Considering a double major at Northwestern University? That's a fantastic goal, and it speaks volumes about your intellectual curiosity and ambition! Northwestern is known for its interdisciplinary spirit, making it an excellent place to pursue diverse academic interests. While it requires dedication and careful planning, double majoring can significantly enrich your college experience and open up a wider range of career paths.
So, are you ready to embark on this academic adventure? Let's dive into a comprehensive, step-by-step guide on how to successfully double major at Northwestern!
Step 1: Discover Your Passions and Assess Feasibility
Alright, future double major! Before you even think about official forms or deadlines, the very first and most crucial step is to deeply explore your academic interests. What truly excites you? What subjects make you lose track of time?
A. Identify Your Core Interests:
Reflect on your current major: What aspects do you love? What skills are you developing?
Explore new fields: Are there other disciplines that have always piqued your curiosity? Maybe a class you took on a whim sparked a new passion. Think broadly – it could be anything from a completely different school (like engineering and music) to another department within your current school (like economics and political science within Weinberg).
Consider your long-term goals: While a double major shouldn't solely be about career prospects, it's worth considering how your chosen fields might complement each other and contribute to your aspirations.
B. Initial Research and Feasibility Check:
Once you have a couple of potential majors in mind, it's time for some preliminary digging. This isn't about committing yet, but rather about understanding the landscape.
Consult the Northwestern Academic Catalog: This is your bible! Look up the specific course requirements for both majors you're considering. Pay close attention to:
Required courses: Are there many overlaps? Can courses count for both?
Credit hours: How many credits are needed for each major?
Prerequisites: What introductory courses do you need to take?
Sequence of courses: Are there any courses that are only offered at specific times of the year?
Understand Double Major vs. Dual Degree: This is a key distinction at Northwestern.
Double Major: You earn one bachelor's degree (from your "home" school), and both majors are listed on your transcript. This is generally more common and often achievable within four years.
Dual Degree: You earn two distinct bachelor's degrees from two different schools (e.g., a BA from Weinberg and a BS from McCormick). This typically requires five years of study and more extensive planning. This guide will primarily focus on the double major, but many of the initial steps are similar.
Consider the "Rule of Three" (for Weinberg students): Weinberg College of Arts and Sciences generally limits students to a total of three majors and/or minors. Exceptions require special permission.
Step 2: Seek Expert Guidance – Your Advising Team
You're not alone in this! Northwestern has an incredible network of advisors dedicated to helping you navigate your academic journey. This step is about leveraging their expertise.
A. Connect with Your College Adviser:
Your assigned college adviser (often in Weinberg, McCormick, etc.) is your first point of contact. They have a holistic view of your academic plan and can help you understand general degree requirements, credit loads, and how a second major fits into your overall four-year plan.
Schedule an appointment early in your academic career (ideally during your freshman or sophomore year).
Be prepared to discuss your interests, what you've found in the academic catalog, and any initial concerns.
B. Consult Departmental Advisers:
Once you have a clearer idea of your second major, reach out to the Director of Undergraduate Studies (DUS) or a designated major adviser in that department.
These advisers are experts in their specific fields and can provide detailed information about:
Course sequencing and availability.
Research opportunities or internships related to the major.
Specific rules for double-counting courses within their department (this is crucial!).
Bring a tentative course plan if you have one, or be ready to brainstorm with them.
C. Explore Cross-School Advising (if applicable):
If you're considering a double major across different schools (e.g., Weinberg and Bienen), it's essential to consult advisers in both schools. They can help you understand the specific requirements and any inter-school transfer processes that might be involved.
Be aware that some schools, like the School of Communication, have specific rules regarding double majors. While double majors within the School of Communication are generally allowed, pursuing a major from the School of Communication as a second major while your primary degree is from another school might require an interschool transfer to make Communication your home school. This is a crucial point to clarify with advisors.
Step 3: Crafting Your Academic Plan – The Quarter System Advantage
Northwestern's quarter system can be a powerful ally when double majoring, allowing for more courses per year. However, it also demands careful planning.
A. Develop a Four-Year Course Plan:
This is where the rubber meets the road. Using the information gathered from the academic catalog and your advisers, map out all the courses you anticipate taking for both majors, as well as your general education requirements.
Be realistic about your credit load. While the quarter system allows for more courses, overloading yourself can lead to burnout. Most students take 4-5 courses per quarter.
Prioritize foundational courses and prerequisites: Make sure you're on track to complete these early on, as they often unlock higher-level courses.
Factor in study abroad opportunities: If you plan to study abroad, integrate it into your four-year plan, considering how it might impact your ability to fulfill major requirements.
Consider summer courses: These can be a great way to get ahead or catch up on requirements.
B. Understanding Double-Counting Rules:
This is critical for efficiency. Northwestern generally has rules about how many courses can count towards both majors or a major and a minor.
Weinberg College: Typically, you cannot double-count a major course toward a second major or a minor, with some specific exceptions (e.g., related courses for some majors, interdisciplinary majors/minors). Always confirm with your advisers.
