While the world is struggling to choose one specific major to stick to for the rest of their lives, here you are looking for the possibility of studying more than one. While some people might argue you are aiming too high, pursuing more than one major in college is a doable task, but it simply requires a lot of effort.
Asking how many majors you can have in college is like asking how many sports you professionally play; it all depends on how much time you have and your personal preferences.
However, if you consider majoring in more than one major in college and feel confused about the right decision, no need to worry. In this article, we will explain in detail how to know how many majors you can have in college, what to choose, and how to be sure about it.
What Does a Major in College Mean?
What Does a Major in College Mean?But what is a major in university? We often confuse the term major and degree, as they seem intertwined when they are not. A major is a subject or field you focus on during your college or university education.
A major consists of multiple core classes you have to successfully complete to obtain your degree and graduate. However, most majors have other prerequisites required of you for graduation, such as a minimum amount of credit hours you need to complete before you graduate.
On the other hand, a degree is a certificate you earn once you graduate. The most common examples are Bachelor of Science (BS) and Bachelor of Arts (BA). Most of the time, the type of degree earned is dictated by your college major. But other times, that just is not the case.
Take this example: some universities offer Economics as a college major that will eventually get you a Bachelor of Science. In contrast, other colleges have different curriculums and contribute towards a Bachelor of Arts.
But have you ever heard of a “major concentration”? Sometimes, your major is coupled with your degree to give future employers a better idea of the curriculum you have undergone throughout your college years.
These concentrations are often referred to as specializations, as they allow you to study your major of choice with a bit of in-depth understanding of a particular matter.
For instance, instead of pursuing a Bachelor of Science after majoring in accounting, you may choose a Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) specializing in accounting. This shift will allow you to pursue a more business-related career in the future.
What are the Top 10 Majors in College?
First of all, let us get this out of the way and agree that there is no such thing as a “prestigious” college major or college degree. Second, the top 10 majors in college are what most students pursue, or what majors are classified as broad and more manageable to study than others.
Here is a list of the top 10 majors in college that are the most common:
- Business. Business as a college major teaches you the principles and fundamentals of how a company runs efficiently.
- Health professions. As the world population increases, more doctors, physicians, and nurses are in demand.
- Psychology. The number of mental health illnesses and people suffering from them has been on the rise, which brings psychologists into high demand.
- Biology. Many biology-based fields offer excellent pay in the working area, which is one of the reasons numerous students pursue it as their college major.
- Engineering. Engineering has been one of the most popular college majors since the beginning of education. It offers a diversity of options and job positions.
- Education. More students enroll in colleges and universities every year for many reasons, which means we need even more instructors.
- Communication. A communication college major assists the student in several different skills such as marketing, journalism, editing, writing, and critical thinking.
- Finance. Not only does a major in finance open up numerous opportunities for you, but it teaches you calculus and mathematics in a more practical, more fun manner.
- Computer Science. As technology becomes more ubiquitous, an increasingly growing number of students are pursuing computer science majors.
- Social Sciences. Social science majors are proficient at communication, leadership, analytics, and discipline, preparing them for different possible paths.
Can You Have Multiple Majors in College?
Look, going to a university and pursuing a college major is not really about studying and obtaining exceptional grades. Think about it; a university teaches you how to efficiently and effectively use your time to work, study, meet friends, and juggle what seems like a thousand different tasks.
For that reason, specifically, having an abundance of time spent on your academic life, most students looking for a major in college opt for the more straightforward, less-consuming track. However, no matter what you choose, at the end of the day, there is one key objective you need to learn: discipline.
“How many majors can you have” becomes a trivial question if you do not have the thrill and dedication for the work you are about to do. You will have to constantly learn and develop yourself even throughout your work career. Your education will not end when you receive your degree.
Most universities only allow you to take up to two majors during your college years. Really, isn’t it only a boost for your ego if you take on more? So how many majors you can have in college really does depend on your intentions and end goals.
People who pursue two majors choose two that complement one another. For instance, if your primary major is accounting, but you are also really good at coding, you can pursue a double major in accounting and computer science.
Hence, a double major, also known as a dual major, is the most common choice for students who want to expand their knowledge through more than one field. No one really recommends more than two majors, as that will lead to a hectic lifestyle as well as minimal social interaction.
How many majors can you have in community college, though? Since it usually takes 2 years to earn an associate’s degree, you will have to spend an extra year if you want a double major and 4 if you desire 3 majors.
It does not end there; people who go to community colleges do not want to spend 4 years of college or university. Pursuing more than one major would definitely disrupt your future plans.
Weigh the pros against the cons, and figure out if you want to spend extra time and effort on an additional major.
What are Good Double Major Combinations?
Before actually considering which two majors to pursue, let us weigh the pros and cons of seeking a double major in the first place. Consider the following factors before committing to a double major.
Pros
- More opportunities. Having a double major and two degrees can possibly earn you a fantastic position somewhere. It could potentially make you more money than other students who majored in one college major.
- Stand out. Sure, pursuing a double major and successfully completing it gives you bragging rights, making you stand out. This will highlight your potential and existing skills on your resume as well.
