As a prospective first-year student or somebody who’s currently enrolled in a college or university, you may be wondering whether you should take on a second major. There are some challenges with this approach, but it can all be worth it when you earn your degree. A double major can make you more marketable, and you’ll have a broader knowledge base, allowing you to network in new fields and succeed with a wider variety of opportunities.
What is a double major?
At Arizona State University, a double major is called a “concurrent degree”. According to Becca Nguyen, an academic success coordinator at ASU’s Mary Lou Fulton Teachers College, “A concurrent degree is earned by a student who completes the coursework for two different majors that have the same degree classification (Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Science, etc). For example, a student who completes the requirements for a BA in history and a BA in English would have earned a concurrent degree.”
This is in contrast to earning a degree with a major and a minor. In that situation, the minor is clearly positioned as a secondary focus area. This is also different from a dual degree program, in which students earn two separate degrees.
What’s the difference between a double major and dual degree?
For a dual degree, somebody would earn two degrees in two separate classifications, such as a Bachelor of Arts and a Bachelor of Science. Nguyen explains further: “For example, a student who completes the coursework for a Bachelor of Science in criminology and criminal justice and the coursework for a Bachelor of Arts in psychology would have earned a dual degree.”
Both options are available to ASU Online students. While either option may be completed in four years, your timeline could vary based on a variety of factors, including the requirements for your majors, whether you have transfer credits and your course load. Your academic advisor can assist you in navigating these concerns.
How hard is it to double major?
Your last few semesters could be more intensive compared to a student who has one major. This includes the possibility of two capstone courses. It’s also likely you’ll have to set aside additional time for your studies, especially if you’re balancing increased classwork with internships and other networking opportunities. And you’ll have to budget your time wisely so you can study an appropriate amount for both majors.
Planning your schedule carefully will ensure you can finish the proper course sequence for each major in a suitable time frame. Open communication and collaboration with your academic advisor can help you stay on track to finish your degree.
Is it worth it to double major?
The answer depends on your goals, the industry you hope to enter, what disciplines you double major in and your employer.
Some businesses believe double-major students have an inherently high work ethic, which may give you an edge in the application process. Other companies, especially in more specialized fields, may only check whether your degree includes the major that’s most relevant to your role. In these situations, having a second major still won’t hurt your prospects.
Past studies have found that combining a business major with a science, technology, engineering or mathematics (STEM) degree was associated with higher earnings.
Your specific career goals could also influence your decision. For example, if you want to work for a multinational company that has offices abroad, it may be beneficial to major in a specific field related to your job function while also studying a foreign language.
You could also decide that your college education is a time when it’s important to explore all of your curiosities to the fullest. In this sense, a double major can provide you with an enriching student experience.
Does it cost more to double major?
According to Nguyen, the cost of double majoring may vary. “At ASU, for example, it depends on whether the concurrent degree or dual degree course requirements fit in under the minimum 120 credits necessary to graduate. If the second program utilizes your open electives and stays at or below the 120 credits then, no, it doesn't cost anything extra. If the additional coursework takes you above the 120 credits, then, yes, it may cost you more because you'll need to spend additional semesters completing the required coursework.”
It’s important to remember that every student’s college journey looks different. Working with your academic advisor ensures that your degree plan meets your goals and budget.
How do you choose a double major?
When double majoring, a student will often select an additional major they’re interested in and that complements their primary major. For ASU Online programs, you can select your first major on the ASU application and later work with your academic advisor to add the second.
For example, ASU's W. P. Carey School of Business offers several online undergraduate business degrees that share a core curriculum. As such, students in the business college don’t have to worry as much about whether a particular course will carry over from one major to the next. Some popular double major combinations in this field include:
- Computer information systems and accountancy
- Computer information systems and supply chain management
- Computer information systems and marketing
- Economics and supply chain management
- Economics and financial planning
You might also choose to supplement a discipline you’re interested in by majoring in English, which can augment your learning in a wide variety of other fields by further supporting your development of skills like writing, analysis and research.
ASU’s School of International Letters and Cultures noted that Spanish courses may fulfill general education requirements while also contributing to a second major. Pursuing an additional major in Spanish can promote a broader understanding of culture, media and politics throughout the world, providing a new perspective that can support your career goals in several different fields. According to the school, Spanish is often paired with majors such as engineering, health, journalism, law and social work.
The potential combinations are varied, and there are many different online bachelor’s degrees you could pursue together. No matter the specific path you choose, it’s important to work closely with your academic advisor while planning your double major.
Double majoring at ASU Online
We’re here to help our online undergraduate students achieve both concurrent degrees and dual degrees.
- Our enrollment coaches can help you find a program and apply.
- Once enrolled, an academic advisor will help you build a course schedule that best fits your timeline and reflects your priorities.
- Success coaches can assist you in managing your time, setting goals and navigating online student support services.
- Online tutoring can also support your efforts as you follow your passions in each major.
Whether you ultimately decide to complete one major or two, we’re here to provide you with access to advisors and resources to empower your success — from coursework to your career and beyond.