10 Top Double Majors With an Engineering Degree

Engineering students will learn a lot in a standard engineering program, but they can expand their education plan and open up more career paths if they also pursue a second major.

Because there are multiple different options for online engineering degrees, the best engineering double majors might vary from program to program.

Engineering Double Majors

Although there are many types of engineering programs, there are a few double majors that can benefit nearly any engineering major.

Business

Regardless of engineering discipline, there are advantages to double majoring with a business degree. Engineers are often responsible for working within a larger company either in research and development roles or other production capacities. With a business double major, engineers will be able to look at business operations as a whole and not just their department.

Computer Science

Modern engineering is tied directly to computers, particularly software and computer engineers. Engineering focuses on the practical applications of computer-related skills for building physical computers and implementing software. Computer science works with algorithms and other data-based programs that computers and software employ. Having a deeper understanding of how people use computers and the automation of software can give computer engineers and software developers context to their work.

English

Although it might not be obvious, there is a high demand for communication skills in engineering. Engineers work closely with other business units and will often have to explain or pitch their projects to stakeholders who might not have any engineering background. A double major in engineering and English can help hone written communication skills to help explain advanced concepts.

Social Sciences

Multiple programs fall under the social science banner, including economics and psychology. These concentrations, also called humanities, can help give engineers more information about the people who use the results of their projects and work. In particular, a double major in sociology can help engineers understand group dynamics to help work within teams and also understand prospective clients and consumers.

Liberal Arts

With engineering programs being highly focused on the hard sciences that are used in engineering, many engineering students might ignore some courses and electives that teach skills like critical thinking and more abstract concepts. In addition to the focused coursework of an engineering degree path, including liberal arts courses can help engineers with real-world skills.

Education

Many engineers take their skills and get jobs in various industries, some become instructors and professors in engineering schools. If you want to become an engineering instructor, a double major including education can help prepare you to apply for jobs at universities. Although not all schools require education degrees if you have real-world experience, the major teaches valuable skills and theories about education and learning.

Mathematics

Although engineering requires plenty of math-related classes, it might benefit you to double major in mathematics and take some more advanced classes that your engineering program doesn't include. Some engineers will benefit greatly from more advanced math like calculus and physics beyond what their program requires them to take.

Data Science

Especially for computer engineers and software developers, data will be an essential part of your work. Engineering programs can only include so many courses and data science-specific courses will give students a deeper understanding of data and its applications for engineers.

Geology

Geology is a valuable second major, especially for civil engineers. Learning about how different natural elements work together can help provide additional information and expand the skill set for engineers who will be building roads or designing other construction projects that are dependent on the natural world to maintain, such as airports.

Biology

Although most people associate engineering with hard technical work involving machines, biomedical engineering combines the technological work of engineers with the healthcare world. Having a better understanding of biology will provide a better context for the real-world applications of your work.

What Is a Double Major?

Whenever a student starts a college degree, they select a degree program that they will pursue. This area of study is often called a major, especially if a second area of study is selected as a minor.

However, some students double major and earn a single bachelor's degree with two majors. These two areas of study receive equal attention and credit hours but aren't treated as separate degrees like a dual degree.

Double Major vs. Dual Degree

When a student double majors in engineering and another subject, they still only graduate with one degree. A dual degree program is different in that a student earns two different degrees simultaneously, sometimes from another university.

In engineering, a dual degree program can allow a student to earn a Bachelor of Arts and a Bachelor of Science in engineering at the same time. These two degrees differ in their approaches to engineering but taken together provide a well-rounded engineering education experience.

FAQs About Double Majoring With Engineering

Taking on a second major can have a big impact on your education. Before you start trying to take two majors worth of classes, ask yourself a few questions to find out your education goals and then talk with an academic advisor at your school.

Can You Double Major With an Engineering Degree?

Yes, you can double major with an engineering degree, and it's often a great route to take. Instead of earning a degree and then attending grad school, earning majors in related fields at the same time can speed up starting your career.

Is a Double Major With Engineering Worth It?

Double majoring with an engineering degree is often worth it. For example, starting a career in electrical engineering with knowledge of computer science and how electrical systems are used can give you an advantage in hiring and promotions.

What Are the Benefits of Double Majoring With Engineering?

The benefits of double majoring include a broader skill set and knowledge base to prepare you for the daily work of an engineer. Engineering programs can only cover so many topics, and double majoring gives you deeper knowledge than an engineering-focused degree path can.

Will a Double Major With Engineering Improve My Career Outlook?

A double major from an accredited private college or state university can improve your career outlook. Graduates of double major programs enter the work field with more information and knowledge about their industry which can make them more desirable to recruiters.