Is it better to double major or single major?

Asked by: Christop Littel  |  Last update: September 17, 2023
Score: 4.6/5 (57 votes)

With a double major, you may have broader career options when you graduate, as well as a higher earning potential over time. A 2003 study using data from the National Survey of College Graduates found that double majors made 2.3 percent more than those who chose a single major.

Is double major better than single major?

A double major entails studying two separate fields for a single degree. Pros of a double major include potentially higher earnings and a more diverse skill set. Cons include less free time and little flexibility in your class schedule.

Is a double major more impressive?

While graduating with a double major can look impressive on your resume and potentially score you a better paying gig, it can also be a financial burden. Pro Tip: If you love the idea of studying two subjects but find the prospect of a double major overwhelming, consider doing a minor instead.

Do double majors get paid more?

According to a 2021 paper in the Columbia Economic Review, pursuing a double major almost always predicts greater earnings than pursuing either major alone. A combination of business and STEM (science, technology, engineering and math), two business majors or two STEM majors will be the most lucrative.

Is a double major as good as two degrees?

A dual-degree program lets you earn two credentials in distinct fields. A double major results in one degree with two areas of specialization. Both options can help you access a wider array of career opportunities. Pursue the option that best fits your personal circumstances and academic/professional goals.

9 Things I Wish I Knew Before Double Majoring In College

18 related questions found

Are double majors harder?

How hard is it to double major? Adding significantly more credit hours and studying to your course load means that you are going to have to carefully juggle your classes and study time. Time management will be critical. You may need to sacrifice time with friends or even holidays you might usually spend at home.

What percentage of people double major?

How Common Are Double Majors? Double major students may be more common than you thought! A study found that about 25% of students actually pursue double majors, and some schools may actually find that they have 40% of students going after two majors.

Can you major in 3 things at once?

It should come as no surprise that triple majoring requires exceptional focus and effort. However, the payoff can be an enriching experience — and it can help save money. When figuring out whether it will cost you more to complete two additional majors, it's important to consider how much your chosen programs overlap.

Can you major in 4 things at once?

Most students go for either two majors and one minor or two majors and two minors. However, it's rare for students to have more than two majors and minors all at the same time simply because most colleges and universities do not allow it.

Does double major affect GPA?

The undergraduate GPAs are unaffected by multiple majors. The only difference is there are multiple GPAs that are calculated the same way as a single major. All the course grades are used in the calculation for an overall GPA, and only the major upper divisions courses are used in the calculation of the major GPA.

Do employers care about double major?

It's attractive to employers. A double major can give you a competitive edge as a job candidate, as you'll have a unique insight into two fields. A double major can also demonstrate a strong work ethic. It can bring more diverse opportunities.

What is the most common double major?

Check out which double majors are the most popular and which combinations offer the highest likelihood of post-college success.
  • Most Popular Double Majors. ...
  • Foreign Language and Business. ...
  • Economics and Math/Political Science/Engineering. ...
  • Business and Art. ...
  • Business and Psychology/Sociology. ...
  • Communication and Science.

What are the pros and cons of a double degree?

Pros and Cons of a Dual Degree Program
  • Con: Competition is Fierce. Not just anyone can undergo a dual degree program. ...
  • Pro: Two Degrees. Well, let's start off with the obvious one—you earn two degrees! ...
  • Con: Much Bigger Course-load. ...
  • Pro: Saves Time in the Long Run. ...
  • Con: School Leaves Little Time for Other Things.

What are the easiest double majors?

Easiest Double Majors

These include combos like English and Communication, Education and Psychology, Political Science and Economics, or Accounting and Finance. Some schools offer special double major programs that make this process far more streamlined.

How do you put a double major on a resume?

How to include double major on resume?
  1. Format your education section. ...
  2. List the more relevant major first. ...
  3. Highlight relevant minors. ...
  4. Include additional coursework, certifications, or awards. ...
  5. Include your GPA if it's high. ...
  6. List each degree only once. ...
  7. Use a template for your resume.

Is it better to double major or have multiple minors?

While it is a greater commitment, double majoring opens more doors for you after graduation. Conversely, minoring is less difficult, but your second field of study might not be taken as seriously. You'll have to work harder to find ways in which you can make it apply.

Is it worth it to have two minors?

Multiple majors and minors shows potential employers that you have balanced a greater workload and can prioritize and manage your time well. This is especially true if you can also show other involvements such as student leadership roles, volunteering or internships, or a part-time job.

Do employers care about minors?

Will a minor help you land a job after graduation? Probably not. Most hiring managers don't look for specific minors (or even majors, in many cases) when evaluating job applicants.

How many majors should you have?

You won't have as many opportunities to experiment or take classes outside those two fields. While a minor or a double major might make you more marketable, both professionally and for graduate study, both are time—and energy—intensive. Most students find that one major is more than enough.

What major is the hardest?

Top 15 Hardest College Majors Table of Contents
  • Chemistry.
  • Environmental Economics and Policy.
  • Environmental Earth Science.
  • American Studies.
  • Nuclear Engineering.
  • Energy Engineering.
  • Astrophysics.
  • Applied Mathematics.

Has anyone triple majored?

Triple majors are just normal people who take more classes than everyone else. It makes a lot of sense when you think about it. Some students focus more heavily on sports, or councils, or other clubs. Some have jobs that take up their free time.

Is it worth it to triple major?

You'll be required to take on more work than the average student, and you'll have to make sacrifices along the way. But if you're up for the task, triple majoring can be very rewarding. Not only will you get a chance to explore various subjects, but you'll also enter the job market as a competitive applicant.

Is a double major worth?

As you study across two subjects, you gain extensive knowledge, as well as valuable skills that prepare you for a wide variety of careers. Students who double major often experience more career opportunities and higher earning potential than those with a single major. Your resume will stand out to potential employers.

What do people usually double major in?

Business Administration, Social Science and Education majors are the most likely to have pursued a second major. According to the Teagle Report, the ten most popular concentrations for double majors are: Foreign Languages. Economics.

Are dual degrees worth it?

A Dual Degree & a Double Major: Advantages

Your job perspectives rise. Research has shown that students who combined liberal arts with a STEM field or business degree earn 7.9 to 9.5% more than their single-degree peers, depending on the particular combination.