Best Majors For Students With Learning Disabilities 2025

Many students with learning disabilities often think that their educational path ends in high school, but there are many colleges for students with learning disabilities. Learners can choose majors that complement their particular learning styles, which can turn their college experience into a career.

In this article, we'll help you figure out which major is best for you if you have learning disabilities�we'll also breakdown the best major for different types of learning disabilities, such as dyslexia and ADHD.

Can Someone With a Learning Disability Go to College?

Students with learning disabilities can attend online and on-campus colleges across the country. The best colleges for students with learning disabilities offer flexible learning options, various degree options, disability services, and special education programs to make the most of their education. When researching the best colleges for students like you, you can always reach out to the admissions office to find out more about accommodations as well.

Factors to Consider When Choosing a Major

College students with learning disabilities should consider multiple factors when selecting a major. Many times, learning differences make some majors better suited for individual students. When evaluating majors, students should consider factors such as:

• typical coursework
• subject material
• skills needed for the major (problem-solving, note-taking, creativity, etc.)
• careers available for bachelor's and master's degree holders in the major

In addition to the actual major, students should evaluate the school they plan to attend. Look into academic support programs, learning disability-focused financial aid packages, and other support services.

Best Degrees for Students With Learning Disabilities

The best degrees for students with a learning disorder will vary based on individual disability and personality type. Some majors, though, will be better suited for individual disorders based on the impact of the disability.

Best College Majors for Students With Dyslexia

Dyslexia usually affects either a person's writing or reading abilities. Due to this impact, some of the best majors for learners with dyslexia include visual-based programs as well as majors with few math requirements.

• Graphic Design & Multimedia Arts: Graphic design is a highly visual major without high math or written word requirements, which can make it easier for learners with dyslexia.
• Computer Science & Information Technology: Learners with dyslexia often make good coders due to some of the skills they develop earlier in their education pathway, like mind maps and viewing larger pictures.
• Business & Entrepreneurship: Business degrees cover multiple disciplines including accounting, marketing, and more, which allow learners to pursue careers that fit into their reading or writing impairments.
• Psychology: Psychology studies the human mind, including learning disorders. Students with dyslexia can bring unique experiences to their major and future careers, helping others like them.

Best College Majors for Students With ADHD

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) can often make it hard to focus. Fortunately, there are plenty of college degrees for students with ADHD that allow them to move and focus on multiple tasks to avoid the most common effects of this disability.

• Criminal Justice: Criminal justice offers a wide variety of career paths, with many involving positions in offices and the field that can help satisfy ADHD learners' need for change.
• Sports Management & Kinesiology: Sports management and kinesiology include activity and coordination of physical activity. Learners with ADHD might enjoy these non-office-based careers.
• Education: Learners with ADHD can become special education teachers or other educators to help younger students with similar conditions learn.
• Marketing & Public Relations: Marketing and public relations are both fast-paced industries that don't involve a lot of downtime that can trigger ADHD moments.

Read More: Best Colleges for Students With ADHD

Best College Majors for Students With Dysgraphia

Dyslexia generally impacts reading, while dysgraphia impacts writing abilities. These majors include some written components, but most of the focus won't be on large essays or similar coursework.

• Computer Science & Software Engineering: Computer science and software engineering rely heavily on coding and using numbers to solve problems instead of written words, which usually isn't affected by dysgraphia.
• Mechanical Engineering: Mechanical engineering is a highly tactile field that relies on building machines and systems. Sometimes the role of a mechanical engineer will involve drawing blueprints, but there will be less writing than in some other careers.
• Music & Performing Arts: Music and performing arts are professions that involve written words, but often in limited capacities. Composing music doesn't have to include lengthy written sections while performing arts rely more on reading scripts than writing them.
• Automotive Technology: Automotive technology studies the inner workings of vehicles with a focus on how to repair them. This major and subsequent careers are very hands-on and don't include much writing.

Best College Majors for Students With Auditory Processing Disorder (APD)

Learners with Auditory Processing Disorder (APD) can hear, usually at normal levels, but have issues with processing, understanding, and comprehending the information. Majors and careers that involve non-verbal components are often better for these learners.

• Architecture & Interior Design: Architecture and interior design is a visual and physical-based major, with multiple online learning opportunities that reduce spoken learning.
• Graphic Design & Animation: Graphic design coursework and career work are often delivered in written formats, providing opportunities for learners who struggle to properly process spoken instructions.
• Health Sciences & Allied Health: Allied health workers work with healthcare providers in support roles. Many of these positions are non-patient-facing, and communication can be adapted for those with APD.
• Computer Programming & Web Development: Computer programming and web development degrees involve a heavy focus on coding and solo work and can be earned through online programs, making them good degrees for learners with APD.

Best College Majors for Students With Executive Functioning Challenges

Executive functioning challenges, sometimes called executive dysfunction, can lead to issues in many career paths, but some majors allow students to receive the guidance they need to complete tasks.

• Nursing & Healthcare Administration: Nursing and healthcare administration are very task-based careers that can remove some of the most common issues of executive functioning challenges, such as self-motivation.
• Hospitality & Tourism Management: Hospitality management allows people with executive functioning challenges to find work in a variety of settings and industries, with ever-changing tasks and duties, which make it easier to stay focused on a task.
• Business Administration: Business administration degrees come with multiple specialties, but most have set guidelines and deadlines, which can help learners with executive functioning challenges stay focused.
• Engineering (Mechanical, Civil, Electrical): Mechanical, civil, and electrical engineering are very detailed and deadline-focused careers. They usually involve set plans instead of relying on self-motivation and creativity.

Best College Majors for Students With Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)

Learners with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) often struggle with communication and social interactions. These majors, and the resulting career paths, provide opportunities for solo work, self-employment, and remote work opportunities.

• Computer Science & Cybersecurity: There are many online computer science degree programs, including some self-paced options. Students with ASD can earn their degrees and begin remote careers without being forced into triggering social situations.
• Accounting & Finance: Students with ASD might excel in accounting and finance due to the focused nature of the subject. There are also online accounting degree options available nationwide.
• Engineering (Electrical, Mechanical, Software): Engineering degrees come in multiple disciplines, including electrical, mechanical, and software. These disciplines feature more solo work opportunities than some other career paths, reducing the need for large-scale interaction.
• Data Science & Statistics: Students looking for online learning and remote career paths should pursue data science and statistics. These careers are rarely client-facing and can lead to remote opportunities.

Best College Majors for Students With Developmental Disabilities

Developmental disabilities include visual, hearing, and other developmental impairments. Students with developmental disabilities often have limitations in one area, but they can find majors that make the most of their other skills and abilities.

• Early Childhood Education & Special Education: Students with developmental disabilities can become educators, especially due to their personal experiences.
• Culinary Arts & Food Service Management: Careers in culinary arts and food service include many different positions, which allow students with developmental disabilities to find opportunities to capitalize on their skills.
• Social Work & Human Services: Developmental disabilities can breed empathy, and social work is a great career path. Many people with developmental disabilities develop self-advocacy skills, which they can translate to helping others.
• Hospitality & Tourism: Hospitality and tourism are different aspects of travel and enjoyment. Students with developmental disabilities often bring a unique perspective to travel and accessibility, which can benefit others with similar conditions.

Earn Your Bachelor's Degree Today

Read our school profiles to learn more about these online degrees for students with a learning disorder and many more. Once you've identified the best college for adults with learning disabilities that aligns with your goals, use our resources to reach out to these schools and start your application process today.