<p>Im incredibly interested in International Affairs which is why I want to study at the School of International Studies, but I’m also interested in Film & Media which is at the School of Communications. Does anyone have any experience double majoring at AU, who could give me some useful info on what it is like? And does anyone have any experience in these two studies that could give me a brief summary of what the programs are like?</p>
<p>I am majoring in two divergent majors in the School of Public Affairs and the College of Arts and Sciences. While I am a believer in double majoring, I do have to warn you that is only possible with strategic planning of the courses you are taking each semester and making sure you have enough room to take requirements for both majors before graduating. My two majors are 54 and 39 credits respectively, which add up to 93. An average student taking 15 credits each semester during the spring and fall semesters attains 120 credits while at AU. I was strategic and had 6 of my major credits double count towards general education requirements and also had 3 credits count for both majors. I planned these during my first 3 semesters at AU with the intent of freeing up room for other requirements. I also came in with AP credits that fulfilled some general education requirements, thus giving me more room as well. I always find myself doing math, adding up all my credits every semester on a scrap of paper before I register for classes to make sure everything fits right. However, I am extremely happy with double majoring and it is one of the best decisions I have made in college thus far.
A BA in International Studies is 64 credits + language classes (depending on your incoming language ability) and a BA in Film and Media Studies is 39-42 credits. These are listed on AUs website ([Film</a> & Media Arts Degree and Course Requirements | American University School of Communication, Washington, DC](<a href=“http://www.american.edu/soc/film/BA-FandM-Degree-and-Course-Requirements.cfm]Film”>http://www.american.edu/soc/film/BA-FandM-Degree-and-Course-Requirements.cfm) and [BA</a> in International Studies | American University](<a href=“http://www.american.edu/sis/degrees/BA-INST.cfm]BA”>Undergraduate | School of International Service | American University, Washington, DC)). I do know people double majoring in SIS and another large major, as well as another acquaintance who graduated with a double in Film and Biology (bio = 72 credit major). While they have both been successful, they did come in with AP/IB credit and one had to take summer classes. However, they both did it in 4 years. If you are willing to stay for 5, then it is doable. I personally had to take 6 credits last summer as well. AU has a broad range of summer classes, including quite a few that are online for 6 weeks ([Summer</a> Sessions | American University, Washington, DC](<a href=“http://www.american.edu/provost/registrar/summer/index.cfm]Summer”>http://www.american.edu/provost/registrar/summer/index.cfm)).
School of Communication does require you to have an outside major or minor, so a minor in SIS is always possible if everything doesnt fit. How many AP/IB credits are you coming in with? Also, keep in mind that if you register for more than 17 credits, you start having to pay for the extra credits. </p>
<p>I really hope this all works out for you and let me know if you have any other questions!!</p>
<p>It’s not uncommon at all…as the above poster said, it just takes making a good plan and carefully sticking to it.</p>
<p>Make a spread sheet that maps out all of the requirements for each program…include the classes required for all AU students, the classes required by each college at AU (there is some small variation) and the classes required for each major you are considering. Find all of the overlaps possible and see if you can get some class choices that count double.</p>
<p>and make sure you get your plan signed off on by an advisor in both programs. Doing that can save grief later, if there is a question as to whether you have met all requirements.</p>