double major

USAGE SUMMARY

'double major' is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when you want to describe someone who is studying two separate courses of study in college or university, such as "She's a double major in English and History."

✓ Grammatically correct

Academia

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Permission to double major in M.E.

Harvard University

May I "double major" at Princeton?

Princeton University

I quickly declared a double major, in journalism and English.

The New Yorker

He chose a double major in religion and literature.

The New Yorker

Students may pursue two majors under the Double Major Program.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

How do you get set up with a double major?

Cornell University

Meet the minimum requirements for admission as a double major.

Cornell University

Can I declare a double major within MCB (2 emphases)?

University of California, Berkeley

Is it possible to do a double major with Biology?

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

L & S Petition to Declare the Double Major.

University of California, Berkeley

Change a double major to a single major.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing academic paths, use "double major" to clearly indicate the pursuit of two distinct fields of study within a single degree program.

Common error

Avoid using "double major" when referring to a "dual degree", which involves earning two separate degrees, not just completing two majors under one degree.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "double major" functions as a noun phrase, typically used to describe a student pursuing two distinct academic disciplines concurrently. Ludwig confirms it is appropriate for written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Academia

56%

News & Media

44%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "double major" is a common and grammatically sound way to describe a student pursuing two academic majors simultaneously, as affirmed by Ludwig. It's frequently found in academic and journalistic contexts. While the term is neutrally formal, it is essential to distinguish it from similar concepts like a "dual degree". The term accurately communicates a specific academic path.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

dual major

Synonymous with "double major", emphasizing the duality of the academic pursuit.

two majors

A straightforward and less formal way to describe a "double major".

joint degree

Focuses on the outcome, a single degree that combines two areas of study.

combined degree

Highlights the integration of two different fields into one degree program.

interdisciplinary studies

Describes a program combining multiple disciplines, potentially encompassing a double major but broader in scope.

multiple majors

Implies more than two majors, while "double major" specifically means two.

concurrent degrees

Refers to earning two separate degrees simultaneously, rather than combining fields within one degree.

two fields of study

A general description, lacking the specific connotation of an official double major program.

major in two subjects

Another descriptive alternative that lacks the concise term.

pursue two disciplines

Focuses on the academic journey rather than the formal degree structure.

FAQs

How do you properly use "double major" in a sentence?

You can say, "She is a "double major" in Biology and Chemistry" or "He decided to "double major" to enhance his career prospects".

What's a simpler way to say "double major"?

Alternatives include "majoring in two subjects" or "pursuing two majors". The term "dual major" is also a synonym.

Is it correct to say someone is doing a "double major"?

Yes, it is correct. The phrase "doing a "double major"" is commonly used to describe someone pursuing two majors simultaneously.

What's the difference between a "double major" and a minor?

A "double major" involves completing the full coursework for two different fields of study, whereas a minor involves completing a smaller subset of courses in a secondary field.