Ever feel torn between two passions—like your heart beats for Bach, but your curiosity aches to decode the brain? Maybe you dream of performing under stage lights one day and wearing a white coat as a physician the next. If you've ever imagined composing a symphony and conducting research, or balancing jazz riffs with journal citations, you're not alone. Good news: You don't have to choose just one. It's called double majoring, and it's one of the most powerful ways to shape your future.

Double majoring means earning one degree with two specialized areas of study. And for students who plan ahead, it can lead to more opportunities, more skills, and a wider range of careers.

What Is a Double Major?

A double major lets you pursue two fields at once. For example:

• Music and Business: Become a performer who understands contracts and marketing.
• Music Industry Studies and Psychology: Help artists thrive while also making music yourself.
• History and Education: Teach, research, or go into museum work.

You graduate with one diploma, but your transcript shows both majors—a powerful signal to future grad programs, or employers.

Why Consider It?

• More Career Options: You'll have multiple pathways available after graduation.
• Showcase Your Strengths: You’re adaptable, curious, and able to handle a challenge.
• Mix Passion with Practicality: Love art, but also want a stable job? Double majoring can help you do both.

Real Student Story

Meet Jasmine, a high school tuba player from Bainbridge Island, Washington. She's passionate about music but also fascinated by how the brain works. She's planning to double major in Tuba Performance and Psychology. Someday, she wants to create music therapy programs for kids as well as play in her town’s orchestra. Her double major considerations help her stay connected to what she loves while building a future career.

Will It Cost More?

Not necessarily. Many colleges let you double major without adding extra tuition—as long as you stay within their credit and time limits. Some students graduate in four years, others take an extra semester or year. Scholarships and financial aid can often help if you need a little more time.

Planning for Success

Here’s how to get started:

• Understand the Possibilities: Meet with a college advisor early—ideally during the fall of your junior year of high school. Whether in person or via Zoom, visiting your dream school can help turn the idea of a double major from an abstract goal into a clear, structured plan.
• Create a 4-Year Plan: While online research is a great starting point, your understanding may still be limited—and it’s important to recognize that even your high school counselor or music teacher might not have all the answers specific to your double major goals. That’s why reaching out to collegiate advisors is strongly recommended. Contacting two or three institutions on your list of desired schools and asking for guidance can help you develop a realistic, well-structured plan that aligns with your academic and performance aspirations.
• Leave Space for Electives and Gen Eds: Even with a double major, you’ll still need to complete general education courses like English, math, and science. Electives let you explore other interests or take lighter courses to balance your schedule. Plan ahead so you don’t overload or delay graduation. Again, a collegiate academic advisor is essential.

Want to visualize it? Here’s a basic timeline for music students considering a double major:

• Freshman year: Explore introductory courses in both music and your second field of interest—while also beginning lessons, ensembles, and theory classes required for music majors.
• Sophomore year: Formally declare your double major and work closely with advisors in both departments to map out your remaining semesters.
• Junior year: Take upper-level classes in both areas, rehearse regularly, and pursue performance opportunities, internships, or research.
• Senior year: Finish core academic requirements, complete your recital or final project, and use electives to deepen your skills or expand into areas like music technology, entrepreneurship, or education.

Questions to Ask on College Visits

Bring this cheat sheet:

• Can I double major across departments (like Music and Math)?
• Are classes flexible or locked into a set schedule?
• Is study abroad still possible?
• Are there scholarships or support for double majors?

You Might Love a Double Major If...

• You’re passionate about more than one subject
• You want to combine creativity and career readiness
• You enjoy staying organized and focused
• You like having backup plans (just in case!)

Final Note – The Music Advantage

For students who love music, double majoring can unlock amazing options. Pair music with education and become a teacher. Combine it with tech and dive into sound design. Match it with business and manage your own career.

Go ahead, dream bigger—you don’t have to choose between your head and your heart. With good planning and the right college fit, you can pursue both. Double majoring isn’t just about getting two degrees. It’s about honoring all the parts of who you are.

Start exploring now. Your future is wide open.