Can You Double Major in Anything?

Students looking to expand their educational plan often elect to choose a second major for their bachelor's degree, which is referred to as a double major. It is possible to double major in almost anything as long as the school offers these programs.

Most schools have requirements around which degree programs you can pair to make a double major plan. Some double majors are far more common than others. For example, business administration can pair well with many other majors to create a well-rounded education. Still, the popularity of these majors isn't the only benefit for students.

Choosing a Double Major: Everything You Need To Know

To maximize the benefits of double majoring, you can follow several best practices. Although some schools will have unique requirements, certain tactics can help you set up a plan to fulfill your double major requirements.

Here's some important information to know before starting your double major plan.

Can I Double Major in Whatever I Want?

Most schools allow for double majors to be nearly any combination of majors, but there are a few restrictions.

A common regulation is that double majors must be selected from a single school or college within the university. This requirement is often to make things easier, as there is a higher chance of overlapping courses and correlation after graduation.

On the other hand, you can pursue a dual degree program, which awards two separate degrees, if you plan to combine different concentrations or degree programs.

Are There Any Restrictions on Which Majors I Can Combine When Double Majoring?

The main restrictions on double majoring include which colleges you can select your majors from, but multiple regulations could also affect your selection.

Another restriction is that both majors must be pursued at an undergraduate level. Double majors must satisfy the course requirements of both degree programs. To make sure you're able to complete them simultaneously, the degree programs can't have different credit hour requirements, such as an undergrad and grad school program.

If you still have questions about your school's double major requirements, start by speaking with an academic advisor. They will be able to help you identify the best programs for your career path and set up an education plan, which will help balance classes and provide more free time for coursework.

Although this doesn't restrict which majors you choose, most schools have requirements about when you can declare a double major. You'll typically need to declare a second major by the end of your first year to ensure you'll be able to include the coursework of both majors in your education plan.

Can You Double Major in Two Different Fields?

You can double major in different fields, but there are multiple factors that you should consider before expanding beyond a single major.

First, you need to consider your career goals. Completing two college majors could be beneficial to a future employer, provided the fields of study are complementary. Although an engineering and business program are very different areas of study, there are clear benefits to studying both for future engineers seeking leadership roles.

Second, you should look at the requirements for both majors. Sometimes, the second major can be used to satisfy the general education requirements of the other degree or electives, but choosing a drastically different second major might not be worth it due to conflicting prerequisites and course loads.

Best Double Major Combinations

There isn't a single best double major combination, but several will be best for specific career paths. Combining majors should result in an expanded skill set that will make you more valuable to future employers, which makes some programs better than others.

Some of the most common double major programs for college students include:

• political science and journalism
• economics and business administration
• business and engineering
• accounting and finance
• computer science and communication
• international business and supply chain management

How To Choose the Right Double Major

Choosing the right double major for your education and career goals isn't always easy, but several resources are available should you decide to pursue a double major.

The first step you should take is to seek help from the academic advising office. They will be able to help you determine if a double major is a good idea for you and your goals. They'll also be able to help you identify how to use free electives to satisfy requirements and balance the extra work that comes with two majors.

Look for a second major that will complement the skills associated with your first. For example, a student pursuing a pre-law degree could complement their studies with a second major that focuses on critical thinking skills, such as English or history.

FAQs About Double Majoring

Electing a double major can be an option for many people who want to expand their education without pursuing a graduate degree or taking extra years to complete an additional bachelor's degree. Many questions arise for high school graduates and first-year students trying to plan their college years.

Is It a Good Idea To Double Major?

Double majoring can be good for students who want to gain a broader knowledge and skill set before entering the workforce; however, it won't be right for everyone. Although there are benefits for employers, most jobs don't require a double major, and students with a major and minor, or even a single major, can still get jobs within their desired field.

How Common Is a Double Major?

Double majors are fairly common, with some schools reporting anywhere from 20% to 40% of their undergraduate students earning a double major. Even though most students pursue only a single major, double majors aren't rare at most universities.

Do Double Majors Get Two Degrees?

A double major earns a single degree with both majors listed. Even though a double major plan completes the degree requirements of two different degree programs, they aren't treated as separate degrees. You can look into a dual degree program if you want to earn two separate degrees.

What Are the Requirements To Double Major in College?

The requirements for a double major will change slightly from school to school. Still, most universities refer to the requirements needed to complete the credit hour requirements for the two undergraduate degree programs. This may also include qualifying GPAs and any internship or work experience requirements that will come with your degree path.