Is it worth it to double major in college?

Asked by: Luther Grimes  |  Last update: November 7, 2023
Score: 4.9/5 (8 votes)

It could lead to more job opportunities and higher earnings.
A study published by Cambridge University Press found that students who double major in business and a STEM field typically earn more than those with just one major. You'll get a more well-rounded education and a unique skill set you can use in your career.

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.

Is it better to double major or single major?

Higher earnings. Having a double major can be beneficial to raising earnings potential. According to a study about the personal benefits of a double major, students who double major in business and STEM earn a premium over those single majors.

How hard is it to double major in college?

Double majors often require additional planning to meet all their requirements in four years. Students usually need over 60 credits between their two majors, which is no small task. Double majors might not pursue as many electives as students with just one major, who enjoy more "wiggle room" to try new things.

Is it stressful to 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.

9 Things I Wish I Knew Before Double Majoring In College

30 related questions found

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.

Why should I not double major?

Cons of a Double Major

You can also take courses over the summer and apply those credits toward your degree. You might struggle to balance your class schedule, especially if any classes required for your two majors overlap. An extra year or semester in school could put a strain on your finances.

Is it smart to double major?

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. Beyond the learning experience, multiple fields of study will qualify you for more opportunities.

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 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.

Is it better to double major or have two 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.

Does a double major look better than a minor?

If you want to increase your chances of getting into that graduate program, scoring an exciting internship, or landing your dream job, having a double major may look more impressive than a minor does on your resume.

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 double majors 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.

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.

What do you need for a double major?

At least 16 units must be at Level 3000 or above. A minimum of 60% of the Second Major requirements must be earned from courses read at NUS. Courses read at NUS include all courses taught, co-taught, supervised or co-supervised by NUS faculty member(s).

Why is double major 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 a double major look better for grad school?

Even if you complete a double major in two incredibly challenging fields, a potential employer or graduate school admissions committee won't be wowed if your grades are below par. In other words, a double major is only as impressive as your grades. 3. The extra time you spend studying may be better spent elsewhere.

Can I take 3 majors in college?

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 double major in whatever you want?

Example Combinations of Double Majors

Theoretically, you can double major in any two subjects.

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.

What is the difference between a combined major and a double major?

A double major entails completing all requirements for both majors. Depending on the majors, there may be an overlap in requirements. Conversely, combined majors require at least nine courses associated with each of the two participating disciplines, rather than completing all requirements for each major.

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.

Is it bad to double major and minor?

Adding a double major and double minor in college can add great value to your degree by expanding your career pathways, making your resume stand out to employers, and broadening your educational experience.

How beneficial is double majoring?

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.