Majors for Aspergers

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I'd advocate for computer science, physics, chemistry or anything like that. Sure you'll be working in a lab (probably) if you do physics or chemistry, but the people who spend all day in the lab are usually pretty good people to work with.

I still believe that biology, from my own experience, would be a good major for the archetypical (that is the keyword) Aspergian. It's all about systems, patterns, and synchrony. It's really quite beautiful if you can appreciate that sort of thing.

As a recent college grad, I'm going to spell out a few caveats:

1. I'd be wary of majoring in pure math. While in any major, there are plenty of grads with a lot of knowledge, but inability to apply that knowledge to the real world, those types are more well represented in math. On the other hand, with a math undergrad degree, you can get into any masters or PhD program you'd like, in any math-related subject. So maybe you should start out as a math major but consider switching. A major in statistics may be useful, especially if you want to get into the financial sector or do quantitative finance.

2. How is your physical coordination? Be careful of majors that only prepare you for jobs requiring a lot of physical coordination. There is a lot of difference between studying a subject in class, and working in a lab doing procedures that involve lots of coordination or "executive functioning."

3. How are your 3D spatial visualization skills? If they are good, that opens up majors like architectural engineering, civil engineering, structural engineering.

Also, how much math have you taken? The skills required for different fields of math may be different.

I give an enthusiastic second to the advice regarding statistics. If you enjoy that type of math, you will never have trouble finding a job, and will have a lot to choose from. Most people don't like it and are intimidated by it.

BTW, accounting doesn't require much math beyond basic arithmetic and very basic algebra [basically solving for X.] There is a tiny bit of statistics in auditing, but just the most basic stuff--standard deviation/z-scores. That's all there is, but you'd be surprised how many people in my classes reach for a calculator when asked for 10% of a number.

Computer Science (especially the more theoretical and experimental areas like AI, I'd say, lots of math and logic there).

Physics (Superstrings for teh win!).

I'm going to have to give a caution about going into such a theoretical area. Often the jobs for people who train in areas such as superstring theory or AI are limited, and one would have to switch fields after doing a Ph.D in these areas. However, if you think you'd actually enjoy studying them, then you may as well go for it.

Also remember that if you become a faculty member, you will have to get research grants, and this may be especially difficult for Aspies, due to limited social skills. And ironically, the more abstract the field, the more difficult it is to get grants. So as a recent college grad, I'd say to definitely consider how useful something is before going into it.

Writing Lit Major, going into teaching, after a few years of working for CPT abroad.

Nice... I'm a chemistry major/physics minor, looking into either teaching (I'm pretty good at explaining it to people) or forensic chemistry.

That's pretty awesome, Namiko. I am a science (biology) major myself, and thinking of a minor in zoology.

I'm majoring in Political Science with minors in history and international studies. Mostly I went to college to study the stuff I'm most interested in like history and international politics. So, I've really enjoyed it because I was studying something I'm interested which I think is really important when it comes to majors in college.

Well the best major is always what you're most interested in and this is even more true for aspergers since it seems like a common AS trait to have narrower interests or less tolerance for classes in non-areas-of-interest.

Obviously some majors are much less likely to fit than others, like business, because those require social skills and interaction.

There are some traditional (read stereotypical) aspie majors like math, science, engineering, but I think art majors are also well represented. History as well probably, especially since some people have their special interest be a particular era or subject.

Gamester: I'm curious, as a lit major, is it because of interest in literature as a whole, or because of special interest in one particular type?

Me too.

I have to choose a major, between Environmental Chemistry and Pharmaceutical Chemistry. I have aspie-like features. I know people are like, 'you're an aspie, so what'. But I would like the opinion of some people, regarding which best suits an aspie. I think Environmental CHemistry requires alot of socializing and going out, and Pharamaceutical Chemistry, requires alot of hand coordination .

I was studying Economics before I quit. The only course I understood was the math course, but it was also the only course I could concentrate in. The economics courses was just dull I could really not understand it, and there was too much reading involved.

I was a chemistry major, so I may be able to shed some light on this. First of all, I am surprised that environmental chemistry and pharmaceutical chemistry are separate majors (unless you are not in the U.S. - Things could be different in other countries). Or if they are separate, I am surprised that you don't choose that in your junior or senior year.

I am not sure if environmental chemistry involves going out into the wilderness as much as you think it does. A lot of it could just be sitting by some sort of chromatography equipment running samples that other people give you. Hence, if your school has an "Analytical Chemistry" major, it would provide you with similar training.

I agree that pharmaceutical chemistry, as well as synthetic organic and inorganic chemistry require a lot of hand coordination, which is basically the reason I am not in the field any more. These are the kind of issues that NTs do not expect to be a problem, but actually are a problem for us. Hence, if you want to do pharmaceutical/organic chemistry, coordination will be a big factor unless you can find a non-lab job. And most non-lab jobs, such as teaching or sales, require a lot of social skills.

If I were you I'd choose analytical or environmental chemistry, though if you can get out of chemistry altogether, that might be a good idea.

I had a job as a Math teacher at a community college in the USA. I was fired after one semester because I said inappropriate things in classes, and had a lot of problems with my students in general. In fact, it got so bad that a bunch of my students all ganged up on me and tried to get me fired. I guess they succeeded. But if I am being honest with myself, I hated the job.