Then you might be interested in studying two fields simultaneously with either a double major or dual degree. Ask questions; get answers. However, some undergraduates opt to double major or earn dual degrees, deepening their knowledge in two areas and potentially broadening their employment options after graduation. A double major ideally helps you achieve a more extensive education by deepening your knowledge of two subjects without adding significantly to the time it takes to earn your bachelors degree. A Guide to Requirements, Types, and More, 1. Whereas, some schools may allow students pursuing a double major to take core courses that fulfill requirements in both majors, decreasing their overall workload. SAT is a registered trademark of the College Entrance Examination BoardTM. 0000009327 00000 n Pursuing a minor, instead of a dual degree or double major, can help you have a more manageable workload and decrease the number of courses required to graduate. To reiterate, here are the main questions to ask yourself before you make your choice: Being able to answer these questions should give you a clear idea as to which academic patha double major or a dual degreeis ultimately the best one for you to take! Get the rundown in our guide on how to double major in college! This extra time required for a dual degree naturally means that students who are pursuing one will likely have to pay more in tuition, housing, etc. Updated March 31, 2022 | Published June 15, 2021. Now, we'll take a look at some of the key similarities between the two. There are many reasons to choose to pursue a dual degree or a double major. That said, if I'd wanted to study a much more different combination of fields, such as English and architecture (which are housed in two different schools at USC), I'd needed to have studied the fields as two separate degrees, which would have earned me a BA in English and a Bachelor of Architecture. Analysis vs. Assessment: What's the Difference?
In our Ask a College Advisor series, experienced advisors provide an insider look at the college experience by answering your questions about college admissions, finances, and student life. Dual degree enrollees, on the other hand, fulfill the requirements necessary to earn two separate degrees, which tends to take longer to finish than a traditional four-year bachelors program. Ask below and we'll reply! At Columbia, applicants to the Law School may apply for a dual degree either when they initially apply for admission to the Law School (in other words, before they start college) or when they're already enrolled at the Law School. Getting a double major or dual degree can also prevent you from feeling limited or constricted to a single academic discipline. When you graduate with a double major, you graduate with a single bachelors degree in two subjects or areas. What To Do After You Get Your Ph.D.: Everything You Need To Know. The credit total typically remains the same as for a single-topic degree (at least 120 credits for a bachelor's), and students who plan their studies carefully may not need to spend additional time in school to complete a double major.
While more course requirements result in higher tuition overall, most dual-degree plans include overlapping classes that can help students save money. 0000000993 00000 n How much coursework are you willing to handle at one time? ACT Writing: 15 Tips to Raise Your Essay Score, How to Get Into Harvard and the Ivy League, Is the ACT easier than the SAT? In my case, I double majored in English and East Asian Languages and Cultures (EALC) at USC. You'd prefer to avoid spending any more money or time than you need to in order to get your college degree. I get easily stressed with having to balance lots of schoolwork. If you are planning to graduate from an undergraduate program within four years, calculate if it's possible to complete all prerequisite and core course requirements in both concentrations within that amount of time. One degree with two areas of specialization. \rQh61A. The Public Ivies, Little Ivies, and Other Ivy League Equivalents, University of Illinois - Urbana-Champaign, University of North Carolina - Chapel Hill.
Columbia's BA/MPA dual degree program, for example, takes a total of five years to completebut by the end of this, you'll be rewarded with both a bachelor's degree and a master's degree. Discover the pros and cons of a double major and what the alternatives are. Determining the course requirements of specific double majors or dual degrees can help students plan for a certain number of years or semesters until they complete the program. 2022 BestColleges.com, a Red Ventures Company. Double majors are more popular among undergraduates because they allow learners to explore two distinct academic disciplines.
And how can you figure out which option will be a better fit for you? While degree requirements differ depending on the dual-degree program, they typically include some course overlap that reduces the total number of credits a student must earn. We've written a guide for each test about the top 5 strategies you must be using to have a shot at improving your score. (I myself didn't declare my second major until the end of my sophomore year.) What ACT target score should you be aiming for?
Are you OK with having to spend more time and money on your degree(s). For instance, a dual degree in French and English can help better qualify you for a position as an ESL teacher or translator. The two fields I'm interested in studying are (at least somewhat) related to each other. The 5 Strategies You Must Be Using to Improve 160+ SAT Points, How to Get a Perfect 1600, by a Perfect Scorer, Free Complete Official SAT Practice Tests. xref 0000000736 00000 n For example, you could be a professional writer or work with a company that sells scientific equipment. At some universities, you can apply the same courses to both of your majors, which can save you time and money. On Coursera, you can earn your bachelors degree online in high-demand fields like marketing, computer science, and business administration from top universities. 0000010277 00000 n Curricular requirements vary by program.
