Is it smart to double major?

Asked by: Bernadine Ward  |  Last update: December 24, 2023
Score: 4.2/5 (14 votes)

Pros of a Double Major
It can make your resume stand out by emphasizing to potential employers your motivation and range of skills. It can give you more career opportunities and a backup plan should your career path change or you can't land a job.

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 employers care about double majors?

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.

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.

How common is double majoring?

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.

9 Things I Wish I Knew Before Double Majoring In College

19 related questions found

Is it good or bad to double 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.

Does double majoring increase salary?

Feb. 2, 2023, at 3:08 p.m. Taking on two college majors can mean much more work for students, but it may bring a greater reward. According to a 2021 paper in the Columbia Economic Review, pursuing a double major almost always predicts greater earnings than pursuing either major alone.

Is a double major that much 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.

Does double majoring cost twice as much?

A double major will almost always mean taking more classes, which means paying more in tuition expenses. The number of classes you'll need to take is highly dependent on the individual programs of each major and your school's requirements.

Is double major harder than single major?

Before choosing a major, you must consider your own personal bandwidth. Many students find maintaining even part-time employment while working on a double major degree difficult. Double majors have a higher time and energy commitment because you're working to fulfill two sets of degree requirements.

What are the pros and cons of double majoring?

Top 6 Pros and Cons of Double-Majoring in College
  • Pro #1: You'll be qualified for more roles. ...
  • Pro #2: You'll have more career paths to follow. ...
  • Pro #3: You can explore your interests more deeply. ...
  • Con #1: It could dictate the classes you take. ...
  • Con #2: You may not graduate on time and could end up paying more.

How do you survive a double major?

Consider these tips and strategies to help you manage a double major:
  1. Start planning early. ...
  2. Keep in touch with your academic adviser. ...
  3. Set priorities. ...
  4. Consider your finances. ...
  5. Develop effective study methods. ...
  6. Pick majors from related fields. ...
  7. Consider the time frame. ...
  8. Consider courses that can meet two requirements.

Should you list double major on resume?

Having a double major on your resume can show the hiring managers your commitment to learning, and your motivation for professional growth. Not only that, but it can put you at least one step ahead of all other candidates, and increase your chances of getting the job.

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.

Is it better to minor or double major?

Choosing to either double major or minor depends heavily on your educational and career goals. If your prospective career field emphasizes knowledge in two areas of research, such as a specialized form of business, then double majoring might be worthwhile considering.

What are the benefits of a double major?

A double major ideally helps you achieve a more extensive education by deepening your knowledge of two subjects without adding significantly to the time it takes to earn your bachelor's degree. With a double major, you may have broader career options when you graduate, as well as a higher earning potential over time.

How stressful is a double major?

Cons of Double Majoring

If you decide to try to complete your double major within four years, you could experience added stress. To double major without increasing your costs, you need to load up on classes, which can reduce free time and be stressful.

Will double majoring take longer?

Double majoring could mean you won't graduate in exactly four years. You're completing two bachelor's degree programs, so it often takes longer to finish a double major. While some double majors may only need one or two extra semesters to graduate, others might need an extra year or more.

Do double majors get one or two diplomas?

Double majors within a single college are reflected on a single diploma. If one of the majors normally results in a Bachelor of Science and the other in a Bachelor of Arts, the diploma reflects the degree of Bachelor of Arts and Science. However, a CHASS student who earned a BS and BA will receive two diplomas.

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.

What is the hardest degree to major in?

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.

What is the second hardest major?

The second-hardest college major and hardest engineering major is chemical engineering; students in this field spend an average of 19 hours and 40 minutes a week preparing for class.

Is Double Bachelors worth it?

Pursuing a double Bachelor of Arts (BA) degree is worth the educational commitment if it will help you reach your career goals. With two degrees, you can get a more in-depth understanding of two subject areas, save time in college, and perhaps qualify for a wider variety of job opportunities.

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.

What majors and minors go together?

Some common major and minor combinations include:
  • Major in finance+minor in computer science.
  • Major in economics+minor in statistics.
  • Major in business+minor in psychology.
  • Major in marketing+minor in communication.
  • Major in political science+minor in international relations.