I’m thinking of doing a major in public policy (with a pathway in economic policy) and maybe a second major or minor/certificate…I’m planning on going into business school after undergrad and I was wondering if a double major in public policy and computer science be a good pair (I’m interested in both, but I also want to maintain a good GPA) or would I be better off pursuing just public policy with maybe a minor (finance?) and/or certificate program?
All of these alternatives – from Duke – will serve you very well for admission to “elite” MBA programs. Of course, you’re aware that the most-selective, full-time MBAs require a MINIMUM of two years post-Bachelor’s professional experience (three to four years – even five – is more typical). Those first career assignments are particularly important, because MBA admissions assesses your responsibilities, performance and recommendations as major acceptance criteria. You really have at least three Trinity semesters (often four) before you need to establish these plans definitively; while it’s great that you are considering your options now, you might be wise periodically to discuss your preferences with your adviser, as you evolve through the first two years at Duke.
Thanks! I definitely don’t have anything set–I plan to take courses my first year to get a feel of things and how I like both public policy and computer science. I’m just worried about the time–I think I can take 4 classes per semester and finish the requirements for both majors + gen ed. I just want to be sure that its manageable and that I can keep up grades (Mostly A’s) for business school.
@Annabear123: Assisting you balance and coordinate each semester’s workload, to achieve your ultimate objective(s), is one of your academic advisor’s key functions. S/he’s there to help you!