Should I Double Major?

What is a Double Major?

Double majoring (or dual majoring) entails earning two separate majors with one bachelor’s degree. This means that you’ve completed the full coursework for two distinct majors, and earned credit for both. Double majors are typically earned within the same college or program (i.e. the College of Liberal Arts & Sciences). This is what distinguishes them from a dual degree, which earns you credit from two distinct areas of study. Dual degree students might choose, for example, to earn a BA and a BS at the same time. In dual degree programs, students graduate with two separate degrees in two different majors, rather than one degree with majors in two disciplines. Double majoring is often more student-directed and takes less time than a dual degree. To double major requires more coursework in your areas of study, and can take more time to earn than a singular degree.

Why Should I Double Major?

Choosing whether or not to double major comes with a lot of considerations, just like choosing your major in general. For some people, earning a degree in multiple areas can be advantageous for their career path. For somebody pursuing a graduate program in criminal psychology, a double major in criminology and psychology might be a perfect fit. If you’re a business major who wants to take charge of their own funding, double-majoring in business and economics would be a pragmatic choice.

Although making future-conscious assessments is important in deciding if you should double major, it is also just as valid to pursue a double major out of pure interest in more than one area of study. I personally have been considering double majoring in psychology and Spanish, simply because of my love for the language. Although studying Spanish throughout college and taking additional coursework to satisfy the major will be more challenging (and undoubtedly, time-consuming), I simply couldn’t settle for only studying one subject.

That isn’t to say, of course, that you need to double major in order to explore various interests throughout University. There are plenty of ways to incorporate outside fields of study into your undergraduate education, and many programs even require taking coursework outside your specific major!

What are the Pros of Double Majoring?

Double majoring can offer a variety of advantages to an undergraduate student. The benefits of pursuing a double major vary with each individual’s unique career goals, and the path you plan to follow after your graduation.

For undergraduates with varied interests in a diverse range of fields, double majoring can be a perfect solution to your thirst for knowledge. Unlike dual degree programs, double majoring doesn’t typically impact your tuition costs significantly. Having a diversified and multidisciplinary education can prevent you from overspecializing in one area, and introduce you to a wider range of academic and professional opportunities. You may get the opportunity to work in a highly specialized and unique field as a result of your interest in two distinct subjects.

While double majoring can certainly increase both your course load and your time at University, your required courses can often overlap depending on the two majors you’re pursuing. For some students, this can mean it would be possible to even triple major!

For students who are pursuing further education after earning their undergraduate degree, having a double major can make applicants more competitive. It certainly can be impressive to application committees and potential employers that you took on such a rigorous academic course load. Having a second major in a subject that is vastly different from your other major can also be a great talking point as well. If you’re applying for medical school with a degree in biology, having a double major in women’s studies could show strong diversity in your educational interests, and spark a great conversation with your interviewer.

What About the Cons?

Time and workload are two huge considerations when debating whether or not to adopt another major. Many students who double major don’t end up spending more time at University, but this varies based on the majors you choose. Double majoring in two unrelated fields, such as accounting and botany, might take a bit more time and coursework than double majoring in physics and math.

Additionally, some people debate the importance of double majoring in increasing your chances of earning professional positions and opportunities. Some application committees might not value a double major in your undergraduate years if the graduate program you are applying to is already very specialized. Many employers also may be more interested in your experience in your chosen field, rather than a diversity of educational experiences.

What’s the Deal with Minors?

Other than a double major, you can choose to obtain a minor in another specialized field. A minor usually entails fewer credits than a double major. It’s a great way to explore another academic interest without the commitment of earning an entire other degree. While a major typically requires students to earn around 120-130 credits, a minor is usually around 18 credits, depending on the program. Some minors you can earn at the University of Flordia are…

• Nutritional Sciences Minor
• African American Studies Minor
• Women’s Studies Minor
• Astronomy Minor

In addition to minors, many universities offer certificate programs that offer a way to explore additional areas of study without committing to earning another degree entirely. Some examples of certificates you can earn at the University of Florida are…

• Art Education Certificate
• Dance in Medicine Certificate
• Teaching English as a Second Language Certificate
• Sport management Certificate

It’s important to remember a few things about minors and certificates. First of all, not every school offers the same programs. Check your University’s degree catalog, or speak with an academic advisor about your options. Certain majors or areas of study do not offer programs for minoring or earning certificates. Secondly, it’s important to try out some classes in your desired additional area of study before you apply for a minor or certificate. Certain programs also require you to have already completed some coursework before you can apply for the program in order to ensure that you’re committed.

Final Notes

At the end of the day, nobody can tell you whether or not you should double major. Take some time to weigh the pros and cons of adding another major to your undergraduate education, and look into alternatives if double majoring isn’t possible for your schedule. Speak to an academic advisor, alumni, and potential employers to gauge their opinions on the value of double majoring. But remember, your undergraduate experience is your own, and you should focus on making it the best it can be for you personally.

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