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Is it possible to double-major and still graduate within four years?

I have a major for my undergrad but there is also another major that is closely related that I find very interesting as well. Would it hurt me if I were to pursue both majors? I think it would help me prepare even better for my future career but I do not want to have to stay in college longer and accrue more and more student loan debt. #college #college-major #education #major #double-major

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Mandy’s Answer

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i agree with everything that was said in the previous answer.
However, if you have a scholarship, then the double major might be financially possible. College is very expensive!!
Did you receive credit for classes by taking AP exams in high school? When I did that as a senior in HS, I received credit for 2 of 4 math classes, all 4 English classes, a semester of Spanish and 2 Science classes....so 27 credits!! Plus, I did a bunch of theatre credits in the summer at the college, so I started my first fall semester of college classified as a Sophomore! AND, I didn't have to pay for all of the earned credits. Check though, because some schools might require you to pay for them, even though you don't take the classes!! 😳
Ultimately, the decision for a double-major in 4 years comes down to whether or not it will actually fit in a 4-year schedule and whether or not you are willing to make the sacrifice! The schedule: some classes can only be taken at certain times and in certain semesters. And several classes must be taken in a certain order. (There might be a "prerequisite" for one class that is in the fall, but you can't take it because it is only offered at the same time as another class you must have! Scheduling 12 hours, what is consider a full load is,difficult, but 15 and up is really difficult. My smallest semester was 17 credits, my biggest 21!!! But hey, I was on top of things, and I really love school! One of the reasons I became a teacher!). Have you discussed the possibility of your double major with a college advisor. They can be a great resource. College is hard, even with one major or a major and a minor! But it's amazing learning so many wonderful things. I would love to have a student like you who is interested in more than one thing! Double major in 4 years?!!! I'm thinking you should try for 5 or 51/2. Good luck!!

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Jill’s Answer

Speaking from personal experiences , yes a double major is doable in four years ! What majors are you considering ? I did Engineering and Economics at UMich and completed in 3.5 years.


Some factors to consider:
1. be clear about WHY you want to do the double major. It should stem from a very clear and focused interest in both subjects. Otherwise it's easy to get burnt out
2. Are you willing to take extra credit (beyond the typical workload) for at least some semesters? And what about staying back for spring / summer classes?
3. Do speak to your academic advisor to see how best to structure the courses such as they are well spread out throughout the four years. You don't want a semester to be overloaded with too many "heavy" modules. Some things to avoid would be to many lab sessions , project based modules in a single semester.



  1. Are you prepared to work hard ? We are not saying you can't have any time off for fun, but let's face it you'll need to put in more hours for homework, project work, exam prep etc than the guy next door who's just on a single major. Sometimes you just have to turn down a beer night to get that assignment out in time!


If you have the passion and dedication, then go for it ! I did mine in 3.5 years and spent the last half year doing a semester abroad in Japan, taking courses which didn't actually contribute to my graduation.


Good luck and all the best !

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Frank’s Answer

I'm glad you're asking this question - it's a tough one and you should consider your options carefully. Let's consider the following:
1. A double major can be really hard, depending on the knowledge domains, time requirements, and your comfort with tackling the course load.
2. Consider your own track record of academic accomplishment! If you've had challenges with GPA or keeping academically focused, I'd avoid the double major. Instead, double-down on your existing major, or "If it's not for you", then consider switching to the other major and focus wholeheartedly on it.
3. "More student loan debt" is NOT where you really want to go! It's demanding to pay off student debt, especially after coming out of school, when you'll want the money for living and moving forward in life. Be cautious about increasing your debt beyond your eventual ability to pay it off within 5 - 10 years.
4. You can always take that second major as part of a post-graduate "Continuing Education" or Graduate Studies program - so deferring it to a more opportune time is also a possibility.
5. Finally, and perhaps most importantly, arrange a meeting with an academic advisor to discuss the situation. See what he/she thinks about your plan and abilities and get honest feedback about it.


Hope this helps!

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