Is It Better to Double Major or Minor?

Many students pursue multiple areas of study in college to add complementary knowledge to their education plans. Students can gain this knowledge in different ways, with double majors and double minors being among the most common.

Both programs allow students to pursue multiple subjects, but they go about it in a different manner. One program isn't necessarily better than the other, but for some students, one might be a better fit for their goals. Several criteria can help you decide which is right for your education and career path.

What Does It Mean To Double Major?

A double major is a degree program that treats two different fields of study as equal majors. Even though the student completes the course requirements of both degree programs, they only receive a single degree, unlike a dual degree program.

Students who choose multiple concentrations for their studies often select complementary or related fields, such as education and history or engineering and mathematics.

Benefits of Earning a Double Major

The main benefit of a double major is the ability to pursue specializations within a field. For example, adding multiple fields of study to a single degree can help engineers focus on specific career paths within their field, such as computer science.

Another benefit is that graduates can pursue job prospects in multiple fields. Double majors provide additional skills that can be appealing to employers.

What Does It Mean To Double Minor?

Unlike a double major, a double minor doesn't treat all areas of study as equal. In a traditional major/minor program, a minor requirement often has less than half the credit hours required for a major. Minors are designed to support a major without being the main focus.

A double minor is when you select two additional fields of study that support your major. An example of this would be a history major studying political science and economics to provide further context to some of the actions throughout history.

Benefits of Earning a Double Minor

There are several benefits to a double minor, but the main benefit is the employment advantage. Employers may prefer candidates with a double minor because of the added expertise and skills. A double minor also has less coursework compared to a double major, meaning you'll have more time for extracurriculars and social life.

Key Differences Between Double Majors and Double Minors

Although double majors and double minors both expand a student's educational path to include multiple fields of study, the way they achieve this is different.

Some of the key differences between a double major and a double minor are:

• a double major treats both fields of study as equal; a double minor is lesser and supports a student's primary major
• double minors are paired with a major for three total fields of study, while a double major is only two
• the fields of study included in a double minor won't be viewed as equal to a major in the eyes of a hiring manager
• double minors allow for more flexible scheduling
• double majors often carry more prestige for employers

How To Decide Whether to Double Major or Double Minor

The biggest difference between a college major/minor and a double major or double minor is the number of credit hours that will be required. Still, this isn't the only criteria that you should use to decide if a double major or double minor is right for you.

Assess Your Career Goals

Any degree plan should ultimately serve your career goals. Start by figuring out what you want to do and how your degree will help you accomplish this. For example, if you're seeking a career like engineering management, having a double major in engineering and business administration might be a good option for you because this program provides an equal emphasis to both areas of study.

Other careers might not need strong emphasis in both areas of study, which is when a double minor might be more beneficial. Minors require about half of the credit hours that a major does, meaning that you can learn more about another subject without the additional time commitment.

Calculate the Amount of Time It Will Take

If you're planning to double major, you will need to complete the credit requirements for both degrees. Because an average bachelor's degree is 120 college credits, the number of credit hours needed for a double major will result in a full schedule for four years, or possibly longer.

On the other hand, a double minor will include the requirements of a major but only add the credits of two minors. This won't include the same elective requirements of a major and can help you complete your degree at a similar pace to a single major.

Consider Your Financial Situation

Financial considerations often impact a student's decisions around college. Although you might think the added coursework is an extra cost, most students don't have expanded tuition bills with a double major or minor program since they often choose these additional courses as their required electives.

The main factor that changes the costs associated with double majors or double minors is when a schedule requires additional semesters to complete. Regardless of the program, students should fill out their Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to determine their financial aid eligibility.

Determine the Course Requirements

Looking at the courses required to complete a degree program is always one of the best ways to evaluate which program is right for you. If your additional fields of study, such as a second major, increase your course load but don't help your career goals, the program might not benefit you.

If you have any questions about course requirements for a major or minor at your school, speaking with an academic advisor is the best place to start.

Examine Your Areas of Study

College students often choose their area of study because of the career options in that field. Choosing a second major or double minor should be done to satisfy these career goals.

Studying different fields can provide additional knowledge, but if they cause you to neglect your primary major, you won't yield the benefit you should. If your additional areas of study are more for your own interest than your career goals, they might be better suited to a double minor status.

FAQs About Double Majors and Double Minors

Because double majors and double minors have similarities and differences, there are many common questions about the two programs.

Is a Double Major as Good as Two Degrees?

A double major is often viewed as equal to two degrees. Although students earn only one degree, they have the knowledge and accreditation to complete two undergraduate degrees.

Is a Double Minor as Good as Earning a Degree?

A double minor is similar, as the minors support a major; however, unlike a double major, the minors won't be treated as standalone degrees. Having a double minor on your transcripts can make you a good candidate for a variety of jobs, but the minors themselves won't qualify you for a job that your major doesn't.

Can I Pursue One Major and Two Minors?

Yes, a double minor is a program where a student pursues a single major and two minor programs that provide supporting knowledge. This is a viable option for students who want to expand their skill set without the commitment of a second major.

Do Law Schools Care if You Double Major?

Law schools don't have an official preference toward a double major. Although a double major can help provide additional skills that will prepare students for a grad school program like law school, it isn't required.