The Benefits and Risks of Mood Stabilizers for BPD

The Benefits and Risks of Mood Stabilizers for BPD BPD Treatment Print Using Mood Stabilizers for Treating BPD By Kristalyn Salters-Pedneault, PhD Kristalyn Salters-Pedneault, PhD, is a clinical psychologist and associate professor of psychology at Eastern Connecticut State University. Learn about our editorial policy Kristalyn Salters-Pedneault, PhD Medically reviewed by Medically reviewed by Steven Gans, MD on August 05, 2016 Steven Gans, MD is board-certified in psychiatry and is an active supervisor, teacher, and mentor at Massachusetts General Hospital. Learn about our Medical Review Board Steven Gans, MD Updated on October 21, 2019 Caiaimage/Getty Images More in BPD Treatment Diagnosis Living With BPD Related Conditions Mood stabilizers for  borderline personality disorder (BPD)  can be effective in reducing BPD symptoms, particularly  emotion dysregulation  and impulsivity symptoms.  These  psychiatric pharmaceutical medications are increasingly prescribed for people with BPD, although  psychotherapy is still considered the most important form of treatment. Indication The term mood stabilizer is used to describe any medication that reduces the frequency of intense mood shifts, or lability. Types of Medication Different types of medications are prescribed as mood stabilizers for people with  BPD. Medications originally developed to treat seizures, called “anticonvulsants,” are commonly prescribed for their mood-stabilizing effects. Examples include: Tegretol, Equetro (carbamazepine)Lamictal (lamotrigine)Trileptal (oxcarbazepine)Topamax (topiramate)Depakote (valproic acid, divalproex sodium) Lithobid (lithium carbonate)  is an anticonvulsant mood stabilizer that has been a mainstay of treatment for bipolar disorder for years.   Effectiveness Research is limited, but it does appear that  mood stabilizers can treat some BPD symptoms effectively.  The  most-studied  medication is lithium. Most of those studies focused on the treatment of impulsivity, but one study showed that lithium can be effective in treating BPD anger and irritation. Some studies hint that other anticonvulsant mood stabilizers may help treat mood and emotional symptoms in BPD, and a different type of medication, called atypical antipsychotics, offers an additional treatment option. Risks and Side Effects Risks and side effects of these medications can vary depending on the type of mood stabilizer youre taking. For example,  each anticonvulsant mood stabilizer has its own unique side effect profile. Lithium carbonate can cause gastrointestinal distress such as nausea and vomiting; weight gain; acne; tremors (shaking); and cognitive problems (for example, feeling that your thinking is slowed or fuzzy). Lithium can also affect your kidneys and thyroid gland, so blood tests are required to monitor their function while youre taking this medication. Lithium can also be very toxic in high doses, so it is less likely to be prescribed for people with BPD who are at risk for suicide. Other possible side effects with anticonvulsants include gastrointestinal complaints, weight gain, rashes, fatigue, and dizziness. In addition, some of these medications carry a risk of rare but serious side effects. For example, people taking carbamazepine must be monitored for the possible development of agranulocytosis, a rare condition marked by a significant decrease in white blood cells.   Toxicity is also a concern with certain anticonvulsant mood stabilizers for BPD. Questions to Ask Your Psychiatrist Talk to your psychiatrist about any concerns you have before you start taking a mood stabilizer for BPD. Make sure you understand the risks and side effects  as well as the reason(s) you are being prescribed a particular medication. Here are some questions you might want to ask: Which BPD symptoms do you expect this medication to affect?Are there particular risks or side effects I should watch for?How will this medication interact with other medications Im taking?How long will I need to take this medication before I start to notice its effects?How long do you think Ill need to be on this medication?

