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If I am interested in two different majors, is it better to double major or have a major and a minor? What are the pros and cons of each option?
#choosing-a-major #majors-and-minors #double-major #JULY20
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EmilyAnn’s Answer
It really just depends on what you want to do with it, and how interested you are in both subjects. If you want to go into one field and feel the second can supplement your skills there, you will probably be fine with just a minor. If both degrees are recommended for your field or it would put you in a stronger position to have a second degree, then go for the major. A double major will allow you to dive deeper into both subjects,
but that isn't to say that a minor won't also give you a good understanding of the subject if you aren't looking to be an expert in the field.
If you aren't sure yet what you want to do when you graduate, I would recommend doing a major and minor, which could leave a little more room to take other courses as you explore career options. I debated the same thing, and I ended up going the major + minor route (physics major + math minor). This has allowed me to take math classes which are relevant to my physics studies, but without some of the other, less relevant math courses that a major would include. I'm glad I did this because now I'm considering adding a second minor and have the room to do so. Depending on the subjects, it might be a lot harder to add a minor on top of a double major. Hope this helps!!
but that isn't to say that a minor won't also give you a good understanding of the subject if you aren't looking to be an expert in the field.
If you aren't sure yet what you want to do when you graduate, I would recommend doing a major and minor, which could leave a little more room to take other courses as you explore career options. I debated the same thing, and I ended up going the major + minor route (physics major + math minor). This has allowed me to take math classes which are relevant to my physics studies, but without some of the other, less relevant math courses that a major would include. I'm glad I did this because now I'm considering adding a second minor and have the room to do so. Depending on the subjects, it might be a lot harder to add a minor on top of a double major. Hope this helps!!
Updated
Brielle’s Answer
Hi Sylvia,
I agree with what Emily said! I think it's also important to talk to your counselor to make sure that you won't go over the unit cap and see if any courses can apply under both subjects. For me, there were a few courses that I took that actually triple counted for my film major, journalism minor, and general education requirements.
The only cons would be that you may be in school longer and have to pay more tuition. But I do know a few people who were still able to graduate with a double major in 4 years! It just depends on your school and how many courses you take each semester (or quarter).
I agree with what Emily said! I think it's also important to talk to your counselor to make sure that you won't go over the unit cap and see if any courses can apply under both subjects. For me, there were a few courses that I took that actually triple counted for my film major, journalism minor, and general education requirements.
The only cons would be that you may be in school longer and have to pay more tuition. But I do know a few people who were still able to graduate with a double major in 4 years! It just depends on your school and how many courses you take each semester (or quarter).
Updated
Kiirsten’s Answer
Hi Sylvia :)
Very good questions you have asked! The two responses have already been wonderful, I would just add-- do what makes you happy. Maybe start out with one major and one minor-- you can change your major multiple times if you need to so try not to stress. If you end up really liking both paths, then go for both of them! Some students have allotted money from scholarships which limits how many courses they can take-- but if you don't have any limitations, and double-majoring will make you happy, then I say go for it!
Very good questions you have asked! The two responses have already been wonderful, I would just add-- do what makes you happy. Maybe start out with one major and one minor-- you can change your major multiple times if you need to so try not to stress. If you end up really liking both paths, then go for both of them! Some students have allotted money from scholarships which limits how many courses they can take-- but if you don't have any limitations, and double-majoring will make you happy, then I say go for it!
Updated
Pro’s Answer
Try an Interdisciplinary, Liberal Studies, or General Studies major, that will let you combine multiple interests. Or an Individually Designed major that you can even name yourself.