How To Double Major In College

The portion of students who pursue double majors differs at each school. The College Board reports that about a quarter of all college students double major. That percentage rises to about 30-40% at more selective institutions.

Students must consider many factors when deciding whether to double major, including employment outcomes and course workloads. In this guide, we offer the information students need to weigh their options, and to learn how to double major.

What Is a Double Major?

Students who pursue a double major need to complete the requirements for both majors or concentrations to earn their degree. They will still receive one diploma but with two majors listed.

Double majors often require additional planning to meet all their requirements in four years. Students usually need over 60 credits between their two majors, which is no small task. Double majors might not pursue as many electives as students with just one major, who enjoy more "wiggle room" to try new things. Students who declare their majors earlier will likely have more success than those who plan late.

Why Earn a Double Major?

Students pursue double majors for various reasons. Many students want to prepare themselves well for the workforce or graduate school by combining their skill sets. For example, a student interested in both business and computer science could strengthen their chances at jobs that require coding and business sense by majoring in both.

Majors also do not need to relate to each other. Students interested in seemingly opposite paths, like art and science, can still acquire majors in both fields to better reflect their interests and career aspirations.

How Do Credit Hours Work in a Double Major?

Like students who declare one major, double majors usually need to complete 120 credit hours to earn a bachelor's degree. Students do not need more time to finish a second major if they plan accordingly. However, double majors generally must complete a longer list of required courses than single-major students.

Each school holds different requirements for its majors. Students should speak with their advisors about the specific requirements and what classes fulfill obligations for both majors. For example, a political science major and a sociology major might both require the same statistics course. A student would only need to take the course once to meet each major's requirement.

Tips for Managing a Double Major

Double majors have a lot more on their plate than their single major counterparts when it comes to choosing what classes to take, graduating in four years, and managing their time. Students can use various ways to stay on track. Below we offer a few tips.

More Frequently Asked Questions

Q. Can You Double Major in Grad School?"

Graduate schools typically offer dual-degree programs, which sometimes combine graduate and undergraduate programs. However, many graduate programs exist that allow students to graduate with two degrees, like Stony Brook University's master's in teaching English as a second language. This program offers students an opportunity to earn a teaching certificate.

Q. Should I Double Major for Medical School?

Medical schools typically look at applicants' GPA and MCAT scores above all else, so many experts advise not to double major unless students can keep their grades up. Admissions counselors also value the type of classes applicants take, a course's rigor, and how well students perform in classes. A double major does not necessarily mean an application will stand out.

Q. Should I Double Major for Law School?

Law schools place high importance on GPAs and LSAT scores, so students should not feel pressured to double major if doing so could lower their grades or scores. Some schools bluntly say that a double major will not help an applicant's chances. However, some schools look for varied educational experiences, especially ones that combine qualitative and quantitative reasoning.

Q. How Should I Display a Double Major on My Resume?

Applicants newly out of school should put their education at the top of their resume. They should also consider bolding or italicizing their majors to make them stand out. Typically, the best way to highlight a double major is to write "Double major in…" or "Majors in…" next to the name of the degree. Good practice also involves putting the major more relevant to the job first.

Q. What Is Double Minoring?

Many schools allow students to pick up more than one minor since they require much fewer credits than a major. Students may unknowingly complete a minor, and like majors, many minors can overlap in requirements. Students with a double minor would graduate with a degree in their major and with minors in two different disciplines.