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• Double Major: A Good Idea or Too Much Stress?
• English Major: Yields Great Communication Skills
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Double Major

Double Major: A Good Idea or Too Much Stress?

Choosing a double major is a big decision. It’s not the sort of choice that is made on the spur of the moment. Rather, because it will add a great deal of stress to the student’s life, it should be decided only after very careful consideration. Before deciding to take a double major, ask yourself the following:

• How much will it cost? A double major is bound to mean more credits, which quickly translates into more money. If you are using education loans to fund your education, will the cost of earning essentially two degrees put you in financial strain for too long?
• Is it necessary? Will you have difficulty finding employment if you choose just one of your majors?
• Can I successfully handle the work load? College coursework always involves a lot of classroom time and a great deal of homework. How will you juggle your many classroom obligations?
• How well do I deal with stress? Do you already have successful coping strategies in place? Will you have time to practice yoga, meditate, or just hang out with friends if you double up on your educational requirements?
• Do I have sufficient time to devote to my studies? Are there things that might interfere with my intellectual pursuits?
• Will I be unable to participate in extracurricular activities as a result of choosing two majors? Clubs, sports, and other school activities are all a part of the college experience, almost as much as the work in class. You don’t want to miss out on all the fun and have an unbalanced college experience.

As you can see, there are a lot of things to consider before choosing a double major. There are pros and cons for most life decisions, and this one is no different. Consider some of these positive aspects of doubling up:

• You’ll learn more. No doubt about it, twice the education sounds like a great idea, particularly when you are pairing two subjects that truly complement each other. Nothing else will give you the same depth and breadth of knowledge that taking two majors will.
• You’ll be more employable. There are always employers who are on the lookout for overachievers, and earning two college degrees pretty much defines that characteristic. Some employers will definitely want to take advantage of all of your educational experience. This can be useful especially if you are planning to teach. You’ll be eligible for teaching twice as many subjects.
• Choose two related subjects. Some students who choose to go after two degrees choose unrelated topics, like English Literature and Mathematics. However, if you choose two related subjects, like Finance and Economics, you probably won’t have to take a lot of extra classes to earn both degrees and you may even be able to graduate within a four year timeframe.

Of course, there are arguments on the negative side of the question as well. Among them are:

• A bigger workload. When other students are partying, you are likely to be studying. You should also be prepared to attend class year round. No summer vacation for you; just more classes.
• More time spent in school. You may not be able to finish both degrees within the typical four year window. It can take an extra year, or even two, to graduate.
• It’s more expensive. More classes equal more expense. Can you afford the cost of tuition and books?

A double major can prove to be a huge asset to your career. However, it may cause you to miss out on some campus fun. Weigh this decision carefully to decide which path is right for you.