Ahh, fall is finally in the air. The semester is halfway over, and the classes you’re taking for both of your majors are going pretty well. Christmas break seems so close you can taste it. As the end of the semester approaches, so does spring semester scheduling. For most, it’s an exciting time to see what classes you might get to take - maybe that art class you’ve been waiting for will fit with your required classes! But for double majors, it can be the biggest source of frustration throughout your four years.
1. Opening up the requirements for both of my majors so I can see what I still have to take.
I can totally get all of these classes done before I graduate. I don’t have the time to retake anything, but I won’t have to retake anything! I am Super Student, ready to take on the requirements for not one but TWO majors!
2. Oooh, this class looks fun! And it’s an intro-level. That’ll help lighten up my semester. Just gotta make sure it’s being offered…
Of course not, why would it be?
3. Okay, this is a 200 level, still not too bad, and everyone talks about it so it’s gotta be offered next semester…
A double major might mean double the number of fun classes to choose from, but they’re too often those classes that are rarely offered, if ever.
4. Right, I need to focus on those 300 and 400 level classes anyway. I could take the next Spanish class I need and Statistics, there are two classes I know are being offered.
Annnd another nope, they’re both happening at the same time. Because my majors are in two completely different departments, this happens a lot. Maybe I can borrow Hermione’s time-turner?
5. I absolutely have to take Epidemiology, since I didn’t take it last semester because it conflicted with a class for my other major.
Nevermind, it’s only offered once a year, so it won’t be offered in the spring. It’s okay, I’m sure my advisor will be fine with it. Right?
6. Maybe if I just look up random classes I need for each major, I’ll be able to get something that works.
HAHAHAHA. No. Everything I try, there’s at least one conflict. At least one, but usually more. In one iteration, all four classes met at the same time.
7. Hey, I could pick up a minor! That’ll give me more options for classes.
As if you even have time for that. Next option!
8. Kids joke about running away and joining the circus, I could just do that.
This scheduling nightmare is seriously worse than my fear of clowns.
9. Alright, maybe not the practical choice. I could ask my advisors for help, but I don't want to bother them. I should be able to at least make up a schedule.
Okay okay, it's true, every semester, these people are my saviors. And sometimes the ones to hand me a tissue when I think the only option is dropping one of my majors.
10. This might be a pain in the butt every single semester, but I love my two majors and I’m so excited about all of the things I can do with this degree.
Sometimes it seems like it isn’t worth it, but in the end I remember how awesome it is that I can study two of my passions in depth - psychology and public health - and have expertise in two areas when I begin the great job hunt post-grad.
Happy scheduling!
