What is it like to be a double major in music/science at Case Western?

<p>I don't know how many Case Western students actually post here, but I thought I'd ask this here. </p>

<p>Broadly put, what is the course load for a double major? Like how many classes, what kinds of extracurriculars, etc. of both music and science. </p>

<p>I submitted a pre-screening audition to Case Western, and I was asked if I wanted to double major in music and a major in science (I think if I put what science it is, it'll give me away). Double majoring was not part of my plan in the beginning. </p>

<p>I initially planned on possibly a music minor, or just doing some ensembles, which I put down on my pre-screen. In addition to those music activities, I'm interested in doing research, studying abroad, a cultural club, a foreign language (although this is mainly so I don't forget my being bilingual), and a club sport, at the least. Hmm, although the last three things could be combined. Although I didn't say pre-med on my application, that's also something I'm interested in. </p>

<p>The only thing is that there's a possible full-ride scholarship, which would be a huge deal. Of course that's jumping the gun, and I don't think I'd get it. There's plenty of people better than me. </p>

<p>Any information about double majoring, even if it's not music and science, is greatly appreciated.</p>

<p>Thanks!</p>

<p>It is absolutely possible to double major and is quite common, but, it really depends on the two majors…it really would be best for you to speak to someone in your two depts. to make sure it’s a possibility. Attend an admitted students day and make appts. with someone in the respective depts. and map out how you would do this. Some majors are easier to double up than others.</p>

<p>Thanks for your reply. </p>

<p>I was told it was a possibility – in fact, I was invited to do so. Luckily I will be speaking with students and people from both the music department and the specific science department in February. I still don’t know much about the music/science combination. </p>

<p>The webpage is pretty vague, it just says something like “the top students can graduate in four years, but it can take longer” and I also contacted the head of music department, but that answer was more or less the same thing. </p>

<p>I suppose it doesn’t look like too much more work. After all, I’d already planned on doing at least 3/4 of the activities in the music major. </p>

<p>I was kind of hoping there were people who could post a story of being a double major. Ah well.</p>

<p>I am in the same predicament as I am considering adding music and becoming a double major at CWRU. Adding a music degree to my major would definitely extend my years to at least 5 according to everyone I have talked to. Does anyone know if either of the music scholarships the full tuition award or the performing arts scholarship could be extended out from 4 years to 5 years?</p>

<p>When I asked, they were really evasive. :O</p>

<p>We were just at Case for music auditions and talked at length about this. It seems pretty easy to double major for most liberal arts majors. You are then getting a BA with majors in music and whatever else you like. For people in engineering it sounds more challenging but not out of the question. They said it depends a bit on how many AP credits you bring with you. We talked to students and heard that often they will take a course during a summer or two. Sometimes students stay an extra semester to finish both degrees (not sure but think engineering is a BS degree and music is a BA). I didn’t get any sense of evasiveness at all-- just that the answer depends a bit based on the second major, the student’s record and how many classes they fit in.</p>

<p>I think the real question is do you want to double major? If you are thinking pre-med, then GPA is quite important. Would you be able to keep up your GPA and the double major? Or do you want to keep your music up somewhat and minor?</p>

<p>For me, the music major at Case Western is not that much more than what I would already have participated on my own without any sort of program, except perhaps the music history classes. I’m thinking more about grad school rather than medical school, unless by some chance I suddenly become an academic superstar. </p>

<p>Hi! I am a mom of a current CWRU student triple majoring in Biochemistry, Music and French, due to graduate spring of 2015. She will graduate in four years, currently holding a gpa of 3.8.
She came to Case with 37 credits from AP tests, has taken 16-21 credit hours per semester, held a part time job along with being an RA for the past two years, and a boyfriend! The french major was the easiest as after her AP exam, she was only one class away from a minor. To promote that to a major, she has had to take one french class per semester. She did have to take a physics class over the summer, only because she switched from chemistry to biochemistry after freshman year.
She would tell you it is hard work, but if you are disciplined and love to learn - it is possible. She would also say that the semester that had 21 hours (5 classes with labs, plus jobs) was too much and she would not do that again. Orchestra is one of her favorites, and she looks at practicing and playing as her relaxing time. She has LOVED Case, and it has been wonderful for her!
Just happened to open this page by accident today, looking for info for my son!</p>

<p>Just following up on this thread. I did not receive any scholarship for music, so I’m not sure if I am able to continue music. The scholarship I did get is enough for Case to be a major contender for where I end up, so we’ll see. </p>

<p>Thank you for the details, @onecent! </p>

<p>My son is planning to double major in economics and mathematics with a minor in computer science. He is a member of a fraternity, he plays his horn in two ensembles and loves Case. He had both IB and AP credits to do this in four years,
But it seems very doable for him. </p>