Why I Am A Singer - 1279 Words

Setting my suitcase and bags next to my bed, I looked around seeing that most of the things were placed as they were two months ago. Summer break recently ended and class was scheduled to resume on Monday. It was my last year here at Maxwell College of Arts and I could already tell that this year was going to be stressful. Being 21, almost 22 in September, I was ready to take on life. Ever since I was 15, I knew I wanted to be a singer. I wanted to share my music with others and be the one who spreads inspiration from one to another. However, I didn t necessarily know how to get there. The first step was moving to New York, which was one of the best decisions that I have ever made. Yes, I did love living in the suburbs of Chicago, but†¦show more content†¦I know, I whispered. Enough of this. Are you excited about graduating this year? My grandmother squealed. I rolled my eyes, but couldn t help but smile. My grandmother was everything to me, she was the light of my world and was always the one there for me. She may be 80 years old, but she was a 21-year-old at heart. Y know sweetheart, you should go out have fun before school starts. You sound so tense. Just stressed, Grandma, I replied while unpacking. I need to write songs for my final projects and- Rose, the semester didn t even start yet and you re already stressing. She chuckled. Just go have fun will you? I sighed, Okay, but I can t guarantee that ll go all out. Fine by me. Just have fun, okay? Rosabelle did you hear?! Screamed my roommate, Violet, as she barged into our dorm. Hey, Grandma, H have to go. I ll talk to you later, okay? Bye sweetheart! Stay safe. I will, bye! I said and turned to Violet.Vi, we literally just got back from break. How can you possibly already hear some gossip. I giggled. Oh well, Carly heard from Ashley, who heard from her fuck toy, who is frien- Vi, I get it. Just tell me. I laughed. Everyone has the one friend who just happen to love gossip, unfortunately for me, it was Violet. So do you know the music program you re in and how there s always a celebrity mentor? She asked. Maxwell College of Arts provided the music program a mentor, however, every year

Elizabeth Cady Stanton Essay - 1830 Words

Elizabeth Cady Stanton nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;I was once called the most dangerous woman in America because I dared to ask for the unthinkable- the right to vote. I challenged my cultures basic assumptions about men and women, and dedicated my life to the pursuit of equal rights for all women. My name is Elizabeth Cady Stanton. nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;I was born in Johnstown, New York, on the 12th of November, 1815. My father is the prominent attorney and judge Daniel Cady and my mother is Margaret Livingston Cady. I was born the seventh child and middle daughter. Although my mother gave birth to eleven children- five boys and six girls- six of her children died. Only one of my brothers survived to adulthood, and he died†¦show more content†¦Although I learned a great deal at the academy, I objected to the principle of single sex education and felt it was artificial and unnatural. I believed knowledge had no sex. nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp; I graduated in 1833 and returned to my parents home, and this is when I entered the world of reform. While visiting my cousin, Gerrit Smith (the abolitionist) in Peterboro, New York, I met with all kinds of reformers. There, too, I met the man I was to marry- Henry Stanton, a renowned abolitionist speaker and journalist. My marriage to Henry, who was 10 years older than me, marked an important turning point in my life, especially since my father objected to my choice. He strongly disagreed with Henrys radical politics, and tried to discourage me, but I was stubborn. So, on May 1, 1840, we got married in my parents home in Johnstown. On the wedding day, we both agreed (although the minister objected) to remove the word quot;obeyquot; from my vows. I refused to obey someone with whom I was entering an equal relationship. We honeymooned in London where Henry combined business with pleasure and attended the World Anti- Slavery Convention. It was in London that I met Lucretia Mott, when both of us were banished from the convention because of our gender. We resolved the keep in touch when we returned to America, but eight years passed before this happened. nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;Meanwhile, after Henry and I returned to theShow MoreRelated Elizabeth Cady Stanton Essay646 Words   |  3 PagesElizabeth Cady Stanton Elizabeth Cady Stanton was known as the Daughter of the Revolution, which dealt with womens suffrage (Ward 92). Stanton was born on November 12, 1815, to Daniel Cady and Margaret Livingston. Daniel, her father, held the position of judge of Johnstown, New York. Unfortunately for Daniel, Margaret gave birth to only three sons, two whom died shortly after; one at birth and the other after graduating from Union College . Stanton engaged herself in Greek studies andRead MoreThe Early Life Of Elizabeth Cady Stanton866 Words   |  4 PagesThe early life of Elizabeth Cady Stanton starts with her being the fourth child of six children. Her mother was from a wealthy family and a big part of the political elite of New York. Stanton’s grandfather was an officer during the American Revolution under George Washington, and was a part of New York state legislature. Her father was a member of the New York state legislature, U.S. House of Representatives and after 1847 became a member of the Supreme Court of New York State. During the 1830’sRead MoreThe Declaration Of Sentiments By Elizabeth Cady Stanton1135 Words   |  5 PagesThere are many important documents in history that have influenced the lives of women today, but possibly none