If you’re wondering what to do with that plethora of college-wide electives you’re collecting or have developed an interest in another academic program, consider taking on a double major.
As of … now, Columbia students can consider pursuing a double major, said Brian Marth, director of the College Advising Center. Many of Columbia’s programs require only 42 credits to be completed, leaving 78 credits to complete your LAS core, college requirements, and college wide electives. Those 78 credits can also be used towards a minor or a second major.
In order to graduate with a double major, a student must complete all of the requirements for both academic departments and there will be very little room for students to take other college-wide electives.
This is different from pursuing an interdisciplinary degree, however, which requires each student to write a proposal that must be approved by the departments involved. According to Marth, an interdisciplinary degree is more about the blending of different programs to design an integrated field of study, whereas a double major requires the completion of two separate programs.
If you’re thinking about pursuing a double major, talk to your college advisor. It is important to begin both fields of study as early as possible to help ensure you are taking credits that help you graduate on time or not long after your hoped for graduate date.
Would it be too much to double major AEMM and vocal performance?
What about art & design and vocal performance? Would anyone do that?
I am almost positive I want to pursue an Interdisciplinary degree but I am not sure how to go about registering for one, the regulations in design, and all the other in-outs. Is there a webpage that explains this process? I know exactly what I want to do and how to get it done, just not how to actually declare Interdisciplinary studies.
This is very helpful. I’m hoping to pursue a double major in Fiction Writing and Acting. I understand that it will be a lot of work but the rewards and opportunities will be worth it! I can’t wait for the fall semester!
You have just answered my prayers with this new program the Interdisciplinary degree. I have been confused about my future plans in college at Columbia, not knowing what path i should take because a couple majors fall in the category of my future career path. And all thanks to to browsing the University’s website my prayers were answered in a click of a mouse. Thank you for creating this program for people like me. I will definitely be attending Columbia thanks to you!
I can say that I just graduated this past sunday and successfully completed a double major in Audio Arts and Acoustics and AEMM; yes, it was hard work, but knowing I completed both is both satisfying and very rewarding!
I love the idea of double majoring in Fiction writing and cultural studies, but I am sad to dicover I’ll have less elective time/classes. Still great through and thanks for responding to a question that’s be plaguing me.
This is so exciting! I am so sad that I am leaving