For many upperclassmen in high school, you are still choosing your major. One decision is hard enough. But for some of you, that future plan even includes considering double or even triple majoring! A motivated student can graduate from college within three years by completing one major, but many students still opt to double or even triple major instead. How does majoring in more than one subject actually work? How difficult is it to triple major?
“There are a bunch of misconceptions about triple majoring, with “you must have no life,””you must be some sort of genius/prodigy,” and “are you okay?/you must be one step from burnout” being the ones I encounter most. I don’t have too much of an issue with these, because anyone who knows me to any real degree can see that they really aren’t true. Triple-majoring isn’t as mystical or even as impressive as I think a lot of people assume; triple-majors are pretty normal people who just take more classes than everyone else.” – Shawn Cummings
Video: How I Got a Triple Major at Duke University
What exactly is a triple or double major in college?
“A double major is where you major in two subjects heading towards the same degree. For example, you could major in anthropology and literature to head toward a Bachelor of Arts. This differs from a dual degree, where a student studies two majors that result in two totally different degrees, such as theater and biology, which would result in a Bachelor of Fine Arts and a Bachelor of Science respectively.”
Quoted from Empowerly’s own blog Should You Double Major in College
Similarly, a triple major can either mean one of two things. Firstly, it could mean you are taking three subjects toward one “multi-layered” degree from your university. Alternatively, it could mean you are taking three different subjects towards three different degrees (such as B.A., B.S., B.F.A., etc.), therefore requiring simultaneous enrollment. This detail about your triple major degree makes a big difference, so look out!
Triple majoring, although hard to achieve, is actually doable. I asked a friend at UC Berkeley, who is majoring in Economics, Political Science, and French, with a minor in German, about his triple majoring experience.
In the Reddit thread below, a student shares their experience and advice on managing a quadruple major in French, Marketing, Economics, and Accounting, offering insights on the challenges, planning, and strategies for success.
UC Berkeley triple majors: what it takes.
So, how many units does our friend need to take to graduate? Let’s calculate it: generally, one major requires 12 courses to graduate. Since all of these subjects (Economics, Poli Sci, French, and German) are all within the College of Letters and Science, this is the first case: three subjects, one degree (B.A.).
As a double major or more, Berkeley allows you to overlap two required courses from a major. This means you will need at least (12 + 10) = 22 total required courses to graduate with a double major degree. Therefore, a triple major will need to take at least (12 + 10 + 10) = 32 courses. In addition, he has a minor in German, which requires 10 courses to declare. In all, a total of (32 + 10) = 42 courses is demanded to satisfy these graduation requirements.
Keep in mind, the number of classes you can overlap depends on your departments and schools. Some colleges do not allow one course to count for both majors. If they do, you still have to consider the logistical planning aspect of your course load. If you choose molecular chemistry and Chinese language, for example, most students won’t be able to find two classes that satisfy a requirement for both majors!
Nevertheless, we can continue with our case study with these parameters in mind. In total, if the average course is 4 units, a total of 4 x 42 = 168 units is expected. Therefore, if he wants to graduate in 4 years (8 semesters), he’ll have to take 168 units / 8 semesters = 21 units per semester in order to graduate on time. For those of you not in college, the expected/average course load at Berkeley is around 15 to 16 units. 21 units is a huge time commitment!
In the thread on Reddit below, a student offers their perspective on managing multiple majors, specifically in graphic design, mechanical engineering, and electrical engineering, and shares advice on the feasibility and efficiency of pursuing several majors simultaneously.
Are you still deciding on triple majoring?
You must know that you can't waste any time.
Additionally, not many people come into college with the intention to triple major, or at least knowing what three majors they want to study. My friend took discovery classes in his freshman year to finalize what he wanted to study. Thus, it wasn’t until the end of his freshman year that he wanted to triple major and in what subjects.
