3 answers
Brittney
Student
The Villages, Florida
1
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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.
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3 answers
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
Rachel B
Forensic Osteology
2
Answers
Buffalo, New York
Updated
Rachel’s Answer
So answering as a forensic scientist with a cousin who is a forensic accountant. When you say a forensic computer technician do you mean in the accounting sense or as in say the criminal sense of backtracking what was done on that computer/system outside of the financial sphere? I am specifically only speaking here to forensic accounting as I believe the other type of computer forensics (not with money, accounting, tracking funds - more like tracking criminals - like child predators - etc) is done within police/fbi departments mainly and I can’t speak to that. My cousin and I are both government employees, her federal, me state. You will need at least a master’s degree to get any kind of sustainable job in either field. There is nearly no overlap between these two fields. One is heavily biology/anatomy/chemistry the other is purely tech. Can I ask why you would want to double major? The fields don’t help each other (you’re not going to go further as a forensic scientist with a forensic accounting degree and vice versa). You can definitely do it, it will take longer and be very taxing because of the lack of overlap and my concern is if you graduate with a double major bachelors in these two fields you still won’t find a job for either after all of that extra effort and money. You will need to pick one and do a masters. There is no dual masters for these. Some more info on why you are drawn to forensic science if you want to be a forensic computer technician might help me to advise better.
Identify the main skills needed to be successful in each field.
Choose the one you feel most matches your interests and get started. You can change your mind.
Rachel recommends the following next steps:
I appreciate your response! I was looking to double major, since I want to go the criminal/law enforcement side of things. I have worked with computers for years and am good with it (high school senior about to graduate with multiple big industry certifications in software and IT), I was also a part of the Explorer post for my county through the sheriffs office and loved it. I began to realize I like doing more stuff with crime scene and forensics through that (even lead my team to second at states for crime scene). Also, there is more overlap than you’d think. I am able to see the classes from doing a what if in degree works with it. Most of the science and math over lap. Of course more science in forensics, but they also count towards software engineering.
Brittney
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!