Before you decide on double majoring or not, consider the following and how it applies to your own, personal situation. The reality is that not everyone agrees on the value of a double major. Because these requirements are subject to change, you should contact the individual institution directly to get the most up-to-date information. A double major, or dual major, is the act of pursuing two majors, with both typically falling under the same degree. Double majors are generally allowed within the same school or department as long as the department offers different majors. © 2020 BestColleges.com a Red Ventures Company, Top 25 Accredited Online Colleges and Universities, Graphic Design, Film, Web Design, Game Design, Photography, Accounting, Business Administration, Human Resources, Finance, Marketing, Computer Science, Information Technology, Software Engineering, Web Development, Cyber Security, Paralegal, Legal Studies, Criminology, Early Childhood Education, Special Education, Elementary Education, Social Work, History, Communications, Writing, Political Science, Healthcare Administration, Public Health, Nutritional Sciences, RN to BSN, Forensic Psychology, Family Counseling, Mental Health Counseling, Ministry, Christian Counseling, Bible Colleges. According to the Vanderbilt study, single majors join 3.1 clubs on average while double majors join 3.4. The following is a list of advantages and disadvantages of earning a double major. I have to do med school and pt prequites but is it like worth it or should I just pick one career, which would bite And which is right for you? And I want program suggestions that look good with a biology major. Double majoring is an especially misguided choice for students who choose majors that are similar in substance or approach — political science and history, for example. If you already exactly know what you want to do, combining two science degrees are never worth it. But then again, people here sometimes seem to … The good news is that you typically don't need to make the decision to double major until after your freshman year. Should You Become a College Resident Assistant (RA)? Should you decide to double major, you won't be alone. It’s also not uncommon for students to double major in math and computer science. Unlike a double major, which awards a single degree for two areas of study, a dual degree allows a student to earn two separate degrees, such as a BA and a BS. Whether a double major is worth it for you depends on your choice of career, your interest level in both majors, the requirements you must meet to pursue a double major at your school, and your overall commitment to your education. A double major doesn't help in LS admissions at all from what I've seen. What's right for one student may not be right for another. Because: Double the major = Double the work – but – Double the major <> Double the salary (does not usually equal) Tips for Appealing a College Rejection Decision, Reasons You're Required to Live on Campus Your First Year of College, Sample Appeal Letter for a College Rejection, What to Do When You Are Accepted to Grad School, M.Ed., Higher Education Administration, Harvard University, B.A., English and Comparative Literary Studies, Occidental College. At some colleges, this percentage is closer to 40%. A 2011 paperfound that a double major, on average, yields a 3.2 percent earnings premium over a peer with only one degree. UIC students hoping to double major must complete all course requirements for both majors within the same college. It depends on whom you ask. It may be worth it if you want the extra knowledge base and are that interested in gaining it. Just look at what specific careers you are interested in and is it necessary. #3: There’s a Higher Chance of Unemployment and Low Pay. For these reasons, it may increase your earnings potential, and improve your job prospects. Double majors are normally awarded within the same school or department. Be sure to discuss your options with your advisor. You can find more information on financial aid requirements at https://fafsa.ed.gov/. And I find that if I study biology and a secondary program that can boost my GPA. In addition to possessing a strong academic record, students must demonstrate clear reasoning for choosing to pursue two areas of study. Usually double-majoring keeps people behind a year or two depending. In other words, a double major is when you graduate with one degree, but with two or more areas of specialization or disciplines. This is one of the hardest majors and unless you plan to spend 6 … For the right students, it is well worth the effort. Students must meet all application requirements for the second major. Double-major candidates at MIT must possess at least a 4.0 cumulative GPA (with some exceptions) and fulfill all General Institute Requirements and any additional major requirements. Below are some examples of the double-major requirements at popular U.S. universities. Another idea would be to focus on one major and 1-2 internships. At Rice, students follow the same process to declare a second major as they do a first, which involves submitting an Undergraduate Declaration of Major form to the Office of the Registrar along with their advisor's approval and signature. Are there any cases any of you could think a double-major would be better than not? And in some instances, it