Is a Double Major Hard? Tips for Success

A double major can be hard due to the extra coursework and requirements. With effective time management and study strategies, you can make the experience easier, so you're prepared to succeed.

Taking on course requirements for two majors during a single degree program requires commitment and dedication to help you achieve your goals. Double majoring can increase your career options and broaden your perspective.

Knowing how to prepare for your double major can help you achieve this degree more easily. This comprehensive overview of double majors compares their difficulty to a dual degree, offers tips for balancing two separate majors, and provides important factors to consider.

What Is a Double Major?

A double major combines two fields of study during one bachelor's degree program. Students can gain expertise in different fields and explore two interests, giving them a broader knowledge base and enhancing their career opportunities. Double major degrees combine the course requirements of two programs, resulting in a single diploma that lists both majors, such as a Bachelor of Arts or a Bachelor of Science.

Is a Double Major Hard?

A double major isn't necessarily hard, but it is a challenge to understand two separate areas of study as an undergrad fully. You must maintain a heavy courseload and balance a busy schedule to meet assignment deadlines. Fulfilling course requirements can be difficult to manage, but careful planning and organization can make it easier.

Is a Double Major or Dual Degree Harder?

Although they both cover two areas of study, a dual degree program can be harder than a double major because there are more credits to fulfill. Depending on the program, this may involve a longer time commitment and sometimes graduate-level courses.

Dual-degree students must accomplish the course requirements for two different degrees rather than two majors. Because a dual degree results in two separate degrees, it typically takes more time than a double major, with many students requiring an extra year for completion.

Double Degree: Factors To Consider

Considering important factors and weighing the pros and cons can help you decide if the extra time to study two fields is worth it. Knowing what to expect can make a double major less difficult to complete.

Heavier Course Load

Due to the heavier course load necessary for completing the requirements of both majors, there is often little room in your course schedule to take electives. Students can generally complete their programs in the same amount of time as those with a single major if they study and take courses full-time.

More Credit Hours

Some majors are closely related, like psychology and sociology, whereas others are less related, like music and physics. Double major combinations in different fields have fewer overlapping courses, which can lead to more credit hours needed to complete your degree program.

Balancing Two Different Majors

Balancing two majors can be difficult, so planning and managing your time carefully is important. Academic advisors can help you develop the most efficient course schedule and provide guidance, but completing the course load also takes organizational skills and effective study strategies.

How To Succeed in a Double Major

Succeeding in a double major requires developing personalized study strategies to manage your schedule and stay organized. These tips can help you feel more prepared when taking on a second major.

Set a Schedule

To succeed in a double major, following an organized schedule is a good idea. This can help you set aside specific study times, stay on top of assignment deadlines, and schedule times to collaborate with classmates.

Participate in Class

Participating in class by engaging in discussions and asking questions can help you better retain the information. Online and on campus, professors offer office hours to support students. Reaching out for help and asking questions about difficult course topics can help resolve confusion and steer you in the right direction.

Implement Study Strategies

Effective study strategies can help you excel during your double major. Students have different ways of retaining information, some by visual learning and others by hands-on learning. Knowing how you learn best can help you develop more effective study strategies.

Utilize Support Networks

Seeking academic support and networking with peers can help you succeed in your program. This can include attending office hours, speaking with an academic advisor, or joining study groups. Following this tip can help you overcome challenges and help you get the most out of your education.

Stay Well Rested

Making sure you're taking care of your health by taking study breaks, hydrating, and getting enough sleep is crucial to succeeding academically. Although having two majors can make your schedule a bit hectic, it is important to ensure you are getting enough rest. Processing information in class and studying won't be as effective without adequate sleep.

Is a Double Major Worth It?

Double majors can broaden your career path and prepare you for grad school, making it a worthwhile choice. Students pursuing two study areas can provide valuable insights and make connections between different fields.

Better Career Outlook

Double majors provide students with a diverse skill set and a broad range of knowledge, which gives them a better career outlook and access to more diverse internships. Graduates stand out in the job market due to their enhanced credentials and are more prepared to reach their career goals.

Boost for Grad School Applications

Earning a bachelor's degree with a double major prepares you to apply for graduate school and helps you stand out amongst other applicants. Students who pursue a master's degree or other graduate degree are at an advantage compared to those who chose a single major for their bachelor's degree.

Understanding of Different Fields

Combinations like business administration and political science, humanities and liberal arts, or computer science and math provide an in-depth understanding of different fields. This qualifies graduates for diverse job opportunities where they can utilize their unique perspectives, making their hard work to complete a double major degree worth it.