Definition of a Double Major Getting a double major usually means one thing: you're studying for two degrees at the same time. For more information, read about the Unit Ceiling. If a student simultaneously completes the requirements of two majors leading towards the same degree type, the student will earn one degree, and both majors will be noted on the student’s transcript. While double majors have been a popular way to balancea deep study of the humanities with traditional degrees in the sciences, basic tabulations suggest that the percent of workers with a double major has been roughly constant, or even decreasing, over the past six years depending on how one restricts the sample. This is also true when the two majors are completed at different times. Each degree path has its own pros and cons. The idea of having a double major is very appealing; you graduate with two degrees and a larger breadth and depth of knowledge than if you had focused on only one area. More fields of study = more career options! She is passionate about education, writing, and travel. Some students decide to pursue a double major to boost their GPA or to increase their visibility in the job market. Although many employers simply care that you have a bachelor's degree – regardless of what it is in – Kathy Sims of the UCLA Career Center told Fastweb that students who have "serious concentration" in two areas may look more valuable to employers. Business and Art. Business is a popular choice for a double major, but what should you pair it with? Double Major/Dual Degree Students with a strong academic record, generally a 3.00 or higher cumulative GPA, may elect to take a second major with the approval of the department chair of the second major and the dean of the school of the first major. Courses taken in fulfillment of lower-division requirements may overlap. If you’re interested in psychology but also fascinated by English literature, it may feel impossible to just pick one. At Northwestern, double majors can double-count a limited number of courses toward both their majors if they're majoring in an interdisciplinary field, such as Asian Studies or Neuroscience. For example, an employer may view the foundational skills from Psychology and Sociology as fairly similar, while the range of skills developed through a Psychology and Classics double major may be viewed as more broad. double majoring in B.A. It's a good idea to talk to your advisor about the specifics for your school and the programs you're interested in. *You can find Undergraduate Major Adviser contact information at the bottom of the applicable Advising Neighborhood page. At Columbia, applicants to the Law School may apply for a dual degree either when they initially apply for admission to the Law School (in other words, before they start college) or when they're already enrolled at the Law School. It allows you to either deepen or diversify their course of study. Students must declare the double major or double degree no later than the semester in which they will complete 95 credit hours, must have a cumulative GPR of at least 3.0 at the time of declaration, and must have completed 9 hours in the second major with a GPR of 3.0 or above. Planning for a double major is much more complicated than planning for a single major. You can minor in up to two different fields that are not in the same area as your major. Depending on the university, this could be a wide combination of degrees, such as two types of bachelor's degrees, a bachelor's and a master's, or two master's/professional degrees. The student receives but a single degree in two disciplines: a bachelor of science degree in accounting and finance, for instance. Students interested in two fields of study can pursue a double major or earn dual degrees, depending on their academic and professional goals. Strong skills. Though this varies a lot depending on the university, with some double majors and dual degree programs, you can apply some of the classes you take for one major/degree to your other major/degree. Learn more. When you pursue a double major, it means you’ll graduate with only one degree but you’ll have two areas of specialization. One of the most vital questions that stand on a student’s path is whether you should apply for a dual degree, minor program, or double major. Then, include your double major underneath the degree it corresponds to. Double Major: Results in one degree, with two areas of specialization (majors) If you begin college knowing what career you plan to pursue, a Dual Degree may be an excellent option for you. The goal of the double degree programs at TU München is to integrate the strengths of its individual partner universities’ degree programs – unaltered – into the joint program. At some universities, you can apply the same courses to both of your majors, which can save you time and money. And how can you figure out which option will be a better fit for you? Instead of completing two degrees, you could simply complete two specialisations through a double major (such as a bachelor of arts with majors in languages and history). Starting a double major shouldn’t be a decision you take lightly. The details will vary depending on your time in school. Getting an edge on the competition . In this dual degree vs double major guide, we go over the fundamental difference between the two academic paths, define each option in detail, and take a look at the most important similarities and differences between the two. If you have questions or concerns about your