How Rare Are Double Majors?

For students leaving high school, declaring a college major is a common experience. What's less common is declaring a second major instead of a minor or only pursuing a single major. For students looking to have a deeper understanding of related but different fields of study, a double major is a viable opportunity to expand learning.

Just because this is a viable degree opportunity, it doesn't mean it's a popular one. More students pursue single majors than they do double majors.

What Is a Double Major?

A double major is a degree program with two unique fields of study that result in a single bachelor's degree. It's very rare for a graduate degree double major. Students complete coursework and credit hour requirements equal to completing two degree programs, but in the amount of time, it takes to complete one.

The main advantage of a double major is that it allows students to pursue a bachelor's degree education in two unique fields of study without extending their time in school. You'll still be able to double major and graduate in four yearsMany students combine related studies, like mathematics and engineering, that have complementary knowledge.

Double Major Requirements

There aren't universal requirements for double majors since each university will have its credit hours and course requirements. For most schools, a double major will require the full course load of both separate degrees, usually around 120 credit hours for a bachelor's degree.

To alleviate some of the pressure that comes with the expanded credit hours, some schools allow classes from the two different majors to count as electives for the other programs. This helps with time management as students won't need to schedule as many classes outside their primary degree programs.

If you want to learn more about the specific requirements of your school, an academic advisor can help you figure out the best plan for your educational goals.

How Common Is a Double Major Among College Students?

Double majors aren't as common as single majors, but they are more common for some career paths. For example, business administration degrees are commonly paired with non-business majors, such as engineering. This is done to prepare engineering students to work in business settings and have a better context for how their work affects the larger enterprise.

What Percentage of Students Double Major?

Estimates vary from school to school, but anywhere from 25% to 40% of undergraduate students pursue multiple majors. This number also varies greatly based on career goals and degrees being paired. In grad school, this is far less common because graduate degree programs are more intensive and harder to pair.

What Are the Most Common Double Majors?

Several pairs of double majors will be more common, and it usually comes down to the career path the student hopes to follow. For example, a student pursuing a degree in education could consider pairing the degree with another field of study, like mathematics. Adding a concentration will prepare them better for teaching the material as a double major will include a much deeper educational dive than having it as a minor.

Some of the most common areas of study to choose for a double major include:

• political science and economics
• foreign languages and business administration
• law and business administration
• foreign languages and political science
• general education and foreign language
• general education and mathematics
• general education and art
• business administration and computer science

Is a Double Major Worth It?

What makes a double major worth it will vary from person to person. Most employers don't require a double major, but they can be beneficial for the career prospects of certain aspiring professionals.

Generally, double majors are done to expand on the knowledge of a single major or add complementary knowledge. For a person looking to become a high school teacher, adding a second major can lead to a teaching specialization. Combining Spanish and education, for example, can be worth it for a future high school Spanish teacher.

Is a Double Major or Dual Degree More Popular?

Double majors are more popular for a few key reasons. Unlike a double major, a dual degree is two independent degree programs which often increases the time required to complete and increases the total costs. The advantage of a dual degree program would be for students trying to complete a graduate degree and an undergraduate degree close together since double majors can't be made across degree levels in the same way.

Should I Pursue a Double Major or a Dual Degree Program?

For most students looking to expand their education, the double major will be the better option. Although dual degrees have advantages for select students, having a single degree with two main areas of study will be viewed just as favorably.