more important than the â€Å"Declaration of Sentiments† by Elizabeth Cady Stanton. The declaration was able to make an extremely strong and memorable impact, not only for the ideas presented in it, but also for its strong rhetoric and use of figurative language such as anaphora and syntax; also, notable is its imitation of the â€Å"Declaration of Independence†. Though written over one hundred yearsRead MoreThe Declaration Of Sentiments By Elizabeth Cady Stanton1225 Words   |  5 PagesP.1 27 January 2015 Essay Contest: The Declaration of Sentiments In the Declaration of Sentiments, author Elizabeth Cady Stanton expresses her anger of the oppression experienced by women in the United States. After being rejected to attend the World’s Anti-Slavery convention in London, Stanton was frustrated because she was being rejected for being a woman. This motivated Stanton to share her own ideas on advocating women’s rights and changing the way women are treated in society because ofRead MoreThe Feminist Movement By Elizabeth Cady Stanton848 Words   |  4 Pagesfirst wave’s focus caused the lull that is the unnamed problem and started the second wave. The first wave of feminism sacrificed their original ideologies. The original women’s rights leaders had more on their agendas than just suffrage. Elizabeth Cady Stanton, one of the original leaders, drafted in â€Å"Declaration of Sentiments and Resolutions† many grievances about men and resolutions that the women of Seneca Falls Convention demanded: equal wages, rights to education and occupation, equality ofRead MoreThe Original Riot Grrrls By Elizabeth Cady Stanton1385 Words   |  6 Pageshave taken control of their opinions and used their strong-will to make the necessary changes in American society. During the Seneca Falls Convention, Elizabeth Cady Stanton exclaimed in her address, â€Å"The right is ours. The question now is: how shall we get possession of what rightfully belongs to us,† (Stanton). The leaders, Elizabeth Cady Stanton and Lucretia Mott of the Seneca Falls Convention, along with other female leaders, displayed civil disobedience, provided powerful lectures, and organizedRead MoreElizabeth Cady Stanton : Traits Of The Classic Feminist1089 Words   |  5 Pagesother hand, Elizabeth Cady Stanton exemplifies the traits of the classic feminist. Despite her great accomplishments, Stanton came from a rather humble background that provided her with substantial support in the search for equality. Stanton was the first woman to run for election to Congress and the founder of the organized women s movement in the United States (Infobase Learning). Stanton was born on November 12, 1815 in Johnstown, New York. Her parents were Margaret Livingston Cady and DanielRead MoreElizabeth Cady Stanton s Declaration Of Sentiments1249 Words   |  5 PagesMy paper will include Elizabeth Cady Stanton and what made her set out to start the Women s Rights Movement with her friend Susan B Anthony. Elizabeth became an early leader for the women s rights movements, writing the â€Å"Declaration of Sentiments† as a sign for equal rights for women.In every soul there is bound up some truth and some error, and each gives to the world of thought what no other one possesses.—Cousin. Elizabeth Cady Stanton was born on November 12, 1815 in Johnstown New York.Read MoreElizabeth Cady Stanton : Women s Rights1922 Words   |  8 Pages Abstract Elizabeth Cady Stanton forever changed the social and political landscape of the United States of America by succeeding in her work to guarantee rights for women and slaves. Elizabeth Cady Stanton was a leader in the 19th century for women’s activist and women’s suffrage leader. As an active American abolitionist, she gave many lectures and wrote books. Among those fighting for women’s rights, she was a primary leader. Though she was interested in women’s rights from many perspectivesRead MoreWomen s Rights By Elizabeth Cady Stanton1015 Words   |  5 Pageswomen’s rights was organize on a worldwide status. In July, Elizabeth Cady Stanton and Lucretia Mott created the first women’s rights convention in Seneca Falls, New York. More than 300 people (women, a couple of men and african americans) attended. Their belief was that women should be provided with better opportunities revolving around education and employment, and that they deserved to have a voice in their government. Elizabeth Cady Stanton composed a â€Å"Declaration of Sentiments† document, influenced

Microsoft Windows operating system Free Essays

Known by its codename â€Å"Longhorn†, Windows Vista finished development on November 8, 2006. However, development completion was not automatically followed by public release. Instead, the following three months saw the operating system released in stages to computer hardware and software manufacturers, business customers, and retail channels. We will write a custom essay sample on Microsoft Windows operating system or any similar topic only for you Order Now Only at the end of January the following year was Windows Vista finally released worldwide for the use of the general public. This latest release of a Microsoft Windows operating system version took the longest time to happen among all previous releases. It took Microsoft more than five years to finish Windows Vista after it had previously introduced Windows XP. While these two circumstances of Vista’s release led most critics to question Microsoft’s capability of coming up with better versions of its Windows operating system series, a better understanding of the nature of digital products and the intrinsic complexities that need to be considered in the development of such technology would reveal that all the delays were necessary steps that Microsoft had t take to ensure the Windows Vista’s successful public launch. The Complexity of Digital Products Unlike physical products like cars or cans of