Is Double Majoring Worth It?
Writer & Editor
Editor & Writer
Reviewer & Writer
Writer & Editor
Editor & Writer
Reviewer & Writer
www.bestcolleges.com is an advertising-supported site. Featured or trusted partner programs and all school search, finder, or match results are for schools that compensate us. This compensation does not influence our school rankings, resource guides, or other editorially-independent information published on this site.
Turn Your Dreams Into Reality
Take our quiz and we'll do the homework for you! Compare your school matches and apply to your top choice today.
Portions of the following article were drafted using an in-house natural language generation platform. The article was then reviewed, fact-checked, and edited by multiple members of our editorial team prior to publishing.
Is a double major worth the time and additional work? There's no one answer.
Whether a double major is worth it for you depends on your choice of career, your interest level in both majors, the requirements you must meet to pursue a double major at your school, and your overall commitment to your education.
Pursuing a double major involves studying two different fields, potentially within different degree programs. While a double major can broaden your knowledge and skills, it also requires a heavier course load and potentially more years of school.
Before you make a decision, it's essential to weigh your personal interests and career goals. We'll discuss the pros and cons of double majoring and offer alternative options to consider below.
Featured Online Bachelor's Programs
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.
What Does Double Majoring Mean?
A double major, or dual major, is the pursuit of two different majors at one time.
For instance, you might decide to double major in English and history, or computer science and mathematics. In this scenario, you'll need to meet the degree requirements for both majors, which often involves taking more courses than a single major would require.
It's worth noting that the specifics of double majoring can vary depending on the college or university, so it's essential to consult with an academic advisor to fully understand the requirements and expectations. Or, if you aren't already enrolled at a college or university, speak to an admissions counselor to learn more about dual degree options.
Pros and Cons of Double Majoring
Like any significant academic decision, double majoring comes with its own set of advantages and disadvantages. Understanding these can help you make a more informed decision about whether this pathway aligns with your academic and career goals.
Benefits of Double Majoring
-
It could lead to more job opportunities and higher earnings. A study published by Cambridge University Press found that students who double major in business and a STEM field typically earn more than those with just one major. -
You'll get a more well-rounded education and a unique skill set you can use in your career. -
It can make your resume stand out by emphasizing to potential employers your motivation and range of skills. -
It can give you more career opportunities and a backup plan should your career path change or you can't land a job. For example, maybe you're passionate about photography, even though photography jobs are extremely competitive. Doubling up with a major in business could increase your chances of finding employment. -
You'll learn additional skills, viewpoints, and ideas, which you can then apply to your professional and personal life.
Drawbacks of Double Majoring
-
It can lengthen the amount of time you're in school. Be sure you know all the course requirements for each of your majors before making any decisions. -
You might struggle to balance your class schedule, especially if any classes required for your two majors overlap. -
An extra year or semester in school could put a strain on your finances. Know your financial aid and scholarship details and whether any financial support will carry over should you need to stay in school longer than four years. -
A double major can eat into your free time. As a result, you may not be able to participate in many extracurricular activities or hang out with friends as often as you'd like. -
You likely won't have much room in your schedule to explore elective classes. If you've got your hopes set on exploring new topics and areas of interest, a double major may not be the best choice for you. -
The split academic focus could affect your GPA. You need to fully commit to both majors and be ready to dedicate ample time to studying and preparing for each.
How to Choose a Double Major
Align Your Majors With Your Career Goals
Before choosing a double major, it's important to consider how it aligns with your career goals.
Ask yourself, will having a double major make you more competitive in your desired field? Will it provide you with a unique skill set that employers in your industry value?
Research the job market, talk to professionals in your desired field, and consult with career advisors to gain insight into whether a double major would be beneficial for your career prospects.
Consider Your Interests and Skills
Another key factor to consider when choosing a double major is your personal interest in the subjects.
Double majoring involves a significant commitment of time and effort, so it's essential that you are genuinely interested in and passionate about both fields of study.
If one of the majors feels like a chore, or you're only pursuing it because you think it will look good on your resume, it might be worth reconsidering whether double majoring is the right choice for you.
Alternatives to Double Majoring
If you're attracted to the idea of broadening your academic scope but are wary of the demands of double majoring, there are several alternatives you might consider.
Minors
A minor allows you to specialize in a secondary field with fewer credit and coursework requirements than for a major. This can be a great way to explore an area of interest or complement your major without overloading your schedule.
Specializations
Some degree programs offer specializations or concentrations that allow you to focus on a specific area within your major. This can provide you with specialized knowledge and skills, making you more competitive in certain job markets.
Dual Degree Programs
Dual degree programs allow you to earn two separate degrees concurrently, often in less time than it would take to earn them separately. For example, you can complete a bachelor's and master's degree through one program. These programs can be a great option if you're considering graduate study.
Internships and Work Experience
Gaining practical experience through internships or part-time jobs can be a valuable way to expand your skills and knowledge without the academic commitment of a double major. Such experiences can also provide you with professional connections and practical insight into your field of interest.
Is a Double Major Right for You?
The decision to double major is a personal one that should be based on your academic interests, career goals, and willingness to take on a heavier course load. What's right for one student may not be right for another.
It's a significant commitment, but for some students, the benefits of double majoring — such as expanded knowledge, increased job prospects, and personal fulfillment — can far outweigh the challenges.
The good news is that you typically don't need to make the decision to double major until your second year.
By carefully considering the pros and cons, as well as potential alternatives, you can make an informed decision that best aligns with your academic and career aspirations.
Frequently Asked Questions About Double Majoring
Is double majoring difficult?
Pursuing a double major can be challenging, as it often requires completing over 120 credits and is a significant time commitment. Students must plan their course loads carefully, often with less room for electives, and may need department approval.
Advisors can play a crucial role in navigating the process. Although if planned efficiently, a double major doesn't always extend graduation time, it does mean a more substantial set of requirements compared to a single major.
Do double majors get hired more?
Pursuing a double major can be advantageous as it often provides a broader skill set and may increase your employability in a tough job market. Graduates with two majors, especially in different disciplines, are seen as adaptable, a valuable trait in a rapidly changing job market.
Double majors also signal their intellectual curiosity and strong work ethic to potential employers. However, the benefits can vary depending on the individual and the job market.
Does a double major look good on a resume?
A double major can enhance your resume by showing commitment to education and can make you stand out to employers, especially if the majors are relevant to the job. Display it clearly in your education section, emphasizing any related minors or certifications, and include a high GPA, if applicable.
Do you get two degrees if you double major?
When you double major, you receive one diploma that lists both majors, rather than two separate degrees. The double major is part of a single bachelor's degree, whether that's a BA, BS, or something else, and requires meeting the standard graduation unit requirements.
Note: The insights on this page — excluding school descriptions — were reviewed by an independent third party compensated for their time by BestColleges. Page last reviewed April 23, 2024.
