Despicable Me College Majors: What Each Character Would Study
What if Despicable Me took place on a college campus instead of a secret villain lair? Picture Gru stressing over degree requirements, Margo planning her academic path three semesters ahead, and the Minions absolutely thriving in student life chaos.
Thinking about characters as college students is actually a fun way to look at real college majors. Personality, interests, and how someone moves through the world matter just as much as grades or prestige.
When you look at college through that lens, you start noticing some surprisingly realistic and niche paths. These despicable me college majors are all real bachelor’s programs offered at U.S. universities today, and they line up with each character a little too well.
⚫💥 GRU
Adventure Education
Gru thrives in high-stakes environments where planning, leadership, and problem-solving matter. This major focuses on risk management, outdoor leadership, and decision-making under pressure, all skills he already uses daily.
Universities offering it:
Plymouth State University
Fort Lewis College
Northland College
Astrobiology
Gru is drawn to the extraordinary and the unknown. Astrobiology blends biology, chemistry, and space science, making it a perfect fit for someone fascinated by life beyond Earth and big-picture questions.
Universities offering it:
University of Washington
Penn State University
Florida Institute of Technology
Fermentation Sciences
Gru loves experimenting in the lab. This chemistry-heavy major is hands-on and technical, focused on controlled experimentation and precision, which fits his methodical and inventive nature.
Universities offering it:
Appalachian State University
Central Washington University
Colorado State University–Pueblo
Nautical Archaeology
This major combines underwater exploration, ancient history, and advanced research methods. It’s dramatic, technical, and secret-filled, which makes it one of the most on-brand despicable me college majors for Gru.
Universities offering it:
Texas A&M University
University of West Florida
East Carolina University
🧪 DR. NEFARIO
Biomimicry
Biomimicry focuses on designing solutions inspired by nature and science. It rewards unconventional thinking and experimentation, making it ideal for an inventor who constantly pushes boundaries.
Universities offering it:
Arizona State University
University of Akron
Oregon State University
Cannabis Biology & Chemistry
This research-heavy major dives deep into chemistry, plant science, and regulation. It’s complex, lab-based, and technical, aligning well with Nefario’s love for intricate scientific processes.
Universities offering it:
Colorado State University–Pueblo
Northern Michigan University
SUNY Morrisville
Mortuary Science
Mortuary science blends anatomy, chemistry, ethics, and precision. Its structured and regulated nature paired with dark humor makes it an unexpectedly fitting academic path.
Universities offering it:
University of Minnesota
Wayne State University
Cincinnati College of Mortuary Science
Comic Art
Comic art focuses on visual storytelling and expressive design. It gives space for creativity and eccentricity, balancing out Nefario’s scientific side.
Universities offering it:
Minneapolis College of Art and Design
School of Visual Arts
Columbus College of Art & Design
🎓 MARGO
Public Policy
Public policy centers on leadership, systems, and decision-making that affects communities. It fits someone responsible, structured, and naturally protective of others.
Universities offering it:
University of Chicago
Georgia State University
University of Arizona
Global Studies
This major emphasizes cultural awareness and global systems. It aligns with Margo’s ability to think big-picture and understand complex social dynamics.
Universities offering it:
UCLA
University of Vermont
Loyola University Maryland
Interdisciplinary Studies
Interdisciplinary studies allow students to design a flexible academic path while staying organized and intentional, making it a practical option within despicable me college majors.
Universities offering it:
University of North Texas
Arizona State University
University of Central Florida
Legal Studies
Legal studies build strong research, critical thinking, and advocacy skills. It’s a natural fit for someone with a strong moral compass and leadership instincts.
Universities offering it:
University of Wisconsin–Madison
University of Massachusetts Amherst
St. John’s University
🎀 EDITH
Costume Technology
Costume technology blends design, fabrication, and hands-on problem-solving. It’s perfect for someone who loves disguises, props, and creative construction.
Universities offering it:
DePaul University
University of North Carolina School of the Arts
Carnegie Mellon University
Diving Business & Technology
This major combines technical skill, physical challenge, and applied science, fitting Edith’s fearless and adventurous personality.
Universities offering it:
College of the Florida Keys
Santa Barbara City College
University of Hawaii Maui College
Bicycle Design & Fabrication
This program focuses on welding, mechanics, and custom builds. It channels chaotic creativity into technical skill and innovation.
Universities offering it:
Minnesota State College Southeast
Portland State University
Utah Valley University
Adventure Education
Outdoor leadership, climbing, paddling, and survival skills define this major, making it one of the most accurate despicable me college majors for Edith.
Universities offering it:
Plymouth State University
Fort Lewis College
Northland College
🦄 AGNES
Citrus & Horticultural Science
This major focuses on plant science, sustainability, and care. It suits someone gentle, nurturing, and happiest around living things.
Universities offering it:
Florida Southern College
Cal Poly Pomona
Texas A&M University
Pop Music
Pop music programs emphasize emotion, performance, and expression, aligning with Agnes’s joy and creativity.
Universities offering it:
University of Southern California
Berklee College of Music
Belmont University
Puppet Arts
Puppet arts combine storytelling, design, and imagination. It’s whimsical, expressive, and deeply creative, which makes it a standout among despicable me college majors.
Universities offering it:
University of Connecticut
California Institute of the Arts
University of Central Florida
EcoGastronomy
EcoGastronomy blends food, culture, and sustainability. It’s values-driven and community-focused, fitting Agnes’s caring nature.
Universities offering it:
University of New Hampshire
Johnson & Wales University
Oregon State University
🟡 THE MINIONS (Kevin, Stuart, Bob)
Bagpiping
Bagpiping is loud, performance-driven, and chaotic in the best way, perfectly matching Minion energy.
Universities offering it:
Carnegie Mellon University
University of Glasgow
Lyon College
Comic Art
Visual humor and exaggerated expression are central to comic art, which mirrors how the Minions communicate.
Universities offering it:
Minneapolis College of Art and Design
School of Visual Arts
Columbus College of Art & Design
Bakery Science
Bakery science is a real, chemistry-based major focused on food production and formulation, making it a surprisingly practical choice.
Universities offering it:
Kansas State University
Johnson & Wales University
Oregon State University
Adventure Education
Teamwork, movement, and constant unpredictability define this major and the Minions’ entire existence, closing out the list of despicable me college majors perfectly.
Universities offering it:
Plymouth State University
Fort Lewis College
Northland College
In conclusion…
Imagining Despicable Me characters finding their way around college campuses makes one thing obvious. College majors become much more interesting when they actually match personality, curiosity, and how someone naturally approaches life.
College planning doesn’t have to be rigid or predictable. Sometimes, it starts by asking what kind of student someone already is and letting the major follow.
