What You Should Know About Double Majors

Double majoring in college is slowly becoming more common. Though this track requires significant extra effort from the student, a double major can reap many rewards. According to a 2021 study published by Columbia Economic Review, students who double major often achieve a higher earning potential than students with a single major. To help students decide if double majoring is a good choice for them, we have compiled a list of frequently asked questions.

What is a double major?
Unlike a dual-major which usually results in two different diplomas, a double major is when a student majors in two different, though generally related, disciplines resulting in a single diploma.

How long does a double major take?
Depending on the school and the two majors, a double major can generally be achieved in the same amount of time as a single major. The requirements for a double major are 120 credits-–the same as a single major. The biggest difference is that if a student decides to double major, they will likely sacrifice their elective credits for the pursuit of the second major. 

What are the benefits of a double major?
This depends on the majors. If a student majors in business with a second major in a foreign language, such as Spanish or Mandarin, the student can look significantly more desirable to employers. They will be able to communicate with clients or partners in other countries without needing to hire an interpreter. Or, if a student majors in psychology and sociology, they will be more versed in various research paradigms that will help with clinical studies or experiments they may face in their career.

When does one declare a double major?
A few schools require a student to declare a major when they apply. If the student already knows that they want to double major, declare that on the application. However, most schools require a student to declare a major at the end of their sophomore year. If a student chooses to double major, it is best to declare that at this time as well. This gives them plenty of time to organize their schedule to make sure they have the time to take all the required classes. If a student decides to double major later in their academic career, they still may be able to do so, though this might put a time constraint on finishing the required classes on time. 

These are just a few answers to help your student get started. If you or your student are considering a double major and would like to discuss this idea further with education experts, contact Ivy Link below. 

Your Ivy Link advisor will work one-on-one with you to create and execute a comprehensive academic strategy to help you achieve your undergraduate, graduate, and professional goals.