Student Life

How and When to Choose a Double Major

Finding college life a little too easy? Maybe you’re crushing freshman year and need a solution for all that pesky free time. You might be a candidate for the double-major challenge.
What are some reasons to choose a double major?
According to a report by The Teagle Foundation, the most common reasons to pursue a double major are:
academic interest,
career goals, and
expression of identity.
Double majors tend to be more career-motivated than single majors. A study published in The Journal of Benefit-Cost Analysis shows that double majors often experience higher lifetime earnings, and more money is never a bad thing!

However, this varies greatly by major and career path. Some double majors see no economic advantage over single majors. Double majors that lead to bigger paychecks tend to reflect single majors with high earning potential, like those in STEM and business.

Many double majors pair a “high status” major with a one that expresses their personal values. Maybe you’re a future engineer with the soul of a poet. Why not be both? That’s where being a double major comes in.

Language majors usually choose a second area of study. A language major combines well with all kinds of second majors.
Does a double major mean twice the work?
While you need a certain number of credits specific to each major, you only need to complete one set of general requirements. Most popular double-majors also include cross-listed courses that count for both. So biology and chemistry will share some prerequisites.

A double major doesn’t mean double the work, but time-management is still a challenge. Double majors often take summer classes or extra time to cross the finish line. Double majors where each major requires a lot of a particular type of assignment–be it labs or essays–will mean that you have to manage your time appropriately to meet these requirements.

Making the most of your study time is key. Wizeprep can help maximize your efforts with the all-in-one subscription, the Wizeprep Study Pass. Review essential concepts with course-specific videos, get insight from class tutors, and prepare for tests with practice questions and step-by-step solutions.
But if I’m a double major, will I have time for anything else?
Yes, yes you will. This is called the “do more, do more” effect.

You might assume this path of double majoring requires sacrificing all non-essential activities. Surprisingly, research shows double majors tend to participate in more activities than single majors, make more connections, and generally take the fullest advantage of their college experience.

The Teagle study attributes this to the “do more, do more” social phenomenon. People who actively engage in activities tend to pursue even more opportunities. There are only so many hours in the day, but double majors make the most of them.
What’s the difference between a double major and a dual degree?
A double major gives you one degree listing two majors. So you might graduate with a BA in Psychology and Linguistics, or a BSc in Chemistry and Biology.

A dual degree gives you two separate degrees. These may be in related or distinct fields, just like a double major. But they may also be different types of degrees. You could earn a BA in English and a BS in Computer Science. You’ll graduate with two separate pieces of paper to hang on your wall. Often dual-degree programs are longer in length and combine degrees that are related in some way, such as a BA and BEd (Arts and Education) or a BComm and LLB (Commerce and Law).

Not all schools offer double majors or dual degrees. Some only offer certain combinations.
When do I declare a double major?
Most single majors declare by the end of sophomore year. Double majors tend to pick their first major earlier, often in their first year.

Double majors generally declare their second major later, often at the start of their junior year. At this point they may have already completed courses in their second major, and have a better idea of what it takes to cross the finish line.
How can I choose a double major?
Before declaring a double major, be certain you’re prepared to fully engage with both subjects. Better to apply yourself whole-heartedly to one major than scrape by with two. Next, talk with an advisor about your vision.

Map out your schedule, semester by semester, through graduation. Understanding how much coursework overlaps will make the difference between a realistic plan and a ludicrous undertaking. If you work outside of school, take into account those working hours as well and be realistic about what you can manage and what you can’t.

Consult with advisors in both majors. Connect with other students who are on the same track. Their lived experience can provide you with critical insight into your decision. If you’re more inspired than terrified, that’s a good sign.
What are some common double major combinations?
The top 10 double major combinations according to The Teagle Foundation are:
Two Different Business Subjects
Foreign Language & International Studies
Foreign Language & Political Science
Economics & Mathematics
Economics & Political Science
Foreign Language & Biology
Foreign Language & Economics
Foreign Language & Business
Economics & Engineering
Foreign Language & Psychology
The the most common subjects included in double majors are:
Foreign Languages
Economics
Business
Engineering
Political Science
Biology
Psychology
English
History
Mathematics
Some common subjects for double majors, like English, don’t show on the first list because they are paired with a more diverse range of second majors. STEM and business majors have more obvious pairings.

Between classes, extracurriculars, work, and having a life, one major is plenty for most. But a growing number of students are doubling down. With some strategic planning, a double major may be easier to obtain than you realize. If you have an insatiable appetite for learning, a double major can be a rewarding path through college and beyond.