Double majors make up about 7.6 percent of the Cabrini student body population. Last year, 29 students graduated with a degree in two subjects. Jackie Armes, a 2002 graduate of Cabrini, was one of the 29 to receive her degree, which was in Business Administration and Spanish. She graduated with 160 credits, where most single major students graduate with 123. Armes was also a strong and dominant pitcher for the women’s softball team all four years.
“I chose the business field because I wanted to go into it for my career. Spanish was just something I did in college because I took so much of it in high school, that it seemed like a waste not to do it here. I didn’t come here looking to take it as a major; at most I thought it would be a minor. Then when I realized how many credits I had of Spanish, I decided to go for it,” Armes said.
Depending on the major and how many credits it requires, will determine how much more money it will cost a student. For instance, it would cost more money if a student took over the 18 credit limit. Another possible factor could be if a student decided to take classes over the summer. All majors are different; therefore, the total amount of credits needed differ.
“A double major usually takes about 18 credits as opposed to someone who takes 14 or 15 credits. They have that little extra push and realize that a double major means double work,” Madeline Wrightson, associate registrar said.
Wrightson was also a double major in college. She studied early childhood elementary education and psychology. She feels that a student who wants to take two majors should be driven and motivated.
“Having a heavier work load helped me with my time management because I had to focus on two core courses for both majors, with the addition of softball. It forced me to have a set schedule, which helped me in the long run,” Armes said.
“Some advantages of taking a double major would be it gives a person the expertise in two areas. It also broadens opportunities and abilities for a job offer. A student could go into International Business if they majored in business and a language. The only disadvantage I can think of is there is more work involved,” Wrightson said.
“I don’t really see it as a disadvantage in any way, because students choose to have two majors, therefore if they couldn’t handle it, they wouldn’t go for it. I think most students know their own limits,” senior Heather Tu said.
“I would certainly recommend other students taking double majors. If you have a career choice but like doing something on the side, why not just make them both your majors?” Armes said.
