Is there a benefit to having a double major?

How much does a double major benefit you?

• I am trying to figure out what I want to major in and all I can come up with are double-major combinations. I absolutely cannot pick one without feeling like I'm cutting myself short somehow. I want to graduate on time and I just calculated how long it's going to take me with a double major and it's TWO extra years. How much does a double major even benefit you? I wanted to double major in marketing and graphic design. I have a great eye for design and would love to further hone my skills, but I also want to work in marketing and public relations. It felt like a perfect combination, but TWO EXTRA YEARS? What would you do?

• Answer:

  Whether you can do a double major depends on the school. Some schools do not offer them. Some universities require the two majors have to be within the same college at the university. You have to check with the registrar’s office and ask them. This information may be on the school’s web site. You can finish a double major in 4 years but you may have to take courses during the summer and it is likely you will end up with more credits than you need to graduate with a single major. Many students take 5 years. If you feel it will take you 6 years, then you are better off to take a single major in 4 years then go to graduate school for 2 years for the second major. My daughter did a double major and she found it opened up so many more doors. She did a double major in Economics and Political Science with a minor in History. She also certified as an Emergency Medical Technician during her senior year. She got a great fellowship, got through grad school with a near full ride in Technology Management and is now doing a fully funded PhD in civil engineering. At her undergrad school, about 1/3 of her graduating class did a double major. However to do all this in 4 years she had to take 9 credits in each of two summers to get all her courses. She says it only took about 20% more hard work. But make no mistake. It is harder. She finished with 136 credits compared to the 120 needed for a single major. Double majors do appear to be the bachelor’s degree of the 21st Century. However, you do not have two degrees. You get one diploma with both majors listed. But in practice when it comes finding work, or getting into grad school, it appears employers will likely treat you as if you have either major. It gives a great boost to your employability. A field where I suggest NOT double majoring is Engineering. This is one of the hardest majors and unless you plan to spend 6 years doing a double major you are not going to do well on either major. Not good enough to get into grad school. And if you take 6 years you are better off getting a single engineering degree and plus a masters. It is also not a good idea for getting into medical or law school as your GPA may likely be too low to get in.