doesn’t help a graduate earn any more money or have any better job prospects at graduation. It can open more doors. Im getting into physical therapy and orthopaedic surgeon. Stanford students who plan to double major must fulfill all requirements for both majors. To help make your decision, let’s consider the following: Time. Of course, by taking a second major or minor, you will differentiate yourself from many of your peers by the mere quantity of programs you take. Ultimately, a double major can be worth it if you are passionate about the fields you're studying and have a clear vision of how you plan to use your majors in your career. Whether the extra work, time, and money are worth having two degrees on … Undergraduates who double major at Columbia must have a 3.2 GPA and declare their majors before completing 80 credits toward their degree. Like most liberal arts majors, a history major doesn’t necessarily have a linear, direct path to a career. It's heavier lifting each semester in terms of work and you have to be careful you don't burn out too fast, but it is worth it. There's no right or wrong answer. This may make it an approachable task. Double majors are the bachelor’s degree of the 21st Century. Whereas undergraduates must complete at least three terms, transfer students must complete at least two terms, with one term in a department with a declared major. What are the pros? Discover New Opportunities. In some fields, having a double major on your resume can give you a leg up on the competition and offer the potential to earn a higher salary. This is a testament to one of the most valuable skills being a double major can teach students: time management. There's no right or wrong answer. Before you make your decision, consider the following factors. A double major is overkill, but it can also give you some extra flexibility. At a … So when is a double major worth it? Let digital senior give you an overview of the issue. Or maybe you're passionate about health and enjoy design? NIU stock is worth double today's price and or a 33% ROI annually. I'm have a 3.0 GPA. One degree is not enough so they do two, even though it means tens of thousands of dollars of extra debt and another few years out of the workforce – easily a six-figure investment when subject fees and a year or two of lost income is considered. You max out your allotment. Nearly every choice we make in life comes with pros and cons, and figuring out whether or not to double major is no exception. While students must declare their first major by the end of their sophomore year, they may add a second major anytime afterward. Students who plan to double major at Northwestern need to complete both sets of major requirements. Whether a double major is worth it for you depends on your choice of career, your interest level in both majors, the requirements you must meet to pursue a double major at your school, and your overall commitment to your education. Even having just one major takes a few years to complete. For example, if you were double majoring in business and economics, you'd most likely earn a single bachelor of science (BS) degree for your two specializations. Is a double major worth it? Kelci Lynn Lucier has worked in higher education for over a decade. The percentage of students pursuing a double major varies by institution, often ranging from 10-25% of all enrolled students. Even that really doesn't help much. What are the cons? And yet not many students are able to complete a double major during their time in college. The large number of students entering college with advanced placement (AP) credits — which can be used to fulfill institutions' general education requirements — has no doubt made it easier for students to complete a double major within a traditional four-year time frame. Considerations for Deciding to Pursue a Double Major . A double major essentially gives you two degrees, while a minor simply gives you the chance to explore another area of interest. I have heard many say that they only use one of their two degrees. UT Austin students who wish to double major may declare their second major after completing 30 semester hours of coursework. While some colleges encourage students to pursue two majors, others actively discourage it. You should also talk with your career counselor and/or academic advisor. But how big the difference is it going to be? Alternatives to a double major include the following: Deciding whether to double major is a decision that requires careful consideration. A more recent study, published in 2016, concluded that liberal arts students who tacked on a second degree in either business or a science, technology, engineering o… The details will vary depending on your time in school. Fast forward 20 years and double degrees are the norm for a growing number of students. The one field where I suggest NOT double majoring is Engineering. On the other hand, majoring in two subjects offers a much greater depth in knowledge which is never a … The idea of having a double major is very appealing; you graduate with two degrees and a larger breadth and depth of knowledge than if you had focused on only one area. It may be worth it if you have the extra time to pursue the added classes. If the university gives you a credit range, say... 12-21 for the tuition price, then it is worth it to double major