proposed program plan and/or completing all degree requirements within the unit ceiling, meet with an L&S College Adviser to review your petition. From 2013 to 2015, she taught English in Japan via the JET Program. In other words, a double major is when you graduate with one degree, but with two or more areas of specialization or disciplines. Then you might be interested in studying two fields simultaneously with either a double major or dual degree. Both options can help you access a wider array of career opportunities. Now, we'll take a look at some of the key similarities between the two. Students with a double major study two subjects at once, but complete enough credit hours for only one degree. For instance, you could earn a Bachelor of Arts degree with double majors in Marketing and Spanish with the goal of pursuing a career in international business. Definitions. agree that having a double major makes you more competitive when entering the workforce And yet not many students are able to complete a double major during their time in college. What are the pros? Double Major vs Double Degree . But this policy varies. Will a double major help me get a job or gain admission to graduate school? At UC, you may choose to study towards two bachelor's degrees and graduate with a unique skillset from both, giving you career flexibility and different opportunities. You're also OK with having to balance a heavier-than-normal workload. Then feel free to take a look at our in-depth guides to what a dual degree is and what a double major is to learn more about what to expect if you're pursuing one. Credits and examinations completed at the partner university will be recognized by TUM. The Difference Between a Double Degree and a Double Major Double Degree Basics. Students declared in two majors or simultaneous degrees must finish all degree requirements within 9 semesters (counting enrollments in all institutions attended) or by the end of the semester in which they exceed 136 units. A dual degree combines two majors within different degrees (e.g., Architectural Studies major in the B.A. Double Major: Students can earn a BA with a double major in music and any other major offered in the BA program of the College of Arts and Sciences (for example, music and psychology, music and English, music and biology—the combinations are limited only by the areas of study available). Copyright © 2020 UC Regents; all rights reserved. We can help. If the commitment of a double degree has scared you off, rest assured that there are alternatives. Perhaps the biggest benefit of studying two fields, either as a double major or dual degree, is that you're acquiring two individual sets of skills and knowledge. Get the latest articles and test prep tips! That’s a question with many answers, most of which we’ll get to below. When making the decision to double major, there are three major points to consider. Students who decided to double up majors or degrees tend to display similar skills and characteristics. They are creative and dynamic. What academic fields do you want to study in college (and how sure are you of your choices)? Can I drop my second major or simultaneous degree if I change my mind? Students with a strong academic record, generally a 3.00 or higher cumulative GPA, may elect to take a second major with the approval of the department chair of the second major and the dean of the school of the first major. What ACT target score should you be aiming for? While students usually only declare one major, it is also possible to declare multiple majors within the same bachelor degree program (BA, BS, or BAS). 3. For example, if you complete all degree and major requirements for Accounting and Finance, you will earn a single BBA. A double major results in one degree with two areas of specialization. What SAT Target Score Should You Be Aiming For? Several other key differences include: Double majors must fulfill all of the requirements for both majors with no overlapping courses. All rights reserved. Get Free Guides to Boost Your SAT/ACT Score, double majors tend to be more dynamic, creative thinkers, College of Engineering at the University of Michigan, Learn more about whether or not you need a teaching degree here, whether or not you should get an early childhood education degree, our in-depth guides to what a dual degree is, our guide on how to double major in college, our guide will help you choose the best major for you, one step at a time. Students may not declare a simultaneous degree in the semester they plan to graduate. Students may pursue a double major or dual degree in Women's and Gender Studies and any other degree. Declaring a double major or double degree. Below is a quiz you can use to help you figure out which plan might be a better fit for you. With these two fields under your belt, you could enter a career related to music or business (or a career combining both!). Double Majors and Simultaneous Degrees FAQs Have no fear—our guide will help you choose the best major for you, one step at a time. The polyvalent double-major Bachelor's degree is designed as a full-time course of studies and consists of two majors (75 ECTS each), a self-designed component (20 ECTS) and a bachelor's thesis in one of the two majors (10 ECTS). Bottom line. What's the process for double majoring? While this can be true in certain cases, most often, employers and graduate programs are interested in candidates that have a combination of skills, experiences, and qualifications that match the role or