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"Should I double major?" sounds like an ambition question, but it’s really a time-and-money question. A second major can deepen your path — or quietly add a semester and crowd out the internships that matter more. Here’s how to weigh the three real options.
Double major
Two full majors, often in one degree. Real depth in both fields — and proof you can carry a heavy load. But it eats most of your electives, can be hard to fit in four years, and rarely doubles your salary. Worth it when both fields genuinely matter to your goal (e.g., a science + a language for global health), not just to look impressive.
Major + minor
One main major plus a smaller cluster of courses in a second area. Far more flexible — you signal a second interest or skill (a CS major with a business minor) without the full course load. For most students chasing a "second thing," a minor delivers most of the benefit at a fraction of the cost.
One focused major
A single major plus electives, internships, and projects you choose. Often the smartest path: employers usually care more about skills, experience, and your portfolio than a second major line on a diploma. Depth + real-world experience can beat two majors.
A double major rarely pays for itself by itself
Two majors don’t mean two salaries. What moves a career is the skills and experience behind the degree. If the second major builds those, great — but if you’re adding it mainly to impress, a minor plus a strong internship usually wins for less time and money.
Does the second field genuinely serve my goal — or am I just afraid to choose?
Can I finish in four years, or will it add a semester (and a semester of tuition)?
Would a minor, a certificate, or a few targeted courses get me 80% of the benefit?
Will an internship or project teach the skill better than another set of required classes?
The biggest hidden cost of a double major is time. If fitting both means a fifth year, that’s a full extra year of tuition and living costs — often more than any salary bump the second major brings. Map both sets of requirements against four years with your advisor before you declare, and decide with the real timeline in front of you.
Think it through: start with how to choose a major, see how to change a major, and check whether it will pay off.