Double Major vs Minor: What’s Worth It?
A double major sounds impressive, but it’s not always the best investment. The first question is: what problem are you solving? If the second major unlocks a skill set you can’t otherwise get—say, CS courses for a data‑heavy career—then a double could make sense. If it’s mostly for the resume line, a focused minor or a certificate may deliver more value for less time.
Time and cost matter. A double major often adds 12–30 additional credits, which might push graduation and housing costs. A minor typically adds 12–18 credits and can be completed with strategic electives. If you plan carefully, you can overlap general‑ed and major requirements to keep timelines tight.
Employers hire for portfolios and experience more than labels. Two majors can help, but a strong set of projects, a relevant internship, and clear communication skills usually win. If a minor plus a great portfolio gets you there faster, that’s a win.
Consider your bottleneck courses. Doubling in two heavy lab sciences or math‑intensive tracks simultaneously can crush your schedule. Many students do better with one rigorous major and a complementary minor that broadens their range (e.g., Information Systems + Marketing).
Finally, ask how you’ll use the combination in practice. “Statistics + Communication” can be very powerful if you aim for data storytelling or product marketing. “Biology + Spanish” is great for community health. “Finance + CS” is strong for fintech or quant internships. The best combo is the one you can demonstrate through real projects.
When a double makes sense
It’s compelling when the second major unlocks core courses that directly enable your target work (e.g., CS courses for data‑heavy economics roles, or statistics for biology).
Double‑friendly pairings
- Information Systems + Marketing (product analytics + go‑to‑market)
- Statistics + Psychology (experimentation and behavioral data)
- Mechanical Engineering + Industrial Design (function + form)
- Biology + Public Health (bench to community impact)
When a minor wins
A minor shines when it complements your main skill stack without heavy credit loads. Pair with focused artifacts: a marketing minor plus a real campaign can beat a second major with no portfolio.
Financial & scheduling checklist
- Plot remaining credits by term and include bottleneck prerequisites.
- Estimate added tuition and housing if graduation shifts.
- Find electives that double‑count toward both general ed and a minor.
Next up
- How to Choose a College Major (A No‑Stress Guide) — A practical, step‑by‑step process to choose a major you won’t regret.
- RIASEC Explained: The 6 Interest Codes — A clear guide to Realistic, Investigative, Artistic, Social, Enterprising, and Conventional interests.
- How to Switch Majors Without Losing Credits — A step‑by‑step plan to pivot cleanly with minimal delays.
About the author
Everyday Royalties Editorial — We publish clear, practical guides that help students choose majors with confidence. Edited for accuracy and readability. Updated 2025-09-29