<p>My S has decided to double major. He figures he can do it with all the AP credit he'll have, which fulfills a great deal of his gen ed requirements for both majors. Thankfully, there's a great deal of overlap. He wants to major in English Literature and Business Administration. As oblivious as he is a great deal of the time (at least it feels that way to me ;)), he's actually given this some thought. His desire is to go to Law School, and several lawyers he's spoke with from a variety of disciplines (FBI, assis. district attorney, corporate) all said that English would be an excellent route for a major (that whole lots of writing thing .... but also, with regards to the English Lit, a great deal of analysis, interpretation and defending your interpretation). However, in the event that he changes his mind about law school (and as he has no interest in teaching english), he's also going to major in business adminstration. This would allow him the option of pursuing an MBA, and let's face it, the English degree won't hurt. Because he'll have about 27-30 hours of AP credit already going in, as well as taking the CLEP test for math and possibly german, he should still be able to do this in 4 years. The priority registration he'll get through the honors program should help with that, too. Maybe he'll have to take a reduced summer session ... but it's doable. </p>
<p>Gee. Now that's ....uhhh...pleasant. Sheesh. I wonder what those "schedule" phone calls are like? Flowcharts and an abacus? LOL. Ouija board? Gris-gris? Pin-The-Tail-On-The-Major?</p>
<p>I've decided it's all the fault of cc. Our family got caught up in the advantages of LAC-like schools, and, gosh darn, they have excellent profs that make watching grass-grow interesting. (Grass growing is only a minor, however.)</p>
<p>But to answer your Q, unfortunately, S just figured out he needs to take prereqs for all three next year so he can even declare one (or all) , so this summer will be taking classes.</p>
<p>blu, I feel ya. I may be on here next year talking about D becoming a bio/religion double major. She's presently enamored with her second "Search" - Multi-Disiplinary Western Civ-Type Meaning of Life Course. She plans on some Independent Study this summer in Spain on religious topics involving the Moors, Jews, and Christians and a time of relatively peaceful co-existence, while doing her language immersion. She too has bought into this liberal arts "thang". Who knows what it will bring? But if she's happy Dad's happy.</p>
<p>Something else to consider is that the cost of attending school is not just the $15,000 tuition bill. There is also the opportunity cost of not working during that time and beginning to earn money and, perhaps, build a career. In addition, before deciding to stay in school for one more semester, you should investigate what opportunities for jobs/graduate school are available for a December graduate. I imagine that those opportunities will be somewhat less than the opportunities available to a May/June graduate.</p>
<p>The $15,000 doesn't thrill me. The not graduating in 4 years doesn't thrill me. Part of me would like to add a little information, but this board can't handle it. Or maybe, I can't handle the responses I would get. ;)</p>
<p>The not getting a job part.... She's going to live to 100. I'm not worried about that part. :)</p>
<p>I'd also like to hear more IRL stories about the value of the double major, or even the major and minor. Purely because I am so curious. DH, with Electrical Engineering as a major, doesn't even <em>think</em> about a double major.</p>
<p>But I see so much of it these days - at least here on cc - that I am really wondering what students expect is the value of a double major? I'm having trouble seeing what the advantage is in the job market (unless you are majoring in Mayan Art because you love it; and Bus Admin because it's practical). But math and econ to improve job chances?? If they can't fit it in to the four years, at today's prices for college, I really don't get it. If they can, I'm still not sure why that route vs. what dstark suggested, which is dabbling in a greater variety of fun stuff while you have the chance.</p>
<p>My son will double major in engineering and physics. He has decided to go this route in case he does not go to grad school. He knows that some firms will only hire students with engineering degrees and does not want to limit himself. Is it possible it may be the same case for math or econ majors? Can she ask prospective employers/ or career center at her college? I'd consider going to the job fairs and asking as many employers as possible if they required one or the other.</p>
<p>Five semesters in our DS decided to add a philosophy minor to his compsci/cogsci dual major. Awk! But he will be able to cram it in by the 8th semester with more overloads. This semester-ethics, comp religion and existentialism in addition to his remaining comp sci requirrements.</p>
<p>orignaloog - is he doing it for the love of the philosophy, a special interest? and wants to take advantage of the time he is at University where he has access to wonderful faculty and curricula that he wouldn't have access to in future years? </p>
<p>Or is it because he thinks the credential - ie, a degree specifying a minor (does the degree specify that?) - has some value?</p>
<p>That is what I am wondering. With the overload and "cramming in" he will have to do, I am hoping it is for the former. But that is only because I am thinking the double degree and/or major/minor has no "street value", once they are out. But I don't know, which is why this thread interests me and why I am wondering.</p>
<p>My husband double majored in biology and physics and got his PhD in biopysics. He says he could have probably majored in chem as well as he'd taken nearly all their required courses too. I think the coursework mattered more than the actual major as far as grad schools were concerned.</p>
<p>I've been wondering the same thing about the value of a double major since son just told me he has to take a class this summer since he decided on a double major, math and philosophy of all things. I think he may change his mind down the road as courses get tougher. I am assuming if they declare a double major they can switch to a major/minor with no problems?</p>