Double Major - is it worth it?

<p>Hey Guys, I have a quick question and I would appreciate any help. I have finished my
degree in Finance at the University of Memphis and I am considering spending another year
(and take summer classes) to get my second degree in Political Science. Political Science
interests me but the main reason I would pursue this is because I have heard that it is very
beneficial to have an art degree in addition to a science degree for getting into business
school. If it is not I would rather start working to get some experience before applying to
schools instead of pursuing the second degree. Any thoughts?</p>

<p>I don't think a political science degree will help you get into MBA school. I think work experience is more valuable for an MBA, frankly. And it helps you save money in the process. Then again, the job market stinks right now and finance is not exactly a hot topic with the meltdown on wallstreet. But whatever.</p>

<p>Some schools a double major doesnt mean a double B.A. It only means that you get one degree, but your transcript shows you have met the requirements for both majors to completion. More often what you see is a single major and a double minor, less time involved and less expense, but accomplish largely the same thing. </p>

<p>Of course, there will always be kids who try to outdo even the busiest squirrels in the oak tree. I was at WashU for a tour with my D a few years ago and this nutty (pardon the pun) tour guide who was more hyper than a squirrel on caffeine said about 100 times, "I am a triple major!" It was such a turnoff. I wanted to ask her, "what are you going to be doing dear? Taking three jobs at the same time and living in three different communities?" But I bit my tongue. WashU it should be noted has NO core requirements so you work on your major starting from the gitgo as a freshman. </p>

<p>But I digress. WashU is a phenomenal school, I might add.</p>

<p>It also depends on your financial situation. Again, I would suggest graduating on time with your classmates, getting a job lined up and doing that for a year or two, and then apply to the MBA program of your choice. Good luck.</p>

<p>Thanks so much, I appreciate the help. I know a year or two ago there was an article in the Wall Street Journal about MIT Sloan School of Management accepting people who had art degrees without as much work experience in the name of diversity, so that is what got me thinking about it. Memphis actually does show 2 degrees instead of 1, however since I have already completed my Finance degree and my Political Science minor, I think I am leaning towards simply working and getting job experience. Thanks again for your help!</p>

<p>You don't need a pursue a second major in political science degree to get an MBA. Only double major because you feel passionate about the subject, not to impress adcoms. That's the wrong way to do it.</p>

<p>I have to agree. Poly sci is a great degree to have, but you don't necessarily need it for your MBA. I would save the money.</p>

<p>Undergraduate degrees typically don't furnish credentials for lifelong careers. A Master's is generally a better investment of time and resources than a second undergrad degree.</p>

<p>Thanks so much for all of the replies. I am actually on full scholarship so it wouldn't cost any extra money to get the second degree. I was just wondering if the time investment would be better to get job experience, because at one point I had heard some top-tier graduate schools liked it when applicants had an art degree as an undergrad major because it showed they were well rounded. Thoughts?</p>