Other Schools: Each school will have its own policies, so ensure you understand them for your specific majors.
Strategically choose electives: Look for courses that might fulfill requirements for both majors, or general education requirements and a major requirement.
Step 4: Formal Declaration – Making it Official
Once you've done your research, consulted with advisers, and have a solid plan, it's time to make your second major official.
A. When to Declare:
You are typically required to declare at least one major by the end of your sophomore year.
For your second major, you can declare it later, when you are confident in your choice and your ability to complete the requirements. However, declaring it earlier can help with advising and course planning.
B. The Declaration Process:
The process for declaring a second major usually involves filling out a form, often found on the Registrar's Office website or your school's advising portal.
This form often requires signatures from both departmental advisers (and potentially your college adviser), confirming that you understand and can fulfill the requirements.
Submit the form by the stated deadlines. While the exact deadlines might vary slightly by school, it's generally recommended to declare well before your final year to ensure all requirements are tracked properly.
Step 5: Staying on Track and Troubleshooting
Double majoring is a marathon, not a sprint. Ongoing vigilance and flexibility are key.
A. Regular Advising Check-ins:
Don't disappear after declaring! Continue to meet with your advisers periodically to review your progress, discuss any challenges, and adjust your plan as needed.
Your interests might evolve, or course offerings might change. Being proactive with your advisers can prevent unexpected roadblocks.
B. Monitor Your Degree Progress Report (DPR):
The DPR (available through your student portal) is your official record of completed and remaining degree requirements.
Check it regularly to ensure that courses are being applied correctly to both majors and that you're on track for graduation. If you see discrepancies, contact your adviser or the Registrar's Office.
C. Be Prepared for Flexibility:
Academic plans can shift. A class might be full, a professor you wanted to take might be on sabbatical, or your interests might slightly pivot.
Embrace flexibility and adapt your plan as needed. Your advisers are there to help you find alternative paths to success.
Don't be afraid to drop a second major if it becomes too overwhelming or if your passions genuinely shift. It's better to excel in one major than struggle through two.
Step 6: Leveraging Your Double Major Experience
Once you're nearing graduation, consider how to articulate the value of your double major.
A. On Your Transcript:
Your transcript will officially list both majors.
B. For Future Opportunities:
Resumes and Cover Letters: Highlight how your two majors have provided you with a unique skill set and perspective. Did they equip you with analytical and creative thinking, for instance?
Interviews: Be ready to discuss why you chose to double major and how the combination of your fields has prepared you for your desired career or graduate program. Show how the "AND" is truly in your DNA.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Double Majoring at Northwestern
Here are 10 common questions prospective and current Northwestern students have about double majoring:
How to decide if a double major is right for me at Northwestern?
Consider your academic passions, the time commitment involved, and how two majors might complement your career goals. Talk to current students who are double majoring and academic advisors to get their perspectives.
How to apply for a second major at Northwestern?
You typically declare a second major by filling out a form with the Registrar's Office or your school's advising office. This often requires signatures from departmental advisors for both majors.
How to manage the workload of a double major at Northwestern's quarter system?
The quarter system allows for more courses per year. Careful planning, utilizing summer quarters for courses, and prioritizing your time effectively are key. Regular check-ins with advisors are crucial for staying on track.
How to deal with course overlaps and double-counting rules for a double major at Northwestern?
Northwestern has specific rules on double-counting. For Weinberg, generally, courses cannot double-count towards two majors with some exceptions. Always consult with your departmental advisors to understand the specific policies for your chosen majors.
How to determine if I need a dual degree instead of a double major at Northwestern?
A double major results in one degree with two majors listed on your transcript. A dual degree means earning two distinct bachelor's degrees from two different schools, typically requiring five years. Consult with advisors to see which path aligns with your academic and professional goals.
How to find academic advising for double majors at Northwestern?
Your college adviser is your first point of contact. You should also consult with the Director of Undergraduate Studies (DUS) or a major adviser in each department you plan to major in. If pursuing inter-school majors, connect with advisers in both schools.
How to declare a second major if my primary major is in a specialized school (e.g., McCormick, Bienen, School of Communication)?
Students in specialized schools (like McCormick or Bienen) can often pursue a second major in Weinberg College of Arts and Sciences. However, if your second major is in another specialized school, or if your primary degree is from one school and you want a second major from the School of Communication, you might need to pursue a dual degree or consider an interschool transfer to the other school. Always clarify with advisors from both schools.
How to ensure my double major appears on my transcript at Northwestern?
Once you have successfully completed all requirements for both majors and declared them properly, both majors will be listed on your official Northwestern University transcript.
How to plan for study abroad while pursuing a double major at Northwestern?
Integrate your study abroad plans into your four-year course plan early on. Work closely with your academic advisors to determine how study abroad courses can fulfill major or general education requirements, or if you need to take additional courses before or after your study abroad experience.
How to articulate the value of a double major for future career opportunities?
On your resume and during interviews, emphasize the complementary skills and perspectives gained from your two fields of study. Discuss how the interdisciplinary nature of your education has prepared you for complex challenges and a wider range of roles.