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What is it like to double major?
Hi, i'm thinking about double majoring in college because i'm not sure what career I want to go into. What is it like to double major? Is it a good idea? #career #car #career-options #career-choice #double-major
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Dr. Kelly’s Answer
Pursuing a double major in your undergraduate studies can be both gratifying and demanding. On the upside, it provides an opportunity to explore two different fields that you're enthusiastic about, potentially expanding your skills and knowledge. You get to dive deeper into two subjects that ignite your passion, and it can help you become a more comprehensive student. Moreover, it opens up a wider range of career possibilities after graduation, as you'll be proficient in more than one area. As someone with five degrees once shared, the education they received may not have directly applied to their field, but the difference in skills like report writing is noticeable when comparing individuals with a four-year degree to those with just a high school diploma.
However, be ready for it to be demanding. Juggling coursework from two majors can be time-intensive and might require meticulous planning to ensure you fulfill all requirements for both majors within the usual four-year timeframe. You may find yourself dealing with a heavier course load each semester, which can be stressful. Also, some majors may have overlapping requirements or schedules, which could make it challenging to accommodate everything. I've known people who didn't graduate in four years because they didn't want to take summer classes. They felt envious watching their friends progress to master's programs while they were still working on their undergraduate degree. Some ended up with a minor instead. Plus, more classes mean more expenses at the university. So, it's crucial to have a financial plan in place.
In conclusion, pursuing a double major can be a rewarding journey if you're genuinely passionate about both subjects and ready to put in the extra effort to manage your time efficiently. It's crucial to carefully consider the advantages and disadvantages, and think about factors like your interests, career aspirations, and your capacity to cope with a more demanding academic workload before deciding to take on a double major.
However, be ready for it to be demanding. Juggling coursework from two majors can be time-intensive and might require meticulous planning to ensure you fulfill all requirements for both majors within the usual four-year timeframe. You may find yourself dealing with a heavier course load each semester, which can be stressful. Also, some majors may have overlapping requirements or schedules, which could make it challenging to accommodate everything. I've known people who didn't graduate in four years because they didn't want to take summer classes. They felt envious watching their friends progress to master's programs while they were still working on their undergraduate degree. Some ended up with a minor instead. Plus, more classes mean more expenses at the university. So, it's crucial to have a financial plan in place.
In conclusion, pursuing a double major can be a rewarding journey if you're genuinely passionate about both subjects and ready to put in the extra effort to manage your time efficiently. It's crucial to carefully consider the advantages and disadvantages, and think about factors like your interests, career aspirations, and your capacity to cope with a more demanding academic workload before deciding to take on a double major.
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Vince’s Answer
Pursuing a double major in college is a highly preferential decision. I am currently pursuing a double major in Computer Science and Business Management Economics because I discovered that while I enjoy coding and find the many fields in the computer science industry interesting, I am also interested in learning about business topics such as marketing and entrepreneurship.
One of the most important skills for college is time management; and like the previous answerer said, double majoring requires even greater time management and scheduling skills (I was not very good at this but through the process have improved upon it). On the technical side, you might want to consider when you want to graduate and see if the major you want to pursue have overlapping course requirements which will save you time. It is a lot of work, so make sure you also have passion for both fields you want to pursue, or else you may face burnout.
Moreover, if you are a first or second year, feel free to explore your options and take classes that seem interesting to you; don't feel like you're locked down into a major if you don't want to be yet (but having a plan earlier on is very good). Pursue internships, volunteering opportunities, work studies, and extracurriculars to get a sense of what you like!
Best of luck.
Calendars and planners are your best friends (i.e. Google Calendar)
One of the most important skills for college is time management; and like the previous answerer said, double majoring requires even greater time management and scheduling skills (I was not very good at this but through the process have improved upon it). On the technical side, you might want to consider when you want to graduate and see if the major you want to pursue have overlapping course requirements which will save you time. It is a lot of work, so make sure you also have passion for both fields you want to pursue, or else you may face burnout.
Moreover, if you are a first or second year, feel free to explore your options and take classes that seem interesting to you; don't feel like you're locked down into a major if you don't want to be yet (but having a plan earlier on is very good). Pursue internships, volunteering opportunities, work studies, and extracurriculars to get a sense of what you like!
Best of luck.
Vince recommends the following next steps:
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Michelle’s Answer
Rarely does what you learn in college transfer directly to your career. A potentially more effective way to evaluate careers you'd be interested in is - in the first year or two of college, see if you can find internships (paid or unpaid), shadow those in industries you're interested in, or reach out to people in potential careers that are interesting to you. The career center at your college may be able to help you with this.
Double majoring is a not a bad idea - or potentially getting a major and minor. It could be more work and studying though, so you would need to have strong time management skills. Depending on the fields of study you choose, you may have some overlap in courses that would help lighten the workload. Also, you don't have to commit to a major in the first year or two of college. You can explore what you're good at and interested in by taking a wide range of courses, talking to other students who are near completing that major, talking to those who are now in the workforce after studying the majors you're considering, etc.
Double majoring is a not a bad idea - or potentially getting a major and minor. It could be more work and studying though, so you would need to have strong time management skills. Depending on the fields of study you choose, you may have some overlap in courses that would help lighten the workload. Also, you don't have to commit to a major in the first year or two of college. You can explore what you're good at and interested in by taking a wide range of courses, talking to other students who are near completing that major, talking to those who are now in the workforce after studying the majors you're considering, etc.
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Douglas’s Answer
I’m a double major within the business department. If you select 2 majors within the same discipline such as business, you will need to take a few more classes. But, you would need to significantly more classes if the two majors are in different areas such as a major in biology and a second major in finance.
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Kiirsten’s Answer
Hi Kristina,
Good question-- I personally didn't officially double major but I came close (my scholarships ran out). I ended up majoring in hospitality management and minoring in humanities as I had passions for hospitality and also art/music history. My friends that double majored had fun but it was a bit more work especially when they got into their second two years of school. I recommend that you major in something and then minor-- and if you enjoy your minor, add it as a major because the good news is-- the classes you take for the minor apply as credits for the major.
Have fun!
Good question-- I personally didn't officially double major but I came close (my scholarships ran out). I ended up majoring in hospitality management and minoring in humanities as I had passions for hospitality and also art/music history. My friends that double majored had fun but it was a bit more work especially when they got into their second two years of school. I recommend that you major in something and then minor-- and if you enjoy your minor, add it as a major because the good news is-- the classes you take for the minor apply as credits for the major.
Have fun!