Exploring Double Majors and Minors
DOUBLE MAJOR
Considering a double major or adding a minor? This guide will help you think through the opportunities, challenges, and key questions before making your decision.
Opportunities:
- Two degrees for the price of one – maximize your higher education investment
- Ability to study a secondary subject of interest
- Broader knowledge and skill set
- Additional career options
- Enhanced graduate or professional school applications
Challenges:
- Less flexibility in your schedule – fewer electives
- Class scheduling conflicts
- Delayed graduation date
- Extra costs for additional courses or semesters
- Higher stress, which can impact GPA
Advisor tip: Whether you come into Charlotte as a first-year student or transfer, give yourself a semester to get used to things before making any decisions about double majors.
Key Considerations
It’s not just about the math
Even if your combined major plans fit within 120 credit hours, that doesn’t guarantee an on-time graduation. Consider these common factors that affect degree completion:
- Admissions requirements – some majors have their own admissions process, and admission may only be awarded once or twice a year
- Declaration timing – some majors accept new students at specific times during the year
- Required internships, student teaching, clinicals, or practicums
- Language proficiency requirements
- Prerequisite courses
- Availability of courses – required classes may be offered during certain semesters
- Course sequencing – the specified order of classes
These factors may mean that it takes longer than expected to complete a major.
Talk to an academic advisor early
Each major and minor has different rules. Before deciding, schedule a meeting with advisors from each major you’re considering. Be honest about your goals and timeline. Here are some questions to ask:
- What activities or requirements come with this major (e.g., internship, clinicals)?
- Are there prerequisites? What’s the course sequence like?
- How often are key courses offered?
- Is admission competitive?
- How might this affect my graduation timeline?
Advisor tip: Use the “What If” feature in DegreeWorks to try out different majors or minors.
Career impact
Employers look for candidates with a strong skillset, but what they value most is relevant experience. Make sure that any academic choices that you make (a double major, minors) don’t get in the way of you gaining multiple semesters of relevant experience.
If you’re considering a double major for the expanded career options, research potential career options for each of Charlotte’s majors with the “What Can I Do with a Major in….?” resource. Consider whether the career(s) you’re interested in require a specific major (many careers don’t).
Advisor tip: Exploring careers? Take the PathwayU assessment and meet with a career coach.
Graduate & professional program admissions
Graduate and professional (med school, law school) programs look for applicants who have demonstrated high academic achievement. The most common measure of academic achievement is your GPA. Ensure that you’re taking classes that you can excel at; it’s more important to have a high GPA than to have multiple majors or minors.
If you’re able to excel in your coursework, then choosing a double major or minors may showcase your ability to handle academically rigorous coursework. Think about what your major/minor combination says about you. It should support a cohesive narrative in your grad or med school applications.
For specific advice, connect with the Pre-Health Professions Advising office, Pre-Law Advisor, or Career Coach.
MINOR(S)
Much of the information above applies to considering adding one or more minors. Think through these questions when considering a minor:
- Why do I want to add a minor?
- Will this minor complement by major or career path?
- Do I have room in my schedule to complete the minor without extending my time to degree?
- Are there overlapping classes between my major and minor that could make it easier to complete?
- Can I realistically manage the additional coursework with my current responsibilities (major coursework, relevant experience, leadership roles, and personal obligations)?
- Is this minor flexible or rigid in sequencing and timing?
- Could I gain these skills or knowledge another way?