2 answers
Brittney
Student
The Villages, Florida
1
Question
Asked
1031 views
How hard is double majoring?
I am thinking about double majoring with software engineering and forensic science as I want to become a computer forensic technician one day. I am currently taking AP, CLEP, and hold multiple industry certifications as well, so I do at least have a background with both sides.
Login to comment
2 answers
Rick Gonzalez
Network Engineer
2
Answers
Chicago, Illinois
Updated
Rick’s Answer
Pursuing a double major can be tough, but it's definitely possible! With good time management, you can balance your studies, homework, and still make time for yourself. If you choose to take on this challenge, try connecting with other students who are also doing double majors. They can share tips and strategies that have helped them succeed. You've got this!
Nahid Ferdous
9
Answers
Austin, Texas
Updated
Nahid’s Answer
The level of difficulty for double majoring will depend on the overlap of classes between the two majors. The first 1 - 2 years of your college classes will be basics that every student is required to take on some level (English, 1 - 2 math classes, 1 - 2 biology and/or chemistry classes, etc.), so you shouldn't have any concerns with these courses.
The tricky part will come with upper division courses, when your classes become more specific to your major. If you're double majoring in degrees with overlapping classes, your workload will be easier because you can knock out multiple degree requirements with one class. If your majors require very different classes from one another and/or they both have heavy workloads, it can be difficult to balance the two. Some students who take on drastically different double majors will regularly take 15 - 18 credit hours/semester, which can be a lot if you also need to balance study time and/or work. The class requirements will vary by institution, so it's important to take a look at the degree plan for your chosen majors when you make your decision.
Looking at the two majors you've chosen, I can tell you that software engineering will have lots of classes related to programming, data, and algorithms. In contrast, forensic science will have more science and lab classes. While the two majors might not have a huge overlap of classes, depending on where you're going to school, your college might structure the degrees with flexibility in mind so you can balance coursework for both.
Research the degree plans for your chosen majors at your school of choice
The tricky part will come with upper division courses, when your classes become more specific to your major. If you're double majoring in degrees with overlapping classes, your workload will be easier because you can knock out multiple degree requirements with one class. If your majors require very different classes from one another and/or they both have heavy workloads, it can be difficult to balance the two. Some students who take on drastically different double majors will regularly take 15 - 18 credit hours/semester, which can be a lot if you also need to balance study time and/or work. The class requirements will vary by institution, so it's important to take a look at the degree plan for your chosen majors when you make your decision.
Looking at the two majors you've chosen, I can tell you that software engineering will have lots of classes related to programming, data, and algorithms. In contrast, forensic science will have more science and lab classes. While the two majors might not have a huge overlap of classes, depending on where you're going to school, your college might structure the degrees with flexibility in mind so you can balance coursework for both.
Nahid recommends the following next steps:
Thank you, that is definitely helpful. I have been trying to do my own research on it as well. For the amount of credits my college requires 15 per semester to be full time, or I can take 12 and do two during the summer following. I’m getting a head start starting this summer too.
Brittney
It's awesome that you're so ahead of the curve! Best wishes on your journey ahead, you seem to have picked a really exciting path!
Nahid Ferdous