The Core

<p>How do Chicago students feel about the Core Curriculum? Its sounds great from what i read, but limiting if u want to double major or anything (Can u double major or minor at Chicago?)</p>

<p>Yes, you can double-major and a fair number of people do, but the University only issues on degree. That means if you fulfill the requirements for both, say, a BS in Mathematics and a BS in Physics, you won't be issued two degrees. Rather, you pick which one.</p>

<p>As for minors, they're very unimportant here at Chicago. It was not until the last few years that any department even issued them, and currently it is at the department's discretion as to whether or not to offer a minor. Most departments don't, I'd say.</p>

<p>I was originally thinking of majoring in economics and then thought that it would be a good idea to also major in mathematics. It still seems like a good idea but I'm not so sure now knowing that I will only get one degree. Do you know why they do this? </p>

<p>
[quote]
Double Majors
Students in the College can declare two or more majors, but no matter how many majors one has, the University will grant only one bachelor's degree per student (it is proper to write "Second major in" [fill in the blank] on a resume). Consider the possibility of two majors with care as there are both positive and negative aspects to such a plan. If an honors thesis is required, check the college catalog to see which majors allow students to write a single thesis that will count for both. In such cases, students must submit a Dual Major/Single Bachelors Thesis Consent Form by the end of Autumn Quarter of graduation year. Note that students rarely write two separate bachelor's theses. Finally, if both majors require senior seminars, investigate whether it is possible to schedule both classes in the same quarter.</p>

<p>Potential positives of a double major </p>

<p>Two majors can meet the needs of a student with diverse academic interests
Examples: biological sciences and art history
Two majors may complement one another intellectually
Examples: physics and mathematics, or history and english
Potential negatives of a double major </p>

<p>Employers/graduate schools do not necessarily view two majors as better than one
Two majors do not make up for mediocre grades
Most/all free electives are lost to the second major
Many programs of study do not allow students to use one BA thesis for two majors
It can be difficult to study abroad and double major

[/quote]

<a href="http://www.college.uchicago.edu/academics/majors.shtml%5B/url%5D"&gt;http://www.college.uchicago.edu/academics/majors.shtml&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p>

<p>they do offer a major in mathematics with specialization in econ... so you could do econ AND that if you want....</p>

<p>A lot of people double-major anyhow, and math/econ is a very common one.</p>

<p>Yeah that would make sense too. Thanks.</p>

<p>But really, why do they only give out 1 diploma, and is this a common practice?</p>

<p>Its a mixed bag. Some places do actually give you two diplomas (like Penn State: <a href="http://www.psu.edu/advising/faqstu.htm%5B/url%5D"&gt;http://www.psu.edu/advising/faqstu.htm&lt;/a&gt;) I believe Michigan is a single diploma school for example.</p>

<p>I would expect that most places at least put both majors on the diploma, although it sounds like Chicago doesn't based on the quote above.</p>

<p>Having gotten my first degree 30 years ago, I can tell you that no one will ever ask to see your diploma(s). For your first job/grad school your transcript will tell the interviewer/comittee everything they need to know - after that, you just put something like:</p>

<p>Education: BS Economics/Political Science, University of Chicago, 2010</p>

<p>at the bottom of your CV and forget about it.</p>

<p>jacknjill,</p>

<p>It's not just one diploma, it's one degree. If you double major in math/econ, then you either have a BS/BA in Mathematics or a BA in Economics. Let's say you decide to get the BS in Mathematics. Then you do not have a BA in Economics. It would be incorrect to list this on a resume/CV, and if an employer called Chicago to verify it could get you into some trouble.</p>

<p>Rather, you should say something like "BS in Mathematics, with second major in Economics."</p>

<p>I guess what really matters is if I really want to learn more and how it will help my career. With the information given to me it doesn't seem too wise to have 2 majors. Thanks for the information, hopefully I'll need it (waitlisted transfer applicant).</p>

<p>I want to double major in bio and econ..does anyone know if this is possible?</p>

<p>japstudent,</p>

<p>I doubt there's a double-major which is actually impossible. I know people who have double-majored in bio and mathematics, for example. You might have to work especially hard and forfeit most of your elective classes.</p>

<p>Is there an Econ minor?</p>

<p>I dunno. Look it up on the Department of Economics' page or call the listed department phone number.</p>

<p><<is there="" an="" econ="" minor?="">></is></p>

<p>No there's a list of minors on UChicago's website and unfortunately Econ/Political Science aren't one of them. They are mostly languages and cultural studies.</p>