0000009533 00000 n If you got an equal number of agrees and disagrees, either a double major or a dual degree could work well for you.
0000001260 00000 n For example, say you did a dual degree program in which you earned a BFA in Piano Performance and a Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA). According to one study, double majors tend to be more dynamic, creative thinkers than single majors, indicating that there are many intellectual advantages to studying two fields at once. Because classes for the English and EALC majors were both housed in the College of Letters, Arts, and Sciences (and both majors led to a BA), I was able to study the two fields under the same degree. If you got more disagrees than agrees, a dual degree sounds like the perfect intellectual challenge for you. I'm unsure what I want to study in college. Complete your coursework at your own pace and schedule, and learn from anywhere with internet access. Moreover, because many dual degree programs are built on related subject matter, you can deepen your knowledge and potentially develop new skills. You're probably not a huge fan of spending a lot more time and money than you need to, but you're also very interested in studying the two fields you really want to learn about, regardless of the challenges they might pose. 0 Then feel free to take a look at our in-depth guides to what a dual degree is and what a double major is to learn more about what to expect if you're pursuing one. Lets review the major requirements for double majoring and enrolling in a dual degree program. 0000003986 00000 n Each degree corresponds to one of the fields in which you're specializing. You've probably met or heard of college students doing a double major. Because a dual degree requires students to simultaneously complete the requirements for two different degrees, it typically takes more time (more than four years or four years plus summer classes) than a regular undergraduate program does. Both a double major and a dual degree involve the study of two academic fields. 2022 Coursera Inc. All rights reserved. Here are some tips to help you decide if either of these options is the right choice for you: Schools provide students with lists of courses that are required within their major or majors. 6 0 obj <> endobj Check out our top-rated graduate blogs here: PrepScholar 2013-2018. What about if you want to become a teacherdo you need a dual degree, an education major, or just certification? Instead, for colleges and universities that offer such programs, earning a dual bachelors degree generally means at least one extra year of study in order to fulfill the often-overlapping requirements for two related degrees. Read More: .css-1v152rs{border-radius:0;color:#2557a7;font-family:"Noto Sans","Helvetica Neue","Helvetica","Arial","Liberation Sans","Roboto","Noto",sans-serif;-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;-webkit-transition:border-color 200ms cubic-bezier(0.645, 0.045, 0.355, 1),background-color 200ms cubic-bezier(0.645, 0.045, 0.355, 1),opacity 200ms cubic-bezier(0.645, 0.045, 0.355, 1),border-bottom-color 200ms cubic-bezier(0.645, 0.045, 0.355, 1),border-bottom-style 200ms cubic-bezier(0.645, 0.045, 0.355, 1),border-bottom-width 200ms cubic-bezier(0.645, 0.045, 0.355, 1),border-radius 200ms cubic-bezier(0.645, 0.045, 0.355, 1),box-shadow 200ms cubic-bezier(0.645, 0.045, 0.355, 1),color 200ms cubic-bezier(0.645, 0.045, 0.355, 1);transition:border-color 200ms cubic-bezier(0.645, 0.045, 0.355, 1),background-color 200ms cubic-bezier(0.645, 0.045, 0.355, 1),opacity 200ms cubic-bezier(0.645, 0.045, 0.355, 1),border-bottom-color 200ms cubic-bezier(0.645, 0.045, 0.355, 1),border-bottom-style 200ms cubic-bezier(0.645, 0.045, 0.355, 1),border-bottom-width 200ms cubic-bezier(0.645, 0.045, 0.355, 1),border-radius 200ms cubic-bezier(0.645, 0.045, 0.355, 1),box-shadow 200ms cubic-bezier(0.645, 0.045, 0.355, 1),color 200ms cubic-bezier(0.645, 0.045, 0.355, 1);border-bottom:1px solid;cursor:pointer;}.css-1v152rs:hover{color:#164081;}.css-1v152rs:active{color:#0d2d5e;}.css-1v152rs:focus{outline:none;border-bottom:1px solid;border-bottom-color:transparent;border-radius:4px;box-shadow:0 0 0 1px;}.css-1v152rs:focus:not([data-focus-visible-added]){box-shadow:none;border-bottom:1px solid;border-radius:0;}.css-1v152rs:hover,.css-1v152rs:active{color:#164081;}.css-1v152rs:visited{color:#2557a7;}@media (prefers-reduced-motion: reduce){.css-1v152rs{-webkit-transition:none;transition:none;}}.css-1v152rs:focus:active:not([data-focus-visible-added]){box-shadow:none;border-bottom:1px solid;border-radius:0;}Should You Double Major in College?.css-r5jz5s{width:1.5rem;height:1.5rem;color:inherit;display:-webkit-inline-box;display:-webkit-inline-flex;display:-ms-inline-flexbox;display:inline-flex;-webkit-flex:0 0 auto;-ms-flex:0 0 auto;flex:0 0 auto;height:1em;width:1em;margin:0 0 0.25rem 0.25rem;vertical-align:middle;}. By contrast, with a double major, you can usually finish college within the regular four-year time frame (though some people might take longer, especially if they didn't declare their second major until very late into their college career). 0000000016 00000 n Researching career opportunities you could pursue after graduating with a specific double major or dual degree can help you determine if a program is a good fit.
