Is Double Majoring Worth the Effort? Here’s What You Need to Know

Double majoring in college is becoming more common. It’s when you choose to study two subjects at the same time and earn one degree. This path takes extra work, time, and planning, but it can open up many career opportunities. Let’s consider an example:

Imagine you’re passionate about both business and foreign languages. You’ve always been interested in the global market, and you’re determined to make a career in international business. You realize that a double major in business and Spanish could make you more marketable. Being bilingual would help you communicate with clients and colleagues in Spain, Latin America, or even parts of Asia without needing a translator. This makes you not just a business expert but someone who can connect cultures and help a company expand globally.

This is one real-life benefit of double majoring: it can increase your career options and make you stand out to employers.

But before you decide to double major, let’s break it down and see if it’s right for you.

What’s a Double Major?

A double major means studying two subjects at the same time, like business and marketing, or psychology and sociology. You earn one diploma, but it lists both subjects. Unlike a dual degree (where you earn two diplomas), a double major combines both fields into one degree. It’s a great way to become an expert in two areas at once!

How Long Does It Take?

Most students can finish a double major in the same amount of time as a regular college degree—about four years. However, you’ll likely need to give up some elective courses (those fun classes outside your major) to make room for all the required courses. For example, at schools like the University of Washington, you may need to complete more credits (around 180) to finish a double major, so careful planning is essential.

What Are the Benefits of Double Majoring?

Double majoring can help you stand out. For instance, studying both business and Spanish gives you the ability to work in international markets and connect with clients around the world. Or, if you study psychology and sociology, you’ll gain a deeper understanding of people, which can help you in careers like social work or therapy.

In fact, a 2024 study from The Ohio State University found that double majors don’t just offer broader career prospects—they also provide greater job security. Graduates with double majors tend to experience less income volatility, especially during economic downturns. The study revealed that double majors are, on average, 56% better protected from income shocks, with those pursuing unrelated fields like engineering and business benefiting even more—by 64%. This means that double majors can help secure your future income, especially during uncertain times.

When Should You Declare a Double Major?

You usually need to declare your double major by the time you're a sophomore (after your second year). Some schools, like Thomas Jefferson University, ask students to decide by the end of their second year. If you know early on that you want to double major, it’s best to declare it as soon as possible so you can plan your schedule and make sure you take all the required classes. If you decide later, you can still double major, but it might take longer to finish everything on time.

Is Double Majoring Right for You?

Double majoring can be a great way to learn more and open up more job opportunities, but it’s also a lot of work. You’ll need to be organized and manage your time well. If you truly enjoy both subjects and can see how they’ll help you in your future career, double majoring might be the right choice.

However, if you’re deeply passionate about one subject, sticking with a single major might allow you to dive deeper into that field and become even better at it.

Double majoring can definitely boost your career prospects and broaden your academic experience. If you’re still unsure if it’s the right path for you, or if you need help mapping out your academic strategy, Ivy Link is here to help. Ivy Link advisors will work one-on-one with you to create and execute a comprehensive academic strategy that will guide you through your undergraduate, graduate, and professional goals, ensuring you set yourself up for success in the future