Can a Double Major do Double Duty?
Whether it is to diversify their academic scope and competencies or to boost their likelihood of graduate school acceptance or employment, students who double major can benefit personally and professionally. But it requires sacrifice.
For some students the decision to double major begins their first semester, while other students make the choice during their sophomore or junior years by adding coursework to their minor. A student who is pondering a double major can consider the following when making a decision.
Breadth of Knowledge
Regardless as to whether the majors are complementary or dissimilar, interdisciplinary study can increase a student's level of knowledge and ability. In addition, it can help a student understand the synergetic relationship that exists among academic disciplines.
Increased Marketability
With competition being tight for employment and graduate school acceptance, the ability to favorably differentiate oneself can boost the potential for success. Demonstrating an ability to juggle two majors can show a candidate's initiative, flexibility, competence and resourcefulness.
Heavy Workload
Depending on the requirements of each major, it can be demanding to double major. The rigor of having two academic disciplines can limit a student to taking mostly core courses and those required by the majors. In addition, there is the possibility of having to carry a high number of credit hours each semester, attend summer school or forgo other commitments. Students who double major are not required to have a minor.
Financial Sacrifices
In some cases, a student with a double major may be unable to graduate in four years. An extra semester or two of college has financial implications that may include tuition, room/board, books and other fees.
Before Deciding, a Student May Want to Consider:
-
Why
do
I
want
a
second
major
-
is
it
for
career
or
graduate
school
purposes,
for
enhancing
my
skills
and
perspectives,
or
for
addressing
my
passion
for
two
academic
disciplines?
Or
am
I
adding
another
major
because
I
lack
direction?
-
Is
a
double
major
the
right
choice
or
would
I
be
better
served
by
participating
in
a
dual
degree
or
a
pre-professional
training
program,
or
by
attending
graduate
school
upon
completion
of
my
undergraduate
degree?
-
What
are
the
personal,
academic,
social
and
financial
implications
of
a
double
major?
-
Have
I
sought
the
input
of
others
-
my
faculty
advisor,
faculty
in
the
disciplines
I
am
considering,
and
students
who
may
have
double
majored?
-
Are
the
majors
complementary
or
dissimilar
and
how
would
this
impact
me
with
regard
to
coursework
and
experiential
and
co-curricular
activities,
as
well
as
my
personal
and
professional
goals?
- Are my time management, organizational and study skills in line with what would be required of me, and how might a rigorous schedule affect me physically and emotionally?