Unlocking Your Full Potential with a Guaranteed Second Major at SMU
SMU offers students the opportunity to pursue a guaranteed second major, enhancing career prospects and academic flexibility. This interdisciplinary approach allows students to choose from various majors without GPA restrictions. Hear from four students on how having a second major helps them gain a competitive edge by broadening their knowledge and skillsets, preparing them to thrive in diverse professional environments.
In today’s dynamic landscape, the ability to think across disciplines and adapt to new challenges is more important than ever. At SMU, every student has the opportunity to tailor their academic path by pursuing a guaranteed second major from across the entire University. This allows students the freedom to explore diverse fields, build cross-functional skills, and unlock new career opportunities.
In this feature, we highlight how pursuing a second major can enrich your learning and expand your horizons, and equip you with the tools to succeed beyond graduation.
Why consider a second major?
1. Unlock career opportunities
It’s a fact – taking on a second major enhances your appeal to prospective employers. With a second major, you position yourself to pursue a wider range of roles effectively, including specialised roles.
2. Chart your own academic path
Here’s the lowdown: SMU’s guaranteed second major offering is a game-changer in academic flexibility.
Students can choose between second majors from across the University – with no caps, no quotas, and no minimum GPA requirements. Moreover, you only need to declare your majors at the end of your second year in university, affording ample time to explore and try out courses before deciding on a path that best suits your intellectual interests.
The flexibility doesn’t end there – you can also change or drop a major after Year Two. And it’s alright even if you decide on just one major! The choice is completely yours.
3. Dive deeper or broaden your horizons
SMU’s guaranteed second major offers a unique opportunity to complement your first major and delve deeper into your area of study. Alternatively, seize the chance to broaden your horizons with interdisciplinary knowledge or explore a divergent track aligned with your passions. Even if the knowledge is not directly related to a job you currently have in mind, remember that the future of jobs is ever-evolving and that there are many transferrable skills to gain from a second major.
Whatever your motivation, SMU is committed to equipping you with the tools to transform your interests into strengths that prepares you to thrive in an increasingly competitive professional landscape.
4. Enhance your learning journey
Embracing a second major prior to graduation enriches your learning experience by offering diverse perspectives, building on what you would have developed through the SMU Core Curriculum. The takeaways you gain from your secondary area of study can also help to enrich your understanding in your primary field – and vice versa – empowering you to walk away with a broader range of insights relevant to both majors.
What to consider before taking a second major
Before committing to a second major, it helps to reflect on how it fits into your broader academic journey and future plans:
- Academic interest: Choosing a second major that aligns with your curiosity makes the learning experience more engaging and fulfilling.
- Career goals: Consider how the second major can strengthen your professional skills, expand your expertise, and support your career aspirations.
- Depth or breadth: A second major in a related field allows you to deepen your knowledge, while a contrasting discipline offers diverse perspectives.
Pursuing a second major enables you to explore your passions, sharpen your skills, and broaden your perspectives. Make the most of your undergraduate journey with SMU’s guaranteed second major, and shape your future!
Frequently asked questions
When do I need to declare a second major?
You’re only required to declare your second major at the end of your second year. This gives you time to explore your intellectual interests before deciding on a path that suits you best.
Can I change or drop my second major?
Yes, you can change or drop a major after Year Two. And it’s alright to pursue just one major that works best for you.
Get ready to delve into diverse interests and gain a competitive edge with SMU’s guaranteed second major — the ticket to realising your potential. Application is now open!
