Students pursuing a graduate degree or entering the job market face more competition than ever. By concentrating in less specific fields, students with double and joint majors try to get an edge over other graduates.
While it has become trendy for students to take on more than one major in hopes of increasing the appeal to graduate school and in the job market, some students simply stumble upon a double major due to multiple interests.
"I came in as an education major. One requirement was (a) sociology class. I liked the class and kept taking them, and before I knew it I had enough to apply for the major. (A double major) wasn't my intention though," said Luis Celestino, a senior sociology and education major.
To keep up with the demand for multiple concentrations, UB offers a variety of programs for students who wish to take a heavier course load. A double major program consists of two concentrations in which the student takes all the requirements for both subjects and receives two degrees.
Some students may take advantage of a joint major program, which offers slightly smaller course loads because the two concentrations are from the same bachelor's degree division. If, for example, a student is earning a bachelor's in fine arts and in psychology, the double concentration is a joint major where the requirements for both majors are reduced to accommodate the workload.
"A joint major is where you negotiate with the director of undergraduate studies in two departments, and you satisfy both requirements but shave off a little of each," said classics professor Don McGuire, who is also the director of the College of Arts and Sciences Advisement. "A double degree is when you get two separate degrees. If you do a double degree, it's 150 credits."
Tiffany Jones, a junior majoring in psychology and sociology, is taking advantage of the joint major option.
"I think sociology and psychology go hand in hand. That's why I decided to combine the two instead of just taking them as two totally different majors. I think it's easier to combine them," said Jones.
There is also a double degree option offered for those earning a minimum of 150 credit hours. In this program, a student must fulfill the requirements for each major plus additional credit hours in a different field. If a student takes the standard 30 credit hours per year, the program takes five years to complete.
"Students can finish in four years if they take classes during the summer or if they can handle taking 18 or 19 credits a semester," said Lisa Sandquist, assistant director of Student Advising Services.
The program can also be completed in four years if a student enters college with advanced placement credits from high school.
Courtney Sudbrink, a freshman French and political science major with an art history minor, took advanced placement classes, allowing her to pursue her two majors and focus on her professional ambitions.
"I want to go to law school for international law and having proficiency in a second language is important. I have to take six classes a semester, but having a double major gives me an advantage," said Sudbrink.
McGuire said one of the most important aspects of choosing a double major is the time involved.
"Students should know what they're getting into, both in intellectual terms and logistical terms. You need to have an aptitude and an interest in both subjects," he said. "You have to envision a curriculum in six to eight semesters that will satisfy two majors. You want to be able to finish it in a timely manner."
Robert Orrange, associate director for career planning and placement, says that while a double major might be helpful towards getting a job, the student must be aware of the added responsibilities.
"(A double major) is nice but it doesn't relieve a student from other responsibilities," said Orrange. "One concern I have is if they devote all their time to two majors, they may miss out on opportunities for other activities that graduate programs and employers look at."
Orrange points to activities such as being involved in clubs and internships as things that may be sacrificed by those pursuing a double major.
Despite decreased extracurricular activities, some students feel multiple undergraduate focuses make them more prepared and adaptable to the job market and to graduate schools.
"I think my double major lets me choose between two careers in either teaching or sociology," said Celestino. "I don't recommend (a double major). It's a lot of work, but (if) you decide to double major, stick with it."
Orrange said, though, that while a double major may help a student, taking so many classes is not for everybody. Some students are wary about doubling their course work.
"I had a lot of trouble choosing my major, so I can't imagine trying to do another one," said sophomore business major Allison Scolisi. "One of my friends is a double major in English and history, and I never get to see him. He always has so much work. I'm busy enough with one major, so I definitely don't need another one."
"It's a case by case basis. Every once in a while, when a student is having a hard time deciding what to major in, I may suggest it," said Orrange. "As a career counselor, I tell students to follow your heart and the money will follow you. Do something you love and you will be successful."
