Can You Double Major in 3 Years?

Choosing a second major is a common tactic college students use to expand their skill set and learn beyond a single field of study. A double major is a program where students complete the major requirements and coursework for two different undergraduate programs to receive one degree.

Even though these plans are meant to take four years, there are strategies students can employ to reduce the time it takes to complete their double major course load.

Tips on Double Majoring in Three Years

If you want to complete a double major program in three years, you can take multiple steps to achieve this goal. Although these tips can't guarantee that your program will only take three years, they can help expedite the process.

Choose Complementary Majors

One of the main tips to reduce the timeframe for your double major is to pick programs in related fields. College majors are mainly selected for specific career options; you should ensure that your two majors prepare you for your desired career path.

Similar fields of study can increase the chance of shared prerequisites, which lowers the number of courses required overall. Most universities subdivide majors into different colleges or schools, such as a college of business or medical school. Choosing related fields from within a single college often allows you to use required courses for one major as electives for the other.

If you pick different fields, there is a higher chance of schedule conflicts, which could result in an extra year of schooling.

Manage Your Time

Making the most of your time can help you complete your degree in your desired time frame. One way to manage your time is to use summer classes to your advantage. Taking summer classes, even if it isn't a full-time schedule, can allow you to spread out courses throughout the year, as opposed to only two semesters.

Consider when you plan to schedule summer courses to ensure there is no overlap with internships or summer jobs. Depending on your schedule, enrolling in summer classes earlier in your degree plan might be beneficial.

Use Transfer Credits

Transfer credits earned from a community college or accredited online college can be applied to your double major credit requirements. To reduce time spent on your double major, you can transfer credits for prerequisite courses, such as English or entry-level math courses. This will allow you to start courses related to your specialization faster.

Test Out of Courses

If you plan to transfer credits, you'll still have to take those courses somewhere. An alternative allowing you to skip courses entirely is testing out of certain classes. Universities offer different placement tests that can allow you to test out of taking certain courses while receiving credit hours.

Many universities also accept College Level Examination Program (CLEP) credits, which typically provides three credit hours for subjects like history, math, literature, and economics. Students can register to take a CLEP exam at any point during college if they've met any additional requirements.

Another common way students can test out of college courses is through college prep courses, such as the Advanced Placement (AP) courses in high school. AP credits usually only apply to a single major, but based on your double major and AP classes offered at your high school, you might be able to take multiple classes that can provide you with credits for both majors.

Create a Study Routine

A general rule with a college degree is that one credit hour leads to two to three hours of study time and coursework weekly. This number can get fairly high when you're trying to complete the credit hours for two fields of study.

Create a set study routine early in your program to avoid being overwhelmed by coursework from your two majors.

Speak To an Academic Advisor

Making schedules and study plans can be done alone, but it's much easier to turn to your school's academic advising office. Academic advisors can help you plan your courses and find a way to complete your degree requirements in your desired time frame. They'll also be able to turn you on to resources that can help you through your college years.

What Is a Double Major?

Because double majors are designed to be completed like a single bachelor's degree, they are most commonly completed in four years. The course requirements for a bachelor's degree usually involve around 120 credit hours, including elective courses and general education. A double major program usually fulfills elective requirements for one concentration with the major requirements of the other.

Additionally, both degree paths are treated as unique, and you must have qualifying GPAs in both, not just one or cumulatively.

Benefits of a Double Major

Students who double major gain an expanded knowledge and skill set compared to graduates of a single major program. These skills can be more appealing to recruiters in terms of hiring. Outside of education, a double major has the benefit of teaching skills, like time and resource management, which are valuable in the eyes of employers.

FAQs About Double Majors

Even though double major programs are fairly common, there are many questions that students have before starting them.

How Difficult Is It To Double Major?

Enrollment in a double major is often more difficult than a single major due to the demands of completing two degree programs worth of course requirements; however, if you select concentrations that you're passionate about, manage your time well, and utilize resources like academic advisors, you can ease the process.

Do You Get Two Degrees From a Double Major?

No, a double major results in a single undergraduate degree with two fields of study listed on it. If you are trying to earn two unique degrees, there are dual degree programs that can lead to two unique degrees, such as an undergraduate and graduate degrees.

Is a Double Major Worth It?

Double majors are worth it for most students because of the benefits that can come with employment. The expanded knowledge base that comes from double majoring can make graduates more qualified for a variety of positions.

Does Double Majoring Lead to More Career Opportunities?

Although most careers don't require a double major, a double major can help open up more career opportunities. Graduates can pursue jobs in either concentration because a double major satisfies the major requirements of both fields of study.