beans, manufacturing digital products naturally takes a longer time to get finalized. Firstly, developmental factors to consider are exponentially more dynamic. A software manufacturing company has to consider the amount of material being released by the day over the internet regarding the performance of their old products as well as improvements made on the products of their competition. With the emergence of other operating systems like UNIX, Linux, and Macintosh’s Mac OS X Tiger which are increasingly becoming more popular among consumers, it becomes even more important for Windows developers to spend as long a time as it takes to gather as much enough data on what new features would be most innovative and least redundant so as to obtain a better market share. Secondly, unlike in the case of car manufacturing wherein new models that look different but run on the same engines can command significant buyer preferences, a new version of a software that only â€Å"looks† different but is otherwise the same as its predecessor would be severely rejected by consumers. There has to be a significant difference between the features of previous software and that of its successor in order for the new product to be at least marketable. After the release of Windows XP, Vista’s predecessor, little room for improvement was left to Windows where appearances were concerned. Therefore, Microsoft had to make drastic changes to XP’s successor if it hoped to be able to convince the public that Vista was worth buying. As a result, Windows Vista was released containing hundreds of new and reworked features. It contains a new concept of graphical user interface dubbed Windows Aero that is unlike any other that currently exists in the market. Its improved multimedia creation tools include a DVD maker that was completely redesigned from the preceding generally unpopular Windows Movie Maker. The Windows Explorer’s task panel was removed in favor for a â€Å"Favorite links† panel that was determined to be a potentially more useful feature. Even the address bar was replaced with a new breadcrumb navigation system that makes it much easier to jump from one previously viewed page to another (Windows Vista). All these changes are extremely unlike those seem in the transitions from Windows 95 to Windows XP, and they would not have been possible had Microsoft not taken their time. Security ; Stability: O.S. Essentials In the advent of the world’s growing dependence on ecommerce, it becomes a prime imperative to secure one’s computer from hostile access. Much like how physical security providers test new systems, so do operating system manufacturers test theirs in order to ensure that as much freedom from possible corruption or intrusion is provided. Consumers will not trust a new O.S. product if there is any significant reason to worry that using it would put the sensitive financial and personal information they store in their computers at risk. This is why manufacturers typically undergo several stages of testing that was seen in the case of Windows Vista. This process generally consists of three stages: 1.) internal, 2.) operational, and 3.) external (Grover 78). Internal testing usually takes the longest to complete. It is also where the manufacturers locate most of the possible sources of instability such as program bugs, and script errors. However, testing an operating system’s security capabilities cannot be extensively done during the internal testing stage. This is because the manufacturers need to expose the software to the actual hostile environment of the World Wide Web. Thus, the operational stage sees manufacturers periodically releasing the operating system to semi-controlled entities such as distributors or selected test groups in order to try how the system would fare at the hands of relatively typical users when facing the different viruses, worms, and hacking programs at large in the internet. It is also in the operation stage where manufacturers release the operating system to software and hardware manufacturers in order to gauge the new system’s compatibility with new devices and programs that would also be released in the market. Finally, even after the release of the operating system, the external testing stage is where manufacturers set up means to gather as much feedback from consumers as possible in order to fix any problems that the first two stages might have overlooked. The chances of problems occurring at the third stage of testing should be highly unlikely but the stage is nonetheless implemented as a failsafe mechanism. Microsoft had followed all the necessary stages in new product development where operating systems are concerned. This explains also explains that long time it took for Vista to come out as well as the necessity of the delay of its release to the public. Work Cited: Grover, John J. Product Development: A Managerial Perspective. Simmons ; Sons: New York, 2004 Windows Vista. 2007. Microsoft Website. July 20, 2007 ;http://www.microsoft.com/windows/products/windowsvista/default.mspx; How to cite Microsoft Windows operating system, Essay examples

Los Angeles Politics Essay Research Paper Glen free essay sample

