Double Majors

Most students are best served by choosing a single major, perhaps in combination with a minor. Nevertheless, in exceptional cases students may elect one of the following options.

Double Major. A double major is simply two majors. This means that you fulfill all of the distinct requirements of both majors including, if the departments require it, two Senior Theses. This may not be easy to do, especially in economics (because of the need to take courses in a specific sequence in order to complete all of the requirements). Prospective employers and graduate schools are generally less likely to be impressed by a double major than by the quality of a student's work in the specific courses she has taken.

Double Major with Single Senior Thesis. This option may be more workable than the Double Major insofar as one thesis is presumably easier to write than two. However, it can be harder to write a thesis that integrates two disciplines than it is to write one within a single discipline. It also can be harder to write a thesis with two advisors, each of whom can be depended upon to apply criteria of evaluation from their own discipline. Nevertheless, this option may make sense for you. If you decide to pursue it, realistic expectations of the heavier workload involved, and advance planning concerning your thesis topic and choice of advisors is essential. A first step is to get the appropriate form from the Registrar and seek the advice and consent of the respective Department Chairs.

Special Major. This option involves creating your own major from among the courses offered through the university as a whole. However, usually special majors synthesize two or more existing majors, and so involve taking the core of more than one major, which are often more courses than students expect. There can also br significant extra paperwork arising from the fact that special majors are ultimately overseen by the Committee on Programs and Academic Standing, and not by any individual department. If you think this option may nevertheless make sense for you, begin by writing a rationale for your proposed major and a list of proposed courses. Acquire the appropriate form from the Registrar and seek the advice of the appropriate Department Chairs."