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Double Major
College students pursuing graduate degrees usually major in one subject and complete their education after the many hours they spend studying and attending classes, to fulfill their course requirements. But those who love education can take their undergraduate or graduate level learning to an even higher level, with two major courses of study, at the same time. To expound on this point – instead of taking up just one major course of study, students can take courses in two different disciplines, simultaneously, and graduate with what is termed a ‘Double Major’.
This guide sheds light on Double Majoring, analyzing whether or not pursuing a Double Major makes sense, what Double Majoring is worth when it comes to potential employers and several important aspects of Double Major programs.
Dual Majors vs. Double Majors
Many universities use the term Dual Majors, instead of Double Majors, but these may well be just interchangeable terms. However, some universities distinctly define dual majors quite differently from Double Majors.
Broadly speaking, while some schools define Double Majors to mean two majors in completely different areas of study, others use the term dual majors to state the opposite – two majors in similar areas of study.
To state a few examples, two majors – one in Chemical Engineering and the other in Art History, which are unrelated disciplines, and can be termed a Double Majors by some universities, and dual majors by others. Similarly, one major in Business and Economics, and the other in mathematics-economics, which are related disciplines, may be termed a Dual Majors by some universities, and a Double Majors by others.
Students should make sure to check with their academic advisor, to understand how their institution uses these terms.
Dual Degree vs. Double Majors
At some schools, students who Double Major in unrelated fields, like History and Nursing, will get two degrees, and if the student’s majors are in related fields, like Business & Economics, and Commerce, they will only graduate with one degree. In other words, Double Majoring is typically obtaining one degree, while doing a Dual major typically results in two degrees. Exactly how this works will depend on the school’s specific rules, the graduate program, and the two chosen subjects.
There is also the possibility of a Dual Degree at different academic levels. For instance, students may be able to enroll in a Dual Degree program where they earn a Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, along with a Master’s in Accounting. Earned separately, it might take six years to complete both degrees. But with this Dual Degree program, it takes five years.
How to Declare Double Majors?
When students declare a major as an undergraduate, they agree to fulfill the qualification requirements and/or prerequisites of a particular department at the college. Typically, this means a student needs to take a minimum number of required courses/credits within that particular department, plus a selection of elective classes from other departments.
For instance, if students were studying for a major in Economics, there may be a requirement to take their choice of a Science elective alongside. As an undergraduate, the student may also have to declare a Minor (in another department), which requires far fewer courses than the Major course of study.
Declaring a Major at graduate-level degrees is slightly different. Usually, when a student applies to a university, they are also applying for a specific discipline, such as Political Science, History, Physics, Computer Science, etc. That discipline will, of course, have its degree requirements to successfully graduate from the program.
Factors for Students to Consider for Double Majors
Many students entering college, who have a desire to Double Major, must understand a few key factors that could influence their decision, which are:
- Double Major Combinations
What are the various combinations in subjects/courses available for Double Majoring? - Second Major
What is the best second major, which can complement or augment the degree? - Financial Aid
What is the access to financial aid the college has, for Double Major students? - Dual Degree Programs
What are the dual degree programs on offer, and what are their course requirements? - Higher Earnings
Will a Double Major result in higher earnings in the job market? - Free Time
Will pursuing a Double Major eat into free time? - AP Credits
Are AP credits accepted by the college, and can they be used for a Double Major?
How to Double Major?
At the undergraduate level, students usually take four years to earn a degree with one major. But if done carefully and with the university’s approval, the student can manage Double Majoring in the same time frame.
Typically Bachelor’s degrees are 120 credits. General education requirements take up about 40 credits, and the major will require about 40 to 50 credits, leaving roughly about 30 to 40 credits available for electives, or that second major. Students will need to take the necessary procedural steps to declare a Double Major officially. Speaking with an academic advisor is often a requirement for students, before acceptance into a Double Major program. The academic advisor can help ensure that the student gets the right courses, in the right order.
Furthermore, students will probably need to complete a special application for a Double Major. This will typically include a course outline or roadmap of how they plan on earning the Double Major. It may also include a statement of purpose that includes the reasons why they want to pursue two majors. Only after the college or university approves the application, is the Double Major possible.
Pros & Cons of Double Majors
A Double Major may well be a tempting proposition, but it does require a lot of extra work and sacrifice to complete. From additional credit hours to giving up time for extracurricular activities, there are generally a few trade-offs and caveats. However, there is no right or wrong answer to the question of Double Majoring. In some instances, it does not help a graduate to earn any more money or have better job prospects, but in other cases, it does.
The following is a list of some of the advantages and disadvantages of Double Majoring:
| Pros of Double-Majoring | Cons of Double Majoring |
|---|---|
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Double Major – FAQs
| Q: Is a Double Major worth it? |
| A: Compared to just one major, yes. When students can gain knowledge of a master’s program in two areas without going through a full program, it naturally makes Double Majoring worth it. This is especially true in today’s competitive world. |
| Q: Are Double Majors the same as two degrees? |
| A: In most cases, no. But the answers depend on the graduate school. Some graduate schools award two degrees for Double Major students and may call it a dual degree, while others offer Double Majors with only one degree. |
| Q: Does it cost more to Double Major? |
| A: Yes, a Double Major can cost more, if it requires the student to spend extra time in school, or attend a school that charges additional tuition for heavier course loads. But getting Double Majors for the same cost as a single major is possible, especially if students enroll in college with credits already under their belt, or can take courses that fulfill multiple academic requirements. Whatever the case, there is, of course, the option of seeking financial aid for a Double Major. |
| Q: How hard is it to Double Major? |
| A: Compared to a single major, getting a Double Major will be more work. Students will have to choose their courses carefully, and stay organized to make sure all necessary classes are completed at the right time. Academically, most Double Majors, especially Double Major combinations, will usually be more challenging, because college students study two disciplines at once. |
| Q: How long does it take to Double Major? |
| A: The duration of a Double Major depends on the college, and the number of credits required for each major. But typically, it takes about four years to get an undergraduate degree and two years for a master’s with Double Majors, provided students plan everything well. |
| Q: Can you Double Major in a Master’s Program? |
| A: Yes, many schools offer a master’s program with Double Majors. |
| Q: Can you Double Major online? |
| A: Yes, many online schools offer both bachelor’s and master’s degrees that are Double Majors. |
| Q: Does a graduate with a Double Major earn more? |
| A: Whether or not a graduate with a Double Major makes more, largely depends on the subjects and courses chosen. In certain cases, students double their earning potential, while in others, a Double Major would make no difference. |
| Q: Do Double Majors apply to a foreign language? |
| A: Yes, it is possible to take up a foreign language in Double Majors. But students should check with the college’s foreign language department to see if their choice of foreign language qualifies for a Double Major program. |
Conclusion
College majors offer more breadth in education to Double Major students, and can potentially result in better career opportunities, often making Double Majoring worth it. But whether students have just completed their bachelor’s degree, or are entering graduate school, it is always advisable to seek advice from the college’s academic advisors, refer to college career guides, or even contact student organizations for exact and more information, and then decide for themselves whether a Double Majors is for them or not.