<p>So I know that Princeton does not have a double major program (why, I don't know), but how does that affect students who attend here? Do they wish they could get a second bachelor's degree? I'm interested in physics and philosophy. I would most likely like to get a degree in physics (more practical), but it would be so amazing do get a second degree, especially if you worked enough for it. Policy says that your transcripts still note that you fulfilled all requirements for the second major, but to me it just wouldn't feel the same. The most important thing for me is to learn and grow academically, which is why I would follow my diverse interests if I did get into Princeton next year and decided to go, but for what it's worth a second degree would be great.</p>
<p>If the most important thing to you is learning and growing academically, then why do you want a degree so much? You can still take all the same classes and learn the same philosophy. The only thing youâll miss out on is not writing a philosophy thesis but writing two senior theses would not be fun.</p>
<p>Well yeah I do feel that way in the end. If I have an opportunity to go to Princeton I will SERIOUSLY consider it. I guess I just donât know why they donât allow double majors.</p>
<p>^Sounds like a joke major, like âPhysics for Philosophy Majors.â</p>
<p>Anyway, I donât think not being able to double major changes anything at all for Princeton students. The concept of having more than one major seems kind of unnecessary. You will never be at a disadvantage for only having one major. No one in the real world cares very much what your major was anyway.</p>
<p>Not a student, a parent here, with some thoughts on double majors. Iâve noticed there is a trend at some colleges for students to double major, and those that donât feel like theyâre slacking or wonât be taken as seriously in the next round, whether itâs for employment or education. Students at a school like Princeton got there because theyâre very hard workers. If P allowed double majors, someone would push to triple major. Pâs distribution requirements acknowledge the value of taking a variety of courses, and double majoring would act against a student sampling different fields. </p>
<p>Itâs also true that a transcript can be read, so the information is available to an employer or grad school. Serious departmental work is done at the graduate level. I think P has addressed this by offering âcertificatesâ. It recognizes that the student has done work in a department but puts a brake on double major inflation.</p>
<p>Finally, it sounds a little whiney to me. To argue that youâre just in it for the knowledge and then moan that P doesnât allow double majors sounds a little ingenuous. Iâd be careful not to give off that kind of vibe* in any collegeâs application. And double majors do need result in double degrees. Itâs still one bachelorâs, even in the schools that allow double majors.</p>
<p>*Iâm old; I used words like that sometimes</p>
<p>At our Princeton information session, after the senior thesis was explained, the admissions representative said that the thesis is why very few people double major at Princeton. I got the impression that it was possible but very difficult.</p>
<p>Iâve seen the physics/philosophy major at yale and it IS a more watered-down physics major with no labs/technical skills classes. i think i can understand why there are no double majors now. princeton has so many resources and opportunities so it should seem petty to criticize their policies. i know i would be very happy there if i get acceptance!</p>
<p>At a recent Princeton roadshow, Logan Powell, Director of Admissions stated that students are unable to do two senior thesisâs, hence, no double majors.</p>