Los Angeles Politics Essay, Research Paper Glen Gemeniano 1/28/00 POLI 1A Options to Belmont Sites Have Problems of their ain The site for new Belmont still hasn # 8217 ; t been found. The School territory has been groping with two proposed options by interim superintendent Ruben Cortines and CEO Howard Miller severally suggest utilizing high-rise office suites and open 4 new schools rapidly. These options have been met with assorted emotion from both sides of the conflict. Those for the Belmont undertaking to go on are in favour of utilizing the former embassador hotel in the mid-Wiltshire territory, because 10 old ages ago the school board had chosen this site for the high school but was met by Donald Trump # 8217 ; s Legal Team. Upon repossessing the site after foreclosure the dialogues with such outstanding figures such as Magic Johnson who owns many Cinemas in the country to unite his film composite with a in-between school. The conservancy group is expected to barricade the razing of the hotel claiming it is a historical site mentioning that it is the topographic point of the Kennedy Assignation and many Oscar darks. We will write a custom essay sample on Los Angeles Politics Essay Research Paper Glen or any similar topic specifically for you Do Not WasteYour Time HIRE WRITER Only 13.90 / page School Board Member Caprice Young wants Johnson and the acquaintance to look at the demand of the kids. I personally don # 8217 ; t think that kids no affair how appealing would in long run want the distraction of a movie theatre ruining their education. The reason many people have so many differing opinions is because if we were just another state this wouldn’t be an issue but a time for action. A time to step forward and take the blame for being to focused on keeping appearances that we abused our children. â€Å"It’s time they started thinking about kids†, Young said. The city is the movie Mecca of the world and has a lot of land at it’s disposal but because it wants to make the place a visitor attracting place doesn’t want to sacrifice a hotel to fit the needs. I think this plain wrong on the part of the school board. I remember reading about how the state can take over a site because it was to be made use for a federal project such as highway which many people use to go to and from work. If we don’t see the value of an education than it is true what other states do say about us, that we are mor e into our looks that to do what is right. The Hollywood facade of this city has been around much to long and is due to change and no physically but mentally. A face lift of this sort would cause a rift in our society but if there noone to stand up for the rights of the children then those buildings that the conservancy wants to keep as historic landmarks would be all for not.

Management Information Systems

Management Information Systems Abstract This study examines the effects of rapid changes in information technology in decision-making. The rapid changes in technology have led to changes the way managers make decisions. Managers tend to change their policies and decision-making processes depending on the most current technology.Advertising We will write a custom thesis sample on Management Information Systems specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More However, the rapid changes in technology are extremely to the extent that managerial decision making has been affected severely. This study will be conducted to see how managers have adapted to rapid changes in information technology. Background Adoption of Information technology support decisions making process at different levels of the organizational. Managers make structured decisions (Ayadi 56). These decisions are usually dependent on the information technology adopted. Studies have shown that manager decision-making proc ess is structured according to the technology they are hoping to adopt. However, with the rapid changes in the technology the process of structuring the decision making process has become difficult. Managers find the task of incorporating the concept of rapid changes into the process of decision making difficult. Managers believe that the cost of adopting new technology is escalating with growth in the IT industry (Miles 45). Managers have the duty of adopting new technology in an entity. However, technology is changing at a faster rate than most elements that affect managerial decision-making. Most managers, in the current world, are of the opinion that rapid changes in technology are affecting the process of decision-making (Ayadi 122). This has led to managers developing different attitudes and perceptions towards the rate of technological changes. Various managers argue that with the rapid changes in IT, the new technology adopted by an entity becomes outdated before it has been implemented fully. A good example of such a case was the advance in Microsoft operating system between 2006 and 2010. Many entities upgraded their computers from lower operating systems like XP to windows 7 operating system. However, before the Windows 7 was fully implemented, Microsoft upgraded their operating system software. They came up with Windows 8 that was more advanced than Windows 7 (Jones 256). These rapid changes in technology are making managers more cautious while adopting new technology. Decision-making is a critical tool in determining the competence of a manager.Advertising Looking for thesis on business economics? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More Managers therefore have to be careful while making decisions on information technology since such decisions may determine how competent a manager is. Managers have adopted the use of models to assist them in the processes of decision-making (Jones 320). Ra pid technological changes have also led to development of new policies and procedures. Managers have been forced to learn a new code of conduct that is compatible with the new technology. Advances in technology have led to overlaps in policies. Changes in technology have also lead to scrapping off redundant policies. New policies have been introduction of new to cater for the rapid changes in technology. In the process of adopting new policies and adopting new ones, policies may overlap. Sometimes a policy vacuum is created thus making it difficult for manager to make crucial decisions on certain matters. In such cases, managers tend to use old policies that may be irrelevant in current decision-making process (Miles 119). Problem Statement Technology is