The Double Major Explained
The Double Major Explained
Level 2 - Admissions 101
Welcome! Today we will explain the concept of a double major for those who may be unaware and how it can be beneficial to you.
First and foremost, let’s begin with a basic definition of what a double major is.
A double major is when a student receives a single degree across two specific specializations.
That means, you do not graduate with two distinct degrees. Instead, you graduate with a single degree that shows you specialized in more than one area.
Typically, the areas are related. For example, a student may graduate with a BA in Government and Spanish or Psychology and Business.
This is different from a dual degree program where an individual earns two separate distinctions (e.g., an MBA and a JD).
The terms are often used interchangeably, but should not be. Be clear on what program you are enrolling in so you can be sure that you get exactly what you are looking for.
What Do Double Majors Allow You To Do?
In the most basic terms, double majors allow a student to graduate with a degree in different specializations.
Most students graduate with a single specialized area of study (e.g., economics) but adding an additional area gives them additional areas of expertise.
Professionally, double majors allow students to enjoy a bit more competitiveness in the work force. This comes either through enhanced complimentary study (e.g. a foreign language) or by providing a different skillset that adds additional value (e.g. a technology skillset coupled with an understanding of business concepts).
Is A Double Major Worth It?
The short answer to this is: It depends.
In our opinion, a double major is only worthwhile in a few circumstances:
The skillsets are complimentary and offer a competitive advantage
The additional specialization lends itself to immediate monetization
The additional specialization is a “STEM+” scenario
The skillsets are complimentary
Simply put, if the skillsets are complimentary and will offer a competitive advantage for you in the field, a double major is worth it.
The classic example is a double major where the second major is Spanish. A nurse who is fluent in Spanish will be more competitive than a nurse who can only speak English.
The complimentary skillset makes you more competitive and gives you better options in the long-run. If a second major can do that for you, then it’s worth pursuing.
The additional specialization lends itself to immediate monetization
This is a little different than our normal advice, but if you have the ability to pursue a secondary major that can be immediately monetized, that may be worth pursing things.
Here’s an example:
Someone who studies finance to prepare for a banking career. But they may also pursue a degree in developing or coding, which can be monetized as a secondary income source.
The additional specialization is a “STEM+” scenario
In almost any scenario, you will not go wrong studying a STEM major. Adding the specialization provides additional knowledge that will impact almost any other discipline or provides you with an entirely different career opportunity.
STEM majors tend to earn more and enjoy greater job security than non-STEM majors.
Hopefully this provides some basic insights into double-majoring.
Have questions? Feel free to reach out!