A lot of schools I am applying to such as Northwestern, Oberlin, University of Rochester/Eastman, JHU/Peabody offer 5 year dual degree programs for musicians who want to also study in an academic field.
While USC doesn’t have a formal dual degree program for music students, they seem to really encourage students to double major and minor. Would it be possible for me to do a dual degree/double major with Thornton School of Music and Dornsife for economics or international relations? I am willing to take 5 years to graduate.
If they allowed this, would I receive 2 separate degrees or would it simply be a double major? USC is one of my top choices, in fact I already take private lessons with the professor I would study with on my instrument. However, if they don’t let me add a second major, it could be a dealbreaker.
Thanks.
Of course you can, it is all about you managing your credits and time. Whether it is one degree or a double major with single diploma depends on if they are in different schools and if you get enough credits for it to be determined a second bachelors:
A second bachelor’s degree requires a minimum of 32 units beyond the number required for the first. If the first bachelor’s degree was earned at USC, a minimum of 32 units for the second must be completed at USC. If the first bachelor’s degree was earned at another institution, a minimum of 64 units toward the second must be completed at USC.
Double majors are encouraged at USC, across disciplines and schools or within the same school, your choice!
It’s all here:
http://catalogue.usc.edu/content.php?catoid=2&navoid=265
It’s a great school to do this; my D will get 2 majors and 2 minors, should be in 4, but is doing summer class for fun as a freshman. My S did a double major (2 dif schools) and minor. In 4 years, but took advantage of the Academic Achievement Award (3.75 gpa) and carried up to 21 credits for price of 18. Not sure how many semesters he did that. He was careful with class selection.
@CADREAMIN thanks, this was very helpful and informative. It seems like your children are doing awesome with multiple majors at USC.
Dornsife would be easy to add a second major btw, where it gets challenging is engineering because of a) time and B0 requirements needed to move into an engineering major (certain math classes, etc). But in Dornsife, IR and Economics should be a simple trip to your advisors office to sign off on it. Once admitted be sure to contact an admissions or academic advisor within Dornsife to confirm. I am sure of this, but better to hear it from them directly.