Double Majors and Secondary Majors

Students with diverse or multiple areas of interest might consider adding breadth to their academic program by choosing to add a double or secondary major. 

Adding a second official area of study provides opportunities to experience another field of inquiry, participate in another intellectual community and learn another academic methodology. 

Double Majors

While students usually only declare one major, they can also declare multiple majors within the same bachelor degree program (BA, BS, or BAS).  Double majors must fulfill all of the requirements for both majors with no overlapping courses.

  • What are the benefits of the double major?
    Pursuing a double major is an option for students interested in more than one major area. It allows students to either deepen or diversify their course of study.
  • When should students declare a double major?
    Planning for a double major is much more complicated than planning for a single major. Students are strongly encouraged to initially declare a single major and then add the additional major later through Axess.
  • What additional process is involved in declaring a double major?
    Students pursuing a double major must complete a Major-Minor and Multiple Major Course Approval form from the Office of the Registrar. This form details a plan of study that meets all the requirements for each major. The form requires signatures from the major departments and should be submitted to the Office of the Registrar.
  • What special requirements exist for students pursuing double majors?
    Double majors must fulfill all the requirements for both their majors with no overlapping or double-counted courses. The two exceptions to this are the following:
    • Courses that satisfy an introductory skill requirement (e.g., introductory math or foreign language)
    • For students majoring in an engineering field, any course that meet a school requirement in the School of Engineering

Students with questions about overlapping courses should consult their faculty advisor.

  • Is it better to do a double major or honors?
    The decision between a double major and honors should be determined by each student’s specific goals. A double major allows students in-depth exploration of two fields of study. The honors program provides students with the opportunity to pursue independent research under the guidance of a faculty member, culminating in a capstone project. 

Read more about the Honors Program.

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Secondary Majors

As with a double major, filing a secondary major allows students to complete more than one major. However, note the following significant differences:

  • In declaring a secondary major, students can overlap courses between the majors. 
  • On student transcripts, one major is listed as a primary major, the other as a secondary major.
  • The secondary major does not appear on the diploma.
  • While students are encouraged to seek faculty advising in their secondary department, that department is not required to assign formal advisors to these students.

Pursuing a secondary major is a good choice for a student interested in pursuing two majors who cannot fulfill the course requirements for the double major.

Individually Designed Majors (IDM)

TheSchool of Engineering offers the option of an individually designed major program. For more information:

Choosing between the Options

Students seeking to enrich their academic program may consider other means of adding breadth or focusing their course of study by considering the following options:

  • Minors. A minor, like a multiple major, can allow students to explore diverse interests
  • Honors. Pursuing honors can add depth to an academic program by allowing intense research, culminating in an honors thesis
  • Research. Students can engage in an in-depth research project in their field, designed to focus their particular academic interests
  • Coterm. The Coterminal Masters Program allows students to begin a master’s degree while still completing their undergraduate degree requirements.

The choice between these different options depends upon your learning style, schedule, and academic and personal goals. To help you make this decision:

  • Read through the Comparing Majors Options chart.
  • Draft a four-year course schedule for each of the alternatives you are considering and evaluate how the different choices will affect your course work.  Take into account course load, electives and the opportunity for study abroad.
  • Consult with your Academic Director or, for student-athletes, with your AARC Advisor.

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