<p>Hi, I'm almost certain I'm applying to Fordham this fall. However, the very large Core Curriculum begs me the question, is it possible/how strenuous is it to double major in four years? I'm considering a major in Theatre Directing and Sociology or Urban Studies, and in addition (if possible) a minor in International Human Rights. Thank you!</p>
<p>People do double major but the core makes it harder. It helps if you have a good amount of AP/IB credits.</p>
<p>My S is a double major with Theatre…performance and playwriting and I’m going to tell you that it is not easy but possible. First, while my S came in w/24 AP credits only 6 of them counted toward the core SO even though he is classified as a Junior, he will be starting his 2nd year at Fordham and he won’t be graduating early. But he didn’t come in thinking that he would either. He planned to double major whether it was Theatre and English or French or Theology…he wasn’t walking away from that opportunity.</p>
<p>So will he graduate on time? Yes. But he did take 2 core classes this summer, one of which was exit level French. He won’t need summer classes next year though.</p>
<p>Things that contribute to how possible it is to double major: AP credits, good academic planning such as taking core classes that count for more than one requirement, foreign languange classes needed.</p>
<p>Things that will make it more difficult…in a word, Theatre. There is a very specific curriculum and order in which you need to take the classes AND there are likely only two sections at most to work out your schedule. But if you get into the Theatre major, and you DO have to submit a portfolio and interview, you will probably get someone in the department as your academic advisor and they will help you plan your schedule. My S’s advisor is Matthew Maguire, head of the department, and his guidance in this has been invaluable. </p>
<p>[Directing</a> Major Interviews](<a href=“http://www.fordham.edu/academics/programs_at_fordham_/theatre_department/prospective_students/admission_auditions_/directing_major_inte_69152.asp]Directing”>http://www.fordham.edu/academics/programs_at_fordham_/theatre_department/prospective_students/admission_auditions_/directing_major_inte_69152.asp)</p>
<p>Good luck! :)</p>
<p>Sandkmom, did your son take french this summer at Fordham or somewhere else? My D is disappointed that she didn’t score too well on the spanish placement test, she had a lousy spanish teacher in h.s. and stopped after spanish 3, but only placed into intro 2. Wondering if she can take spanish next summer around here, and skip having to take it at Fordham in her sophomore year.</p>
<p>^^^He took it session one at Fordham and loved it. He thought his professor was fantastic and he wants to take more classes with her but I think she is at RH to further complicate things! He would try to minor if he could but it seems unlikely he will be able to pull that off and still graduate in 4 years. </p>
<p>Re your D’s placement in Spanish. Unless the foreign language requirement is waived, I think that the minimum number of courses a student needs to take is one, being the exit level. Most students place lower and have to work their way up. I don’t know anything about the Spanish professors but if she really had a terrible HS foundation she may be better off going through the classes at Fordham. At least you both know that she will be fairly fluent with Spanish when she completes her requirements and that can only help her in the end.</p>
<p>I’ve already started planning my Directing portfolio. Unfortunately my school doesn’t offer many APs, but I’m more than willing to take a few summer classes. I wouldn’t let the core compromise what I want to study, it’s the whole reason I’m going for a BA and not a BFA.</p>
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<p>I’m not exactly sure what you mean by that. Fordham has a very large core curriculum and the requirements WILL place some demands on your course schedule. There are choices within the core, yes, but ultimately the requirements do need to be met regardless of whether you want to take, a math course, for example. </p>
<p>I think the students at Fordham who are happiest are those that embrace the core as an opportunity to gain exposure to a wide variety of subjects instead of feeling burdened by it. I know that was huge for my S when he was looking at college programs and one of the major reasons he ultimately chose Fordham’s BA over a BFA at NYU Tisch.</p>
<p>What will make it easier for you to double major at Fordham is that your 2nd major is outside of the Theatre dept and you are willing to take summer classes. I don’t think your lack of AP credits will be a huge factor bc like I said, my S had 24 and only 2 core course requirements were satisfied. Can you graduate on time? It will absolutely take some good academic advising and it probably depends on your foreign language placement and how serious you are about also pursuing a minor. Good luck!</p>