Some universities offer degree programs in subjects most people never expect. A few examples show how specialized higher education can get.
Kyoto Seika University in Japan established the country’s first Faculty of Manga in 2006 and later added a graduate school of manga with a doctoral program. It remains a leading center for the academic study of manga.
The University of Hertfordshire in England offers an MA in Folklore Studies, described by the university as the only program of its kind in England. It covers legend, ritual, belief, and tradition in British society.
Florida Institute of Technology in the United States offers a bachelor’s degree in astrobiology, combining astronomy, biology, geology, and physics to study the possibility of life beyond Earth.
Other unusual options exist around the world. Cornell University has a long-running program in viticulture and enology, the science of grape growing and winemaking. Aalborg University in Denmark offers a master’s program in music therapy. Assam Agricultural University in India teaches tea husbandry and technology, covering cultivation through processing.
Unusual degrees suit students with a clear passion, but they narrow career options. Before committing, check job prospects in the field and confirm the program is properly accredited. Understanding why accreditation matters and browsing master’s degree programs can help with comparison. Students can also explore dual degree programs and affordable online bachelor’s programs for more conventional paths.

