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Do you recommend students to double-major?
I have a career goal and know what my passion is but I’d also like to study something that I like at college (eg. design). What should I do?
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8 answers
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Rheena’s Answer
Good morning! I would say if you really want to double major, but aren't sure about taking on an increased course load, completing a minor is always an option as well. This way you do have your major and also are able to take courses in what you are passionate about as well. If you feel you are prepared to take on a higher course load and put in the work, I think completing a double major is a great option! It depends on really what you want in your future career as well.
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Madisyn’s Answer
Hi Helen!
Double majoring can be a great choice! Of course there may be an increased course load and that is something you will have to factor into your decision. However, double majoring may open up your opportunities after college in a way that having a single major may not. Additionally, double majoring will allow you to learn about your passion and design at the same time.
Double majoring can be a great choice! Of course there may be an increased course load and that is something you will have to factor into your decision. However, double majoring may open up your opportunities after college in a way that having a single major may not. Additionally, double majoring will allow you to learn about your passion and design at the same time.
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Joanna’s Answer
Hi Helen!
I would recommend you study what you're most interested in! If your career goal requires a specific major, then I would recommend trying to double major or do a minor in the other area you're interested in. I have met a lot of people who have done this before, and while it means more work and studying for the most part, if you enjoy it then go for it! Keep in mind it may also mean higher costs of attending depending on the school you go to. Best of luck!
I would recommend you study what you're most interested in! If your career goal requires a specific major, then I would recommend trying to double major or do a minor in the other area you're interested in. I have met a lot of people who have done this before, and while it means more work and studying for the most part, if you enjoy it then go for it! Keep in mind it may also mean higher costs of attending depending on the school you go to. Best of luck!
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Brian’s Answer
Hi Helen,
Great to hear you're already focused on a career goal and course of study! It is more common than you think to be in the "what do I want to do" camp in college as a freshman. As a double major myself (at UCB - Econ and Business), regarding your question:
1). A double major can be completely unrelated to each other (unlike mine), still be completed in a timely manner (not take an extra year), and not require undue exertion/stress (i.e. not require you to take 22 units a semester to complete). I personally would recommend a double major if it is feasible and in your interest, regardless of the similarities in major (e.g. I had friends double in History and Biology while another did a double in History and Political Science).
2). Only recommendation is that you will need to do a lot of planning up front to make sure you fulfill BOTH majors to graduate, especially if you want to graduate on time (in 4 yrs). Map out the pre-requisites and requirements for the major, phase them (i.e. plan when you will take them like "Course A - Fall Junior year", "Course B - Spring Sophomore year", etc.), and check off what was completed that fulfills the requirements. When you double, every course counts needs to count for something (major pre-req, major upper division req, general education req, etc.).
3). Only caveat is if you decide to do two COMPLETELY different majors in different colleges (I had a colleague who was EECS and Business Administration at UCB), you will likely not have enough time to layer in some "fun" courses as enlightenment. These fun courses could be things you're truly interested in, like Public Health, Public Policy, Classics, Philosophy, etc.
Time is your worst enemy if you double major, so plan ahead and understand tradeoffs before making a decision.
Great to hear you're already focused on a career goal and course of study! It is more common than you think to be in the "what do I want to do" camp in college as a freshman. As a double major myself (at UCB - Econ and Business), regarding your question:
1). A double major can be completely unrelated to each other (unlike mine), still be completed in a timely manner (not take an extra year), and not require undue exertion/stress (i.e. not require you to take 22 units a semester to complete). I personally would recommend a double major if it is feasible and in your interest, regardless of the similarities in major (e.g. I had friends double in History and Biology while another did a double in History and Political Science).
2). Only recommendation is that you will need to do a lot of planning up front to make sure you fulfill BOTH majors to graduate, especially if you want to graduate on time (in 4 yrs). Map out the pre-requisites and requirements for the major, phase them (i.e. plan when you will take them like "Course A - Fall Junior year", "Course B - Spring Sophomore year", etc.), and check off what was completed that fulfills the requirements. When you double, every course counts needs to count for something (major pre-req, major upper division req, general education req, etc.).
3). Only caveat is if you decide to do two COMPLETELY different majors in different colleges (I had a colleague who was EECS and Business Administration at UCB), you will likely not have enough time to layer in some "fun" courses as enlightenment. These fun courses could be things you're truly interested in, like Public Health, Public Policy, Classics, Philosophy, etc.
Time is your worst enemy if you double major, so plan ahead and understand tradeoffs before making a decision.
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Nadia’s Answer
Studies are only of the options. After you graduate, you can always take a course, post-diploma studies, join a community, and so on. I don't know what's your first choice, but if it's your "ultimate" career goal, it's worth considering focusing on that one even more. For example, studying finance is one thing and a very useful step in one's career, but if it's supported by internships, attending finance-related conferences, reading, and additional courses, it can serve even better. Of course, as Joanna wrote, there is this cost factor that is not only related to money but also time/effort.
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Andersen’s Answer
Hi Helen,
I am glad that you have found your passion for your career and your interest, which may help uncover the answers to the following questions:
1. What do you want to get out of college?
2. Will the effort placed into the two majors help create the life you want after college?
If you have a clear answer to the first question and answer "yes" to the second one, I believe double majoring is recommended and will help positively shape your future.
Having said that, double majoring may cost you more, both in time and money, but if none of these matters, I wish you good luck in all your endeavors!
I am glad that you have found your passion for your career and your interest, which may help uncover the answers to the following questions:
1. What do you want to get out of college?
2. Will the effort placed into the two majors help create the life you want after college?
If you have a clear answer to the first question and answer "yes" to the second one, I believe double majoring is recommended and will help positively shape your future.
Having said that, double majoring may cost you more, both in time and money, but if none of these matters, I wish you good luck in all your endeavors!
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M’s Answer
Hi Helen! If you truly feel like you have the time to do so, go for it. However, personally I would recommend having one major and minoring in the other. This will allow you to focus on other extracurricular activities outside of school, which are important when looking for a job. Wishing you all the best!
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Lesly’s Answer
Hi Helen! Great question! Remember, there's absolutely no right or wrong answer here. Choosing to pursue a double major can be an incredibly rewarding and fruitful experience, as it opens up a world of diverse career opportunities and allows you to delve into your passions. Your choice will depend on your personal career goals, your enthusiasm for both majors, your school's requirements for a double major, and most importantly, your dedication to making the most of your education. Just know that if you decide to go for it, we believe in your ability to achieve success!