<p>I an incoming freshman and have declared a computer engineering major, but I am also interested in business/economics. I was thinking of doing a double major in the two fields since it would diversify my education, improve my credentials out of school, and in the future if I want to switch careers for any reason I'd be able to do so relatively easily.</p>
<p>I have over 40 AP credits right now, many of which are pertinent to these majors like econ(macroµ), physics(e&m and mechanics), calc(ab&bc) and comp sci credits, along with many of the gen ed credits. However, I am in the honors college gemstone program, which entails a 4 year research project and time commitment. Do you think double majoring and graduating in 4 years is a reasonable idea for me since these majors won't have much (if any) overlap, and I'm in gemstone?</p>
<p>Look over all the requirements for both majors as well as your other programs and make a hypothetical 4-year schedule. This will let you know if you can fit in both majors without taking on too much. Double-majoring definitely can be doable, but it depends on your specific situation so you should make a list of every class you’d need to take and see if it all fits into 4 years. And if double-majoring doesn’t work for you, adding a minor can be an easier way to diversify your education.</p>
<p>When our S entered USoCal as an engineering student, he was strongly encouraged by the dean NOT to double-major (even tho he entered with 60 AP credits) because she said there are already so many requirements for engineering. She suggested that folks consider just taking courses of interest to themselves. </p>
<p>That said, we know one young man who got a bachelor’s in petroleum or chemical engineering, bachelor’s in finance and a master’s in finance all in 4 years plus one or two summer sessions. He was very driven. Agree that it’s a good idea to look at all the requirements that you NEED to get for your major(s) in deciding what is “do-able.” </p>
<p>Our S ended up taking courses that interested him, including geology, sailing, and of course his engineering requirements for EE degree. He even started a rock climbing club and presented a poster about geology at a national conference. We feel it helped him be more rounded and allowed him to explore interests outside of EE, so are glad he didn’t stretch himself to get a double-major or major/minor.</p>
<p>As a computer engineering student, you are eligible to apply for a three-year honors program called QUEST. It is only open for students in engineering, business and CMNS schools. It is very competitive, so you do need to do well your first semester. You apply after your first semester and selections are made before the end of the spring semester. QUEST is a unique, multi-disciplinary, team-oriented program that will augment your engineering education and give you direct connections to the business world…it will definitely give you some great credentials.
[QUEST</a> - Robert H. Smith School of Business - University of Maryland, College Park](<a href=“http://www.rhsmith.umd.edu/quest/whatisquest/]QUEST”>http://www.rhsmith.umd.edu/quest/whatisquest/)</p>
<p>In the fall around Thanksgiving or so, they will do informational sessions so you can get more information and ask questions.</p>