Some people choose to settle for a high school diploma, while others choose to go to college. Some take it one step further: double majoring. But, it’s not simply about going to your advisor and telling them that you want to double major. This is something that you might want to think through.

For those who don’t know what double majoring is, it basically means studying for two degrees at the same time. For example, you can double major in sociology and psychology. Speaking to Kathryn Hill, the assistant director of academic advising at Concordia University Chicago, we were able to gain more insight into double majoring and what it entails.

“Yes, double majoring is good, but it also depends a lot on the major combination.”

Hill pointed out that some majors require more credit and classes than others. She suggested that choosing majors that are similar is usually a better choice, such as criminal justice and sociology. Reason being that the classes will most likely be similar and overlap, thus decreasing the number of extra classes that you might have to take.

But many students don’t really think of picking majors that might overlap. Their main preoccupation is mainly that double majoring will be too much for them.

Jaslyn Santiago, a junior psychology student at Concordia University Chicago, said that she would have liked to double major in social work.

“I felt like it would have been too much on my plate,” said Santiago.

Noemy Sotelo, also a student at Concordia, is in her first year. Noemy is majoring in computer science, but is thinking about possibly majoring in business management as well.

“I’m still thinking about it, but it might be too much,” said Sotelo.

Double majoring should be thought about carefully. Hill, suggests that the best course of action would be to get in touch with your academic advisor in your college and ask them the best course of action, since there are many factors that could influence this decision.

One of those factors is money. The financial aid that a student receives is only renewable for 4 years.

“I would suggest asking an advisor to look at the numbers to see how feasible it is and if the time spent in school will increase.”

If you’re a student considering double majoring, search for the resources at your college to help you decide. It’s always best to start early in order to ensure you have time to complete all the required classes. In the end, double majoring might be worth it and open up many opportunities for employment.