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What is the Value of a Second Major?

Posted by Cliff on from the is-it-really-worth-the-extra-hassle dept.

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?"

2 of 77 comments (clear)

  1. Get a skill, not a diploma by prostoalex · · Score: 3, Interesting

    From my own experience I would say that having a certain degree just gets you in the door, but what's considered after that is the skill level and your ability to learn new things.

    Are the courses left adding to your skill level? Would you know something that you didn't know before? If your professional value increases, I would say take them.

    With all said above, another argument for getting a second degree would be the possibility of applying for all those jobs that have a required major, sometimes the employers won't even evaluate your resume if it says "B.S. in Math required" and all you have is CS degree that you know is almost equivalent to Math degree.

  2. Yes, No, and Maybe by Red_Winestain · · Score: 2, Interesting
    As a faculty member at a university, I advise undergraduates (and graduate students, too). There are three different answers, depending on you.
    1. Interest level: Do you like math? How much more (or less) would you enjoy taking fun electives? This is usually your last chance to take advantage of your college experience, so pay careful attention to what you might be missing. I opted for a film making class (we used Super 8!), an advanced seminar on arcane programming, and an ancient history course rather than accumulate another major and I'm still glad I did. I enjoyed all three.
    2. Career plans: In the absence of other factors, a double-major is better than a single major as long as your GPA doesn't suffer. Unfortunately, many people look only at GPA, not at what you learned. If taking those math classes might bring your GPA down, don't do it at this stage. It will look like you are slacking off, which is bad for business and academia. If it won't affect your GPA, then do it: it will look better in many business situations.
    3. Grad School: Double major doesn't add anything to most admissions committees. They'll see all your math courses anyway.