- Provides a backup plan. The thing about having a double major is that it gives you leniency. For instance, if you decide to have a career shift, you can easily change from one of the fields to another. Having a double major will also help you find more job opportunities.
Cons
- More time at college. There is a possibility you might have to spend an extra semester or an additional year just to finish your credits. However, you can always take summer or other courses that might satisfy your credit requirement.
- Time crunch. You definitely will have less free time, as a double major will work on eating out all the time you have left. Also, weigh out your priorities; do you really want to cut down on your social life and extracurriculars?
- It might affect your GPA. Before venturing into this life, research the majors you want to study. How much time do they require? Is it possibly going to affect your concentration and time split?
If, after extensive consideration, you decide to go for different majors in college and take the high road for a double major, here are some common double major combinations:
- Accounting: Computer Information Systems or Finance
- Art: Business
- Biology: Chemistry
- Communication: Business, Marketing, or Psychology
- Criminal Justice: Psychology
- Economics: Business, Foreign Languages, Marketing, Political Science, or Mathematics
- Engineering: Mathematics or Economics
- Environmental Science: Marine Biology
- Foreign Languages: International Studies or Political Science
- Law: Accounting
- Physics: Engineering, Mathematics, or Creative Writing
- Political Science: Philosophy
- Psychology: Linguistics
- Statistics: Public Health
- Supply Chain Management: Computer Information Systems
Can You Switch Majors in College?
Short answer: yes. Actually, according to College Raptor, a whopping 80% of students end up changing their majors at some point. Most of the time, you can change majors if you really want to, but that can also vary depending on which university or college you have applied to.
For instance, in Greece and European countries, you do not have the luxury of changing your major even if your current one does not fit you. That is because you get your major based on their national entrance exam, so there is no going back.
However, switching between different majors in college is usually plausible. You will have to contact your university and ask them how you can proceed with the procedure, but it is generally required to fill out a form of some sort.
The application is basically another application for a college major. In the US, for instance, you can apply for a different major as long as it is not subscribed (CS or engineering, for example, would not be possible to shift from).
However, there might be a chance your application might be rejected. Moreover, think it over; do you really want to have a different major in college? Or do you not want to put the work in?
On the other hand, numerous students have changed their majors over the years and have been ecstatic with their choice. It might open you up to a broader range of topics, help you find your passion, or even land you a position that you have been anticipating.
What is the Difference Between Majors and Minors in College?
To be put simply, your major is your primary field of study that will always be there. A Minor is a secondary part of your education that is kind of in the background. For a minor, you will not have to take the same course load as in a major – you most likely will have to complete only 3-4 courses.
Moreover, a minor does not earn you a degree; a double major would make you two degrees, while a major and a minor in college will only earn you one.
But how many minors can you take in college? Well, that depends on your major and multiple other factors. The typical path would be one major and two minors, or you can opt for a double major and a minor. Either way, the load would be incredibly hectic, so make sure you evaluate your choices.
Well, how many majors and minors can you have? You have to understand that there is no limit to how many minors and majors you can have. Some guy once completed 4 majors in 5 years of college, but can you imagine the work he had to do?
However, most universities encourage you to only take two majors and two minors at a time. That is because you are expected to finish university on time and maintain all of them together.
Can you have five majors in college? The short answer, once again, is yes. It is feasible. However, most universities do not allow that in the first place, and it seems almost impossible for anyone to complete 5 majors in college within the typical 4 years of study.
How Do You Choose Your Major in College? 5 Things to Consider
Choosing what to study as an undergraduate student is no easy feat. For some, it is considered one of the most important and life-altering decisions they will ever have to make. It can be a pretty difficult decision settling on one field you want to pursue for the rest of your life, which is why you should consider these factors:
1. Find your passion. Honestly, we believe that the key to finding a college major that keeps you happy is through finding your passion. Once you do find your passion, find a way that it could earn you money. Be creative.
2. Recognize your abilities. You might be someone who loves physics but is not good at mathematics and calculus. If you cannot figure out calculus despite putting in your utmost efforts, then physics might not be the best choice for you.
3. Long-term presence. Will your major be around in the next 10 years? Is there a chance of unemployment? For instance, accounting nowadays is a gamble as we can do everything via technology. Make sure you evaluate the time situation too.
4. Earning potential. The college itself is a considerable investment, so look at the big picture here. Will you find work? Is your major in high demand right now? Will it pay you well enough for you to live a life you would be content with?
5. Location. We all want to travel abroad and study, don’t we? If that is also the case with you, make sure you research the country you aim to settle in and check if the job you want to work in is even in demand.
Wrapping Things Up: How Many Majors Can You Have?
Different college majors will give you various opportunities in life, but not all of them would be perfect for you. At the end of the day, whatever might be working for you might not work for someone else.
Again, there is no specific limit on the number of majors you can take in college. However, instead of carrying the burden of two majors, you can consider other options. Some examples are declaring a minor, studying in a different country, taking different online courses you are interested in, or even undergoing a paid or unpaid internship.
Did you like this post? We have a ton of helpful college study tips here.
> What is the Most Stressful College Major?
