A double major is as terrifying as it sounds – finishing two distinct majors at the same time may be quite difficult! Every year, about 10-20% of students in the country enroll in a double major, which requires them to perform nearly double the work, mostly to put themselves ahead of the competitors in the job market.

What Exactly Is a Double Major?

A double major, sometimes known as a dual major by certain institutions and colleges, consists of two closely related majors; however, they are not usually tightly related. Double majors help to broaden one’s job opportunities in a specific area of expertise. For example, business and economics are common double majors, as are foreign languages and international studies.

A double major is the pursuit of two independent degrees at the same time. A dual degree is technically anything that is a mix of degrees, such as a BA and a BS. Whereas double majors take roughly the same amount of time as a standard major, dual degrees take substantially longer.

Many institutions determine your ability to enroll in a double major on your GPA. For example, to be admitted to Columbia University, you must have a GPA of 3.2. Meanwhile, a GPA of 4.0 is necessary for admission to the Massachusetts Institute of Technology.

The Advantages of Pursuing a Double Major

Above all, double majors help you stand out from the crowd when searching for jobs. Graduates with a double major earn more on average than those with only one degree.

It may also be extremely useful if your primary degree, such as photography, offers few work opportunities. Enrolling in a double major in photography and business, for example, might raise your chances of landing a job tenfold.

A double major will also provide you with a well-rounded education and double the skills to study and master.

The Disadvantages of Pursuing a Double Major

Enrolling in a dual degree program might lengthen your time studying and increase your time spent not earning money, perhaps putting you in a negative financial situation.

Your leisure time will be reduced as well, as you are virtually doubling your tasks. You may also encounter class overlaps.

You can’t concentrate on one while ignoring the other. Each major contributes to your total GPA, so you must devote yourself fully and equally to both.

Alternatives

If you are unable to pursue two majors at the same time, you can increase your career prospects by pursuing a minor, performing an internship, doing volunteer work, or studying abroad.

Finally, consider the following:

Enrolling in a double major is a guaranteed way to garner favor with companies and improve your work chances. It’s not simple, though, and should only be considered if you’re prepared to commit.