Like many students at the University, Claire Kendig plans to graduate in eight semesters, but her curriculum is a bit more rigorous than some of her fellow undergraduates.
She is a dual degree junior majoring in biology and international studies. This past semester, her schedule was comprised of nearly all math and science courses.
Kendig is part of a small group of students who are pursuing a double major in order to improve their marketability post-graduation.
"It wasn't a diverse curriculum," Kendig said of her earlier semester. "I didn't have thinking on both sides of my brain." This semester she decided to spread things out and add liberal arts to her classes.
"If you focus on one thing, your perspective is very narrow," she said.
According to the General Catalog, a dual degree requires students to earn "30 hours more than required for the degree that requires the fewer number of hours." Students pursuing a dual degree are advised to use elective classes from one area to knock out core classes in the other.
Helen Taylor, associate dean of the Manship School of Mass Communication, says students should look into using electives to complete their second major. She said it is practically the only way a student with a dual degree can graduate on time. The Registrar's Office and the Graduate School did not have statistics available regarding the exact number of double majors enrolled at the University.
Jake Stowe, a sophomore international studies and biochemistry double major, said he practically lived in his counselor's office when he was considering the pursuit of two areas of study. He said he plans to work toward dual graduate degrees in business administration and public heath. Stowe said he balances his workload by combining liberal arts with math and science classes.
"Even though I enjoy science a lot, sometimes it's too much rigor," he said.
The Princeton Review's online college guide suggests students research their major choices to alleviate complications around graduation time. The curriculum for a double major takes plenty of extra time and work, and The Review encourages students to make sure they can make the commitment. Most importantly, students are urged to consult their counselors often.
Clovier Torry, director of records for Graduate School Admissions, said if students request a dual degree during registration, graduate directors assume they have already been counseled. She also said the marketability of a dual degree depends on the student's career goals.
"It just depends on how they feel the second degree can enhance them," Torry said.
Kendig suggests students consider a foreign language for a second major or minor because it has applicability in the marketplace.
Michael Legendre, philosophy and Spanish sophomore, said he has no specific career plans, but he hopes a double major including a foreign language will open doors for him.
"Because of my double major, I can do a lot of things I'm interested in," he said. " Having a double major doesn't lock me into a specific career."
---- Contact Sarah Lawson at slawson@lsureveille.com
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