Multiple majors mean multiple skills

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Students at CMU and throughout the state are more apt to sign multiple majors to get an advantage over the competition in today’s tough job market.

Many students who choose to sign multiple majors do so to be able to jump into a different field if one does not work out.

There are 1,343 students at Central pursuing two or more majors, said Don Curnow, Registrar systems analyst.

“Students who multi-major aren’t stuck to a single field,” said Jon Matthews, Gladwin senior. “For other students it can, in some cases, complement a field they might be going into.”

Matthews is pursuing psychology and computer science majors.

Employers looking for a well-rounded candidate also affect some students’ decisions to pursue multiple majors.

“Employers are looking for people with a variety of talents or an interesting combination of talents,” said Deborah Sting, Pigeon sophomore. “It’s also helpful to be able to study two things that I like.”

Sting is pursuing a double major in history and English.

Students at other universities in the state are doing the same.

Ferris State University reported 61 students who are pursuing more than one major. The University of Michigan has a significant number of students pursuing double majors, but no official numbers were available. Wayne State University has 382 students pursuing two or more majors.

Pursuing a double major is not without pitfalls, Matthews said.

“You do end up taking a slightly heavier course load,” he said. “If I had a major in psychology and a minor in computer science, I wouldn’t be required to take nearly as many higher level CPS courses.”

Clinton Twp. sophomore Jessica Cushard said it is not necessary for students to take a heavier course load.

“I have to get 124 credits to graduate anyway; might as well use them to accomplish something,” she said.

Cushard is pursuing sociology and philosophy majors.

“Double majoring gives more options for what to do after graduation, particularly in getting into grad school,” Cushard said. “I happen to enjoy both of my majors. Sociology is my main focus, as I want to be in the criminal justice system, but philosophy fascinates me, and also applies in helping to look for the proper solution to problems.”

Sting said for some people, a multi-major could require additional time at CMU, but she will graduate after four years at Central.

“I had an idea that I wanted to double major and I saw I could fit them both in, so I decided to do it,” she said. “Some students do have to pay for more credits, but I can fit both majors in.”

Undergraduates are not the only students pursuing multiple majors.

Algonac senior Jeffrey Arwady plans to pursue two masters of music degrees: one in composition and the other in conducting.

“Essentially, the reason for multiple majors is two-fold,” he said. “Any chance to enhance your education is critical. Multiple degrees mean multiple talents and educational experience. The more advanced your education is, the more marketable you become in today’s job market.”