Unlike higher education systems in some other countries, U.S. colleges tend to give you the flexibility to declare your major after matriculation and to even pursue two majors or degrees.
Colleges that have a U.S. liberal arts curriculum typically put in place what are known as distribution requirements — courses or subjects students are required to take to graduate — that span academic departments outside of the major, in addition to the requirements for a student’s major. This encourages students to expand their intellectual interests before focusing on a single area of study.
But students attending college in the U.S. can also choose to major in two different subjects. A dual major or degree can bring some additional positives for international students, including the following benefits.
Here’s [what to know about the American academic system.]
1. Specialization of two areas that can directly compliment each other: If you major in two related academic disciplines with overlapping concepts, such as economics and finance, biology and chemistry or history and political science, your understanding of both majors will help you tackle each subject more easily.
In terms of maximizing efficiency in completing your two degrees, you also benefit from using cross-listed courses to fulfill the degree requirements for each major. You end up reducing the total amount of time or number of credits needed to complete your dual degree.
For international students, many of whom face high costs to attend school outside their home country, a dual degree can help them get the most out of a U.S. education.
2. Multiple skill sets: Speaking from the perspective of a dual-degree senior at the University of Michigan–Ann Arbor, studying business and art history, these two seemingly distinct areas have helped me develop into a well-rounded person. Solving business cases and building financial models sharpen my quantitative thinking. But at the same time, I am also strengthening my qualitative skills through extensive reading and writing for my art history papers.
3. More career options: If you study business and history of art, for example, you are preparing for career opportunities in a business corporation or in an art institution.
Your academic profile may give you the additional option of working in the art auction industry, which marries your knowledge and skill set from both business and art history. Some employers also value candidates’ broad knowledge base and ability to contribute transferable skills in the workplace.
Having experience in two areas can also be helpful when it comes to networking, a plus for international students who will be looking to stay in the States after graduation.
Learn how [international students can explore job opportunities.]
4. Exploration of areas beyond your career-related major: When would be another time in your life when you can simply focus on learning and enjoy the pure joy of it? College is the time to do this!
At a U.S. college, you have the flexibility of taking courses across departments and the time to explore the areas that truly pique your interest. In my case, studying art history alongside business has allowed me to explore my lifelong passion in art, while at the same time, to prepare for a career in business. In completion of my undergraduate studies, I am writing an honors thesis for art history on the art market for modern Chinese paintings.
5. A larger social circle: You make friends from two departments through taking many different courses and participating in extracurricular activities.
Get tips on how [U.S. and international students can become friends.]
I have friends from the business school who have gone through the recruiting process with me. But I have also volunteered as a student docent at my school’s art museum with my fellow art history peers.
My two groups of friends share different interests and viewpoints, encouraging me to explore things with a more open mind. For international students, having a larger social circle can help them adjust to life in the U.S. more easily, and find a place on campus.
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Consider a Dual Major at a U.S. College originally appeared on usnews.com
