While there are some students out there who lack the motivation to study just one subject, a few others often face themselves in the predicament of wanting to take up more than one major. Madeline Stophel, a second-year in the undergraduate program, is one of those students who illustrates the experience of pursuing a dual degree at the University of Florida.
Luckily for Madeline, the process of choosing a major was easy: she was confident about studying in the field engineering due to the several enjoyable and interesting engineering classes and activities she participated in throughout high school and in college so far. Madeline was majoring in Mechanical Engineering when she entered college, but she became super interested in the idea of Aerospace Engineering as well around the same time. Concerning her curiosity in Aerospace Science, Madeline proclaims, “I originally became interested in the major because I've liked astronomy since I was a little kid; but as I've learned more I have definitely become interested in many aspects of the major - not just the space-related ones.”
Madeline started to consider studying and practicing both fields of engineering halfway through her first semester, after continuously hearing about UF’s esteemed dual degree program. Not only does the situation perfectly suit her strong interest in both degrees, but it also doesn’t add too much extra time to her undergraduate experience due to there being a decent overlap of classes between the two majors. Right now, Madeline is going through the process of applying to the dual degree - similar to any process of adding a double major; this ensures that she is planning out her curriculum appropriately before signing up for both.
“Currently, I am taking some classes for each major, and I love all of them! I'm learning a lot and am glad I made the decision I did to add the Aerospace Engineering major.”
In addition, Madeline has some advice for others who wish to follow the same path as her:
“My advice for students entering college is to try out different opportunities related to any majors you are pursuing or are interested in! Either way, it will be beneficial: either you figure out something is really interesting, and get involved in activities you are interested in, or you find out that a major isn't for you, which is just as valuable. Specifically for Engineering, I would suggest that a student gets technical experience through either a design team or research, both of which can help you learn outside knowledge that connects to the field you are studying. For students looking into the Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering dual degree, I'd suggest that you plan it out in advance and be prepared to take more than eight semesters, which is not a bad thing! Finally, things usually work out in the end, even if things don't go exactly according to plan.”