Genetic associations with educational fields in >460,000 individuals

The choice of a field of study is a significant decision influenced by a complex interplay of individual traits, interests, and contextual factors. Little is known about the genetic architecture of educational fields. Genetic methods make it possible to explore common influences on different field specialisations. First, we conducted genome-wide association study (GWAS) meta-analyses of 10 broad fields of education using population-wide administrative data from Finland and Norway (FinnGen and MoBa; total n=463,134). Measured genetic differences were associated with fields of study (17 independent genome-wide significant lead SNPs across 10 fields GWAS). SNP-based heritability estimates were 7% on average. Polygenic indices (PGIs) based on our GWAS results were significantly associated with their respective fields in Lifelines, an independent Dutch cohort, for 7 out of 10 fields (p<0.005; n=36,373). Second, we detected overlapping genetic influences on different field specialisations, summarised by a Technical versus Social trait (10 independent genome-wide significant lead SNP associations), and a second Creative versus Conformist trait (3 independent genome-wide significant lead SNPs). Technical versus Social tendencies are genetically correlated with personality traits Extraversion and Agreeableness, and Creative versus Conformist tendencies are genetically correlated with Openness to Experience and Occupational Creativity. Third, results were robust to controls for stratification, both in GWA analyses adjusting for birthplace and parents’ fields and in within-family polygenic index analyses in the Lifelines (n=14,767). Weaving together genetics, complex traits, and contexts, we create a fuller picture of the underpinnings of educational qualifications, shifting the focus of social science genomics from the conventional hierarchy of attainments towards multidimensional tendencies and interests. We discuss socially mediated mechanisms by which genetic associations with fields of study arise.