View Full Version : Double Major worth it?
So I have a question I was hoping to get some advice on.
Next year I'm going to be a junior in college but at the end of last semester I switched my major from math to chemical engineering, so because of this instead of graduating in two more years, it will probably take three more years for me to finish all the chem. eng. requirements. However, I'm done all my general ed. requirements and I since I can't take too many chem. eng. classes at once because they are all prerequisites for the higher ones, I'm going to have alot of room left in my schedule each semester.
Because of this, I figured out that I would be able to do 3 minors along with the chem. eng. major: math, physics, and polymer science without extending my time needed to graduate, and all three of these would probably be helpful for a chemical engineer to have, especially for graduate school, which I plan to do. However, I can also do a double major in Math and chemical engineering, but then I wouldn't have time for any of the minors.
So basically I'm wondering if you think it would look better for future employers and/or graduate school to have a double major with no minors, or a major with 3 minors. I asked my adviser but he's an idiot and really didn't tell me anything.
xilikeeggs0
2008-05-20, 19:36
I'd go for the double major. I'm sort of in the same situation, so I'm double majoring in Political Science and International Relations and minoring in History. I had a lot of hours from CLEPS and classes that I had taken while in high school when I started college, so I can afford to do all of that and still graduate in 4 years.
I think 2 majors would look better than 1 major and 3 minors, but I don't think that it will affect your ability to get a job. Just having a degree makes you desireable.
whocares123
2008-05-20, 23:28
i think the double major would be "better." you'll learn aspects of physics and polymers with the chemical engineering and math double major, covering whatever you lose by not taking minors in those areas. any more you need to know will be learned in graduate school or on the job, i think.
Real.PUA
2008-05-21, 01:58
You probably have a unit cap so go talk to a counselor.
chem eng / chem is a very good double. i would definitely recommend it, it basically writes you your own pay-cheque.
z3r0 c001
2008-05-22, 03:41
I'm Double-Majoring in Math and Comp. Sci.
chem eng / chem is a very good double. i would definitely recommend it, it basically writes you your own pay-cheque.
I would do this but surprisingly there's not much overlap between chemistry classes and chemical engineering classes, so it would take too long to do them both. I would only do the double major in math since I'm already more than half-way done it since I just switched out of it. I just figured out that even with the double major, I'll still be able to do one minor, so I'm pretty sure I'll do that. A double major with one minor isn't too shabby anyway.
Real.PUA
2008-05-22, 05:53
You should see if your school offers a 5 year masters.
I'm not entirely sure how I would describe my course, as I don't refer to my subjects as majors, nor do I have the opportunity to take any unrelated subjects [Masters w/ Honours Mathematics & Computer Science] so I'm not sure how it reflects here relative to over in America, but the combination of the two subjects I take at least sounds impressive, even if your transcript is nothing of the sort...
Either way, going down two paths opens more potential doors than simply one if you're looking for niche employment [ie. scientist] - and if you have a passion for two or even more subjects, what's stopping you? There are more employers and graduate schools around than you can shake a stick at, and it says more about you if you did what you wanted to rather than simply conforming to a requirement.
Good luck! :D
Zodiac228
2008-05-22, 09:07
Danreil:
If polymer science was not one of your intended minors, I would say just do a double major in Chemical Engineering and Mathematics. But the fact is that Polymer Science (Plastics Technology) is a hot field. The rising crude prices could slightly sour the demand for plastics - but in the long run polymer science will take you places.
I myself stuck to one major, and have a BSE and MSE in Industrial Engineering... but really would not mind getting a certificate in polymer technology. Also, apart from Math, you need to concentrate on process monitoring techniques and various statistical softwares. Good luck!
--Zodiac228--
Eudaemonistic_SOB
2008-05-23, 18:29
A double major, or variety of minors can do one of two things for you.
It will either demonstrate to an employer that you've split your time studying between different topics and aren't as qualified in any one field as someone who chose a focus.
Or it will demonstrate to an employer that you have a basis within several subjects and will be a strong addition to their organization.