Both a dual degree and a double major allow students to study more than one academic field at the same time. r|>"r : U&=m'G0~IS0uJ}6V G_W Schools offer minors to students in order to allow them to study varied interests while still completing a singular major and degree. This guide covers how to double major in college and what characteristics to look for in a dual-degree track. A dual degree program, whether at the bachelors level or bachelors-to-masters level, gives you the distinction of graduating with two degreesusually in less time than it would take to earn each one individually. These fields are typically housed in the same school or college within a university and earn you the same type of degree (e.g., a BA, a BFA, a BS, etc.). A double major allows you to study two fields and get just one degree. There are dual degree programs available at each educational level: associate, bachelors, masters, and professional, but not every college or university offers dual degrees, and even when they do, the types of degrees or majors may be limited. Nevertheless, you'll save money (and time!) PBS. Related: .css-1v152rs{border-radius:0;color:#2557a7;font-family:"Noto Sans","Helvetica Neue","Helvetica","Arial","Liberation Sans","Roboto","Noto",sans-serif;-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;-webkit-transition:border-color 200ms cubic-bezier(0.645, 0.045, 0.355, 1),background-color 200ms cubic-bezier(0.645, 0.045, 0.355, 1),opacity 200ms cubic-bezier(0.645, 0.045, 0.355, 1),border-bottom-color 200ms cubic-bezier(0.645, 0.045, 0.355, 1),border-bottom-style 200ms cubic-bezier(0.645, 0.045, 0.355, 1),border-bottom-width 200ms cubic-bezier(0.645, 0.045, 0.355, 1),border-radius 200ms cubic-bezier(0.645, 0.045, 0.355, 1),box-shadow 200ms cubic-bezier(0.645, 0.045, 0.355, 1),color 200ms cubic-bezier(0.645, 0.045, 0.355, 1);transition:border-color 200ms cubic-bezier(0.645, 0.045, 0.355, 1),background-color 200ms cubic-bezier(0.645, 0.045, 0.355, 1),opacity 200ms cubic-bezier(0.645, 0.045, 0.355, 1),border-bottom-color 200ms cubic-bezier(0.645, 0.045, 0.355, 1),border-bottom-style 200ms cubic-bezier(0.645, 0.045, 0.355, 1),border-bottom-width 200ms cubic-bezier(0.645, 0.045, 0.355, 1),border-radius 200ms cubic-bezier(0.645, 0.045, 0.355, 1),box-shadow 200ms cubic-bezier(0.645, 0.045, 0.355, 1),color 200ms cubic-bezier(0.645, 0.045, 0.355, 1);border-bottom:1px solid;cursor:pointer;}.css-1v152rs:hover{color:#164081;}.css-1v152rs:active{color:#0d2d5e;}.css-1v152rs:focus{outline:none;border-bottom:1px solid;border-bottom-color:transparent;border-radius:4px;box-shadow:0 0 0 1px;}.css-1v152rs:focus:not([data-focus-visible-added]){box-shadow:none;border-bottom:1px solid;border-radius:0;}.css-1v152rs:hover,.css-1v152rs:active{color:#164081;}.css-1v152rs:visited{color:#2557a7;}@media (prefers-reduced-motion: reduce){.css-1v152rs{-webkit-transition:none;transition:none;}}.css-1v152rs:focus:active:not([data-focus-visible-added]){box-shadow:none;border-bottom:1px solid;border-radius:0;}What Is a Major In College: FAQs.css-r5jz5s{width:1.5rem;height:1.5rem;color:inherit;display:-webkit-inline-box;display:-webkit-inline-flex;display:-ms-inline-flexbox;display:inline-flex;-webkit-flex:0 0 auto;-ms-flex:0 0 auto;flex:0 0 auto;height:1em;width:1em;margin:0 0 0.25rem 0.25rem;vertical-align:middle;}. If you want to pursue two majors in two highly different fields or at two different schools in your university, you'll likely have to instead apply for a dual degree program. This means you'll generally be in school longeroften five or more years depending on the program and types of degrees you're getting. On average, you can expect to spend five years rather than six earning your undergraduate and graduate degrees, though it depends on your ability to attend full-time and your programs specifications. Got a passion for more than one field of study? 0000010526 00000 n 0000004135 00000 n Curricular requirements vary by program.
