Choosing a college major is a big decision; it shapes your academic experience and influences your career path after graduation. But what should you do if you’re passionate about more than one subject and genuinely can’t decide between two majors? That’s a dilemma that many students find themselves facing. It’s easy to get stuck in indecision, especially when you worry about picking the “wrong” major. The good news is that college is designed to help you discover yourself and explore areas of interest. You don’t have to limit yourself to just one academic focus. If you’re struggling with how to decide between two majors, know that there are flexible options available. You can double major in both areas or choose one as your major and the other as a minor. Each path comes with its own benefits, and the right fit depends on your interests, goals, and workload capacity.
Why Consider a Double Major?
Students who declare a double major earn one degree with both academic areas listed. Essentially, you complete the full set of requirements for both programs. It’s a strong option for students equally invested in both fields and who want to graduate with two distinct (yet often complementary) skillsets.
For example, combining graphic design and UX/UI design as a double major makes a lot of sense. The programs are related to one another and can give you a competitive edge in creative tech and marketing fields. Even interdisciplinary pairings, like business administration and psychology, offer unique value, allowing graduates to approach business challenges with a deeper understanding of consumer behavior, employee motivation, and organizational dynamics.
However, a double major comes with a heavier course load and more structured scheduling. You may need to start planning as early as your first year to stay on track for a four-year graduation timeline, especially if the two programs don’t have a lot of overlap. Electives and other optional experiences may be limited, and adding a minor on top of a double major isn’t usually feasible on a traditional timeline. Still, for students who are fully committed to both fields, double majoring can be incredibly rewarding and worthwhile. You’ll graduate with both a broader and deeper education that may open more career doors.
Why Add a Minor Instead of a Double Major?
If you are enthusiastic about multiple subjects but don’t want to take on double the workload, taking on a minor is probably a better choice. A minor is a secondary area of study that requires fewer courses than a major. It’s a smart choice if you want to support your main degree or want to study another area without overloading your schedule. For instance, a criminal justice major with a psychology minor may gain more insight into human behavior that betters their future role in law enforcement, counseling, or social services.
Minors are generally easier to fit into a standard four-year college plan. You may even be able to complete multiple minors alongside your major, especially if your minors relate closely to one another or your major degree program. They also leave a little room for electives and other opportunities outside the classroom. While minors don’t appear on your diploma, they are listed on your transcript and can (and should) be highlighted on your resume.
How to Decide Between a Double Major vs. a Minor?
If you are seriously considering two majors, step back and evaluate your goals and preferences. Ask yourself the following:
- Do both fields align equally with your long-term career goals?
- Is one a stronger focus, while the other is more of a personal or creative curiosity?
- How much structure and academic intensity are you comfortable managing?
- Are you okay with potentially needing extra time to graduate if there’s little course overlap?
You might find that one subject feels like a better fit for a major, while the other works well as a minor. This option gives you the best of both worlds without the pressure of a double course load. You should only pursue a double major if:
- You’re equally committed to both disciplines.
- You’re capable of handling a demanding schedule with less room for flexibility.
- There’s enough course overlap, or you have enough prerequisites, to make graduation in four years realistic.
- You’re open to extending your graduation timeline if needed.
When Should You Decide?
You don’t need to have everything figured out when you apply to or even start college. Most institutions, including Villa Maria College, don’t require students to declare a major until the end of their sophomore year. This allows you some time to consider different areas of study while fulfilling general education requirements and seeing what actually excites you.
That being said, if you’ve even considered a double major or minor, it’s smart to start thinking about it early. Planning ensures you stay on track, especially if you want to graduate within four years. In your first year, take on electives in both areas of interest, as these classes will likely count toward a major or minor down the line. You should also meet with an academic advisor as soon as possible. They’ll help you map out degree requirements, check for course overlap, and determine whether your plan is realistic.
Find Your Passion at Villa
At Villa Maria College, our small class sizes and supportive advisors make it easier to explore your interests and get the guidance you need. So don’t stress about making the “perfect” choice. Instead, focus on making the most of your time in college by choosing what feels meaningful, manageable, and aligned with your goals.
Want to learn more about Villa? Reach out to us today!
