What is the Value of a Second Major?

An Anonymous Student asks: "I am a senior in college, majoring in computer science. I only need two more CS classes to finnish a BS. But all along I have also been taking math classes and find that I am only three classes away from a finishing a BS in math as well. (We normally take nine classes a year) So Here is the question to people out in the real world: Is it worth it to get a second degree? Do employers or grad schools care about that stuff? or should I just take fun random stuff in my last year as an undergrad?"

Comments

Did it.

[Urox]

My first BS, however, was Chemistry and the second Math.

* Do it if it takes you a year or less. 2 degrees in 5 years looks more impressive than 1 degree in 4.
* Do it if it raises your gpa. GPA is not everything, but it is definitely BIG. More so when it stands out (either too low or very high).
* Do it because it's easier to stay as a 6th year senior in college than trying to get back in for a second degree. You will have a harder and longer time getting a second degree once you have been shoved out the door with your first. However, you can always have a Post-Bacc gpa which often counts higher than your undergrad.
* Do it if you enjoy that subject. You should take what you enjoy in college, not what you have to.
* Do it for the diversity on your application. On this, however, most companies are stupid in that they overlook math majors in favor of the generic CS but I'm employed (currently) so it isn't all bad.

Re:Second major

[anonymous cowpie]

I reached the point where I needed two more classes to finish my 2nd major (psychology in my case), and it was definitely worthwhile when applying to graduate schools and, later, when interviewing for my first job.

Did grad schools or employers care what my 2nd major was? Most of them did not. But having finished two majors (while working part-time in my case) was one way I "stood out".

Later, when I went to college campuses interviewing CS/CE majors for my first employer, an additional major (especially in math) was always a big plus.

Depends on the Degrees

[RhetoricalQuestion]

I have a double major in CS and English Writing. I've found this to be a huge advantage because my writing degree is proof of strong written communication skills. Plus, the fact that it's an unusual combination helps me stand out a little. When I decided to switch from CS-type work into a more business-oriented role, it showed both my ability to learn technical and non-technical subjects.

My (uninformed) opinion is that CS and Math will probably only give you an edge if you take a CS job that requires heavy mathematical skills.

However, if you enjoy your math courses and you want the extra degree, I don't see how it could hurt you. I could have just taken an English minor and saved myself a lot of stress, but I like having earned the extra degree.