Double Majoring

C

cgarc2473

5-Year Member
Joined
Oct 1, 2012
Messages
12
At the Academy, is it possible to double major or are you only allowed to pick one major and a minor?
 
Yes, double majors are possible. Midshipmen soon figure out whether they have the grades and time to handle both. For some, being able to validate some courses allowed the flexibility in their matrix to wedge in two majors course loads. There are plenty of briefing sessions on how it all works.
 
Okay then, because if I were to attend the Academy there are two different majors I'm interested in, political science and aerospace engineering. Both of those majors can be challenging and probably include many different classes but if the Academy is able to allow it I would definitely go for it. Is the scheduling of classes at the Academy the same as a regular 4 year, like block schedule?
 
It is very difficult to double major in engineering and something else. The reason is that engineering itself requires so many credits that, unless you validate A LOT of courses, you just don't have the time in your schedule.
 
@USNA1985. I read what you said about being difficult to double major when engineering is one of your majors. Does this hold even if your other major was math? My DD is interested in doing math and engineering. She would like to validate AP-statistics, calculus, multivariable calculus, differential equations, and number theory (taken at state university). She was hoping that if she were to validate these core math classes, there would be enough overlap between engineering and math that she would be able to double major. What do you think, is it even possible?
 
waterdogmom said:
@USNA1985. I read what you said about being difficult to double major when engineering is one of your majors. Does this hold even if your other major was math? My DD is interested in doing math and engineering. She would like to validate AP-statistics, calculus, multivariable calculus, differential equations, and number theory (taken at state university). She was hoping that if she were to validate these core math classes, there would be enough overlap between engineering and math that she would be able to double major. What do you think, is it even possible?
Click to expand...
I forgot to include AP biology and AP chemistry in classes she wants to validate. 5's on all AP exams except the two she hasn't taken yet. Thanks.
 
I'm LONG removed from the curriculum so I have to hedge on my answers. Typically the engineering majors require so many hours that it's really hard. It's rare for plebes without prior college work to validate more than 1-2 semesters of calc, maybe English and history . . . maybe something else. The only courses where validation "helps" are those that are required for your major.

One final thing . . . most mids welcome the extra free hours from a reduced courseload, esp. for engineers. Weigh the benefits of a double major vs. the ability to have some time to enjoy life. Seriously.
 
My 2C is double majoring in Physics and English. So yes its possible.

She did validate a lot of plebe courses but the time was filled by taking 3C courses. No rest for the weary.

I can't say whether her load is more or less than and engineer's would be trying to double but it is do-able. Efficiency is the key.
 
Also, don't forget about the leadership opportunities, as well!
 
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