changing at a rapid rate. With every new dawn, there is always new technology. It has become a difficult task for managers to keep up with the technological changes in their organizations. Due to the rapid changes in technology, man agers are finding it difficult to choose the most appropriate piece of technology that would suit their function. Adopting relevant technology is becoming harder and harder for managers. Therefore, different managers tend to have different attitudes and perceptions regarding changes technology. These attitudes and perceptions affect managers’ decision making processes. Moreover, managers’ view on adopting new technology is changing. This has been attributed to the rising costs of keeping up with the rapid technological changes. Institutions in the current world adopt technology that is deemed relevant. Managers have shifted their decision-making stance in cases that involve technology. Instead of adopting newest technology, they only adopt relevant technology. This enables them to cut their costs and maintain the company’s profitability in the process. Objectives of the Study The main objective of this project is to determine whether there are significant effect s on rapid changes in technology in decision-making process. The specific objectives includeAdvertising We will write a custom thesis sample on Management Information Systems specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More Analyzing decision-making models that have been formulated with emergence of information technology. Determine the challenges facing managers in adopting new technology Propose areas requiring further research to fix the problem associated with new technology. Research Questions How does the rapid growth in technology affect decision-making? Have managers formulated models to assist in tackling this problem? What are the challenges facing managers when adopting new technology? Which area in decision making in regards to information technology require further studies? Limitations of the Study This study is to be conducted within a limited period of time that is insufficient to establish the full extent of the effects of rapid technology advances on the process of decision-making. Financial constraints also prevent study to be conducted effectively and efficiently especially the interviews that are to be conducted to managers of large-scale organizations who utilize management information systems as part of their management techniques. It will thus be difficult to determine the influence of management information systems across large range managers to determine how each manager is affected by the decisions made. Ayadi, Ingvar. Organizational Management in Modern Times. Tunis: Mashall publishers, 2009. Print Jones, Mitchel. The 21st Century Economy. London: Sage, 2005. Print Miles, Peters. Planning and Decision Making. Boston: Yale Publishers, 2002. Print

Dual Degree vs Double Major Which Is Right For You

Dual Degree vs Double Major Which Is Right For You SAT / ACT Prep Online Guides and Tips Got a passion for more than one field of study? Then you might be interested in studying two fields simultaneously with either a double major or dual degree. What is the main difference between a double major and a dual degree? And how can you figure out which option will be a better fit for you? In this dual degree vs double major guide, we go over the fundamental difference between the two academic paths, define each option in detail, and take a look at the most important similarities and differences between the two. We also offer you some tips to help you determine whether a double major or dual degree will work better for you based on your preferences and goals. The Basic Difference Between Double Major and Dual Degree The key difference between a double major and a dual degree lies in what you receive when you graduate from college. With a double major, you're earning just one bachelor’s degree (i.e., one diploma) with specializations in two fields. However, with a dual degree, you’re earning two separate degrees/diplomas (which could be two bachelor’s degrees, a bachelor’s and a master’s, etc.) in two distinct fields. Typically, a double major means you’ll be studying two fields that are based in the same school and that’ll earn you the same type of degree, such as a Bachelor of Arts (BA), a Bachelor of Science (BS), or a Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA). By contrast, a dual degree usually means you’ll be studying two unique fields that are based in two different schools and that’ll earn you two different types of degrees (e.g., a BS and a BFA). In my case, I double majored in English and East Asian Languages and Cultures (EALC) at USC. This means I earned just one college degree: a Bachelor of Arts with concentrations in English and EALC. Because classes for the English and EALC majors were both housed in the College of Letters, Arts, and Sciences (and both majors led to a BA), I was able to study the two fields under the same degree. That said, if I’d wanted to study a much more different combination of fields, such as English and architecture (which are housed in two different schools at USC), I'd needed to have studied the fields as two separate degrees, which would have earned me a BA in English and a Bachelor of Architecture. Now that you understand this basic difference, let’s take a look at the main qualities that define a dual degree and a double major. With a dual degree, you'll get two diplomas when you graduate from college. What Is a Dual Degree? A dual degree (also called a double degree) is when a student studies two different fields at the same time in order to earn two separate degrees. Depending on the university, this could be a wide combination of degrees, such as two types of bachelor’s degrees, a bachelor’s and a master's, or two