2 answers
Caitlyn
Student
White Salmon, Washington
1
Question
Asked
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Undergraduate and Graduate Majors
If I plan on going to graduate school, in undergraduate school do I have to major in the same degree or can the fields be related? For example I want to do archaeology but the international college I am in love with only offers history for undergraduate majors. Do I need to change college plans?
#archaeology #history #study-abroad
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2 answers
Rachel di Mattia
Capital Markets at PwC
7
Answers
Chicago, Illinois
Updated
Rachel’s Answer
Hi Caitlyn,
The best advice at this point I have would be to look into the admissions information at the graduate program(s) you're looking into and see what their criteria for admissions are. Some programs are strict with how connected the fields are, and some are not as strict. There also might be different paths, pending on your undergraduate degree, for example, if your undergrad major directly correlated to the graduate program, there might be an expedited route, or vice versa if your undergrad major was not directly correlated, then there might be an option to take additional courses either prior to applying or during the program.
You can also speak with your adviser at your current college / university / school to see what he / she has to say. Maybe there are graduate programs at universities that have the exact program you want to pursue but you aren't aware of their programs.
Good luck!
The best advice at this point I have would be to look into the admissions information at the graduate program(s) you're looking into and see what their criteria for admissions are. Some programs are strict with how connected the fields are, and some are not as strict. There also might be different paths, pending on your undergraduate degree, for example, if your undergrad major directly correlated to the graduate program, there might be an expedited route, or vice versa if your undergrad major was not directly correlated, then there might be an option to take additional courses either prior to applying or during the program.
You can also speak with your adviser at your current college / university / school to see what he / she has to say. Maybe there are graduate programs at universities that have the exact program you want to pursue but you aren't aware of their programs.
Good luck!
Bethany Cathey
Education Program Manager
4
Answers
Austin, Texas
Updated
Bethany’s Answer
Hi Caitlyn! Nice to meet you! You can absolutely mix and max your degrees. My undergrad was in history with minors in international studies and another in geography. I ended up going back for my masters in education with focus on curriculum and instruction. The only downside is your classes for your masters might be a little more challenging since you don't have that foundational knowledge some others in your program. What I can also tell you is that most professions only care you have a degree and bonus if it's in what you went to school for. Even after getting my masters in education I ended up switching careers and going into tech where I now work doing learning and development with focus on social media and communications... none of which I have a degree in. I hope this helps!