<p>Hello everyone! I was recently accepted to Northeastern University as a biology major. When I was applying, and selecting a major, I had to chose between two passions, biology and computer science. I applied as biology. This week, I stumbled upon their combined majors section on their website. Here, they listed that they had a combined program for bio and comp sci. I had a few questions about this.
1. How does one start this program? Do you need to finish a year before entering? What do I need to do to gain entry to this program? If I can't enter my first year, what classes should I take?
2. Is a combined degree looked down upon by employers for either subject, because the curriculum isn't entirely that major?
3. Can I take computer science and biology co-ops?
4. How rigorous is a combined program's coursework compared to a normal major?
5. How difficult is it to gain acceptance to a double or combined major program?
Thank you all very much!</p>
<p>Typically you can start immediately. Especially for programs like CS, where you need to start right away to finish on time, you should talk to your advisor right away. They should be able to help let you know what CS advisor will help you, and they can tell you what CS classes you need to take. The first year classes for CS majors is on the CS website, and the registrar has listing of what courses are required for the dual.</p>
<p>No, not at all. Most employers don’t understand it anyway. Despite my resume saying dual and telling the truth in all interviews and jobs, every employer I’ve had (and my parents…) tell people that I’m a double major.</p>
<p>Yes, nothing is stopping you. But if co-ops are typically to figure out if you want to pursue something. So don’t just take one bio and one cs co-op cause you think you have to or are supposed to. If you take some courses and realize that you’d prefer to work in one or the other, then just stick with one. It’s up to you.</p>
<p>Tough, but do-able. You take the same classes, so it’s not like the classes are more rigorous. But sometimes someone doing just one might get to take a few more electives than you, so might have a bit more homework one semester. Not a big deal.</p>
<p>Acceptance is based on if they think you can hack it and hack it in time. So a fourth year won’t get in, because they can’t do all the requirements in time. Just like someone with a 2.0 won’t get into a major like CS or business. The important thing is to be a decent student and make sure to get started early so that there is no doubt.</p>