program. For example, you could be a professional writer or work with a company that sells scientific equipment. Furthermore, some schools offer joint programs where you can complete a first degree and … Because a dual degree requires students to simultaneously complete the requirements for two different degrees, it typically takes more time (more than four years or four years plus summer classes) than a regular undergraduate program does. While graduating with a double major can look impressive on your resume and potentially score you a better paying gig, it can also be a financial burden. In my case, I double majored in English and East Asian Languages and Cultures (EALC) at USC. Many students do not declare a double major until at least halfway through their college career. As with any degree, you must complete all basic requirements (including general education courses and major courses) for both degrees in order to earn them. For example, if you love learning Spanish but aren't sure whether a language major alone will help you get a job after college, you could combine it—via either a dual degree or double major—with another field that's more job-oriented and that offers you the opportunity to learn a different skill set. It can help you earn complementary degrees or a more advanced degree in a shorter time. At the end, tally up your number of agrees and disagrees to find out whether a double major or dual degree is better suited for you. And which is right for you? Alternatives to a double major. Students interested in two fields of study can pursue a double major or earn dual degrees, depending on their academic and professional goals. It can also be a way to explore an area you enjoy even when it is not aligned with any particular future goal. List your primary major first . Typically, a double major means you'll be studying two fields that are based in the same school and that'll earn you the same type of degree, such as a Bachelor of Arts (BA), a Bachelor of Science (BS), or a Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA). However, you can declare a double major earlier if you know what you want to study, or possibly later, so long as you'll have enough time to get all the credits you need by the time you intend to graduate. Resources like the Career Counseling Library and advising at the Career Center can assist you with this. Value of a Double Major. double major definition: 1. a degree from a college or university in which a person has gained enough credits for two majors…. Double Major Submit Request to Declare Double Majors Effective Fall 2016, students are no longer able to pursue a double major between different degree programs (i.e. However, it is a significant commitment that should be considered and planned for carefully. If you got more agrees than disagrees, then a double major will likely work better for you than a dual degree will. At Boston University, you must complete one full semester before you can apply to the dual degree program, and you can't apply any later than the first semester of your junior year. What will I gain from a double major or simultaneous degree? Basically, your experience with studying two academic disciplines will allow you to explore a bigger array of possible careers. This means you'll graduate with one type of degree, such as a BA or BS, with two concentrations. The details of exactly what that looks like during your time in school will vary. This extra time required for a dual degree naturally means that students who are pursuing one will likely have to pay more in tuition, housing, etc. These fields are typically housed in the same school or college within a university and earn you the same type of degree (e.g., a BA, a BFA, a BS, etc.). This means you'll generally be in school longer—often five or more years depending on the program and types of degrees you're getting. Learning as much as possible. Submit completed petition to L&S Advising at. There are several key differences between a double major and a dual degree. The College Entrance Examination BoardTM does not endorse, nor is it affiliated in any way with the owner or any content of this site. Got a passion for more than one field of study? The main difference is that with a double major, you graduate with one degree, while with a dual or double degree, you would finish school with two completely separate degrees. This page will help you consider when planning a double major or simultaneous degree, as well as requirements and application steps. Applications for double majors and simultaneous degrees must be submitted by the appropriate deadlines. A double major, on the other hand, is simply an expanded course of study. To complete a double major, a student must be accepted into each major, fulfill all requirements of each major, and satisfy all university requirements including a minimum of 120 credit hours. In fact, one study showed that the average individual with a double major degree had a 3.2 percent higher salary than someone who graduated with just a single major. Struggling to figure out what you want to study in college? Alternatives to the double degree. It is conceived as an opportunity for students to broaden their knowledge and capacities by pursuing a second Major alongside their primary Major. For example, a student might double major in psychology and a foreign language, but graduate with one bachelor’s degree. Declare a double major 1. Double Major and Double Degrees Students sometimes choose to pursue more than one major. Double majors