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What is the difference between a double major and a major with a minor? What are the pros and cons of each?

I would like some advice from people who have dealt with these things first-hand. #college #university #majors #double-major #majors-and-minors

university majors double-major majors-and-minors
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Carolyn’s Answer

This is primarily a question of credits within the university or college system that you are attending. Every school will identify what course requirements, including credits, are necessary to achieve a major or minor in a particular course of study. A choice of major is required at a defined point in time and may be changed within a certain framework. In general, a minor is not required. Based on your interests, a minor or second major could be selected and the credit requirements for each would be identified. For instance, I started my university studies with a double major in French and Music. I eventually decided that I wanted to spend a junior year abroad program which would impact my major in music. I decided then to accept a minor in music and continue with a major in French. I later went on to get a JD. Students may look at a Major and Minor in different courses of study entirely, based on a more prescribed career path - for instance, someone bound for Medical school but with an interest in languages may elect for a Major in biology and a minor in Spanish. They may find that the Major is important for their graduate studies and that having a minor in Spanish would be useful for special interests (ie working in a hospital that requires bilingual doctors).

Thank you comment icon Thank you. In what cases is it advantageous to complete a second major instead of a minor? Lera
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Simeon’s Answer

A double major gives you a better prospect of being able to apply for both jobs, but means you'll likely have to take additional hours of coursework to do the second major. It'd be best to talk with your career counselor about how much additional time a double major would take for the specific majors you're considering. A major-minor is also fine, but the minor won't be as strong if you want to use it to launch a career that's different than your major.
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