With the end of the fall semester approaching, many students are reevaluating where they stand academically. For some, that means considering a gap year or taking summer courses; for others, it means immersing themselves deeper in academia — perhaps through double majoring.
Comet Gill, a history and theatre major, offered insight into what double majoring really entails.
“I wasn’t absolutely certain of what I wanted to do, and I wanted options,” Gill said.
Like many college students navigating an often fast-paced and demanding academic environment, Gill originally selected history for career-oriented reasons. But the major’s lack of social inclusivity made it difficult for him to form connections.
“History can be time-intensive later on, and I didn’t want to let myself give up something I’m passionate about,” he said. “Majoring in theatre forces me to keep up with a passion of mine.”
Deciding where you want to be in life can be daunting, and Gill encourages students considering a double major to “plan things carefully.” If your chosen fields don’t significantly overlap, prerequisites and course scheduling become critical. Humanities courses, for example, are sometimes only offered every other year, requiring careful planning — and sometimes pushing back if an adviser is hesitant.
Adding a second major can also create financial strain. With educational funding decreasing nationwide, the added time in school can be challenging.
“My least favorite aspect about double majoring is that it can add additional years of school,” Gill said. “Being in school doesn’t bother me, but after four years I will no longer receive scholarships.”
This issue isn’t unique to Murray State. According to Gallup News, 87% of Americans who stop pursuing their degree cite cost as a very or moderately important reason for not enrolling. Other leading concerns include work conflicts (81%), total time to degree (73%) and a lack of remote learning options (70%).
Despite financial barriers, Murray State offers a range of resources. Programs such as the McNair Scholars Program support first-generation and underrepresented students seeking to pursue doctoral degrees by offering mentorship and funding for research opportunities.
Gill also emphasized the importance of understanding the workload.
“I feel like it’s better that I’m busy — although sometimes it can get stressful,” he said.
After facing a medical emergency last semester, Gill found himself juggling missed rehearsals and multiple papers in a single week. Despite this, he pushed through.
“I think most people would drop a major at that point,” Gill said, “but I am still happy with how things are going.”
Despite the challenges, Gill believes double majoring has been worth it.
“Even when things get overwhelming, I feel grounded knowing I’m doing something that matters to me,” he said.
For students considering a second major, Gill’s experience serves as a reminder that the path isn’t easy — but it is possible with planning, persistence and passion. As Murray State continues to expand its resources for academic support, the choice to double major remains a personal one, shaped by each student’s goals, finances and the subjects that make them feel most alive. In the end, double majoring isn’t just about earning two degrees. For many students like Gill, it’s about creating an academic life that feels both challenging and fulfilling.
