Simultaneous Degree Contact:
[emailprotected]
Download the Petition to Declare Simultaneous Degrees here (.pdf)
If you’re torn between two different areas of study or you want to supplement one subject with a business major, you may consider a simultaneous degree. A simultaneous degree leads to a degree in each of the completed majors.
Before you decide, however, it’s important to assess the potential advantages and drawbacks, such as the fact that majoring in two subjects may be too time-consuming to allow for opportunities like internships.
Here are some things to keep in mind when deciding if a simultaneous degree is for you.
Advantages of a Simultaneous Degree
Learning as much as possible
If you’re interested in subjects such as science or the humanities but are also fascinated by business, it may feel impossible to pick just one. Studying two subjects at once is a great way to take full advantage of your time at Berkeley.
Exposure to new things
Tackling more than one subject at once will give you exposure to different industries and opportunities, making it easier to decide what you want to do down the line or to find the opportunities where these two fields intersect.
Networking
Studying two different subjects also means that your social and professional networks will be larger and your opportunity to network after graduation will be higher.
Disadvantages of a Simultaneous Degree
Heavier course loads
In addition to general education requirements, you will need to take all the classes required for each of your majors. If you want to graduate on time, this will mean taking on an intense courseload and potentially an additional semester to fulfill all your requirements.
Limitedextracurricular activities
With all the extra time spent studying, you might have less time to pursue other interests and aspects of your college life. Extracurriculars and internships can be negatively impacted by the academic demands of your rigorous program.
Please note: Haas considers your leadership and extracurricular experiences a significant part of your application.
Choosing a major is one of the most significant decisions during your college career. Just remember: there is no right or wrong answer. Make sure you weigh the benefits of a simultaneous degree against the time and money involved, and ask yourself why you want to do it. If the answer is that you want to take on a second major because you are really passionate about the areas of study, then go for it! If you are just curious about a second field of study, taking electives and engaging in club activities in that field may satisfy your curiosity.
Consider your own unique reasons for pursuing a simultaneous degree and make the choice that suits you best.
Requirements and Advice if You Choose to Apply to Haas
- Students should consider pursuingsimultaneous degrees ONLYif they are passionate about both subjects.
- To be eligible for a simultaneous degree in Business Administration you must be admitted to the Haas Undergraduate Program through the standard process and currently have an overall GPA of 3.00 or higher.Once you have been admitted to the business major, you should obtain the simultaneous degree packet from the appropriate College (i.e. Engineering, Letters and Science). If you wish, you can have the other major sign the packet before submitting it to the Haas Undergraduate Program Office.Continuing Berkeley students only: If you are already in another major when admitted to the Haas Undergraduate Program, you are required to submit the simultaneous degree packet by July 1st. Failure to submit the packet by that date might result in your inability to enroll in business courses.Continuing Berkeley students only: If you arenot already in another major when admitted to the Haas Undergraduate Program, you should submit the simultaneous degree packet when you are eligible for admission to your other major.Packets should be submitted to the Haas Undergraduate Program Office, Room S450 in the Student Services Building. The packet will be reviewed within 2 to 3 weeks and you will be notified by e-mail for pick up.Students must graduate from both majors in the same semester. If you are dropped from one major’s degree list, you must be dropped from the other major’s degree list as well. If you are aware that you are not completing your other major’s degree requirements, you must notify our staff at [emailprotected].Students are allowed to request to extend their date of graduation by one semester in order to complete the other major. However, they must submit the simultaneous degree packet no later than the end of the first semester of their senior year. All requirements for the Haas degree (this includes core courses, breadth, American Cultures, American History and Institutions) must be completed in the term prior to the requested extra semester and students will not be allowed to take any upper division business courses; this includes UGBA 198 and 199. In addition students are not eligible to participate in Haas co-curricular activities such as Experiential Learning programs or internationalCase Competitions. We encourage students to take advantage of these activities where possible during their first two years.
Email [emailprotected]if you have questions or wish to request an extension of your date of graduation.
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