To know what does it mean when you double major in college….Read on this article…!
Choosing a major can be a difficult decision, especially if you are unable to narrow your interests down to one. However, many colleges give the option to explore an interesting area of double majoring. There are a variety of reasons why one would want to double major in college. If you are someone interested in pursuing two fields of study you can consider a double major.
First of all, we need to review what a double major is.
By taking double major in college, students earn one degree in two academic disciplines. The credit total is typically the same as a single-topic degree (at least 120 credits for a bachelors). Thus, a double major results in one degree with two areas of specialization.
Why pursue a double major in college?
Pursuing a double major will allow one to develop a more comprehensive skill set. While some go for double majors in related fields like Business and Finance, others choose different fields of interest like Psychology and Literature, or even History and Literature.
It all boils down to what you really want to do and if you can incorporate that into your degree. Through a double major, one can confirm that it gives you an expanded field of research and makes you viable for a more competitive workspace.
While doing a double major, most would opt to refine their time management skills as it requires you to focus on two disciplines whether they are related or unrelated. About 25% of the undergraduate student body double major in their bachelor’s degree. By pursuing a double major, one can strengthen their chances at getting a job to their liking.
Choosing the right majors
It is important to take your time and choose the right thing for yourself. Furthermore, it is important to assess what you want for yourself in the future and be able to solidify your desires through your choices in picking a primary major and then a second. Students usually do not need more time to complete their second major if they are able to plan accordingly.
Choosing a double major in college is a long process and it can be worth twice the labor. It is very important to choose a primary major first to give yourself an idea of how to go about, and then choose a second with the sense of how to balance it out, if need be. It is to note that both your majors will require equal time and attention from you.
With an English major, one can consider any of the social sciences to complement their primary subject whereas you can even go for Psychology and History, if those are your two fields of interest.
While it is important to pick two fields you can see yourself being invested in, sometimes it can be advantageous to pick fields that overlap in the course requirements. However, choosing the right pair of majors is ultimately dependent on what you want your future to look like, but by all means, no pressure.
Important Problems: Stress
If there is one thing you need to consider before weighing the pros and cons of a double major in terms of your career, taking a look back at your mental health might also be a pressing concern. A double major, and not to sugarcoat it, will be a lot of stress.
As a single person attempting to pursue credit points in two whole disciplines in the time allotted for one, it is going to be an absolute hassle if you are not sure of yourself. However, do not spend time overthinking every option, it is necessary to have faith in oneself and be practical instead.
Therefore, it is important to engage life skills like time management in charting out your course of classes and any other extra-curricular activities that you might be interested in. It would do well to make sure to double check the requirements of each class. Also take this as a reminder to stay in touch with your advisors for both majors. These connections will be able to save you from some late game strife.
Pros and Cons of a Double Major:
Pro- More Career Options
A double major will undoubtedly open up new doors to careers one might want to pursue in the future right after graduation. Especially if you have a niche interest, having two majors might help you secure your dream career. Even if you change your career trajectory a bit, you are potentially viable for more career options than you would have with just one major.
Pro- Unique Resume
It can make your resume stand out to your employers, as double majoring is still not a widespread phenomenon. It will emphasize to your potential employer your dedication, motivation and range of skills.
Pro- Backup plan
With a double major, one has a guaranteed backup plan in career options. If you major in something you are passionate about, for example, Music, but music does not have guaranteed work options, then you can always take up a solid second major like Business to increase your chances in employment. You may even have the idea to build your own franchise.
Con- More Graduation Years
If you do not plan well, the amount of time required to earn credits might increase and it may lengthen the time required for you to graduate. This is why it is important to be sure of the course requirements for each of your majors. Communicate well with your advisors and learn if your AP credits earned in high school can satisfy some of your college’s gen ed requirements. Taking courses over the summer and applying those credits to the degree is also an option.
Con- Balance
It might get really difficult to manage your schedule and balance your classes especially if any of them overlap. This is why it is better to have intimate knowledge of what each of your majors require.
Con- Less Free Time
Having a double major might not leave any room for extra curriculum, even though generally that is not the case. On top of that, it would be hard to manage a social life along with your academics.
Conclusion
In conclusion, a double major is worth it if you are sure of your passions. It is definitely an easy challenge to overcome if you have a clear vision of your goal in the future. It is very important to talk to your career counselor/ academic advisor about your opinions. They will be able to guide you even more and open many other doors of opportunity for you at landing a job and succeeding in a chosen field.