There are some programs where a double major, among acheivers, is expected or assumed. These programs include computer science, political science, physics, and mathematics. In general, achievers are expected to branch out, so as to demonstrate their usefulness, ability, and drive.
whocares123
2008-05-23, 22:25
A double major, or variety of minors can do one of two things for you.
It will either demonstrate to an employer that you've split your time studying between different topics and aren't as qualified in any one field as someone who chose a focus.
Or it will demonstrate to an employer that you have a basis within several subjects and will be a strong addition to their organization.
There are some programs where a double major, among acheivers, is expected or assumed. These programs include computer science, political science, physics, and mathematics. In general, achievers are expected to branch out, so as to demonstrate their usefulness, ability, and drive.
what's with mods switching to old accounts these days? feels like watching forest creatures all running in one direction, as i am unaware of the huge swarm of evil they're fleeing from.
what's with mods switching to old accounts these days?
I was curious if I could remember the password.
TruthWielder
2008-05-27, 16:55
I'd go for the double major. I'm sort of in the same situation, so I'm double majoring in Political Science and International Relations and minoring in History. I had a lot of hours from CLEPS and classes that I had taken while in high school when I started college, so I can afford to do all of that and still graduate in 4 years.
I think 2 majors would look better than 1 major and 3 minors, but I don't think that it will affect your ability to get a job. Just having a degree makes you desireable.
Oh SNAP eggs. I'm majoring in international relations right now and am thinking of the double major in political science as well! What do you seriously plan to do with your degrees? Just another one on the list of our crazy similarities.
xilikeeggs0
2008-05-27, 18:14
Oh SNAP eggs. I'm majoring in international relations right now and am thinking of the double major in political science as well! What do you seriously plan to do with your degrees? Just another one on the list of our crazy similarities.
Do it! You're not minoring in history too, are you? That would be beyond creepy.
I have no idea what I want to do with them. Probably nothing. I'll probably end up being a carriage driver for the rest of my life, or (hopefully) moving back to the east coast and starting my own business.
Do it! You're not minoring in history too, are you? That would be beyond creepy.
I have no idea what I want to do with them. Probably nothing. I'll probably end up being a carriage driver for the rest of my life, or (hopefully) moving back to the east coast and starting my own business.
In a tide of "I'm going to be an anesthesiologist/famous actor/senator", realistic people are refreshing.
What about physics/chem, is that a good double major?
TruthWielder
2008-06-02, 05:52
Do it! You're not minoring in history too, are you? That would be beyond creepy.
I have no idea what I want to do with them. Probably nothing. I'll probably end up being a carriage driver for the rest of my life, or (hopefully) moving back to the east coast and starting my own business.
lol no, though I have a great interest in history.
Damn eggs, I gotta say that I have no idea either. lol but what exactly is a carriage driver? Ah well...regarding your business venture...if you have a dream make it a reality.
xilikeeggs0
2008-06-04, 20:34
lol no, though I have a great interest in history.
Damn eggs, I gotta say that I have no idea either. lol but what exactly is a carriage driver? Ah well...regarding your business venture...if you have a dream make it a reality.
This sort of thing:
http://www.mvdghostchasers.com/photo%20pages/debe%20update%202/Addams%20Family%20at%20rawhide/Carriage%20ride%20in%20San%20Antonio,%20TX.JPGhttp ://farm3.static.flickr.com/2052/2088689792_67de7190c3.jpg
kurdt318
2008-06-07, 16:47
I just saw a report on the News Hour with Jim Lehrer about the job shortages in america and, apparently Chemical Engineering has high pay and a great job outlook. +1 for you.
whocares123
2008-06-08, 16:17
I just saw a report on the News Hour with Jim Lehrer about the job shortages in america and, apparently Chemical Engineering has high pay and a great job outlook. +1 for you.
that is until china catches up and the industry moves there. it's already happening with electrical engineering.
engineering/design jobs are not safe from outsourcing.
asdfghasdfgh
2008-06-17, 14:42
Make sure you like them both. If you do, go for it. It is worth it from my opinion.
Rykoshet
2008-06-25, 10:50
Mgt and HR with a law minor here.
3 extra courses over 4 years to fit it all.
Not bad.