10 Top Double Majors With a Music Degree

Students interested in music careers can benefit greatly from pursuing a degree in music. Programs teach students music concepts that include:

• composition
• theory
• improvisation
• history
• visual analysis
• performance

After completing their music degrees, students can enjoy careers as:

• composers
• teachers
• performers
• song producers
• film scorers
• music therapists
• vocal or instrumental coaches

Music is a rewarding career on its own. However, adding a degree to create a double major can enhance students' academic experiences and provide unique career opportunities. Some of the best fields to pair with music to form double majors include education, computer science, journalism, and electrical engineering.

Music Double Majors

While music might seem to work best as a standalone degree, students can enhance their music careers when incorporating an additional field. Here are the 10 best majors to pair with music and form a double major.

Education

A great major to combine with music is education. Students can learn the ins and outs of music composition, theory, and performance while gaining an educational background to teach K-12 students to understand, compose, and perform music. Depending on the program, students might take courses that lead to teacher certification.

Nursing

Nursing might seem strange to pair with music, but they have more in common than some might think. Nursing focuses on healing — and so is music, in particular, music therapy. Nurses can incorporate their love of music into their patient care. One option is to provide music therapy in hospice care.

Theatre

Theatre and music might be a match made in heaven. Both majors are rooted in the arts and prepare students to perform and entertain. There will likely be an opportunity for some crossover courses between the two majors. And there are great opportunities to combine the careers post-graduation through theatre, film, and other forms of entertainment.

Physics

Physics and music are connected in unique ways. For instance, acoustics and digital audio involve some aspects of physics. You'll also find connections to physics in signal processing, audio synthesis, and the design of musical instruments. Double majors can take courses that explore quantum mechanics, thermodynamics, music technology, and psychoacoustic.

Psychology

A psychology program focuses on concepts like perception, cognition, and why humans do what they do. Music programs similarly explore cognition, perception, and reasons musicians have made the choices they've made historically. The two majors can come together seamlessly to help students understand the impact of human behavior on music — and the impact music has on human behavior.

Electrical Engineering

Students interested in music and engineering could benefit from double majoring in electrical engineering and music or music technology. Music engineers play a significant role in the sound quality of music productions. This double major can help students understand sound, musical instruments, and recording technology while boosting their knowledge of digital and analog audio electronics.

Computer Science

Computer science can work well as a double major with music for students who want to use various forms of technology to create sound and music. Music in modern times is frequently produced through computer programs and apps. It is also delivered through digital technology. Students with a quality understanding of computer science and music could enjoy amazing careers that combine both fields.

Journalism

Journalism and music are two majors that seem to travel different paths; however, this combination is great for students who love both fields. Journalism students learn the ins and outs of media, including television, radio, and print. Earning a double major can give students the musical knowledge needed to enjoy successful journalism careers focused on arts and music reporting.

Marketing

Music created for mass consumption must be promoted effectively to encourage people to buy it. Marketing plays a major role in getting music in front of the eyes of the public. Double majors can use their love and understanding of music to determine the best ways to market music to audiences, specifically through traditional and digital marketing techniques.

Management

A management program teaches students the leadership skills needed to excel in business. Earning a double major in music and management lets students combine their love of music composition, theory, genres, and styles with key management skills. Career options for degree holders could include concert stage management, music publishing management, and music artist management.

What Is a Double Major?

Earning a double major means securing a degree in two college majors instead of one. Most students choose a single major when earning a degree; however, some add another major. For instance, a student can double major in music and English. In this case, they might earn a Bachelor of Arts in music and English.

Double Major vs. Dual Degree

While a double major means adding two college majors to a single degree, a dual degree means earning two separate degrees. So, instead of earning a Bachelor of Arts in music and English, you might earn a Bachelor of Arts in music and a Bachelor of Arts in English.

A dual degree lets you secure different degree types like a Bachelor of Science and a Bachelor of Arts or a Bachelor of Science and a Master of Science. In some cases, a dual degree could require earning more credits to fulfill both degrees than a double major that results in one degree.

FAQs About Double Majoring With Music

There's a lot more to know about double majoring with music. Review the following frequently asked questions for additional information.

Can You Double Major With Music?

Numerous schools let students add a major to their music degree. Speaking with your academic advisor can help you decide which major can help you secure your desired career.

Is a Double Major With Music Worth It?

Double majoring with music is worth the additional credits and time needed to complete your degree. Many fields complement music and can strengthen your career prospects. Earning a double major can also help you save money you might spend earning two separate degrees.

What Are the Benefits of Double Majoring With Music?

Gaining expertise in more than one area of study is always beneficial. Double majoring in music offers unique benefits as music programs help students boost their discipline, confidence, critical thinking and problem-solving skills, creativity, and listening skills. These skills can all help students excel in their careers.

Will a Double Major With Music Improve My Career Outlook?

Double majoring with music is a great way to improve your career outlook. You can combine music with another field or choose between the two fields when selecting your career path. The Bureau of Labor Statistics also shows that double majors are more financially resilient during economic downturns than single majors.