Double Major and Certificates

In recent years, a growing number of students have chosen to pursue a second major in fields such as Economics, History, or an Area Studies program, or to complete a Yale College certificate (e.g., Data Science, Education Studies, Human Rights Studies, or Climate Science and Solutions). This option allows students to broaden their academic interests while maintaining a strong foundation in Political Science.

Students pursuing a double major or a Yale College certificate alongside the Political Science major may overlap up to two courses between the two majors or between the major and the certificate.

Students wishing to complete two majors must submit a “Petition to Complete the Requirements of Two Majors.” Only the Director of Undergraduate Studies for the student’s first major is required to approve the petition.

Students pursuing a double major may also write a joint senior essay that satisfies the senior essay requirements of both majors. Students who choose this option may not overlap any additional courses between the two majors.

Students who wish to write a joint senior essay must:

• meet the eligibility requirements for the Political Science senior essay;
• obtain the approval of both departments; and
• register for one essay course per semester in each department,

Students interested in writing a joint senior essay are encouraged to discuss their plans with the Directors of Undergraduate Studies in both departments as early as possible.