<p>Hello there! So, here is my "dilemma." I know that ultimately I am going to end up majoring in one or two of the following (computer science, economics, public policy, or psychology). My goal is to explore all these fields in my first year of college by taking classes in each of these subjects until I discover what I want to pursue in college.</p>
<p>Thus, I want to apply to schools that are very good in all of these fields. I have good stats and scores (I believe good enough for some of the top schools in the country). </p>
<p>What schools do you believe are good fits for me where I could receive a great undergraduate education in any of these majors?</p>
<p>For example, one school that comes to mind is UMich. Another school that comes to mind is UC Berkeley (I would be out of state), but I heard that it's only beneficial to go there if you know exactly what you want to do going in. Is that true? What schools would allow me to explore these interests freely (besides a liberal arts school)?</p>
<p>Thanks you so much in advance for your help!</p>
<p>Just look for a school that is well ranked in all those programs (so UM is a pretty good choice). You can take whatever classes you want at most colleges with the exception of schools with strict general requirements, so look into how much crap you have to take just for being a student at a school. (UM has distribution requirements, but no absolutely required classes, there are always a lot of options).</p>
<p>Steve - potentially, with your varied interests, the new Philoshophy, Politics and Economics (PPE) major at Umich would interest you. However, the number of “seats” is limited.</p>
<p><a href=“https://www.lsa.umich.edu/ppe[/url]”>https://www.lsa.umich.edu/ppe</a></p>
<p>Michigan’s curriculum is very flexible. Students within the school of LSA (where CS, Econ and Psych are housed) are encouraged (almost expected) to double major. Students have to apply to the school of Public Policy, but the entrance requirements are reasonable, and double majoring in LSA and Public Policy is manageable.</p>
<p>Alexandre the Public Policy school doesn’t let you double major for whatever reason. I agree though, within LSA pursuing a dual degree is not too difficult.</p>
<p>Kyle, double majoring in CS or Psych and Public Policy at Michigan is very difficult (it would require 5 years instead of 4). The reason for this is simple. The Public Policy program is an intensive two-year program. According to industry standards, Michigan’s program is one of the best for that reason (top 5 at the undergraduate level). A Public Policy program that allows students to double major in unrelated majors within 4 years is selling both majors short. </p>
<p>However, there are many overlaps between Public Policy and Economics, and if a student takes sufficient prerequisites and Econ classes Freshman and Sopohomore year, it is possible to double major in Econ and Public Policy in 4 ears. So below are some of the options open to the OP at Michigan:</p>
<p>Econ and CS
Econ and Psych
Econ and Public Policy
CS and Psych</p>
<p>Michigan has top 5 programs in Psych and Public Policy and top 10 (or thereabout) departments in CS and Economics.</p>
<p>
</p>
<p>I do not believe that students within the school of LSA are either encouraged or expected to double major. That being said, students are not discouraged from pursuing a double major and if student is interested in doing so, the students will be encouraged to follow through with this pursuit. I think the value of pursuing a double major for the mere sake of having one is overrated and would not recommend it unless the student has a particular interest in the fields of study.</p>
<p>@Alexandre,</p>
<p>Anything with CS is very difficult, I didn’t notice that was one of the listed majors.</p>
<p>Also if you’re getting a dual degree with Pub Pol you’d then need to get the degree from the Ford school before you received your other degree, making 5 years as you said, the minimum.</p>
<p>The Ford School does not let you double major while you’re a student there.
<a href=“https://umich.custhelp.com/app/answers/detail/a_id/1527[/url]”>https://umich.custhelp.com/app/answers/detail/a_id/1527</a></p>
<p>Kyle, I am fairly certain it is possible to double major in Econ and Public Policy in 4 years. There are many overlaps between LSA/Econ and Public Policy. </p>
<p>Also, the Econ /CS or Psych/CS double major is common. A couple of my own friends double majored in Econ and CS (LSA, not CoE) and found it very manageable. Heck, I had friends who double majored Engineering and Economics with relative ease. </p>
<p>Admittedly, the CS or Psych double major with Public Policy would take 5 years to complete.</p>
<p>Either way, the point I am trying to make is that Michigan’s curriculum is flexible. Students are not locked out of majors within LSA and double majoring within LSA is not difficult. In the OP’s case, Public Policy is the only question mark as he will have to apply only once at Michigan and there are no guarantees of admission into the program. Also, as you pointed out, the LSA and Public Policy double major is tricky and requires planning.</p>