Being a student at UVA is tough. Life can feel like it’s moving every time you blink and it’s easy to become overwhelmed with classes, clubs, and other extracurriculars. On top of all of that, you’re expected to figure out your major and job interests within your first few semesters. It can be hard to figure out your first major much less a second one. However, I’m here to tell you why double majoring can be one of the best decisions you can make.
My Personal Experience:
When I started at UVA, I had no idea what I wanted to study and so I took classes I was interested in to try and find a major. Like many of you, I switched my potential major probably twenty different times. I was interested in everything from Statistics to Classics and everything in between. I finally figured out that I wanted to be a lawyer and I realized that I could major in anything that I wanted. I always loved history and I decided to stick with something that I was passionate about. However, I also realized that I wanted to study something else as well. After a professor came and spoke with my class, I realized how easy it would be for me to double major in Archaeology. Along with a Spanish minor, I realized that I had found the right subjects for me. Double majoring has allowed me to pursue what I’m passionate about which has made classes much more enjoyable and easier for me. I also get to go to field school next summer for Archaeology which is an exciting way to receive hands-on experience and research. Double Majoring changed my life and it can change yours too.
The Benefits of Two Majors:
- It allows you to dive deeper into a subject you are interested in or pursue a completely different topic than your primary field of interest
- It can help you stand out to graduate programs and potential employers due to a more diverse and extensive skill set.
- You are getting two specializations for the price of one
- Getting a second major can almost always be completed in the same four years which means you get more for what you pay for
- Most major programs at UVA recognize that many students double major and are accommodating when it comes to figuring out requirements and course schedules
- It allows you to get to know Professors from different departments
- Two majors also means two advisors and who doesn’t love two sets of advice
- It allows you to get to know Professors from different departments
- It can be worth it to double major instead of just picking up a minor
- Many times minors at UVA require so many core and elective classes that it only requires a few more additional classes to complete the major
Tips for Double Majoring:
- Take a variety of different classes to complete gen-ed requirements, you never know which ones will fulfill major prerequisites
- Reach out to Department Heads or your professors if you have questions or concerns about double majoring
- Most professors love to talk about their programs and they can often tell you a lot more then what is listed on the website
- For your second major, pick something you’re passionate about
- I encourage you to pick something you really enjoy for your second major. Especially if you’re pre-med, this can be a great way for you to explore the humanities and other topics of interest
- Don’t overwork yourself
- If having a second major becomes too much, drop it! Focus on what will make your college experience the best!
- Talk with the career center and your advisor
- UVA has these resources for a reason, USE them!
Major Takeaways:
While not everyone at UVA picks up a second major, many people do. It’s important to consider all the resources that UVA has, including their wide range of interdisciplinary programs! Many programs acknowledge and encourage double majors because it helps you to acquire a greater skill set while in college! For me, double majoring has been one of my best decisions at UVA! I was hesitant at first, but I promise it’s a very rewarding decision!