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Summer
Student
Edison, New Jersey
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What does it take to double major?
Hi,
I am currently a sophomore high school student that is also minoring in psychology and will be earning my associates in 2025-2026. I am looking to double major in psychology and sociology. I'm not the greatest in statistics or maths so I am comprehending whether or not I should double major in psychology or just stick with sociology.
Starting my associates has shined a light on how demanding (time-wise) college coursework can be. I deal with mental health problems like Bipolar disorder, and other issues that make it hard to stay on track sometimes, and can easily lead to burnout. When it comes to work, I always have the habit of prioritizing work first, and then my mental health (this has been something I've been working on recently).
With a double major, I understand that I will possibly have less time to do certain things, like working, which would put me into a deep hole of financial instability. And there is the possibility of my mind and body giving out.
If I do decide to double major, is there anything I can do to lessen the rate of these risks?
If you have double majored, can you tell me a bit how you schedule things like working, and time for yourself?
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6 answers
Michelle M.
Entertainment Industry
1913
Answers
Updated
Michelle’s Answer
Hello, Summer !
Madyson has given you amazing first hand excellent advice and I wanted to contribute with more advice for you about double majoring in psychology and sociology. You may not need to double major and I will explain why. Seventeen to nineteen credits a semester is a very heavy load, so you are correct in wondering about it.
My advice is that there is no real urgency or need to double major as a future Social Worker. A major in Psychology with a minor in Sociology would be great and doable. Than you would follow with a Masters and Certification in Social Work. I've known Social Workers who had the undergrad degree in History with a Masters in Social Work and they have had outstanding careers ! So my advice is that if you're worried about double majoring, consider that it's really not necessary and that a major in Psychology would be important and greatly help you with your Masters Degree.
You will have to learn and put into practice psychology theories and techniques. That is not taught in Sociology. Sociology is important because it is the study of groups of people - families, poverty, marriage, ethnic groups, the elderly, etc. - and it gives you perspective in assessing your clients. But the foundation of social work is clinical therapy and I believe that you could be more at ease, more available for opportunities if you do it as a major and a sociology minor for undergrad studies. There are a lot of theories and techniques to learn and you will need a comfortable amount of time to dedicate to it. There will be a lot of trainings and conferences that you can go to connected to sociology also, so you will be able to learn about the subject by minoring in it and attending trainings and presentations. Even after you graduate and start working you'll be going to many trainings, in-services and conferences. Focusing on the psychology part will also help you pass the Social Work certification exam.
You must be true to yourself because you are already doing well and your next step after high school should be comfortable, enriching and yes, a bit of fun and new friendships, too. Pace yourself and try not to cut corners or rush things. Double majors work for some students but if you are being true to yourself, go with your instincts and think about it more. But truly, it's not necessary to double major for your particular degree.
I hope that this has been helpful and I wish you well !
Madyson has given you amazing first hand excellent advice and I wanted to contribute with more advice for you about double majoring in psychology and sociology. You may not need to double major and I will explain why. Seventeen to nineteen credits a semester is a very heavy load, so you are correct in wondering about it.
My advice is that there is no real urgency or need to double major as a future Social Worker. A major in Psychology with a minor in Sociology would be great and doable. Than you would follow with a Masters and Certification in Social Work. I've known Social Workers who had the undergrad degree in History with a Masters in Social Work and they have had outstanding careers ! So my advice is that if you're worried about double majoring, consider that it's really not necessary and that a major in Psychology would be important and greatly help you with your Masters Degree.
You will have to learn and put into practice psychology theories and techniques. That is not taught in Sociology. Sociology is important because it is the study of groups of people - families, poverty, marriage, ethnic groups, the elderly, etc. - and it gives you perspective in assessing your clients. But the foundation of social work is clinical therapy and I believe that you could be more at ease, more available for opportunities if you do it as a major and a sociology minor for undergrad studies. There are a lot of theories and techniques to learn and you will need a comfortable amount of time to dedicate to it. There will be a lot of trainings and conferences that you can go to connected to sociology also, so you will be able to learn about the subject by minoring in it and attending trainings and presentations. Even after you graduate and start working you'll be going to many trainings, in-services and conferences. Focusing on the psychology part will also help you pass the Social Work certification exam.
