Enhancing Your Major
Here at UMass Amherst, you will have the opportunity to enhance your academic career in several ways. There are, of course, the myriad things you can do outside of class: participate in extracurricular activities, run a student business, be part of an RSO (registered Student Organization), or study abroad. But you also have quite a few options on the academic side: You can add a minor or certificate program to your major, you can opt for two majors, and you can even complete a double degree.
Enhancing your degree with an added component isn’t for everyone because it usually requires careful planning on your part. However, it’s a great way to get the most out of your education, and is an exciting option for someone with varied interests. You might link up a major and certificate program in related subjects, such as Art and Religious Studies, or Biology and Chemistry, or just explore two separate interests, such as Art and Computer Science, or Biology and Social Thought and Political Economy.
Minors and Certificates:
To add a minor or certificate to your degree, you need to complete all the requirements and all the necessary paperwork. Check out the website of the programs that interest you and contact the department with any questions.
Double Majors
For a double major, you will complete all the requirements for two different majors and all the paperwork involved. You need to finish both majors within the ten semesters allowed for the completion of all graduation requirements.
Double Degrees (the big challenge!)
For a double degree, you need to complete all the requirements for two different majors and a minimum of 30 additional credits beyond those normally required for graduation. All of this must be in residence at UMass Amherst, and all must be done in ten semesters. Again, you’ll also have to file the necessary paperwork.
It will be up to you to make sure you meet all the requirements for any special program that you choose, and that you get the proper departmental signatures. Talking with an advisor (either in your major department or your pre-major advisor if you are undeclared) will help you stay on track.
We recommend that you declare your major and any extras by the fall of your junior year. However, the sooner you make your decision, the more time you will have to complete all the requirements.
