Considering a Double Major
Hi everyone!
I’m currently majoring in Exercise Science with a minor in Biology. My goal is to pursue either physical therapy or physician assistant programs after graduation. Since my minor covers all the necessary prerequisites for grad school, I’m contemplating whether it would be beneficial to double major in Biology and Exercise Science. However, doing so would require me to extend my graduation by an additional semester. I’d love to hear your thoughts and advice on this!
Deciding whether to double major is a significant choice and depends on a few factors. Here are some points to consider:
Career Goals: Since you plan to pursue physical therapy (PT) or physician assistant (PA) programs, having a strong foundation in both exercise science and biology can certainly be beneficial. However, make sure that a double major will enhance your application for these programs, as many prerequisites can be met with your current minor.
Graduate School Requirements: Research the specific requirements for the PT or PA programs you are interested in. If they primarily focus on the knowledge you’ll gain in your exercise science major and biology minor, and if you believe you’ll be competitive without the double major, then it may not be necessary to extend your studies.
Workload and Stress: Consider how a double major might impact your overall college experience. Adding an extra semester means more coursework, which could be stressful. Make sure you can handle the additional workload while still maintaining a strong GPA, as this is crucial for graduate school applications.
Opportunities for Experience: Gaining relevant experience through internships, volunteer work, or research in your field of interest could be just as valuable as a double major. These experiences can provide you with skills and insights that make you stand out in your graduate school applications.
Future Flexibility: A double major might give you more options in case you decide later on to pursue a different path. If you’re truly passionate about biology and think it may enrich your understanding of the human body as it relates to exercise science, it could be worth it.
Ultimately, weigh the benefits against the time and effort required. Speaking with academic advisors, professors, or professionals in the PT and PA fields might also provide valuable insights and help clarify your decision.