When entering college, most students decide to pursue only one major because they think that adding another field of study to their degree will require a lot of extra work that is not worth the time or the effort. However, as a triple major in Political Science, Global Studies, and Spanish, I found that doing more than one major has been one of the most valuable and rewarding decisions I’ve made as an undergrad. In this post, I explore five benefits that make choosing an extra major a great decision.
Expand Your Knowledge
One of the most significant benefits of double or triple majoring is that it helps you expand your knowledge and get a more well-rounded education. Having several majors allows you to develop expertise in multiple subject areas that you can apply to tackle complex issues both in your classes and outside of school. Besides, you will gain new perspectives and viewpoints that will be useful to both your personal and professional life.
Follow Your Passions
Another benefit of having multiple majors is that it lets you follow your passions and cultivate intellectual curiosity. Many students choose one specific major because of employment prospects and the ability to gain the hard skills they need to enter the job market. However, while doing this, they leave behind the study of subjects they are truly passionate about. Having two or more majors solves the dilemma between employability and passion, allowing you to learn about topics that interest you while getting the knowledge and skills needed to obtain a job after graduation.
Get More Value for Your Education
A college education is a significant financial investment, and doing only one major could be a waste of money. With a double or triple major, you can get more value for what you or your parents are paying for. Instead of spending thousands of dollars for one degree, get two or more for the same amount. In Rutgers, for instance, there is no extra charge for taking additional classes to fulfill your second major requirements. After 12 credits, all students are considered full time and the price is the same for 4 or 7 courses.
Avoid Taking “Extra” Electives
In Rutgers, like many universities across America, students are required to complete 120 credits to be eligible for graduation. With a typical degree requiring between 30 and 50 credits, and general education classes making up about 40 additional credits, most students will still need to complete around 30-40 credits to finish their bachelor’s. Adding another major is a great way to satisfy those remaining credits instead of taking extra classes that you are not interested in.
Get Job Security and Expand Your Career Opportunities
Completing two or more majors during your undergraduate education is an impressive accomplishment that most employers will notice. Besides your multi-field expertise, graduating with more than one major showcases your organizational and time management skills necessary to succeed in any career. Moreover, your second or third will increase your chances of finding employment, opening the door to hundreds of jobs in several industries. You don’t have to worry as much about getting a job in your intended field because your other major(s) will serve as a backup plan when the job market is not doing well. Think about your double or triple major as a way to diversify your portfolio of opportunities.
Written by Cris P., a Rutgers—Camden Undergraduate Student and Raptor Ambassador.