How to Propose a Double Major

Students interested in more than one field of study often consider double majoring.

Students with deep interests in more than one field of study often consider double majoring, and around 20 percent of each class do so. There are some areas of study for which double majoring is quite common, such as languages.

For most double majors, junior and senior years are devoted to courses in the two major subjects, many of them upper-level. If both majors require a year-long senior conference sequence and a substantial thesis, a double major may be especially challenging. A minor or a concentration may offer some of the same advantages as the double major, but with fewer requirements.

If you would like to major in two subjects, it is best to plan ahead. You must obtain prior approval from both major advisers as well as your dean. Before you initiate the formal application process, you should meet with major advisers in each department to make sure you understand that department's major requirements, as well as its minor requirements. Discuss the possibility of double majoring. If the two majors are in related fields, find out what the department's policy is regarding double-counting courses towards both majors. The College ordinarily permits up to three such double-counted courses.

If, after meeting with both major advisers, you're confident that you want to major in both subjects, you should begin the application process.

Note: If one of your proposed majors is at Haverford, you must follow both colleges' sets of procedures.