As a result, he only had 3 years to complete all his requirements. Instead of 21, he has to take a whopping 28 units per semester in order to graduate on time, in addition to staying at Berkeley for summer classes every year. That’s almost double the average amount of units.
My friend even studied abroad during his fall semester sophomore year—in the lively, romantic city of Paris, he took 22 units of class! As you can see, studying abroad is not always the fun experience that you hear about (if you decide to triple major, that is).
“I love being able to bring the perspective of three different fields to whatever subject I’m learning. Concepts like “perception” mean completely different things to musicians, linguists, and cognitive scientists, and the fact that I can integrate those percepts makes me feel that I’m more fully aware of the ideas and their implications. It’s also nice to feel qualified in a unique way. No one I know on campus is doing exactly what I am, so I don’t feel like just a number or a face in the crowd. I’m going to leave UR as the only person to have done what I’m doing, and there’s something really cool about that.” - Shawn Cummings
Video: The life of a triple major
Can YOU triple major? Steps to remember.
Lastly, the process of declaring triple majors is also very complicated. At Berkeley, you first have to get consent from each major department to allow you to major in the three subjects; then carefully plan out each semester with the specific classes you are going to take; finally, get everything signed by your college advisor. And in Berkeley, a large public school, it usually takes more than one month to get three counselors’ agreements.
This Reddit thread features a student discussing their experience of graduating with four majors—economics, political science, international relations, and psychology. They offer practical advice on managing multiple majors, effective course planning, and finding crossover opportunities between different fields.
Not every triple degree program is created equal.
These rules can vary greatly depending on the triple bachelor’s degree you pursue. Some programs will make triple majors very difficult to achieve, if at all.
Other triple degree programs may require an immense amount of credit hours that you aren’t prepared for. Sometimes, it’s just a case of ensuring you submit the right forms on time. Research is your friend, so you know what you’re signing away.
All in all, triple majoring in college can be quite difficult and has plenty of obstacles. It certainly won’t be easy, but as you can see, my friend is still willing to go through it all because it’s something he truly wants to do! Don’t let these things scare you; if you want to triple major, go for it! But just be aware that the road will not be easy.
In this Quora post, a UC Berkeley grad and Harvard Fellow explains the differences between single, double, and triple majors, sharing their experience with majors in Computer Science, Mathematics, and Electrical Engineering. They provide tips on fulfilling requirements and the benefits of completing a Bachelor's before a Master's.
How Hard Is It To Triple Major & Is It Impressive?
Triple majoring in college is an ambitious pursuit that presents significant challenges. Juggling the demands of three separate academic disciplines requires exceptional time management skills, dedication, and a strong academic foundation. Successfully completing a triple major necessitates careful planning, as students must navigate complex course requirements and ensure timely completion of all degree requirements. The rigorous workload and the need to excel in multiple subjects make triple majoring a daunting task, requiring students to stay focused, organized, and committed throughout their college journey.
One of the primary difficulties in triple majoring is the sheer volume of coursework that students must tackle. Each major comes with its own set of core requirements, electives, and specialized courses. Balancing the course load of three majors can result in an overwhelming amount of readings, assignments, and exams. Students often find themselves facing time constraints and the pressure to excel in each discipline. The intensive workload can impact their ability to engage in extracurricular activities, pursue internships, or even maintain a healthy work-life balance.
Another challenge of triple majoring lies in the potential overlap or conflicting course schedules. As students strive to fulfill the requirements of three majors, they may encounter scheduling conflicts that force them to make difficult choices. Some courses may only be offered at specific times or have limited availability, making it challenging to find a suitable arrangement that allows for progress in all three majors simultaneously.
Navigating these scheduling complexities requires careful coordination and may involve seeking special permissions or making compromises on course selections, adding to the complexity of managing a triple major workload. The intellectual demands of triple majoring can be mentally and academically taxing. Excelling in three distinct fields requires students to develop a deep level of understanding, critical thinking skills, and the ability to switch between different modes of thought.
