As program enrollment approaches, many students will be looking forward to finally being able to apply to their desired Program of Study (POSt). For many, the choice will lay between a specialist or a double major and much time will be spent considering and cross-examining the benefits of a particular combination of studies compared to another. There is a plethora of complementary pairings of POSts where each enhances the other—economics and international relations; biochemistry and pharmacology; and criminology and sociology, just to name a few! The diplomas that arise from the aforementioned couples, however, are similar in that the graduating student is awarded either an Honours Bachelor of Arts or of Science. But as the growing value of interdisciplinary study is being recognized, some have elected to reach across the metaphorical lines in the sand, taking on POSts that require them to run from Lash Miller Chemical Laboratories to Carr Hall in one afternoon. Three students pursuing a degree that involves both Arts and Science were interviewed with the hope that their summarized experiences may help guide some in their program selection this year (names have been changed for anonymity).
Rachel, Lukas, and Anna all shared the conviction that pursuing a dual degree offered an avenue to study the world from a holistic perspective, asking not only how the world works but also why it does so. For some, such as Rachel, a third-year Peace, Conflict, and Justice and Neuroscience double major, their interdisciplinary studies have been motivated by practical motives of increased flexibility and the ability to carve out a unique niche.
“[My degree] has opened doors for me and afforded some flexibility if I want to change my career path. Right now, I am planning on entering law school, but if I decide otherwise, I have the option of applying to grad schools in either life science or social science without being restrained by my undergrad. I plan on spending a lot of my time in my adult life committed to a single field and I would be able to do so without regret, knowing that I was able to experience both sides in my undergrad.”
A critical aspect of university is the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to be exposed to such a diverse community of individuals brought together in the common pursuit of higher education. To interact and engage with this dynamic network involves exposure to differing perspectives, something that was greatly amplified for Lukas, who says: “It’s really refreshing to have different classes, and they can intersect in cool ways you wouldn’t expect. For one of my [Peace, Conflict, and Justice] courses, I was paired up to work with an environmental non-governmental organization—a perfect placement to complement my Environmental Studies major!”
The nature of studying two programs in disparate fields can, however, produce a heavier course load than expected. To this end, Anna, a Global Health specialist and Anthropology major, says: “There have definitely been inconveniences, such as booking classes with time conflicts, which is definitely a possibility if they’re in two completely different programs. Sometimes, you just have to delay taking a course. In addition, depending on which field you start with, transitioning into your other program can be jarring. I started in STEM and the sheer number of readings in social science proved a massive learning curve.”
In the end, whatever programs you choose to study, it would be worthwhile to remember that you are far more than words on a diploma. Opportunities are not limited to individual departments and there are definite pros and cons to both diversifying or concentrating your education.