Though this varies a lot depending on the university, with some double majors and dual degree programs, you can apply some of the classes you take for one major/degree to your other major/degree. Double majors, by contrast, are more common in bachelor's programs, and many colleges provide these options to accommodate the growing number of first-year students with a significant number of AP and IB credits. For instance, if you pursued a dual bachelor's degree in computer science and history, you would receive two bachelor's diplomas, one for computer science and one for history. 0000004293 00000 n PrepScholar Admissions is the world's best admissions consulting service. Depending on the university, this could be a wide combination of degrees, such as two types of bachelor's degrees, a bachelor's and a master's, or two master's/professional degrees. We've overseen thousands of students get into their top choice schools, from state colleges to the Ivy League. Learn more about whether or not you need a teaching degree here. in two distinct fields. But what are some other major differences between the two? Double majors are usually only available at the undergraduate level, while dual-degree programs are also popular at the graduate level; graduate programs may feature intensive tracks that cater to students' growing preference for a specialized education. 0000001120 00000 n Double majors are different, though. For instance, if a student is pursuing a double major in theater and English, they may take courses that relate to both fields of study, and therefore complete requirements in both majors.
Students usually have until at least the beginning of their junior year to declare a double major. As with any degree, you must complete all basic requirements (including general education courses and major courses) for both degrees in order to earn them. 2. Enrolling in a bachelors degree program means declaring a major in order to graduate. There are also a number of undergraduate-to-graduate dual degrees programs that decrease the amount of time it takes to earn each type of degree individually. At Boston University, you must complete one full semester before you can apply to the dual degree program, and you can't apply any later than the first semester of your junior year. You have a clear idea of the two (likely very different) fields you want to study and don't mind spending more time and money getting your degrees. Also, completing dual degrees and double majors can help you become more qualified for specific types of positions. xb``f``e .T,BDY^zVA-efr\u`3L=#v V@`1 "
If you know youd like to attend graduate school after completing your bachelors, you may want to consider dual degree programs designed to reduce the amount of time you spend earning both. We know what kinds of students colleges want to admit. As a result, you'll usually have to apply to both schools separately (and of course get accepted to both!). The fundamental difference between a dual degree and a double major is that a dual degree awards students with two separate degrees in different fields of study, while a double major awards students with one degree with two distinct concentrations. Your academic credentials let you fulfill minimum hiring criteria and help you tell a story that can differentiate you from other applicants; however, your employability and salary potential largely hinge on your industry, applicable skills, and relevant work experience. %PDF-1.4 % In this dual degree vs double major guide, we go over the fundamental difference between the two academic paths, define each option in detail, and take a look at the most important similarities and differences between the two. If youre torn between two subjects, earning a double major can be an opportunity to choose contrasting areas, each of which may help you develop or strengthen different skills. Highly motivated students can enroll in a dual-degree program to earn two separate credentials, such as a bachelor of arts and a bachelor of fine arts or a bachelor of science and a master of business administration. A 2003 study using data from the National Survey of College Graduates found that double majors made 2.3 percent more than those who chose a single major. Pursuing a double major allows students to develop a more comprehensive skill set. At Indiana University of Pennsylvania, for example, you must earn 120 credits for a double major and 150 credits for a dual degree. Here are some of the most common ones: Many double majors allow students to complete many of the same core course requirements while also completing courses that relate to their specialized fields of study. You will need to complete all required coursework for each of your majors. However, you can declare a double major earlier if you know what you want to study, or possibly later, so long as you'll have enough time to get all the credits you need by the time you intend to graduate.
