How to Achieve Success as a Double Major

By Danielle Wirsansky on August 18, 2017

In this day and age, a majority of young adults go to college. And going to college is definitely recommended if you can find a way to do it.

As Michelle Obama said, “You have to stay in school. You have to. You have to go to college. You have to get your degree. Because that’s the one thing people can’t take away from you is your education. And it is worth the investment.”

You are supposed to go to college. You are supposed to pick a major. You are supposed to get a degree.

But what if you are not sure what to major in? Or if you cannot decide between one major and another? There is nothing wrong with being passionate about more than one thing, and it can be hard to choose between them. Or you might be struggling to make the choice between majoring in something you consider to be more practical and something that you are truly passionate about.

Life is hard and is full of tough decisions that we all have to make. Why not consider double majoring? Fit both your passions into your life or compromise by studying something practical and studying what you actually want to. Double majoring can seem too difficult or scary but it does not have to be! It is certainly possible to achieve success as a double major. Not sure how? Read on for some tips!

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Kill two birds with one stone

Double majoring means a lot more classes, which makes sense. You have to become educated about two topics instead of one.

So how can you try and keep your class load as light as possible, not only so that you are not overwhelmed but so that you can graduate on time too (if that is important to you)? By killing as many birds with one stone as you possibly can. Depending on how closely related your two majors are, there may be classes that overlap that will get you credit for both majors. Always take that option. Why relegate yourself to taking two separate classes when you can take one and fulfill a credit for both majors?

As many requirements as you can fulfill with one class should be your choice. Most universities also have class requirements you have to fulfill outside of your major, like taking a multicultural class. If you can find a class that fulfills a university requirement and one towards one of your majors, definitely take that class over one that only fulfills a single requirement for you. You might miss out on some fun, fluffy classes you were interested in, but if they will not help you towards your major, they might not be that helpful to you regardless.

What about minors? Do either of your programs of study require a minor? That is something you need to know in advance. Can a second major replace or fulfill that minor requirement? If so, you can stop fretting or wasting time on an unnecessary minor when your double major fulfills that same requirement.

Your education and time at college need to be streamlined so that you can make the most out of your time there and come out with the skills, knowledge, and degree that will make you hirable.

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Stay on top of requirements

It can be hard enough to navigate a single major, making sure that you are dotting every I and crossing every T to the program to make sure you are fulfilling all of its requirements. Adding a second program of study can make all of it a jumble, but if you want to actually succeed in your double major, you need to know what you need to accomplish.

How can you accomplish something if you do not know what it is you need to get done? College advisors do their best to keep you on track, but they are often being switched out and you could get someone who is new to advising or new to your department, or you could be dealing with someone who you have not worked with before and who is not familiar with you and what you are trying to accomplish.

You need to stay on top of your own stuff to make sure that you fulfill your requirements, because in the end whether you do or not will not affect your advisor — it will only affect you. As stated previously, do your programs of study require minors, and if so, can your second major fulfill that requirement instead?

Do you have to fulfill an internship credit, and if so, what constitutes an internship? You need to have all the facts, know all the requirements, and keep that department handbook handy so that you can graduate with both your majors and your sanity intact.

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