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Multiple Majors

Options for Multiple Majors (for Honors Students)

Students pursuing two or more majors in the College of Arts and Sciences should consider early on whether they wish to complete a single degree with two (or more) majors or two degrees. 

Single Degree with Two Majors

A single degree with two majors leads to a single diploma, though both majors are noted on the student’s record and transcript.

  • You must meet the requirements for each major as set by the departments offering the majors.
  • Each major must contain at least 18 semester credit hours unique to the major (not overlapping).
  • Overlap with the GE may be permitted where appropriate. Consult your academic advisors for more information.
  • You must complete at least 121 semester credit hours to earn a single degree with two majors.
  • You must complete at least 39 upper-division semester credit hours.
To qualify for graduation with honors in the Arts and Sciences on a single degree with two majors, a student should plan to pursue strong course work throughout his or her program (using the Honors Guide to the General Education requirements as a guideline for the GEs), complete an approved Honors Contract, and graduate with at least a 3.4 cumulative grade point average.

Two Degrees

Pursuit of two degrees leads to the award of two diplomas. The degrees will be designated separately on the student’s record and transcript.

  • You must meet the requirements for each major as set by the departments offering the majors.
  • You cannot overlap courses from either major.
  • You must earn a minimum of 30 semester credit hours beyond the total required for one degree (i.e., you must earn at least 151 semester credit hours).
  • You must complete at least 57 upper-division semester credit hours.
  • You must fulfill all degree requirements for both degrees.
  • Overlap between either major and the GE is not permitted, unless specifically allowed by a particular GE category.
  • An approved petition is required to graduate with two degrees.

Students wishing to pursue the two degree option who would like to graduate with honors in the Arts and Sciences on both degrees should expect to be held to high standards for breadth and rigor in the GE portion of their programs of study. While the Honors Guide to the General Education requirements provides a good guideline for constructing an honors degree, students seeking two degrees with honors in the Arts and Sciences should plan to exceed the minimum standards expressed on these guides. Minimal use of Advanced Placement or International Baccalaureate credit and completion of additional honors or upper-level course work, particularly in the historical study, social science, and arts and humanities areas of the GE, are strongly encouraged. To qualify for graduation with honors in the Arts and Sciences on two degrees, a student should plan a general education curriculum of surpassing strength, complete an Honors Contract approved for two degrees, and graduate with a minimum 3.4 cumulative grade point average.