rather than doing a single major and minor. Building connections in a single area will likely advance your career more than a second major. For instance, you could earn a Bachelor of Arts degree with double majors in Marketing and Spanish with the goal of pursuing a career in international business. Considering the pros and cons of double majoring is much easier when you fully understand exactly what a double major looks like at your school. Each state and person will be different, but it's worth thinking about if you want to double major. It is probably one of the most common double majors there is. For example, combining a foreign language major with a political science major works well for students hoping to establish a career in government and foreign relations. A double major, at the undergraduate level, is a programme of study that allows you to meet the requirements of two majors of the same type in a single degree award. Approval also hinges on whether the student will be able to graduate within four years. Since college is such a financial constraint, is it worth it? Some students believe double majoring was the best decision they ever made, whereas others wish they would have concentrated on just one field. By using ThoughtCo, you accept our, How to Answer "What Can I Tell You About Our College? While overlapping courses do not count unless the student satisfies an introductory skill requirement, exceptions apply within the School of Engineering. Overlapping courses may be permitted depending on the department. What are the pros and cons of taking a second major or minor? ThoughtCo uses cookies to provide you with a great user experience. Dual-degree programs usually take longer as well: about five or six years in total. These students are squandering their unique opportunity to explore entirely new subjects and ways of thinking. Do you have an interest in biology and art history? ‘The more, the merrier.’ People taking a second major or even minor in university may have such a mentality. Some double-major combinations hold more professional appeal than others. But this isn't true for all fields — some employers may not notice or care that you took the time to double major. A double major, at the undergraduate level, is a programme of study that allows you to meet the requirements of two majors of the same type in a single degree award. If you're willing to put in the extra work, you will reap the extra rewards. Is a double major worth the time and investment? I’ve already touched on this a little above, but it can be difficult for language majors to find a well-paying job (especially if you majored in only a language and didn't double major). It may be worth it to you if you have the drive and passion to keep up with the heavy load. I'm studying biology. The following list contains some of the best double-major combinations you can choose from. The only possible exception is when the two majors are wildly different. I don't mean poli sci and English--I mean comparative lit with a focus on Italian and French and physics. For me it would have been cheaper overall if I had just continued school until I finished classes for both majors and then graduated. Should you decide to double major, you won't be alone. Many double majors can give you options you may not have thought of where you might use one and not the other. A double major sounds great, but it requires a lot of extra work and sacrifice. Be aware that requirements often vary by school or department within a given institution. They can also help you navigate through the specific course and credit requirements at your institution. I'm assuming it will matter on the majors chosen. And yet not many students are able to complete a double major during their time in college. I have finished all but my foreign language requirement out of my distribution. In our lives, it’s easy for us to start trapping ourselves in boxes. A double major differs from a dual degree. Students may not declare two majors within the same academic department (e.g., you could not declare a double major in mathematics and applied mathematics, which are both in the Department of Mathematics). Generally, double majors are allowed within all schools at Northwestern except the School of Communication. Before committing to a double major, make sure that you understand the course requirements for each major and that you'll be capable of achieving your goals. Combining your interests with a double degree, double major or combined degree, not only means you're likely to find your studies more enriching and rewarding but, it will give you a broader skillset and unique way of looking at the world. In short, a foreign language major takes a lot of additional effort to make it worth it. Students who want to double major at KSU must consult with their advisor(s) to see whether the particular major combination is permitted. These students must satisfy the requirements for both majors, which include the completion of 10 upper-division courses unique to each field of study. Value of a Double Major Although many employers simply care that you have a bachelor's degree – regardless of what it is in – Kathy Sims of the UCLA Career Center told Fastweb that students who have "serious concentration" in two areas may look more valuable to employers. 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