4 answers
Andrew
Student
Aberdeen, South Dakota
16
Questions
Asked
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Is it better to minor or double major in history?
I'm considering minoring, or double majoring in history. I enjoy studying history and have 6 AP credits of history already. I was wondering if it's better to minor or double major. Which looks better on a resume to employers? If I minor then could I graduate with a double major in two business majors along with a minor in history within four years?
4 answers
Lisa Thomas EdD, MSEd
Education Administrator/ Leader
39
Answers
Richmond, California
Updated
Lisa’s Answer
Hi Andrew,
It’s always a good feeling to find your niche interest and do well in it. History is a fascinating field and you will have numerous options to consider in this discipline.
However, the answer to your question is—it depends—because of several factors.
Hillary, the other advisor, brilliantly suggested evaluating what your career interests are, doing some research about what employers want or prefer, and using this insight to make an informed decision about your majors or minors.
The question of double majoring or minoring depends on each school and policies. For example, some schools may allow a double or triple major, or a major and double minors in certain majors/minors only. They may approve it only if you can demonstrate that you will graduate within the 4yrs allotted (5yrs for STEM and architecture)., for example.
These schools may also ask you to write your rationale for pursuing this path and may or may not approve your request. So do your research on each institution.
Also, depending on the schools, some students may have an easier time requesting to double up if they earned considerable college credits (i. e., 30 or more AP, IB or college credits that meet GE requirements) while in HS.
Each student should check to see which APs each college accepts and at what passing rates, 3, 4, 5 or 6 for example. And if your school accepts all 6 of your AP credits, then you may have approximately 18 credits or more towards your degrees, affording you time to take more classes at that school.
With that said, maybe consider expanding your breadth of interest to include other closely related fields of interest, if your intended college prohibits doubling up in the same field. You may consider Anthropology, Geography, Philosophy, Education, Journalism, Psych/Sociology or even Business, for example. So, keep doing your research and all the best!
I hope this helps!
Lisa
It’s always a good feeling to find your niche interest and do well in it. History is a fascinating field and you will have numerous options to consider in this discipline.
However, the answer to your question is—it depends—because of several factors.
Hillary, the other advisor, brilliantly suggested evaluating what your career interests are, doing some research about what employers want or prefer, and using this insight to make an informed decision about your majors or minors.
The question of double majoring or minoring depends on each school and policies. For example, some schools may allow a double or triple major, or a major and double minors in certain majors/minors only. They may approve it only if you can demonstrate that you will graduate within the 4yrs allotted (5yrs for STEM and architecture)., for example.
These schools may also ask you to write your rationale for pursuing this path and may or may not approve your request. So do your research on each institution.
Also, depending on the schools, some students may have an easier time requesting to double up if they earned considerable college credits (i. e., 30 or more AP, IB or college credits that meet GE requirements) while in HS.
Each student should check to see which APs each college accepts and at what passing rates, 3, 4, 5 or 6 for example. And if your school accepts all 6 of your AP credits, then you may have approximately 18 credits or more towards your degrees, affording you time to take more classes at that school.
With that said, maybe consider expanding your breadth of interest to include other closely related fields of interest, if your intended college prohibits doubling up in the same field. You may consider Anthropology, Geography, Philosophy, Education, Journalism, Psych/Sociology or even Business, for example. So, keep doing your research and all the best!
I hope this helps!
Lisa
This was super helpful, thank you!
Andrew
Diya Sikka
Strategy Advisor
4
Answers
Longview, Texas
Updated
Diya’s Answer
It might be better to double-major in history so that you have a degree which holds validity later in life. You may decide at an older age to either teach history or use that degree in a different way (get a master's or Ph.D). A minor is often indicative of interest but does not have the same impact as a major. A major also will require more classes and mean that you get an in-depth set of classes which you can participate and learn from. The more classes you take, the better.
Only decide to double major if you have the appetite and ability to devote time to the major without sacrificing on grades. I was a business and history major, and I never regretted the history major (double major) because I hope to use the information I learnt one day later on.
Only decide to double major if you have the appetite and ability to devote time to the major without sacrificing on grades. I was a business and history major, and I never regretted the history major (double major) because I hope to use the information I learnt one day later on.
Yhtiyar Achilov
Senior Advisor
17
Answers
New York, New York
Updated
Yhtiyar’s Answer
Deciding between a minor or double major in history depends on your specific career goals and how much time you want to dedicate to your coursework.
If history is a passion of yours and is related to your desired career path, then a double major in history and another related field could make you a more competitive candidate to employers. However, if you are concerned about taking on too much coursework, a minor in history could still demonstrate your knowledge and interest in the subject.
It is possible to graduate with a double major in two business majors and a minor in history within four years, but it will require careful planning and a heavy course load. It's important to meet with your academic advisor to create a plan that allows you to balance your workload and meet graduation requirements.
As a career coach and professional resume writer, I have seen many roles and passionate professionals and combined some of them on my blog. Please feel free to visit my website. www.getmydreamjob.us
If history is a passion of yours and is related to your desired career path, then a double major in history and another related field could make you a more competitive candidate to employers. However, if you are concerned about taking on too much coursework, a minor in history could still demonstrate your knowledge and interest in the subject.
It is possible to graduate with a double major in two business majors and a minor in history within four years, but it will require careful planning and a heavy course load. It's important to meet with your academic advisor to create a plan that allows you to balance your workload and meet graduation requirements.
As a career coach and professional resume writer, I have seen many roles and passionate professionals and combined some of them on my blog. Please feel free to visit my website. www.getmydreamjob.us
Thank you, this is amazing! I really needed it.
Andrew
Job Hall
Real Estate Manager
126
Answers
Reno, Nevada
Updated
Job’s Answer
I majored in economics and international affairs. I then got a job on the floor of the New York Stock Exchange. After a few years I got a law degree focused on taxation and real estate. I later got an MBA in finance.
My advice would be to not over do it to assure you get good grades. That is important in getting a good paying job.
Business would go well with either accounting or economics. History is really not applicable to business.
You can always go to school later and study history on your own time. You will probably do very well as you will be there for your reasons and when you go to school later in life you have more experience in the real world which is valuable.
I went to school to make money. On wall street I was the youngest broker on the floor and making over 350,000.00 in 1982. I left because I hated New York, but made very good money as a trial attorney in Portland Oregon.
Good luck
My advice would be to not over do it to assure you get good grades. That is important in getting a good paying job.
Business would go well with either accounting or economics. History is really not applicable to business.
You can always go to school later and study history on your own time. You will probably do very well as you will be there for your reasons and when you go to school later in life you have more experience in the real world which is valuable.
I went to school to make money. On wall street I was the youngest broker on the floor and making over 350,000.00 in 1982. I left because I hated New York, but made very good money as a trial attorney in Portland Oregon.
Good luck
Thank you for the advice! I really enjoy history, but know it isn't practical for a job. My AP credits might serve better as electives and I could just focus on a business major that could get me a job better than a history one could.
Andrew
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