Overhead of blonde female student lying on library floor between shelves reading

6 Great Book Recommendations Based on Popular College Majors

We have a new way to find your next great read! Choose your favorite college major and enjoy the book recommendation that is sure to match your interest.

With so many new and old titles to choose from, it can be tough to decide what book to read next. Should you go for the young adult romance everyone’s been raving about or the dust-covered mystery novel from the thrift store? Skip the decision-making process all together and check out the books I think belong at the top of your TBR list based on your college major of choice!

1.   English Literature: If We Were Villains

There’s something about the study of literature that evokes images of old libraries, dim candlelight, steaming mugs of tea, and the smell of rain. You’ll find all of that in M.L. Rio’s novel IIf We Were Villains book cover; black cover with dead bird imagef We Were Villains, which follows a group of young actors at a prestigious art college after the mysterious death of one of their classmates. If you’re anything like me, you’ll fall in love with the dark academia setting, characters who always seem to have something to hide, and lines of Shakespeare carefully woven into the dialogue.

Image courtesy of Titan Books Ltd.

Related: List: Colleges With Great English, Creative Writing, and Literature Programs

2.   Art: Heartstopper: Volume One

Graphic novels aren’t just for kids! If you like heart-warming young adult love stories told through beautiful art styles, look no further than Alice Oseman’s Heartstopper Volume 1 cover; two young men with backpacks in uniform back toHeartstopper: Volume One. This bestselling graphic novel follows Nick and Charlie as they navigate the confusing world of feelings, friendships, and identity at an all-boys grammar school. It’s sure to make you smile and inspire your own creativity.

Image courtesy of Graphix, a Scholastic company

3.   Sociology: The Handmaid’s Tale

If you’re fascinated by the functions of society and human interaction, it’s time you were introduced to the Republic of Gilead—the dystopian setting of Handmaid's Tale cover; simple outline of handmaid in red dress and white-winged bonnetThe Handmaid’s Tale by Margaret Atwood. Offred, the novel’s protagonist, used to have a job, a husband, and a child of her own, but it all feels like a distant dream. Now, she’s been stripped of her rights and given one purpose: to bear children for the Commander and his wife. The Handmaid’s Tale is a jarring look at the evils of humanity and what a society can become.

Image courtesy of Knopf Doubleday Publishing Group 

Related: List: The Experts' Choice: Excellent Sociology Programs

4. Fashion Design: Notes on Camp

Notes on Camp book cover; title of book and author name on blue background Any fashion enthusiast is bound to remember the outrageous, eye-catching looks of the 2019 Met Gala. The theme of the event was “Camp,” and it prompted designers to toe the lines of insanity (one celebrity was seen walking around with a mannequin of his own head). However, the legacy of Camp extends far beyond a couple over-the-top outfits. Notes on Camp by Susan Sontag is a quick read that will walk you through the meaning and history behind one of the most exciting (and at times, confusing) art styles out there.

Image courtesy of Penguin Books UK

5. Computer Science: Illuminae

IlluminaeIlluminae book cover; organge and yellow with lots of text by Amie Kaufman and Jay Kristoff is a science fiction mixed-media novel, which means it’s not only told through words—it incorporates a mixture of narrative writing, emails, files, interviews, and more to create a fully immersive experience for the reader. The story is set in the year 2575 and follows exes Kady and Ezra as they’re forced to work together after their planet is invaded. Throw in some hackers and potentially problematic AI, and it’s the perfect read for lovers of computer science!

Image courtesy of Knopf Books for Young Readers

6. Music: Prelude for Lost Souls

At the surface, Prelude for Lost SoulsPrelude for Lost Souls books cover; line drawing of sugar skull by Helene Dunbar seems to be a ghost story, but its true heart is rooted in music. Dec, the protagonist, wants nothing more than to leave St. Hilaire—a town where everyone talks to the dead—and distance himself from the controlling Guild. But his plans are halted when Annie, the piano prodigy whose music Dec has admired for years, suddenly turns up in his town. Music lovers will be delighted by Annie and Dec’s quest to find the lost notes of her recently deceased mentor’s prelude and all the chaos that ensues.

Image courtesy of Sourcebooks

Related: List: The Experts' Choice: Fine Music Programs

Finding your next great read doesn’t have to be a headache—sometimes it’s as easy as matching one to your college major! I hope this list has given you some ideas for your TBR and inspired you to crack open a book tonight. Happy reading! 

Not sure what you want to major in yet? Check out this advice straight from a college student on How to Pick a College Major: Narrowing Down a Big List.

Like what you’re reading?

Join the CollegeXpress community! Create a free account and we’ll notify you about new articles, scholarship deadlines, and more.

Join Now

Tags:
book recommendations books college majors fun reading

About Hailey Myers

Hailey Myers is a homeschooled high school student from California. She's been drawn to literature and creative activities from a young age and is ecstatic to share what she knows with fellow students. 

 

Join our community of
over 5 million students!

CollegeXpress has everything you need to simplify your college search, get connected to schools, and find your perfect fit.

Join CollegeXpress
Brooke Maggio

Brooke Maggio

High School Class of 2021

CollegeXpress has helped me tremendously in my college search in narrowing down the schools I’m interested in. Using the college search tool, I was able to narrow down my choices to schools that matched what I was looking for. I also used CollegeXpress for their scholarship search, which helped me find scholarships that I meet the requirements of.

Kamal

Kamal

Student, University of the People

I registered with CollegeXpress and filled all my necessary and relevant information as well as the course I wished to study. A few days later, an email was sent to me with a list of schools offering the course; amongst them was the University of the People, the school I got admitted to.

Alexandria

Alexandria

High School Class of 2021

For a long time, I've been searching everywhere to find the perfect website I can get scholarships and information from. Needless to say, I could never find the right one. That was, until I found CollegeXpress. Through my journey of finding the right scholarships for me, I was able to find articles about different things. They've all been helpful, especially in times like this! I was even able to connect with some of my favorite colleges! I love CollegeXpress. Thank you!

Joan Franklin

Joan Franklin

Counselor

I love this website and have been using it for years with my students. I originally bought products through Wintergreen Orchard House and appreciated having key facts at my fingertips when advising students. Your site is easy to access and offers a wide array of topics I need as a busy college counselor.

Aaliyah

Aaliyah

High School Class of 2022

My mother signed me up for a couple of scholarship contests through CollegeXpress. I was also able to do some research and compare the different schools on my list. I was able to see the graduation rates and different programs that helped me decide on Adelphi University. I will continue looking for some scholarships for my start in September.

College Matches
X

Colleges You May Be Interested In

Geneva College

Beaver Falls, PA

Saint Louis University

St. Louis, MO

Catawba College

Salisbury, NC

Randolph College

Lynchburg, VA