4 answers
Anthony
Student
Menifee, California
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Question
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What are the benefits of double majoring?
I feel like Double Majoring in two similar subjects, Engineering and Mathematics. However, I feel as if the work-load will increase significantly. I already have to take 192 units, so how many more units would I take for a mathematics major. #college-majors #engineering #mathematics
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4 answers
Ron Goloubow, P.G.
Engineering Geologist at California Regional Water Quality Control Board
16
Answers
Sacramento, California
Updated
Ron’s Answer
A double major can look good on your resume and can differentiate you from the herd. I am in no position to comment on the number of hours required but would like to think a counselor at your school can quantify the requirements. Your hard work should pay off in the end. Be Lucky!
Dana Hunt
PwC | Partner, Insurance Risk & Capital Leader
10
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San Antonio, Texas
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Dana’s Answer
I can't answer the # of units, as I've been out of college for a while now. However, with a double major in mathematics and engineering, expect a very heavy work load. Especially as they are different disciplines. In the first few years of college, one recommendation is to focus on the mathematics classes (e.g., calculus, differential equations) that are needed for both majors and take several engineering courses to get a feel for which area you gravitate toward.
Nicole Baillie
Data Analyst
484
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Atlanta, Georgia
Updated
Nicole’s Answer
Hi Anthony M. I see that you posted this question a little while ago so I hope my answer to you (or others who may read this response) is still helpful.
Adding just a bit to previous answers to this question. It is important to note that any type of double major endeavor has the potential of a heavy work load. In my case, while I was pursuing my engineering degree, I had one semester where there was actually overlap between my Physics class and my Calculus class. Honestly, neither was my favorite :). But being in a position where I was taking two classes at the same time with similar instruction was actually very helpful in getting through them.
In short, it may be that while the double major, overall, could demand a heavy load, it could also mean that you get a chance to reinforce what you are learning in one major with what you are learning in another major.
Hope you find this answer helpful . Best of luck to you!
Adding just a bit to previous answers to this question. It is important to note that any type of double major endeavor has the potential of a heavy work load. In my case, while I was pursuing my engineering degree, I had one semester where there was actually overlap between my Physics class and my Calculus class. Honestly, neither was my favorite :). But being in a position where I was taking two classes at the same time with similar instruction was actually very helpful in getting through them.
In short, it may be that while the double major, overall, could demand a heavy load, it could also mean that you get a chance to reinforce what you are learning in one major with what you are learning in another major.
Hope you find this answer helpful . Best of luck to you!
Deepak Chadaga
Business Product Manager
11
Answers
Coppell, Texas
Updated
Deepak’s Answer
Anthony,
Double-majoring, as Ron said, will look good on your resume, and can show your level of dedication, perseverance, and work ethic.
My daughter is double -majoring in Music Therapy and Psychology. Her workload is definitely more than if she did a single major. That said, there are courses in one major that can be used for the other major (electives). As Nicole illustrated, there are courses that can overlap across the two majors, and with a single course (e.g. an advanced level Math course like Differential Equations), you can satisfy both your Engineering and Math Major requirements.
The best way I'd suggest you do this, as you start university, if this is still the path you wish to follow, is to sit with your Engineering and Math advisors, and map out your degree plans. These advisors will help you craft a successful path to completion, and can help with navigating the workload. At that point, you can decide if you still want to continue with a double-major, or stick with one. That's what my daughter has done. She sat with both her Music Therapy advisor and her Psychology advisor, and has crafted a full dual degree plan to graduation incorporating both majors. It gives her a clear vision for the next 2-3 years of what she needs to take, on a semester-by-semester basis.
Finally, if you feel that the workload is too much to do a double-major, consider a major in your favorite field of study, and see if you can do a minor in the other. Students frequently do one or more minors, and these look good on the resume as well.
All the very best in your future studies!
Double-majoring, as Ron said, will look good on your resume, and can show your level of dedication, perseverance, and work ethic.
My daughter is double -majoring in Music Therapy and Psychology. Her workload is definitely more than if she did a single major. That said, there are courses in one major that can be used for the other major (electives). As Nicole illustrated, there are courses that can overlap across the two majors, and with a single course (e.g. an advanced level Math course like Differential Equations), you can satisfy both your Engineering and Math Major requirements.
The best way I'd suggest you do this, as you start university, if this is still the path you wish to follow, is to sit with your Engineering and Math advisors, and map out your degree plans. These advisors will help you craft a successful path to completion, and can help with navigating the workload. At that point, you can decide if you still want to continue with a double-major, or stick with one. That's what my daughter has done. She sat with both her Music Therapy advisor and her Psychology advisor, and has crafted a full dual degree plan to graduation incorporating both majors. It gives her a clear vision for the next 2-3 years of what she needs to take, on a semester-by-semester basis.
Finally, if you feel that the workload is too much to do a double-major, consider a major in your favorite field of study, and see if you can do a minor in the other. Students frequently do one or more minors, and these look good on the resume as well.
All the very best in your future studies!