COLLEGE MAJORS AND MINORS?

In college, is it better to have two majors and no minors or ONE major and TWO minors?

• I am getting ready to apply to a college and it offers two majors ( Creative writing and telecommunications) that I want but I can't seem to find a minor. Is it harder work with two majors or should I just try to settle for two minors and one major?

• 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 end up being too low to get into medical school.