Anyone here ever do or is doing a double major?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers on the experiences and considerations of pursuing a double major, particularly in fields that may seem disparate, such as literature and physics. Participants share their backgrounds, challenges, and thoughts on the feasibility and implications of combining such different areas of study.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Debate/contested
  • Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • One participant expresses interest in pursuing a double major in literature and physics, questioning whether such a combination is common or acceptable.
  • Another participant shares their experience of managing a double major in philosophy and English literature, noting the relative ease compared to a more technical major.
  • A participant mentions a double major in chemistry and physics, along with a minor in philosophy, indicating a relatedness between their chosen fields.
  • One contributor reflects on their physics and English journey, highlighting how the two disciplines can complement each other and enhance the learning experience.
  • Another participant recounts their struggles with AP Physics, expressing doubt about their fit for physics while also feeling a strong connection to English literature.
  • A participant encourages the pursuit of a double major in physics and literature, acknowledging potential challenges as the coursework advances.
  • One contributor shares their positive experience with a double major in mathematics and literature, emphasizing enjoyment and dedication as key factors.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express a variety of experiences and opinions regarding double majors, particularly in seemingly unrelated fields. There is no consensus on the ease or difficulty of such combinations, and several participants highlight personal challenges and successes without resolving the broader question of compatibility.

Contextual Notes

Some participants mention specific challenges related to the rigor of their respective majors, including the potential for increased workload and the need for strong time management skills. There are also references to personal experiences that may influence one's decision on pursuing a double major.

Who May Find This Useful

Students considering a double major, particularly in fields that differ significantly, as well as those interested in the experiences of others who have navigated similar academic paths.

  • #31
Here*, physics students usually take the same intro sequence of mathematics as the math majors--calc I, calc II, calc III, linear algebra, differential equations. Math and physics majors also take the intro to computer science course. Math majors then take their advanced math courses, and physics majors take their advanced physics courses.

Calc I was a 5 hour course, II was a 5 hour course, III was a 3 hour course, Diff EQ was a 3 hour course, and programming was a 3 hour course.. That's nineteen hours...and at my university, that's a math minor. You'd only need another twelve hours or so of math coursework to graduate with a major.

At some engineering institutions, the engineering department teaches their own engineering calculus courses, and sometimes the physics department directs students to take those courses instead. That might complicate things if someone decides on a double major later.

One friend of mine who was an undergrad when I was a grad student did a QUADRUPLE major. Physics, physical sciences, mathematics, and Earth science, and a minor in geospatial analysis. Lots of overlapping coursework, probably 10%-15% of each major overlapped.

(* Where "here" = United States)
 

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