Can someone do a double major( 2 majors) and one minor?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the feasibility and implications of pursuing a double major in mathematics and computer science, along with a minor in physics. Participants explore the workload, university policies, course overlaps, and personal experiences related to managing multiple academic pursuits.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Debate/contested
  • Technical explanation
  • Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants express concern about the workload associated with double majoring and minoring, questioning if it is too much work.
  • Others suggest that the amount of work is manageable if sufficient time is dedicated to studies.
  • It is noted that university policies vary, with some institutions requiring more courses for majors or minors than others.
  • One participant shares their personal experience of successfully completing a double major and a minor, aided by AP credits and summer classes.
  • Another participant mentions a friend who intentionally delayed graduation to complete multiple majors while maintaining a high GPA.
  • Some participants confirm that it is possible to pursue double majors and a minor, sharing their own experiences of managing their schedules without overloading.
  • Concerns are raised about potential course overlap between majors and minors, with some participants emphasizing the importance of checking specific program requirements.
  • There is a discussion about the possibility of having two separate BS degrees versus one degree with two majors, with differing opinions on how this is handled at various universities.
  • One participant inquires about the feasibility of pursuing a Master's in Mathematics and an MBA simultaneously.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree that pursuing a double major and a minor is possible, but there are multiple competing views regarding the workload, course overlap, and university policies. The discussion remains unresolved on the specifics of degree conferral and program requirements.

Contextual Notes

Participants highlight that program requirements and policies can differ significantly between universities, which may affect the feasibility of pursuing multiple majors and minors. There are also mentions of potential course overlaps that could impact the separation of subjects.

Karimspencer
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Or is too much work.
I want to major in mathematics and in computer science. And do a minor in Physics.
 
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I suppose the amount of work isn't really a problem as long as you can spend a sufficient amount of time on it.
 
Depends on the university. Some require more courses for a particular major or minor, some require fewer.
 
I did it, years ago, but it helped that I received a semester's worth of AP credit beforehand, and that I took summer classes for 3 summers.
 
Karimspencer said:
Or is too much work.
I want to major in mathematics and in computer science. And do a minor in Physics.

Yes. I had a friend that really wanted to finish her majors. She intentionally skipped taking a course so she wouldn't graduate on time. She wanted to finish with another major. She majored in Chemistry, Biology, and Math, and she was close to a major in Physics too. omg, and she maintained a 4.0 GPA
 
Thank you for your feedback everybody. Are there any 4-year universities that don't let us do more than one major plus minors?
 
Yeah, it's possible. I'm doing majors in Math and Physics, and a minor in Computer Science. I won't have a light senior year like most of my friends, but I'll still be able to graduate on time, and never have to overload my schedule.
 
WormBanshee said:
Yeah, it's possible. I'm doing majors in Math and Physics, and a minor in Computer Science. I won't have a light senior year like most of my friends, but I'll still be able to graduate on time, and never have to overload my schedule.

Thanks for the feedback. What college do you go to?
The difference between me and you is that I am majoring in mathematics and computer science and minor in physics. You are majoring in Math and physics and minoring in computer science.
 
I go to Pacific University (the one in Oregon, US).

Yeah, that's true, there is probably more overlap with Math and Physics than there is Math and CS. Our school does have a ton of core requirements, so the capability may even out if yours has fewer. I personally am keeping my majors completely separate (not using classes like Classical and Quantum Mechanics or Algorithms to count towards my Math major), so if you were to do things like take Physics and CS classes that do, then it would be easier too. But that would move you a bit away from Pure Math, if that's what you're into.
 
  • #10
Well, what I want to do is have the subjects have nothing to do with each other according to courses. So when people say double major or minor, will that mix some courses with each other? Cause I want to have separate.
 
  • #11
Not sure what you are asking. There tends to be overlap between programs. Math and computer science majors take the calculus sequence as do physics minors. Math majors take a computer science class or two. You'll have to look at your school's programs and the required coursework and plan your electives if you do not want to take classes that are similar, if that is what you are asking.
 
  • #12
Well, certain things have to cross over. Like most CS majors would likely make you take Linear Algebra, and so would your Math major. Like Physics at my school requires you do the calculus sequence, and so does the Math major, but it all depends on your program requirements (like Mmm Pasta said).

Other than those few classes that overlap because they are fundamental to both subjects, you can probably keep them totally disjoint. That's what I'm doing.
 
  • #13
Oh ok I see, so at the end of my undergraduate year , I have would have two BS degrees?
 
  • #14
Karimspencer said:
Well, what I want to do is have the subjects have nothing to do with each other according to courses. So when people say double major or minor, will that mix some courses with each other? Cause I want to have separate.

You'll have to check your specific program requirements to be sure of what you need to do. It varies from university to university. For example, your school's policy on double majors might be that if an upper division (300, 400 level) course is required for both of your majors, that it only counts towards one of them, and you have to find a substitute course to fulfill the other major's upper division requirements.
 
  • #15
Karimspencer said:
Oh ok I see, so at the end of my undergraduate year , I have would have two BS degrees?

Just one degree

I had 2 majors and 1 course short of a math major and 1 short of a computer major. You just pick which shows on the degree. At least that's how it worked for me.
 
  • #16
Well could you do the same with a Masters degree. I want to get a Maters in Math and an MBA. Can I do them at the same time?
 

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