As you prepare for college, you might be considering a double major. It is, however, important to understand that double majoring at a U.S. university is a lot more complicated than it seems. Let’s break down why this path might be more challenging than expected.
Gaining Enough Credits
To graduate with a double major, you need to earn enough credits to fulfil the requirements for both majors. Most U.S. universities require around a defined number of credits to graduate with a single major. You might need to get more credits for a double major, depending on how much overlap there is between your two majors.
The problem is that most universities cap the number of credits you can take per semester, typically around 18-20. This means that unless your two majors share many required courses, you likely need to take extra classes during the summer or extend your time in college beyond the traditional four years. This additional load can lead to burnout and might even affect your GPA.
Fitting Classes into Your Schedule
Even if you are happy with taking on the extra workload, there’s another issue: scheduling. Most majors have a specific sequence of courses you need to take, especially for STEM fields or other structured disciplines. You might find that two required classes for your majors are only offered at the same time, forcing you to choose one over the other.
On top of that, some classes are only offered during specific semesters, meaning that if you miss one, you might have to wait an entire year to take it again. This can disrupt your entire plan, especially if the course is a prerequisite for other classes. As a result, you might end up staying in college longer than anticipated, increasing your overall cost of education.
Balancing the Workload
Double majoring is more than just taking a few extra classes. You’ll need to manage the workload of two academic disciplines, each with its own expectations, projects, and exams. This can be particularly challenging if your majors are in vastly different fields, like Engineering and English. The mental shift required to switch between technical problem-solving and creative writing can be exhausting.
Furthermore, your extracurricular activities, internships, and social life will likely suffer as you struggle to keep up with the demands of two majors. College is about more than academics, and balancing your workload with other aspects of college life is crucial to a fulfilling experience.
Other options
If you’re still set on pursuing multiple fields, there might be more manageable alternatives to double majoring. You can consider minoring in one of your areas of interest, which typically requires fewer credits. Another option is to choose a major that allows for interdisciplinary study, where you can take courses in multiple fields without the full commitment of a double major.
While double majoring may seem like an impressive and exciting option, it is essential to weigh the challenges before committing, as well as consider your long-term goals, the workload, and the impact on your college experience. If you decide to pursue a double major, be prepared to manage your time wisely and seek support from academic advisors to help you navigate the complexities.