master’s/professional degrees. Each degree corresponds to one of the fields in which you’re specializing. For instance, at the University of Michigan, undergraduate students can pursue a dual degree by earning a Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) at the Ross School of Business and a BA, BS, BFA, etc., at another school within UM. Universities that offer dual degree programs often require students to apply and get accepted to the two schools at which the fields are housed. Because a dual degree requires students to simultaneously complete the requirements for two different degrees, it typically takes more time (more than four years or four years plus summer classes) than a regular undergraduate program does. As with any degree, you must complete all basic requirements (including general education courses and major courses) for both degrees in order to earn them. Columbia’s BA/MPA dual degree program, for example, takes a total of five years to complete- but by the end of this, you’ll be rewarded with both a bachelor’s degree and a master’s degree. This extra time required for a dual degree naturally means that students who are pursuing one will likely have to pay more in tuition, housing, etc. Nevertheless, you’ll save money (and time!) doing a dual degree than if you had pursued the two degrees separately or at different times. A double major allows you to study two fields and get just one degree. What Is a Double Major? You’ve probably met or heard of college students doing a double major. With a double major, you earn a single degree with concentrations in two fields. These fields are typically housed in the same school or college within a university and earn you the same type of degree (e.g., a BA, a BFA, a BS, etc.). If you want to pursue two majors in two highly different fields or at two different schools in your university, you’ll likely have to instead apply for a dual degree program. At some universities, you can apply the same courses to both of your majors, which can save you time and money. But this policy varies. At Stanford, you can't have any overlapping classes for your two majors. Meanwhile, at UC Berkeley, you may have up to two upper-division credits count toward both of your majors. Many students do not declare a double major until at least halfway through their college career. (I myself didn’t declare my second major until the end of my sophomore year.) However, you can declare a double major earlier if you know what you want to study, or possibly later, so long as you’ll have enough time to get all the credits you need by the time you intend to graduate. Furthermore, double majors can typically be completed within the regular four-year span (as most undergraduate degrees are). This means that double majors won’t usually have to spend any more money or time on their degree than a single major would. Finally, it’s worth noting that some students are able to triple major- meaning they get to study three fields at the same time and still earn just one degree! Want to build the best possible college application? We can help. PrepScholar Admissions is the world's best admissions consulting service. We combine world-class admissions counselors with our data-driven, proprietary admissions strategies. We've overseen thousands of students get into their top choice schools, from state colleges to the Ivy League. We know what kinds of students colleges want to admit. We want to get you admitted to your dream schools. Learn more about PrepScholar Admissions to maximize your chance of getting in. Dual Degree vs Double Major: 3 Key Similarities So far, we’ve given you the basic difference between a dual degree and a double major as well as in-depth definitions of both academic paths. Now, we'll take a look at some of the key similarities between the two. #1: You Get to Study Two Fields at Once Both a dual degree and a double major allow students to study more than one academic field at the same time. As a result, you’ll get the advantage of being able to broaden your horizons and expand your knowledge in different subject areas. This can lead to more effective analytical skills, too, which can be applied to careers and other professional endeavors. According to one study, double majors tend to be more dynamic, creative thinkers than single majors, indicating that there are many intellectual advantages to studying two fields at once. Getting a double major or dual degree can also prevent you from feeling limited or constricted to a single academic discipline. For example, if you love learning Spanish but aren’t sure whether a language major alone will help you get a job after college, you could combine it- via either a dual degree or double major- with another field that’s more job-oriented and that offers you the opportunity to learn a different skill set. More fields of study = more career options! #2: Studying Two Fields Can Diversify Your Career Prospects Perhaps the biggest benefit of studying two fields, either as a double major or dual degree, is that you’re acquiring two individual sets of skills and knowledge. This intellectual diversity can have a positive effect on your future career prospects. Basically, your experience with studying two academic disciplines will allow you to explore a bigger array of possible careers. For example, say you did a dual degree program in which you earned a BFA in Piano Performance and a Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA). With these two fields under your belt, you could enter a career related to music or business (or a career combining both!). Since you have many of the fundamental skills required (or preferred) for a job in either of these two fields, we could say your dual degree has, in fact, diversified your career possibilities. The same can be said for a double major. Say you double majored