You must be true to yourself because you are already doing well and your next step after high school should be comfortable, enriching and yes, a bit of fun and new friendships, too. Pace yourself and try not to cut corners or rush things. Double majors work for some students but if you are being true to yourself, go with your instincts and think about it more. But truly, it's not necessary to double major for your particular degree.
I hope that this has been helpful and I wish you well !
Jerome Dees Jr.
Sales Professional and Networking Expert
613
Answers
San Francisco, California
Updated
Jerome’s Answer
I actually double majored; by accident.
As a psychology major, I loved taking class in Philosophy and ended up with nearly as many Philosophy units as I have Psychology.
If you set-up a plan with an academic counselor, you may find that some of the requirements overlap. I did have to take one semester of summer school, but I have always appreciated having two degrees almost for the price of 1.
As a psychology major, I loved taking class in Philosophy and ended up with nearly as many Philosophy units as I have Psychology.
If you set-up a plan with an academic counselor, you may find that some of the requirements overlap. I did have to take one semester of summer school, but I have always appreciated having two degrees almost for the price of 1.
James Constantine Frangos
Consultant Dietitian & Software Developer since 1972 => Nutrition Education => Health & Longevity => Self-Actualization.
6342
Answers
Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia
Updated
James Constantine’s Answer
Hello Summer,
How Can You Successfully Pursue a Double Major?
Understanding the Double Major: A double major means you're studying for two academic qualifications at the same time. This gives you the chance to become proficient in two separate areas. It can be an enriching journey, but it also calls for strategic planning and good time management.
Things to Ponder When Going for a Double Major:
Passion and Interest: Pick majors that truly captivate you and align with your professional objectives. A fervor for the subjects can make handling the workload easier.
Academic Strength: Reflect on your strong and weak areas in the subjects you intend to major in. If math and statistics pose a challenge, it's crucial to evaluate if you can manage the coursework for both psychology and sociology.
Time Management: Balancing coursework, extracurricular activities, and personal commitments is a must when double majoring. Given your mental health considerations, it's vital to focus on self-care and seek help when required.
Overlap in Coursework: Seek any common ground in the coursework for psychology and sociology to lessen the total credit requirements. This can make double majoring achievable without considerably increasing your workload.
Guidance and Support: Engage with academic advisors to formulate a practical academic plan that takes into account your unique situation and challenges. They can offer advice on course selection and handling academic duties.
Career Aspirations: Reflect on how a double major in psychology and sociology fits with your future career plans. Assess if both majors are needed for your dream career or if one major supplemented by relevant experiences would be sufficient.
Financial Considerations: Double majoring might prolong your college years, resulting in extra tuition fees. Assess the financial implications of a double major and look into scholarship opportunities or financial aid options.
Maintaining a Balance Between Mental Health and Academic Goals:
Self-Care: Make self-care a priority to maintain your mental health while juggling academic duties. Set boundaries, seek help from counselors or mental health experts, and engage in activities that reduce stress.
Seeking Accommodations: If necessary, consider accommodations through disability services at your college to support your mental health needs. This could include extended deadlines, flexible attendance policies, or access to counseling services.
Communication: Maintain open dialogue with professors, advisors, and support services about your challenges and needs. They can offer help, resources, and understanding to aid you in managing the demands of a double major while prioritizing your mental health.
In conclusion, a double major in psychology and sociology can be a rewarding academic journey but requires careful thought about your interests, abilities, time management skills, mental health needs, and career aspirations. Prioritizing self-care, seeking help when necessary, and making informed decisions that align with your overall well-being is crucial.
Top 3 Reliable Sources Used:
American Psychological Association (APA): The APA offers valuable insights into psychology education, career paths, and academic requirements for psychology majors.
American Sociological Association (ASA): The ASA provides resources on sociology education, research opportunities, and professional development for sociology majors.
National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI): NAMI offers information on managing mental health conditions in educational settings, including tips for students navigating college with mental health challenges.
May God bless you!
James Constantine Frangos.
How Can You Successfully Pursue a Double Major?
