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How can I balance the workloads of two majors? #Spring26
This fall, I plan on majoring in both accounting and marketing. Although these fields are both business related, I feel that the workloads and material may be a lot to handle at once. Any tips would be greatly appreciated.
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9 answers
Updated
Eric’s Answer
Hi Emma, hope you're well! A few tips from my perspective -
Sit down with an advisor before fall (or very early in the fall) and sequence your courses over the next year (or two). Doing that mapping exercise with an experienced advisor will give you a lot of peace of mind and confidence in knowing what the next year or so will look like course-wise so you're well-prepared.
Try and balance heavy courses with light courses, e.g., if your schedule allows, pair a demanding accounting course with a more creative marketing one each semester, rather than stacking intense/more rigorous courses right next to each other.
Protect your time and your rest. Block your calendar, but guard downtime too. Burnout is the real enemy, not the workload itself.
Use your network - this is a big one we talk about all the time. In your case, professors, advisors, and classmates are there to help, definitely don't wait until you're feeling anxious, stressed, or a bit overwhelmed to ask for advice.
Sit down with an advisor before fall (or very early in the fall) and sequence your courses over the next year (or two). Doing that mapping exercise with an experienced advisor will give you a lot of peace of mind and confidence in knowing what the next year or so will look like course-wise so you're well-prepared.
Try and balance heavy courses with light courses, e.g., if your schedule allows, pair a demanding accounting course with a more creative marketing one each semester, rather than stacking intense/more rigorous courses right next to each other.
Protect your time and your rest. Block your calendar, but guard downtime too. Burnout is the real enemy, not the workload itself.
Use your network - this is a big one we talk about all the time. In your case, professors, advisors, and classmates are there to help, definitely don't wait until you're feeling anxious, stressed, or a bit overwhelmed to ask for advice.
Updated
Rachel’s Answer
Hi Emma!
A double major over here in Japanese and early childhood education. For me, I really had to sit down and get organized early on. My Japanese major required a semester abroad and my education major required student teaching. My wallet also totally required a job! It was a lot. If it is something you can afford and would be open to, I'd say don't stress about finishing in any set time. I definitely did and I was able to finish in 4 years, but I wish I had given myself a little more grace.
That being said... I met with my advisor and my teachers to make a plan. We decided it made more sense to get my study abroad done ASAP so I could focus on student teaching. Be flexible with what needs to be done. I always pictured studying abroad later (I was 1000% new to learning Japanese) but I ended up there spring of my sophomore year, and I honestly loved it.
I went to a smaller school and was able to work closely with my advisors in both majors and honestly that gave me a chance to show them how much each mattered to me.
It is a lot, but you can do it! Learn early what each has going on for the degree and plot and plan accordingly. Be flexible when possible but also advocate for what you need! I was able to get an extra kanji course added when it was one of my final steps to go.
Wishing you all the best!
Rachel
A double major over here in Japanese and early childhood education. For me, I really had to sit down and get organized early on. My Japanese major required a semester abroad and my education major required student teaching. My wallet also totally required a job! It was a lot. If it is something you can afford and would be open to, I'd say don't stress about finishing in any set time. I definitely did and I was able to finish in 4 years, but I wish I had given myself a little more grace.
That being said... I met with my advisor and my teachers to make a plan. We decided it made more sense to get my study abroad done ASAP so I could focus on student teaching. Be flexible with what needs to be done. I always pictured studying abroad later (I was 1000% new to learning Japanese) but I ended up there spring of my sophomore year, and I honestly loved it.
I went to a smaller school and was able to work closely with my advisors in both majors and honestly that gave me a chance to show them how much each mattered to me.
It is a lot, but you can do it! Learn early what each has going on for the degree and plot and plan accordingly. Be flexible when possible but also advocate for what you need! I was able to get an extra kanji course added when it was one of my final steps to go.
Wishing you all the best!
