Q: This is my third time I’ve changed my major. From journalism (no money), computer sci (money but not enjoyable), and now a double major in history and religion. What kind of jobs can I get with this double major?
A: One of the important things to remember about any major is that it’s probably been designed primarily to prepare students for graduate study in the same field. So, unless you plan to get a master’s degree or Ph.D. in history or religion, you should think hard.
Also, ask yourself why you’re double-majoring. Because most majors are designed for graduate school preparation they tend to be both narrow and deep (i.e., they require a lot of hours that are specific to the discipline but may not be too valuable outside of it). The large number of credit hours required by most majors (often 60 or more) is one reason why graduating in just four years is so hard. If you double-up on majors, you’re likely to be in a college a long time. (One way you can check this is by creating a graduation plan that shows what courses you’ll have to take and when you’ll take them.)
There’s another, potentially more productive, way of looking at your choice of a major. Begin by thinking about the things you like to do. See if you can connect something you’re passionate about to a career. Then, find out from people who work in that career what skills are required of them.
Once you’ve done this, you’re likely to find that your previous majors haven’t been entirely wasted. Look for a new major that has two qualities: (1) it provides the additional education you’ll need for your chosen career, and (2) it doesn’t require too many credit hours. Then see if you can turn one or both of your previous majors into a minor or emphasis. Look for connections between the old majors and the new one, and try to strengthen them via your choice of new courses. Customize your degree to make you uniquely prepared for your chosen career.
Connecting Your Degree With A Career
Q: This is my third time I’ve changed my major. From journalism (no money), computer sci (money but not enjoyable), and now a double major in history and religion. What kind of jobs can I get with this double major?
A: One of the important things to remember about any major is that it’s probably been designed primarily to prepare students for graduate study in the same field. So, unless you plan to get a master’s degree or Ph.D. in history or religion, you should think hard.
Also, ask yourself why you’re double-majoring. Because most majors are designed for graduate school preparation they tend to be both narrow and deep (i.e., they require a lot of hours that are specific to the discipline but may not be too valuable outside of it). The large number of credit hours required by most majors (often 60 or more) is one reason why graduating in just four years is so hard. If you double-up on majors, you’re likely to be in a college a long time. (One way you can check this is by creating a graduation plan that shows what courses you’ll have to take and when you’ll take them.)
There’s another, potentially more productive, way of looking at your choice of a major. Begin by thinking about the things you like to do. See if you can connect something you’re passionate about to a career. Then, find out from people who work in that career what skills are required of them.
Once you’ve done this, you’re likely to find that your previous majors haven’t been entirely wasted. Look for a new major that has two qualities: (1) it provides the additional education you’ll need for your chosen career, and (2) it doesn’t require too many credit hours. Then see if you can turn one or both of your previous majors into a minor or emphasis. Look for connections between the old majors and the new one, and try to strengthen them via your choice of new courses. Customize your degree to make you uniquely prepared for your chosen career.