Every college student knows that they have to choose a major. While this in itself is difficult, some decide to take on another major. Personally, I think double majoring is a great idea, especially if one of your majors is already small or has few credit requirements. Of course, double majoring isn't for everyone, and it is a huge academic and time commitment.
I personally am a double major in anthropology and SMAD, or media arts and design. I chose anthropology as a freshman, because I really like the courses and found it to be very interesting. Then sophomore year I decided to take on SMAD as another major. While both majors are very different and challenging in their own ways, I feel that I have gained important knowledge and skills from both.
What I like about double majoring is it allows me to explore a more wide variety of topics. Anthropology allows me to learn about cultures through a theoretical, anthropological lens, while SMAD allows me to do assignments more hands-on and teaches me how to use software like Photoshop, InDesign, and coding. In this way, SMAD is very much more practical and able to be used in real-life, while anthropology teaches me about people.
For those considering double majoring, it's highly important that they realize the time commitment and dedication it will take. I personally encourage it if someone doesn't already have a super intense and time-consuming major (something like engineering for example).
Furthermore, some majors complement each other very well. For example, SMAD and communications are very compatible, as both deals with media and human interaction. Although compatibility isn't the most important thing, it helps when choosing what majors to pair together.
Graduating with just one major is perfectly fine, but double majoring makes someone more well-rounded I believe. Every major requires skills and knowledge, so having the skills and knowledge of two majors as opposed to just one can be very beneficial.
As for real-life application, having a double major might help in the job searching department. Employers might look at someone with two majors and think they have good time-management, multi-tasking skills. Double majoring is also indicative of good work ethic and inclination towards learning and challenging oneself.
Thinking outside employment, double majoring could potentially make you more competitive for grad school or even law school. Knowing a lot about not just one, but two fields of the study show that you are well-informed and knowledgeable about many things. Law school is unique in that it doesn't require a specific major, but having a double major certainly makes one a more competitive candidate.
Lastly, double majoring could be beneficial in that someone wouldn't have regrets. Oftentimes, students cite their parents as the reason they're taking a major. Double majoring allows one to please their parents, while also following their passion.