Rachel
Updated
Abdulghani’s Answer
Emma, I think balancing two majors really comes down to planning ahead and being realistic about what you can handle. Staying organized early helps a lot, and communicating with your team or classmates in advance can keep small problems from turning into bigger ones later. I also think it is important not to overcommit. You do not need to say yes to everything, and protecting your time is what helps you stay consistent and avoid burnout.
Updated
Dwight’s Answer
Hi Emma,
I hope all is well! This is a great question! Balancing two majors like accounting and marketing comes down to strong time management and planning ahead. Both majors have different demands with accounting being more technical and detail-focused, while marketing often involves projects and creativity. Breaking assignments into smaller tasks and avoiding last-minute work will help you manage both without feeling overwhelmed.
It’s also important to be intentional with your priorities and use your resources. Meeting with advisors, planning your semesters carefully, and staying realistic about your workload can make a big difference. Over time, you’ll find a rhythm, and the combination of both majors can actually become a strength by giving you a more well-rounded skill set.
I hope this helps in your journey! Please reach out with any additional questions. Hope to talk soon!
Thank you,
Dwight
I hope all is well! This is a great question! Balancing two majors like accounting and marketing comes down to strong time management and planning ahead. Both majors have different demands with accounting being more technical and detail-focused, while marketing often involves projects and creativity. Breaking assignments into smaller tasks and avoiding last-minute work will help you manage both without feeling overwhelmed.
It’s also important to be intentional with your priorities and use your resources. Meeting with advisors, planning your semesters carefully, and staying realistic about your workload can make a big difference. Over time, you’ll find a rhythm, and the combination of both majors can actually become a strength by giving you a more well-rounded skill set.
I hope this helps in your journey! Please reach out with any additional questions. Hope to talk soon!
Thank you,
Dwight
Updated
Annabella’s Answer
Hi Emma,
Great question! Staying on track academically, especially with two majors, takes intentional planning. Here are the tips that made the biggest difference for me:
1. Get Organized
With multiple courses that each have their own attendance policies, exam schedules, and assignment weights, organization is your foundation! Try layering these tools:
- Agenda/planner: Log daily homework, readings, and extracurriculars so nothing slips through the cracks.
- Whiteboard calendar: Hang it in your room or by your desk to map out major deadlines: exams, papers, presentations.
- Google Calendar: Set reminders for upcoming tasks so you stay on top of things even when you're away from your planner/calendar.
2. Form Study Groups
You'll naturally meet people in your lectures, grab their contact info early! Scheduling regular study sessions keeps you accountable, helps you fill in gaps, and often makes studying a lot more enjoyable.
3. Join Major-Aligned Clubs
Student organizations tied to your fields of study are super helpful. Beyond networking, you'll get real advice from upperclassmen and peers who have navigated the same coursework and career paths.
4. Communicate Early and Often
Don't wait until you're struggling. Attend office hours, connect with Teaching Assistants (TAs) and Learning Assistants (LAs), they're there to help and often have insights that go beyond what's covered in lecture.
Good luck and please feel free to reach out if you have any additional questions!
Great question! Staying on track academically, especially with two majors, takes intentional planning. Here are the tips that made the biggest difference for me:
1. Get Organized
With multiple courses that each have their own attendance policies, exam schedules, and assignment weights, organization is your foundation! Try layering these tools:
- Agenda/planner: Log daily homework, readings, and extracurriculars so nothing slips through the cracks.
- Whiteboard calendar: Hang it in your room or by your desk to map out major deadlines: exams, papers, presentations.
- Google Calendar: Set reminders for upcoming tasks so you stay on top of things even when you're away from your planner/calendar.
2. Form Study Groups
You'll naturally meet people in your lectures, grab their contact info early! Scheduling regular study sessions keeps you accountable, helps you fill in gaps, and often makes studying a lot more enjoyable.
3. Join Major-Aligned Clubs
Student organizations tied to your fields of study are super helpful. Beyond networking, you'll get real advice from upperclassmen and peers who have navigated the same coursework and career paths.