Understanding the Double Major: A double major means you're studying for two academic qualifications at the same time. This gives you the chance to become proficient in two separate areas. It can be an enriching journey, but it also calls for strategic planning and good time management.
Things to Ponder When Going for a Double Major:
Passion and Interest: Pick majors that truly captivate you and align with your professional objectives. A fervor for the subjects can make handling the workload easier.
Academic Strength: Reflect on your strong and weak areas in the subjects you intend to major in. If math and statistics pose a challenge, it's crucial to evaluate if you can manage the coursework for both psychology and sociology.
Time Management: Balancing coursework, extracurricular activities, and personal commitments is a must when double majoring. Given your mental health considerations, it's vital to focus on self-care and seek help when required.
Overlap in Coursework: Seek any common ground in the coursework for psychology and sociology to lessen the total credit requirements. This can make double majoring achievable without considerably increasing your workload.
Guidance and Support: Engage with academic advisors to formulate a practical academic plan that takes into account your unique situation and challenges. They can offer advice on course selection and handling academic duties.
Career Aspirations: Reflect on how a double major in psychology and sociology fits with your future career plans. Assess if both majors are needed for your dream career or if one major supplemented by relevant experiences would be sufficient.
Financial Considerations: Double majoring might prolong your college years, resulting in extra tuition fees. Assess the financial implications of a double major and look into scholarship opportunities or financial aid options.
Maintaining a Balance Between Mental Health and Academic Goals:
Self-Care: Make self-care a priority to maintain your mental health while juggling academic duties. Set boundaries, seek help from counselors or mental health experts, and engage in activities that reduce stress.
Seeking Accommodations: If necessary, consider accommodations through disability services at your college to support your mental health needs. This could include extended deadlines, flexible attendance policies, or access to counseling services.
Communication: Maintain open dialogue with professors, advisors, and support services about your challenges and needs. They can offer help, resources, and understanding to aid you in managing the demands of a double major while prioritizing your mental health.
In conclusion, a double major in psychology and sociology can be a rewarding academic journey but requires careful thought about your interests, abilities, time management skills, mental health needs, and career aspirations. Prioritizing self-care, seeking help when necessary, and making informed decisions that align with your overall well-being is crucial.
Top 3 Reliable Sources Used:
American Psychological Association (APA): The APA offers valuable insights into psychology education, career paths, and academic requirements for psychology majors.
American Sociological Association (ASA): The ASA provides resources on sociology education, research opportunities, and professional development for sociology majors.
National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI): NAMI offers information on managing mental health conditions in educational settings, including tips for students navigating college with mental health challenges.
May God bless you!
James Constantine Frangos.
Praveen N
CERT
11
Answers
Bengaluru, Karnataka, India
Updated
Praveen’s Answer
Hello Summer,
Kudos to you for contemplating a double major, despite the potential hurdles you may encounter, such as balancing your mental health and academic workload. If you decide to go down this path, here are some strategies to help you succeed:
Craft a Practical Plan: Spend some time crafting a comprehensive plan that includes your academic aspirations, the course requirements for both majors, and a feasible timeline for completion. Seek advice from academic counselors to ensure your plan is practical and takes into account your mental health needs.
Put Self-Care First: Prioritize self-care by setting aside time for regular breaks, engaging in stress-relieving activities, and reaching out to counselors or mental health professionals when necessary. Remember, maintaining your mental health is crucial for your academic triumph.
Master Time Management: Adopt effective time management techniques such as devising a study timetable, breaking tasks down into manageable parts, and using productivity tools or apps to stay organized. Prioritize tasks based on their deadlines and importance, and be adaptable in adjusting your schedule when required.
Utilize Academic Support: Make the most of the academic support services your school offers, like tutoring, study groups, and academic workshops. Don't hesitate to ask professors or classmates for help understanding course material or for additional resources.
Explore Flexible Work Options: If feasible, look into flexible work options like part-time jobs, remote work, or roles with adaptable schedules. Be open about your needs and constraints with employers and seek positions that can accommodate your academic and mental health responsibilities.
Stay Connected: Keep lines of communication open with your support network, including friends, family, professors, and advisors. Don't be shy about asking for help or advice when feeling overwhelmed, and rely on your support network for motivation and assistance.