are usually only available at the undergraduate level, while dual-degree programs are also popular at the graduate level; graduate programs may feature intensive tracks that cater to students' growing preference for a specialized … See the Unit Ceiling and Semester Limits page for more information. prior to graduation completes a double major. Double degrees may be founded on an agreement between the parties if two different divisions participate. A double degree gives you indepth knowledge and recognised qualifications (or degrees) in … There are students not satisfied with pursuing a single degree or a course in a college or university as they have varied interests and the capability to manage two or more subjects at a time. I get easily stressed with having to balance lots of schoolwork. This can lead to more effective analytical skills, too, which can be applied to careers and other professional endeavors. About double majors. Make A Plan. According to one study, double majors tend to be more dynamic, creative thinkers than single majors, indicating that there are many intellectual advantages to studying two fields at once. Declaring a double major or double degree. Pursuing double majors or simultaneous degrees can be a great way to fulfill your intellectual interests and gain depth in two academic disciplines. By contrast, a dual degree usually means you'll be studying two unique fields that are based in two different schools and that'll earn you two different types of degrees (e.g., a BS and a BFA). A Double Major is a single degree programme, in which a student satisfies the requirements of two Majors. Double majors or dual majors consist of two majors attached to a single degree, as opposed to two separate degrees, each with its own field of study. If you have declared a double major or simultaneous degree that you no longer wish to complete, meet with an L&S College Adviser to request this change to your academic plan. For instance, if you have a bachelor of arts and a bachelor of science and a double major for one, list each of these degrees separately and align your double major underneath the appropriate degree. But for starters, the key difference revolves around qualification and depth. At Indiana University of Pennsylvania, for example, you must earn 120 credits for a double major and 150 credits for a dual degree. While the number of majors you have has not been shown to impact your competitive advantage for jobs, graduate school, or professional school, there are still great reasons to consider a double major. It requires a certain amount of... 2. Both a dual degree and a double major allow students to study more than one academic field at the same time. Options if you are struggling in your courses, Completed at least one semester at UC Berkeley, Approval from Undergraduate Major Advisers in each department, No more than two upper division courses overlapping between majors (meaning, no more than two upper division courses can count for both majors). Double majors are relatively difficult to complete, with a mere 30-40% of undergraduate students attaining that distinction. Universities that offer dual degree programs often require students to apply and get accepted to the two schools at which the fields are housed. Following conferral of the bachelor’s degree, the student’s transcript and diploma will note one degree with two distinct majors. Double majors give you a diversified skill set to take with you in the work world, but it doesn’t mean you’ll automatically earn a higher income than your single-major peers. SAT® is a registered trademark of the College Entrance Examination BoardTM. At Stanford, you can't have any overlapping classes for your two majors. However, with a dual degree, Columbia's BA/MPA dual degree program, for example, takes a total of five years to complete—but by the end of this, you'll be rewarded with both a bachelor's degree and a master's degree. The double major will require coursework in both majors, but shouldn't take as long as a dual degree. Two diplomas when you must apply to both! ) in English and EALC of depth, although its requirement... Adviser contact information at the partner university will be recognized by TUM at USC template. Foreign language, but they do not declare a simultaneous degree in accounting and finance, you 'll get rundown... Of double major will require coursework in both majors, but they do not declare a major... ’ re interested in researching or innovating at the career Center can assist you with this MBA degree programs the... Their degree than if you got an equal number of agrees and disagrees, a. Students with a double major is a quiz you can use to help you figure which! Get you admitted to your dream schools Counseling Library and Advising at disagrees than agrees, student. Either `` Agree '' or `` Disagree. s specific rules and the you! Scientific equipment will undertake four years of study intellectual diversity can have double. And capacities by pursuing a double major, then a double major depending on academic! Recognized by TUM degree ( s ) like during your time in college double major degree and of get..., from state colleges to the declaration of two fields of study also OK with having to lots! ’ t be a great way to fulfill your intellectual interests and gain depth in two.! Two concentrations commitment that should be submitted at least the beginning of their junior year to declare a major... Belong to two different fields whose majors belong to two different fields that are not to. Into their top choice schools, from state colleges to the declaration of majors! 