Maintaining a high level of performance across multiple disciplines can be mentally exhausting, as students must consistently engage with complex concepts and theories. Additionally, the pressure to excel academically in all three majors can lead to heightened stress levels and potentially impact overall well-being.
While triple majoring is undoubtedly challenging, it can also be a rewarding experience for students who are passionate about multiple fields of study. It offers the opportunity for interdisciplinary learning, the ability to connect diverse subjects, and can enhance career prospects in specialized fields that require a combination of knowledge from different disciplines. However, students considering a triple major should carefully weigh the demands and challenges involved, seeking guidance from academic advisors to ensure they have the necessary resources and support to successfully navigate this rigorous academic journey.
Is It Even Possible To Triple Major?
Video: College Advice from a Triple Major + Dual Degree Student at Northwestern University
In this Quora post, Michael Lamar shares his positive experience with triple majoring in university. He highlights the benefits of pursuing multiple majors, offers advice on course planning, and emphasizes the importance of enjoying and excelling in your chosen fields. He also provides tips on managing course loads and making the most of advanced placement credits and scholarships.
Are you wondering if it’s possible to triple major in college? While it is technically feasible to pursue three majors simultaneously, it is an endeavor that requires careful consideration and planning. Triple majoring requires a significant commitment of time, energy, and academic prowess. Students must carefully assess their capabilities, course requirements, and time management skills before embarking on this challenging academic journey.
The possibility of triple majoring largely depends on the flexibility and overlap between the chosen majors. Some majors may have more overlapping requirements or complementary coursework, making it easier to combine them. However, other combinations may have little to no overlap, making it extremely challenging to complete all three majors within a typical four-year timeframe. It is essential to thoroughly research the requirements of each major and consult with academic advisors to determine the feasibility of triple majoring.
Successfully triple majoring also depends on the policies and regulations of the specific college or university. Some institutions may have restrictions on the number of majors a student can pursue or may require additional coursework beyond the standard degree requirements. It is crucial to familiarize yourself with the academic policies of your institution and ensure that pursuing three majors is permitted and feasible within their guidelines.
In this Quora post, Miguel De los Ríos shares his experience of triple majoring in math, physics, and computer science. He discusses the challenges and benefits, explaining how learning multiple subjects can complement each other, improve study habits, and change perspectives. He also highlights the importance of managing time and enjoying the learning process.
Triple majoring requires exceptional time management skills and a strong commitment to academic excellence. Students must carefully plan their course schedules, balance their workload, and stay organized to ensure they can meet the requirements of all three majors. It is important to note that triple majoring may limit your ability to explore other opportunities such as internships, study abroad programs, or extracurricular activities. It is crucial to maintain a realistic perspective on your capabilities and prioritize your academic goals accordingly.
While it is possible to triple major in college, it is a challenging undertaking that requires careful planning, dedication, and a realistic assessment of your capabilities. It is essential to thoroughly research the requirements and policies of your institution, seek guidance from academic advisors, and develop a comprehensive plan to manage the workload effectively. Triple majoring can be a rewarding experience for students with a passion for multiple disciplines, but it is crucial to approach it with careful consideration and a realistic understanding of the demands it entails.
Bryant Wong shares on Quora how he successfully triple majored in mathematics, statistics, and economics at the University of Washington. He highlights the benefits of overlapping requirements, low credit majors, and flexible course selections, which helped him graduate in four years.
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Additional Resources:
Wondering about the academic challenges of triple majoring? Check out our guide on AP Classes Ranked by Difficulty (2024 Edition) to get an idea of course complexity.
Once you understand the potential workload, you might be concerned about how triple majoring might affect your GPA. To address this, explore What Colleges can I get into with a 3.5 GPA? to understand GPA implications and college options.
Finally, to help you manage the demanding schedule of a triple major, read our article on How to Study Effectively for Exams in a Short Time for valuable time management tips that can make juggling multiple majors more manageable.
Madeleine Karydes
Sophia Minhas