Pursue Your Passion: Reflect on your motivations for pursuing a double major and prioritize courses or projects that resonate with your interests and career aspirations. Remember, your academic journey should be rewarding and meaningful, so focus on areas that ignite your passion.
In the end, the choice to double major should reflect your personal interests, ambitions, and your capacity to handle the workload effectively. Be truthful with yourself about your strengths and weaknesses, and don't hesitate to modify your plans as necessary to prioritize your well-being.
Wishing you all the best!
Advisor
Kudos to you for contemplating a double major, despite the potential hurdles you may encounter, such as balancing your mental health and academic workload. If you decide to go down this path, here are some strategies to help you succeed:
Craft a Practical Plan: Spend some time crafting a comprehensive plan that includes your academic aspirations, the course requirements for both majors, and a feasible timeline for completion. Seek advice from academic counselors to ensure your plan is practical and takes into account your mental health needs.
Put Self-Care First: Prioritize self-care by setting aside time for regular breaks, engaging in stress-relieving activities, and reaching out to counselors or mental health professionals when necessary. Remember, maintaining your mental health is crucial for your academic triumph.
Master Time Management: Adopt effective time management techniques such as devising a study timetable, breaking tasks down into manageable parts, and using productivity tools or apps to stay organized. Prioritize tasks based on their deadlines and importance, and be adaptable in adjusting your schedule when required.
Utilize Academic Support: Make the most of the academic support services your school offers, like tutoring, study groups, and academic workshops. Don't hesitate to ask professors or classmates for help understanding course material or for additional resources.
Explore Flexible Work Options: If feasible, look into flexible work options like part-time jobs, remote work, or roles with adaptable schedules. Be open about your needs and constraints with employers and seek positions that can accommodate your academic and mental health responsibilities.
Stay Connected: Keep lines of communication open with your support network, including friends, family, professors, and advisors. Don't be shy about asking for help or advice when feeling overwhelmed, and rely on your support network for motivation and assistance.
Pursue Your Passion: Reflect on your motivations for pursuing a double major and prioritize courses or projects that resonate with your interests and career aspirations. Remember, your academic journey should be rewarding and meaningful, so focus on areas that ignite your passion.
In the end, the choice to double major should reflect your personal interests, ambitions, and your capacity to handle the workload effectively. Be truthful with yourself about your strengths and weaknesses, and don't hesitate to modify your plans as necessary to prioritize your well-being.
Wishing you all the best!
Advisor
Patrick Meyer
Executive - Data Analytics and AI
780
Answers
Naperville, Illinois
Updated
Patrick’s Answer
Summer, thank you for reaching out and sharing your concerns. I'm hopeful that my answer will shed some light and offer helpful advice. Remember, choosing to double major is a big step that needs careful thought, taking into account your academic passions, career ambitions, and personal situation.
First off, it's crucial to honestly evaluate your academic strengths and weaknesses. If subjects like statistics or mathematics aren't your strong suit, it's important to consider if a double major in psychology and sociology is achievable, given the study demands in these areas. Both majors might have some common courses, but they could still demand a lot of time and effort, especially in areas you find challenging.
Balancing college workloads and dealing with mental health issues means it's vital to put your well-being first. It's admirable that you're focusing on your mental health, and it's important to keep up this approach. This might mean seeking help from counselors or mental health professionals, using stress-reducing techniques, and setting limits to avoid burnout.
If you decide to go ahead with a double major, there are ways to reduce burnout risks and keep a healthy balance. Good time management and organization are vital, such as making a practical timetable that includes study time, class attendance, and breaks. It could also be useful to break big tasks into smaller, more manageable parts and set attainable goals to prevent feeling swamped.
Also, make sure to check out the resources and support services on campus, like academic advice, tutoring, and mental health counseling. Building a support network of friends, faculty mentors, and campus groups can offer encouragement and help throughout your academic journey.
When it comes to juggling work and study, it's important to prioritize your well-being and set limits to avoid too much stress. This could mean cutting back on work hours, looking for flexible work options, and being open with your employer about your academic duties and mental health needs. Plus, looking into financial aid, scholarships, or part-time jobs in your study field can help ease financial stress.
