Dual degrees offer variety, flexibility

Students who can't decide on a single concentration or choose a favorite between competing fields of study are opting to go the extra mile and major in two disciplines.

Two options are available for students interested in pursuing two different fields at the University - choose one concentration or enroll in two schools within the University. Although the later option takes longer, some students are willing to do the extra work.

If a student's passion lies in two different schools, a joint or dual degree between schools may be necessary. These often take five years to obtain and require more than 150 credits.

"I couldn't imagine just doing math and I'm not sure of myself enough to pursue a career in art - it's not very stable," said LSA first-year student Josh Band, a computer science concentrator who plans to apply to the School of Art and Design next year.

After speaking with an LSA adviser, Band discussed his plans with an Art and Design adviser and a computer science adviser in the College of Engineering. He presented his case to the Academic Standards Board for approval. His plan was approved on the condition that he complete the requirements for both concentrations and gains admission to the School of Art and Design.

"I want to work for a computer science company, dealing possibly with 3-D animation, movies, special effects, multimedia," Band said.

Band acknowledged the vast differences between the two programs he plans to pursue.

Computer science is "all logic and the School of Art (and Design) is creative, kind of opposite side of the spectrum, different sides of the brain," Band said.

Charles Judge, a member of the LSA Academic Standards Board, said that 20-25 percent of LSA students double major, but only a handful complete a joint degree between two schools.

Judge said most student requests for a dual or joint degree are granted under the condition that they maintain a 3.0 GPA. It is possible to get a joint degree between any of the schools, but some schools, including the School of Business Administration, are more difficult.

Wendy Wyte, an LSA academic adviser, generally encounters students going into the health profession such as physical therapy, nursing or medicine. She finds many of her students often choose a foreign language as an area of study in addition to a science concentration.

"They are looking to get a special pre-med background but they have an affinity for that language," Wyte said.

"I think it can be a way to show medical school you are well-rounded," Wyte said, adding, "It can be useful because being fluent in a language is an asset."

Engineering and LSA senior Matt Niedlinger entered the University as an industrial and operations engineering concentrator. After his sophomore year he decided to study abroad in Germany.

Niedlinger said it typically takes most engineering students about four and a half years to graduate. He estimates it will take him about five and a half years to graduate, adding his extra year in Germany.

Niedlinger said he hopes to unite his two concentrations after graduation.

Engineering senior Jordan Jonas, who has a double major within the School of Engineering said limited course availability may keep her in school for five years.

She took an introductory material science class and declared a concentration in that area. Later she had an internship in mechanical engineering and chose to major in that field too.

"I was kind of worried I would end up doing something I didn't like (with one major)," Jonas said. "When I graduate, it will open a lot of doors for me."

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