4. Communicate Early and Often
Don't wait until you're struggling. Attend office hours, connect with Teaching Assistants (TAs) and Learning Assistants (LAs), they're there to help and often have insights that go beyond what's covered in lecture.
Good luck and please feel free to reach out if you have any additional questions!
Updated
Jessie’s Answer
Pursuing a double major in accounting and marketing is definitely possible with good organization and planning. During my college years, I managed to major in accounting and economics while working part-time. The key is to avoid letting tasks build up.
Creating a weekly schedule helped me a lot. I gave extra time to accounting since it often requires more practice. It's important to be honest with yourself about how much you can manage outside of class. Taking advantage of office hours and joining study groups early on made a big difference, rather than trying to handle everything by myself. If you stay consistent and avoid taking on too much, you can successfully manage both majors.
Creating a weekly schedule helped me a lot. I gave extra time to accounting since it often requires more practice. It's important to be honest with yourself about how much you can manage outside of class. Taking advantage of office hours and joining study groups early on made a big difference, rather than trying to handle everything by myself. If you stay consistent and avoid taking on too much, you can successfully manage both majors.
Updated
Kelly’s Answer
Great drive on your part!
Look at this like a learning curve for when you hit the ground running in your chosen career! You will have to learn how to balance work and life for a long time. This seems like it is going to be your first practice run.
Remember the goal, and the priority. You may need to forgo some personal experiences to complete the school work, but it will not last forever. The sacrifice will be worth it in the end!
Amazing work!!
Look at this like a learning curve for when you hit the ground running in your chosen career! You will have to learn how to balance work and life for a long time. This seems like it is going to be your first practice run.
Remember the goal, and the priority. You may need to forgo some personal experiences to complete the school work, but it will not last forever. The sacrifice will be worth it in the end!
Amazing work!!
Updated
Allison’s Answer
Hi Emma,
I double majored in Psychology and German too!
It was really helpful to meet with my academic advisor regularly, at least once or twice a semester. This helped me make sure I was taking the right classes in the right order and choosing good professors. Planning your classes each semester is key to meeting all the requirements for both degrees. Being proactive about this is important because professors might only offer certain courses at specific times, and you don't want to miss out or have to take summer classes.
To manage your workload, stay organized! Use a planner or calendar to map out your assignments and deadlines. This will help you set aside time to complete everything. Also, don't forget to have fun and meet new people! Find study buddies in your classes to make studying easier and more enjoyable. Surrounding yourself with positive, hardworking people makes a big difference!
I double majored in Psychology and German too!
It was really helpful to meet with my academic advisor regularly, at least once or twice a semester. This helped me make sure I was taking the right classes in the right order and choosing good professors. Planning your classes each semester is key to meeting all the requirements for both degrees. Being proactive about this is important because professors might only offer certain courses at specific times, and you don't want to miss out or have to take summer classes.
To manage your workload, stay organized! Use a planner or calendar to map out your assignments and deadlines. This will help you set aside time to complete everything. Also, don't forget to have fun and meet new people! Find study buddies in your classes to make studying easier and more enjoyable. Surrounding yourself with positive, hardworking people makes a big difference!
Updated
Reshma’s Answer
It's great that you already know which subjects interest you. While double majoring can be rewarding, it also comes with a heavier workload, so don't feel pressured to continue if you later decide it's not the right fit.
College is a time to explore your interests and shape your career path. If, after taking courses in both fields, you find that you prefer one subject, you can always major in one and minor in the other. This allows you to keep the credits you've earned while maintaining more flexibility.
If you're confident about pursuing a double major, though, go for it! Accounting and Marketing complement each other well and can provide a strong foundation for your future career.
College is a time to explore your interests and shape your career path. If, after taking courses in both fields, you find that you prefer one subject, you can always major in one and minor in the other. This allows you to keep the credits you've earned while maintaining more flexibility.
If you're confident about pursuing a double major, though, go for it! Accounting and Marketing complement each other well and can provide a strong foundation for your future career.