While most college students choose a primary major to focus on, some choose to complete the coursework for two in order to earn a double major degree. For the right student, the double major path has advantages.
But before you start dreaming up potential double major combinations, it's important to understand exactly what taking on an additional major entails. Read on to find out what a double major requires, how it's different from a dual degree program, and the pros and cons of pursuing multiple majors.
Double major requirements
First, it's important to understand that taking on a second major doesn't necessarily mean you'll earn a second degree. That's where the difference between double majors and dual degrees comes in.
What is a double major?
While a double major requires you to complete all the coursework for two separate majors, you'll still only earn a single degree. Say, for instance, that you want to get into marketing but also happen to be a total computer whiz.
You might decide to choose marketing as your first major and computer science as your second. Throughout your college career, you'd get all the career benefits of studying both as you pursued a Bachelor of Science Degree in Marketing and Computer Science.
Double majors are most common among undergraduate students who are hoping to combine two areas of study that can be used in the same career. Here are some examples of other double-major combinations that make sense:
- Foreign Language and Political Science
- Business Admin and Accounting
- Math and Engineering
- Science and Technology
- English and Philosophy
What is a dual degree and why is it different?
Enrollment in a dual degree program involves earning two separate degrees at the same time, whether it be two bachelor's degrees, two graduate degrees, or one of each. While college students apply for enrollment in dual degree programs for plenty of different reasons, two are the most common.
The first is that they want to earn degrees from two different departments, such as:
- BA in Math and a BSE in Applied Mechanics
- BS in Nursing and a BS in Economics
- Master of Business Administration and Master of Public Health
The other is that enrolling in an undergraduate-to-graduate dual-degree program can be a solid way to fast-track your way to a graduate degree. Rather than graduating with a bachelor's degree and applying to a separate graduate school, some dual degree programs allow you to roll both pursuits into one at the same school. Some programs will even allow you to put credits from certain classes toward both degrees, which can save you time and money in the long run.
Double major requirements
While students who want to complete a double major must complete the requirements for both areas of study, other requirements can vary depending on the school. For instance, some schools will let you count the credits you earn from a certain class toward both majors, while others won't.
If you're a high school senior who is flirting with the idea of a double major, be sure to take double major requirements into account when looking for the right school for you. Don't be shy about setting up an appointment with your academic advisor to ask about any paperwork you may need to fill out to make your double major plans official.
Do double majors take longer?
The common assumption is that double majors equal double the work, right? Not necessarily. If you play your cards right, it's totally possible to graduate in four years with a double major degree.
Most bachelor's degree programs require students to earn 120 credits to graduate. The key is that the credits you'll need are usually broken down into different categories such as:
- Core curriculum/general education requirements
- Major requirements
- Electives
The good news is that all of your gen eds should count toward both majors. Most schools will also let you use your electives to pursue credits for your second major, so you can graduate within the same amount of time as single-major students.
Benefits of double-majoring
While the double major may not be for everyone, it can have its benefits for the right student. Let's take a look at the upsides of tackling two separate college majors in one.
- Broader knowledge and skills
One thing that many college students don't realize until they graduate is that there are plenty of jobs out there that require multiple skill sets. Imagine, for instance, that you're applying for a marketing internship.
While the program you apply for may get applications from plenty of marketing majors, mentioning that you also majored in computer science or statistics could help set you apart. If you have a certain career in mind, it's never too early to check out the qualifications needed to make sure you cover as many bases as possible during your college career.
- More career prospects
You're not wrong if you suspect that double majoring could help you earn more money. In fact, in a study published in the Columbia Economic Review, author Ammar Plumber found that students with double majors regularly went on to enjoy higher earning prospects.
Not to mention that a double major will leave you with the skills necessary to pursue double the number of careers. A double business and communications major, for example, could explore jobs in business, communications, or niche jobs that combine the skills of both.
- Personal growth
Depending on which concentrations you choose, broadening your field of study can also help hone your problem-solving and critical-thinking abilities. Earning a bachelor of arts in humanities, such as theater or media, can go a long way toward honing your public speaking and communications skills.
Combine those skills with a bachelor of science in law or government and you've got a winning combination. If you want to be the most well-rounded candidate possible, focusing on multiple areas of study in college is one way to go about it.
Challenges of double-majoring
While double majoring can have its benefits, there's a reason that it's not the path most college students choose. Let's delve a little deeper into the cons of double major degrees.
- Time and coursework required
While it's possible to graduate in four years by replacing electives with your second degree requirements, it's also going to be harder. Be prepared to fill your semester hours with plenty of hard work instead of "fun" courses that don't count toward your majors.
Achieving the degree requirements for a single major is hard enough, so if you plan to pursue two, make sure your time management skills are on point. Also, be prepared for your quest for credit hours to occasionally cut into extracurricular activities.
- Academic planning
Academic advisors are absolutely invaluable for students pursuing double majors. Many will even sit down with you and map out your course schedules and prerequisites many semesters in advance. Without a solid plan in place, you may not be able to graduate in the time frame you'd hoped.
- Finances
Let's face it, college is expensive. If you plan to attend university on a scholarship or any other form of financial aid, make sure you check out any requirements that may be attached to keeping them.
Many scholarships require you to maintain a certain GPA or graduate within a certain time frame. These are both important considerations to keep in mind before signing on for double the coursework.
Is a double major worth it?
The frustrating but honest truth is that it totally depends. If you know exactly what career you want to pursue and are ready to do whatever it takes to make it happen, then a double major may be just the ticket.
If you're a bit less sure about what the future holds or don't feel a double major would benefit you, then there's nothing wrong with sticking to a single major. While academic advisors can help, at the end of the day, you're the only one who can answer whether the demands of a double major are worth it in your situation.
Explore the top schools and majors with College Rover
As you can see, there's a lot to consider when it comes to whether or not the double major is right for you. From researching which colleges offer accessibility to the majors you're interested in, to the pros and cons of challenging coursework, there's no one right path for every student. Don't hesitate to speak to your school counselor or academic advisor about any further questions you may have.
Ready to start seeking out the best colleges and programs for your future? Look no further than College Rover for a streamlined guide to colleges, financial aid, majors, and more.