As a double major graduate, I know the struggle of balancing study, work, and personal life. It's vital to establish a routine that gives you enough time for studying, attending classes, working, and self-care. This might mean setting aside specific times for each activity, using productivity tools and techniques, and prioritizing tasks based on importance and deadlines.
In the end, the decision to double major should match your academic interests, career goals, and personal well-being. It's important to think carefully and realistically about this decision, considering both the advantages and challenges. By seeking support, putting your well-being first, and using effective time management strategies, you can manage the risks of a double major and successfully navigate your academic journey.
First off, it's crucial to honestly evaluate your academic strengths and weaknesses. If subjects like statistics or mathematics aren't your strong suit, it's important to consider if a double major in psychology and sociology is achievable, given the study demands in these areas. Both majors might have some common courses, but they could still demand a lot of time and effort, especially in areas you find challenging.
Balancing college workloads and dealing with mental health issues means it's vital to put your well-being first. It's admirable that you're focusing on your mental health, and it's important to keep up this approach. This might mean seeking help from counselors or mental health professionals, using stress-reducing techniques, and setting limits to avoid burnout.
If you decide to go ahead with a double major, there are ways to reduce burnout risks and keep a healthy balance. Good time management and organization are vital, such as making a practical timetable that includes study time, class attendance, and breaks. It could also be useful to break big tasks into smaller, more manageable parts and set attainable goals to prevent feeling swamped.
Also, make sure to check out the resources and support services on campus, like academic advice, tutoring, and mental health counseling. Building a support network of friends, faculty mentors, and campus groups can offer encouragement and help throughout your academic journey.
When it comes to juggling work and study, it's important to prioritize your well-being and set limits to avoid too much stress. This could mean cutting back on work hours, looking for flexible work options, and being open with your employer about your academic duties and mental health needs. Plus, looking into financial aid, scholarships, or part-time jobs in your study field can help ease financial stress.
As a double major graduate, I know the struggle of balancing study, work, and personal life. It's vital to establish a routine that gives you enough time for studying, attending classes, working, and self-care. This might mean setting aside specific times for each activity, using productivity tools and techniques, and prioritizing tasks based on importance and deadlines.
In the end, the decision to double major should match your academic interests, career goals, and personal well-being. It's important to think carefully and realistically about this decision, considering both the advantages and challenges. By seeking support, putting your well-being first, and using effective time management strategies, you can manage the risks of a double major and successfully navigate your academic journey.
Thank You for your advice Patrick, I will input this into my daily life to get ready for college in the near future.
Summer
Madyson Shakespear
Anesthesia Technician
8
Answers
Logan, Utah
Updated
Madyson’s Answer
Hello Summer,
I recently graduated and doubled majored in Biochemistry and Chinese (I know, they are very unrelated to each other). Speaking from experience double majoring can be quite difficult BUT it is not impossible.
This is my experience: throughout my college education I was able to avoid loans by working ~24-32 hours a week. To get both my Bachelors of Science and my Bachelors of Arts I had to take between 17-19 credits every semester. Now to be able to work and take that many credits I did have to sacrifice somethings that I felt were less important to me personally. For me, those things included social activities, working out, and some of my sleep. Was it hard sometimes? Yes, yes it was. But I don’t have any regrets.
Basically if you want to double major there are a few things you can do. First, see if certain courses will overlap so that you can just take one course and it will count towards both majors. For example, I had to take a depth language course for my biochemistry major so I took a Chinese translation course. That course counted as my biochemistry depth course and my Chinese upper level course. You can do this by meeting with a college advisor for both psychology and sociology to look over requirements and class availability. Second, have a purpose for doing a double major. If you know why you are doing it you will be more motivated to push through when it gets hard. Third, on the first day of class get phone numbers from a few of your classmates and use them if you want to create a study group, need someone to look over your papers, or if you get stuck on a homework question (your classmates are a great resource and you will save a lot of time by asking them your questions versus searching the internet). Fourth, use your professors as a resource. They are there to help you. If you get stuck on something don’t waste time over analyzing and thinking about it. Do a good job at trying to figure it out yourself but don’t spend an unhealthy amount of time on it. Reach out to your professor. Most are willing to help. Lastly, at the beginning of each week create a schedule of assignments you have due and when you are going to do them or exams and when you are going to study for them. For example, if you have a paper due on Friday you might say that you are going to write a draft on Monday. Then on Tuesday you are going to send it to your friend that is in that class to look over it. On Wednesday and Thursday you could schedule time to edit it and finalize it. Then on Friday you would submit it.
