Considering Dual Degree and Double Major?

So I've been thinking about my future academic pursuits and the idea of a dual degree or a double major seems appealing. What's the major difference between them, and can any of you share some advice or experiences related to choosing either path? Does it significantly increase the workload? Thanks in advance!

Response: Hi! You've asked a great question that's tough for many students to navigate. The primary difference between a dual degree and a double major lies in the number of degrees you earn at the end.

With a dual degree program, you'll work towards two degrees that can even be in different schools within a university, like a B.A. from the School of Arts and a B.S. from the School of Science. This might take an extra year or two because you'd have to fulfill the graduation requirements for two distinct degrees, and there typically aren't overlapping requirements between the two.

On the other hand, a double major will result in one degree but with two fields of study. It's typically done within the same school, like a B.A. in both English and History or a B.S. in both Chemistry and Physics. You'll have to satisfy the requirements for both majors, but you wouldn't have separate requirements for two different degrees, like with a dual degree.

In terms of workload, both options will indeed mean a heavier course load or more terms in college versus pursuing a single major. However, many students find it manageable if they are highly interested and motivated in their areas of study and have good time management skills.

Another factor to consider is how related the fields of study are. Overlapping coursework can lighten the load a bit. For instance, if you double major in Economics and Business, some required courses might count for both majors. On the contrary, dual degrees in fields like Engineering and Music, for example, might not have overlapping coursework making your path more intense.

Ultimately, you'll want to consider your academic ambition, career goals, and capacity to handle an increased workload. You should also look into how your schools of interest structure their dual degree and double major programs since that will factor into the workload and length of time to graduation. It's always a good idea to speak with your academic counselor once in college to ensure you're making the right decision for your specific aspirations.