<p>This question has been asked so many times, it's becoming almost churlish. However I would appreciate if you guys can help me out with my case. </p>
<p>I transferred after my first year. I wanted to do CS initially, but after transferring I decided that I also wanted to do physics (considering I'm in love with both subjects, and they are both under very strong departments at the new uni). The CS major is under the engineering school so it has quite a bit of requirements, and the only degree offered by the physics department is BS. So overall, the combination of those two majors is quite overwhelming. However, after thinking it through and talking with my advisor, I believe it's the right choice for me. </p>
<p>The problem--as the title gave it away--is that there is an extremely high chance I won't be graduating in 4 years. Maybe 4.5, but even that is pushing it. I will probably graduate in 5, despite having taken summer classes after my freshman year and despite taking roughly 20 credits per semester. </p>
<p>I should also mention that I do an extensive amount of research all throughout the year, including the summer (REU's, etc). My plans are to apply to a PhD program in the sciences soon after graduation. </p>
<p>Anyway, let me not make this any longer: does graduating in 5 years negatively affect me? Maybe I'm being unnecessarily paranoid, but I feel that my application will get tossed under the pile once some employer/graduate school will see that I've not graduated "in time". </p>
<p>Help me reaffirm my paranoia, and thanks for reading through that.</p>
<p>There are a LOT of engineering majors out there who take more than 4 years to complete their degrees, due to various situations like certain courses being only offered during a particular quarter/semester on top of required prereqs (the same is true for many other majors). Not everyone completes their degrees in 4 years.</p>
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<p>If it means extra semesters in school, it can cost more. Also check whether any financial aid or scholarships run out after your 8th semester.</p>
<p>Some schools do not like it when students take extra semesters, so be sure to check the policies at your school. You may have to ask permission to take an extra semester or two.</p>
<p>Would having a single major with electives in the other major allow you to graduate in fewer semesters than having both majors?</p>
<p>Doing only the physics degree, yes without a doubt. I would in fact have enough credits left over to take many extra courses in physics (maybe even a few graduate ones). Since CS is under engineering, I wouldn’t be able to go much in depth beyond what is required for the degree, but very probably I would be able to graduate in time. </p>
<p>However I really want to do both of them. The financial part isn’t a problem (or at least not in terms of opportunity costs) because I go to school tuition free (I’ve also asked in regards to extra years, and I was told that my scholarship will cover up to 5 years given that there is a good reason–such as double majors).</p>
<p>5 years for dual-difficult majors? I wouldn’t have a problem reading it on a resume - especially since there was a transfer. If it were at one school and a bullet point, I might not even do the subtraction to see that it was five years. What would be more interesting is your research work and course work.</p>
<p>I don’t think it should make a big difference. Like others said, what’s more important is research work, your grades, and course work taken.</p>
<p>If anyone has to worry about having to take a long time to graduate negatively affecting me, it’s me. I had to start math right from the beginning and have to build my math skills up to understanding differential equation, physics, and engineering. It’s going to take me 6 1/2-7 years to graduate with a bachelors in aerospace enginneering. :(</p>