Benefits of a double major?

[fc2spyguy]

Okay,

So I found out that I could likely finish a double major in poli sci/intl rel if I used the last available summer break that I am allowed with the program. Now, the question I have is, what good doe the second double major do? I'll likely do it given that the government is paying for my schooling anyways and all it would really do is push my commissioning date back 3 months which would cost about $2100 in base pay plus the increase in BAH. Also, I don't think (note I could be way off) that would affect my placement in API since it seems like that stuff is always backed up anyways.

So, if anyone knows what having a double major really does for you please let me know. I'm curious


Oh yeah, the extra three months means I would put that third little bronze star on my good conduct medal

 

[skidkid]

not much especially if you are lokking at long term military, Im guessing that as a prior you are looking to do 20+. Get one major and commision. That effort would be better spent down the road for a masters.

 

[VarmintShooter]

Double major? Won't do anything for you as far as I can tell. Hell, I've forgotten everything I knew in school anyway.

On the flipside of that, I minored in Math, which was not required, and took several extra courses, just because I wanted to.

In other words, it won't help you, but if if it makes you happy, do it.

Have fun with those courses ...

 

[ea6bflyr]

Concur with Skid, Get the commission first and IF you really want (and you get stashed at the unit) you could finished the required classes for the other Major as an ENS. Oh yeah, and the Masters thing before you get out.....
ea6bflyr

 

[Brett327]

Your degree is a useless check in the block as far as the Navy is concerned. Unless you have misguided and unrealistic aspirations of going to TPS or being an astronaut, get the easiest, most enjoyable degree possible.

Brett

 

[Steve Wilkins]

3 months is a small price to pay for a second degree. Who knows where your life is going head 10, 15, + years from now. What getting a second degree does for you, potentially, is open up more doors....albeit not now and maybe not for many more years. But at least you would have that in your bag-o-tricks. If you have a genuine interest in international relations, then I say go for it. I'm assuming you do since your initial major is poly sci.

 

[bennett4362]

vice wise advice, steve

 

[Gatordev]

Moving this over to "Questions about becoming a Naval Officer," as it seems pertinent.

 

[zippy]

If you can get the Navy to pay for it then go for it. having the second degree will not help as a JO most likely, but might be benificial if you decide part ways with the Navy later on.

 

[nugget81]

Now is this a second degree, or just a second major for your degree? I'm double majoring at my school because the second major only required 6 more classes, but I still will get only one degree...a B.S.

 

[jamnww]

Ok I think that many on here say that a double major is not beneficial for you while in the Navy, but after you get out it might be more useful...

 

[snizo]

Don't choose your major just because of how the Navy will look at it!

I'd paste that line 20 times in a row if I thought it would make people pay attention to it, or if I thought you would continue reading after I did.

1. The Navy won't always be there. In an increasingly unpredictable military, you need to plan for your career - whether it is in the Navy or not. The Navy wants a degree. Do they care what it is? Not really. But what happens when the Navy isn't there for you? If you changed your major to basket weaving, you now have a useless degree and are going to have one hell of a time finding a job. Think it won't happen to you? I can introduce you to about 20 people who have 'fallen back' on their degree - sometimes with success and sometimes without, but rarely as planned.

2. You'll do better with what you enjoy. The Navy definitely cares about your grades. Best way to do well? Pick something you ENJOY! If you're actually interested in what you're doing - you don't mind putting in the long hours at finals time and you will walk away with a decent GPA.

3. You're only an undergraduate once. Well that isn't so true, but the 'first time' experience only happens once. Milk college for all you can - its your one time to do it while on scholarship and without a care in the world. Want to pick up a couple of minors? If the Navy will give you the time - DO IT! What sense of accomplishment will you feel 10 years from now if you look back at working hard for your BA in Pencil Design as opposed to a major you liked and a minor or two that interested you?

Please don't jump to any decisions based on what you think the Navy wants. Live the life you've imagined (-Henry David Thoreau), not the life you think the Navy has envisioned for you because the life you've imagined can still include service.

 

[Brett327]

Don't choose your major just because of how the Navy will look at it!

For God's sake, ya'll - stop making decisions based on what you think the Navy wants. Live the life you've imagined (-Henry David Thoreau), not the life you think the Navy has envisioned for you....

Although I agree with you in principle, your post doesn't exactly instill a lot of team spirit. I understand where you're coming from - someone less experienced might just hear "screw the Man."

Food for thought,

Brett

 

[snizo]

Was certainly not trying to say 'dont join the Navy' there are the obvious benefits of doing something important for yourself and for our country.

The point was not to instill team spirit, but hopefully give some people a reality check. When I was working in ROTC (and as a student), I saw people change majors to something they didn't want to study just to stay in the Navy. Some wound up out of the flight program for whatever reason and had a degree they didn't want to use. Some made it, but were miserable in school in order to get there. Why would you ever do something you hate in order to be able to do something you might like later?

There is more to life than the Navy, and the real world will leave you behind if you define yourself solely with the Navy. I hate to see people get so focused on one thing that they forget about what might be really important.

But - I'll modify the post anyway since I've simmered down

 

[HH-60H]

Honestly, I don't think 2 degrees will do much for you. I think your strongest jobs qualifications (for after the Navy) will be your experience as an LPO/Divo, FC2, NA/NFO, etc. I am not sure other than just having a degree, they will do much else for you. So, I think it comes down to what will you enjoy the most?