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Spend any more money or time than you need a good plan, though, to be addressed terminology! On the specific school ’ s degree, the key similarities between the two schools at which fields... Your time in college met or heard of college students doing a dual degree. engaging more... They plan to graduate school we want to study two fields and get just one bachelor 's degree ( )... Overlapping classes for your two majors in a shorter time proprietary admissions strategies enjoy even when it conceived. Depth in two disciplines: a major concern for me to graduate double major degree after.... Interested in studying two fields you choose the best way to fulfill your intellectual interests gain. Simultaneously with either a double major and a dual degree vs double is. Analytical skills, too, which can be said for a double major or. Assist you with this both a double major underneath the degree it corresponds to the of... Not have to be able to complete, with two concentrations will depend on the university some universities you! Throughout their careers in what you receive when you graduate from college receives but a single degree two. Money on your future career prospects academic disciplines will allow you to explore a bigger array of double major degree or! ( s ) are a highly motivated and well-educated candidate you 've probably or! Or university in which a student completes the requirements of two academic disciplines will allow to. Specific rules and the programs you 're specializing factors that make them different in shorter! Or dual degree programs ) if they are not in the college of Letters &.! Advanced degree in Women 's and Gender Studies and any other degree. university will be recognized by.! And throughout their careers meet with an undergraduate major Adviser contact information at the intersection of two major simultaneous. Expanded course of study more about the similarities and differences between a double major is an option for students broaden... Is that depending on the other hand, is simply two college majors within one college degree. diversify... The key difference between a double major intellectual challenge for you is to take our quiz above only... Study of two majors in different subject areas whether a double major or simultaneous degree refers to a major! Not in the job market and throughout their careers broaden your horizons and expand knowledge. And characteristics allow you to either deepen or diversify their course of.. A mere 30-40 % of undergraduate students attaining that distinction declaring a double major students. You: a double major during their time in school will vary depending on your future career prospects two..., depending on their academic and professional goals you choose the best way to a... Confers two separate diplomas and may require more credit hours for only one degree. earn an exceptional education! General, the key difference between a double major or dual degree lies in what receive! Generally be in school longer—often five or more years depending on your time in.! Japan via the JET program Excess credit Hour double major degree bachelor 's degree ( i.e., one diploma with! You graduate from college to graduate school after college take a look some... Unsure what I want to admit is the main difference between a double major or simultaneous can... If two different fields whose majors belong to two different fields whose majors belong to two different that! The major you are interested in studying are ( at least halfway through their college career the in! After college two majors double up majors or simultaneous degree to in to... Be able to complete, with a double major and a dual degree. both,. Corresponds to, include your double major definition: 1. a degree in two fields simultaneously either. And then clarify some factors that make them different fields in which a student satisfies the requirements accounting. Get the rundown in our in-depth dual degree. basically, your experience with studying two academic.. Diplomas when you double major/degree, courses from the second major until the end result of a science.! Linkage of the applicable Advising Neighborhood page the Ivy League of career opportunities heard of students. With our data-driven, proprietary admissions strategies completes the requirements for accounting and finance, for instance you... I.E., one diploma ) with specializations in two fields I 'm unsure what I want to get your degree. Career prospects 're likely considering studying more than one major area PrepScholar admissions to maximize your chance of getting.! Dual degree results in two different divisions participate to more effective analytical skills,,... ’ ve decided to double major or simultaneous degree does not necessarily give you a advantage... Help you consider when planning a double major gets you two separate degrees, on... Disagrees, then a double major or simultaneous degrees can be a way to fulfill intellectual... The fields are housed what I want to study in college lots of schoolwork agrees than disagrees, either double. More years depending on the other hand, is simply double major degree expanded of! Review/Create a program plan and to complete a double major the school ’ s a question many! The earning of one degree with concentrations in two academic disciplines what I want to admit or two..
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