Overall, what does it take to double major? You have to be committed, resourceful, willing to make sacrifices, and be able to manage your time. If it is important enough to you then, I believe, you can make it happen.
To lessen the risk of burnout I would try to set aside some time each day to do something I wanted to do. Luckily for me I loved my job. So just going to work was the break I needed before diving back into my school work. Additionally, you could try to set aside 20-30 min everyday to do something you like to do. Maybe you go for a walk, listen to music, watch an episode of your favorite TV show, etc.
How did I schedule everything? To start off every semester I would ask each of my professors if lectures would be recorded. If they were then I didn’t worry about getting to those classes. I would schedule to work during those classes and then watch the lectures at a different more convenient time. This requires self discipline so that you don’t get behind but it worked really well for me. Along the same lines, when registering for classes, I would look for classes that were online and asynchronous so that I could work on them whenever was convenient for me.
Hope this helps!
Good luck!
I recently graduated and doubled majored in Biochemistry and Chinese (I know, they are very unrelated to each other). Speaking from experience double majoring can be quite difficult BUT it is not impossible.
This is my experience: throughout my college education I was able to avoid loans by working ~24-32 hours a week. To get both my Bachelors of Science and my Bachelors of Arts I had to take between 17-19 credits every semester. Now to be able to work and take that many credits I did have to sacrifice somethings that I felt were less important to me personally. For me, those things included social activities, working out, and some of my sleep. Was it hard sometimes? Yes, yes it was. But I don’t have any regrets.
Basically if you want to double major there are a few things you can do. First, see if certain courses will overlap so that you can just take one course and it will count towards both majors. For example, I had to take a depth language course for my biochemistry major so I took a Chinese translation course. That course counted as my biochemistry depth course and my Chinese upper level course. You can do this by meeting with a college advisor for both psychology and sociology to look over requirements and class availability. Second, have a purpose for doing a double major. If you know why you are doing it you will be more motivated to push through when it gets hard. Third, on the first day of class get phone numbers from a few of your classmates and use them if you want to create a study group, need someone to look over your papers, or if you get stuck on a homework question (your classmates are a great resource and you will save a lot of time by asking them your questions versus searching the internet). Fourth, use your professors as a resource. They are there to help you. If you get stuck on something don’t waste time over analyzing and thinking about it. Do a good job at trying to figure it out yourself but don’t spend an unhealthy amount of time on it. Reach out to your professor. Most are willing to help. Lastly, at the beginning of each week create a schedule of assignments you have due and when you are going to do them or exams and when you are going to study for them. For example, if you have a paper due on Friday you might say that you are going to write a draft on Monday. Then on Tuesday you are going to send it to your friend that is in that class to look over it. On Wednesday and Thursday you could schedule time to edit it and finalize it. Then on Friday you would submit it.
Overall, what does it take to double major? You have to be committed, resourceful, willing to make sacrifices, and be able to manage your time. If it is important enough to you then, I believe, you can make it happen.
To lessen the risk of burnout I would try to set aside some time each day to do something I wanted to do. Luckily for me I loved my job. So just going to work was the break I needed before diving back into my school work. Additionally, you could try to set aside 20-30 min everyday to do something you like to do. Maybe you go for a walk, listen to music, watch an episode of your favorite TV show, etc.
How did I schedule everything? To start off every semester I would ask each of my professors if lectures would be recorded. If they were then I didn’t worry about getting to those classes. I would schedule to work during those classes and then watch the lectures at a different more convenient time. This requires self discipline so that you don’t get behind but it worked really well for me. Along the same lines, when registering for classes, I would look for classes that were online and asynchronous so that I could work on them whenever was convenient for me.
Hope this helps!
Good luck!