LAHORE: The Government College University (GCU) on Saturday announced adopting a new undergrad policy of double majors for its BS degree programmes.

A double major is a programme of study that meets the requirements of two distinct majors (subjects) in a single Bachelor’s degree. The policy was approved by the University’s Academic Council and Syndicate in their last meetings chaired by Vice Chancellor Prof Dr Asghar Zaidi.

Double major/minor degree programme is an American style of education that allows students to do a double major.

The policy and guidelines for advisers also explain that the university does not encourage or discourage a second major; however, students may opt for it to strengthen their skills for the job market and build on their personal interests. Keeping with the spirit of a liberal arts education, an equally viable consideration would be the option of a minor instead of a second major.

HEC to certify only first major; graduates to be eligible for jobs in both disciplines

Students interested in pursuing a second major must keep in mind that the Pakistani Higher Education Commission (HEC) will only certify the first major for an undergraduate degree. Hence, the degree will be based on the first major only.

If a student intends to graduate with a second major or a combination of a major and a minor, all requirements must be met from the same catalogue of courses. With careful and realistic planning, the students can do double majors on time. According to the double majors policy, if a BS programme contains fundamental components of two fields of study with a percentage of 50-50, the qualification would be connected with ‘and’, for instance, BS in Economics and Political Science or BS in Physics and Mathematics.

A major-minor programme that contains at least 25pc components in other fields of study is named using the word ‘with’, for instance, BS in Economics with Mathematics.

Vice Chancellor Prof Zaidi said “A double major means studying two separate fields for a single degree.” He said the ‘double major’ would only be available for students admitted to Fall 2022.

“After one year, the students will be asked to declare their second major (for a double major) or minor. Students cannot drop the major of their parent department,” he said and added that if students would choose such a subject for the second major where seats would be limited, the relevant department could schedule a test or interview for the selection.

Since it is now HEC’s approved policy, the students with double majors will be eligible for jobs in both disciplines (BS History and Political Science will be eligible for lecturship in History as well as Political Science).

Published in Dawn, October 30th, 2022