If you have many interests, the idea of a double major might seem like a dream come true. But first, take stock of all the benefits and the risks to help you make an informed choice.

You have many choices to make as a college student: which college to attend, what to study, which degree you want to obtain, and what you want to do with it once you have it.

Each choice is highly dependent upon the others, and you might feel like your entire future boils down to a single word: major. As if that wasn’t enough, now you’ve found an even more intriguing and equally confusing phrase to go with that: double major.

If you’re a person with many interests, the idea of a double major may seem like a dream come true. You can pursue multiple pursuits and earn two degrees to show for it without spending extra years and money at college. But for someone with interests that are too diverse, the double major may pose more problems than solutions.

You might feel like you have too many choices and deciding on just two is asking the impossible. Regardless of which way you view a double major, learning its benefits and risks can help you make an informed choice.

What is a double major?

Everyone seeking a degree has to claim a major in order to obtain a degree. Each degree consists of a certain number of total credits, usually divided into:

• General education requirements
• Major field of study requirements
• Electives

Everyone has to take the general education classes. The major requirements are classes designed to prepare you with specialized knowledge in your field of study. You get to choose if you want to take electives to create a minor, or secondary field of study, or just take electives that interest you.

A double major is the opportunity to take the required classes for two degrees at the same time. Instead of taking an additional four years of classes, you get to count your gen ed classes toward both degrees. You can also utilize some of your elective courses to meet the requirements of your second major, and vice versa.

Some popular second majors include:

• Economics
• Communications
• Foreign language
• Computer or technology-related degree
• A non-science major coupled with a science major

When well-planned and organized, a double major can be completed in the same time as a major/minor combination. In addition to earning two degrees instead of one, you can also benefit by creating a marketable niche for yourself. Some examples would be:

• Criminal Justice & Information Technology: Cybercrime analyst or investigator
• Economics & Psychology: Marketing specialist in consumer spending patterns
• Spanish & Special Education: Special education teacher in a multilingual classroom

Making the decision

Before you jump in and make the decision to double up on majors, you need to determine if it’s right for you. There’s always pros and cons to consider. A few to think about are:

Pros:

• You get two degrees at the same time.
• You can use electives from one degree to satisfy requirements of the other.
• Your knowledge base is much larger and sophisticated.
• It might help you land a better job.

Cons:

• Split focus can affect grades.
• Extra classes may delay graduation.
• The work may be more than doubled.
• Extra care must be taken in scheduling.
• Prerequisites for one degree may not fit into the electives for the other.
• Some employers are more impressed with internships and a rounded education than two majors.

To help you weigh these against your own interests and needs, below are some helpful questions to ask yourself. The answers won’t mean the same thing for everyone, but carefully consider your answers and if they will help you achieve your overall goals.

• Why do you want to double major?
• Do your parents want you to double major? How will that affect your decision?
• Will it make you more marketable to employers?
• What changes will you have to make if you double?
• Do you have the time, money, and endurance for a double major?

Think outside the box, too. Ask yourself why you might not want to double major.

• Would a minor provide you with the same knowledge and benefits?
• Will you regret not doubling 10 years from now?
• Will you have time for your other responsibilities?

Tips for tackling a double major

1. Plan as early as possible

There’s nothing wrong with not knowing exactly what you want to study, or with wanting to study multiple topics. College is all about learning, growing, and finding out who you want to be. While it’s OK to put “undecided” or “undeclared” on your college applications, by the end of your sophomore year you’ll want to be able to change that to a specific major (or two).

2. Map out both degrees to identify important aspects

Having a visual of both degree plans will show you classes that you can take as electives to satisfy the requirements of both. It also shows you helpful scheduling information so you can balance more-demanding classes with less-demanding ones.

3. Every class needs to count

Electives are the double major’s best friend. Make them count by using as many as possible to satisfy major requirements of both degrees. Your advisor can help you determine the past of least resistance when getting a double major. Getting help from a tutor can also help you stay on top of the workload.

College is a great time for exploration and building your future. Take advantage of it to double your knowledge and your job forecast, whether you choose a double major or a major and minor.

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