Statistics from the class of 2015 show an upward trend in the number of double majors compared to previous years. 25 percent of students from 2015 graduated with a double or triple degree, compared to 17 percent for the class of 2014, 18 percent for year 2013 and 19 percent for the class of 2012.

Some professors worry about the negative effects the practice has on students’ learning experience. Ed Webb, associate professor of political science and international studies, fears that the curricular demands of a double major limit a student’s ability to take courses across different disciplines.

In his role as chair of the political science department, he sees many students in his office declaring political science as one of two majors.

“I don’t know what the trends [of double major] will be…but I have noticed a lot of students who come to me to declare a major have another major,” said Webb. “Some [students] combine with another social science, but there’s no single pattern.”

“I don’t think it is a good idea,” Webb said. “It really limits your ability to explore when you are busy meeting the requirements of both classes, which is the ascent of liberal art education.”

Students who have two or three majors have less time for elective courses that let them explore interests outside of their majors. This poses problems for liberal arts colleges like Dickinson that pride themselves on their diverse curriculums, that allow students to discover unknown interests rather than concentrating their coursework in a single area.

Xueyin Zha ’16, who is double majoring in history and sociology, said that she had to forego writing a senior honors thesis to complete the requirements for two degrees.

“I do not have time to write my… thesis because the thesis lasts for a whole year…but I still have to finish my requirements for both of my majors,” Zha said.

Other professors and students defend the practice.

“I was a double major in political science and sociology during my undergraduate [career],” said Professor Bartosik-Velez from the Spanish and Portuguese department. “There are a lot of overlaps, and I found it fascinating.”

Yutong Shang ’16 who majors in computer science and economics, said that he pursued a dual degree because “There will be more choices when [I am] applying for graduate school.”

Above all, Webb said that enthusiasm for subject material is the most important factor when students choose majors and courses.

“I only encourage students to double major when they really have very strong passion in both of these areas,” concluded Professor Webb.