpful, it is not a necessary requirement for most programs.

Disclaimer: This article was last updated on April 24, 2024.