Learn more about PrepScholar Admissions to maximize your chance of getting in. Going Back to School: 7 Things to Consider, What Is a Bachelors Degree? Examples of bachelors/masters dual degrees: If youre interested in earning a dual bachelors degree, or combined bachelors and masters degrees, search for colleges and universities that offer such programs in your area of choice so you can reflect on whether it aligns with your larger goals. Typically, double majors involve the study of two related fields of study whose majors are housed in the same school or college at a university.
Many undergraduate schools offer students the opportunity to pursue a dual degree or a double major. Students generally only need to complete the capstone requirements for one major. The same number of credits it takes for a single-major degree. startxref About 150 credits for two bachelor's or a bachelor's and a master's, or 60 credits for dual master's degrees. Related: .css-1v152rs{border-radius:0;color:#2557a7;font-family:"Noto Sans","Helvetica Neue","Helvetica","Arial","Liberation Sans","Roboto","Noto",sans-serif;-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;-webkit-transition:border-color 200ms cubic-bezier(0.645, 0.045, 0.355, 1),background-color 200ms cubic-bezier(0.645, 0.045, 0.355, 1),opacity 200ms cubic-bezier(0.645, 0.045, 0.355, 1),border-bottom-color 200ms cubic-bezier(0.645, 0.045, 0.355, 1),border-bottom-style 200ms cubic-bezier(0.645, 0.045, 0.355, 1),border-bottom-width 200ms cubic-bezier(0.645, 0.045, 0.355, 1),border-radius 200ms cubic-bezier(0.645, 0.045, 0.355, 1),box-shadow 200ms cubic-bezier(0.645, 0.045, 0.355, 1),color 200ms cubic-bezier(0.645, 0.045, 0.355, 1);transition:border-color 200ms cubic-bezier(0.645, 0.045, 0.355, 1),background-color 200ms cubic-bezier(0.645, 0.045, 0.355, 1),opacity 200ms cubic-bezier(0.645, 0.045, 0.355, 1),border-bottom-color 200ms cubic-bezier(0.645, 0.045, 0.355, 1),border-bottom-style 200ms cubic-bezier(0.645, 0.045, 0.355, 1),border-bottom-width 200ms cubic-bezier(0.645, 0.045, 0.355, 1),border-radius 200ms cubic-bezier(0.645, 0.045, 0.355, 1),box-shadow 200ms cubic-bezier(0.645, 0.045, 0.355, 1),color 200ms cubic-bezier(0.645, 0.045, 0.355, 1);border-bottom:1px solid;cursor:pointer;}.css-1v152rs:hover{color:#164081;}.css-1v152rs:active{color:#0d2d5e;}.css-1v152rs:focus{outline:none;border-bottom:1px solid;border-bottom-color:transparent;border-radius:4px;box-shadow:0 0 0 1px;}.css-1v152rs:focus:not([data-focus-visible-added]){box-shadow:none;border-bottom:1px solid;border-radius:0;}.css-1v152rs:hover,.css-1v152rs:active{color:#164081;}.css-1v152rs:visited{color:#2557a7;}@media (prefers-reduced-motion: reduce){.css-1v152rs{-webkit-transition:none;transition:none;}}.css-1v152rs:focus:active:not([data-focus-visible-added]){box-shadow:none;border-bottom:1px solid;border-radius:0;}Your Guide to Types of College Degrees.css-r5jz5s{width:1.5rem;height:1.5rem;color:inherit;display:-webkit-inline-box;display:-webkit-inline-flex;display:-ms-inline-flexbox;display:inline-flex;-webkit-flex:0 0 auto;-ms-flex:0 0 auto;flex:0 0 auto;height:1em;width:1em;margin:0 0 0.25rem 0.25rem;vertical-align:middle;}. %%EOF <]>> For example, a student could receive a Bachelor of Science in biology and a Bachelor of Fine Arts in music upon the completion of their dual degree. Dual-degree and double-major programs let you study two subjects in detail, but you should only earn two complementary credentials if you're preparing for a specific career path. In some instances, having a degree with a double major may lead to a salary advantage.
Students have increased intellectual freedom and can find innovative ways to apply theories and methods across multiple fields of study. BestColleges.com is an advertising-supported site. But which is better for you: a double major or a dual degree? hXn}WS@.Ly7 {vvk""VH [U}A @&UN7mj%g"cXR!X.jfQlU/w;j o|$LXCsR/@|sO &g#w9Wb0j&]5U8a/:c,WYson