in chemistry and English. With these majors, you’ll learn plenty of useful skills, from critical thinking to observation and analysis, that you can apply to several occupations. For example, you could be a professional writer or work with a company that sells scientific equipment. You could even combine your majors in a more specialized career; for instance, you could become an editor of a science journal. Overall, both a dual degree and double major allow you to not just learn about two fields but also gain a set of broader skills that can be applied to far more careers than had you simply studied one field. #3: You Might Be Able to Apply a Class Toward Both Majors/Degrees Though this varies a lot depending on the university, with some double majors and dual degree programs, you can apply some of the classes you take for one major/degree to your other major/degree. However, note that most universities that allow this overlap between credits have a limit on how many credits/classes you can apply to both majors/degrees. For example, dual degree students in the College of Engineering at the University of Michigan may request to have a class for one degree "double-count" toward their other degree by submitting a Dual Degree Course Election Form. At Northwestern, double majors can double-count a limited number of courses toward both their majors if they’re majoring in an interdisciplinary field, such as Asian Studies or Neuroscience. Double Major vs Dual Degree: 2 Major Differences We know that a dual degree gets you two separate degrees, whereas a double major gets you just one degree with two concentrations. But what are some other major differences between the two? Unfortunately, knowledge isn't the only thing to rise when you opt for a dual degree. #1: Dual Degrees Take Longer and Cost More Money Since you’re earning two degrees, each with its own unique academic requirements, a dual degree program requires more coursework than a double major does. This means you’ll generally be in school longer- often five or more years depending on the program and types of degrees you’re getting. By contrast, with a double major, you can usually finish college within the regular four-year time frame (though some people might take longer, especially if they didn’t declare their second major until very late into their college career). At Indiana University of Pennsylvania, for example, you must earn 120 credits for a double major and 150 credits for a dual degree. Due to this extra time spent in school, a dual degree typically costs more money overall than a double major does You’ll need to pay more for tuition since you're taking more credits in total; you’ll also need to pay more for things like housing, textbooks, and meals since you’ll be staying in school longer. #2: Dual Degrees Usually Require Admission to Two Schools Because a dual degree means you’ll be pursuing two degrees from two different schools, you’ll usually need to apply to (and get accepted to) both schools. By when you must apply to each school depends on the university. At Boston University, you must complete one full semester before you can apply to the dual degree program, and you can’t apply any later than the first semester of your junior year. At Columbia, applicants to the Law School may apply for a dual degree either when they initially apply for admission to the Law School (in other words, before they start college) or when they’re already enrolled at the Law School. Double majors are different, though. Since most students who double major study fields housed in the same school, they won’t need to apply for admission to a separate school. In general, the process for declaring a double major is a lot simpler than that for entering a dual degree program. For a double major, all you typically need to do is consult your advisor to figure out how many credits you need, which classes you’ll take, and whether you’ll have enough time in your schedule to pursue both majors without issue. Double Major vs Double Degree: Which One Should You Do? If you’re reading this article, you’re likely considering studying more than one field in college. But which is better for you: a double major or a dual degree? Below is a quiz you can use to help you figure out which plan might be a better fit for you. For each statement, put a check for either "Agree" or "Disagree." At the end, tally up your number of agrees and disagrees to find out whether a double major or dual degree is better suited for you. Statement Agree Disagree I hope to graduate within four years. The two fields I’m interested in studying are (at least somewhat) related to each other. Money is or might be a major concern for me. I dislike long, complicated application processes. I get easily stressed with having to balance lots of schoolwork. I’m unsure what I want to study in college. Mostly Agrees - A Double Major Should Work Well for You! If you got more agrees than disagrees, then a double major will likely work better for you than a dual degree will. You’d prefer to avoid spending any more money or time than you need to in order to get your college degree. You also want to study two fields that are at least slightly relevant to each other and whose majors don’t require a long application process or a lot more credits. Mostly Disagrees - A Dual Degree Is the Challenge You’re Seeking! If you got more disagrees than agrees, a dual degree sounds like the perfect intellectual challenge for you. You have a clear idea of the two (likely very different) fields you want to study and don’t mind spending more time and money getting your degrees. You’re also OK with having to balance a heavier-than-normal workload. Equal Number of Agrees and Disagrees - You Could Do Either! If you got an equal number of agrees and disagrees, either a double major or a dual degree could work well for you. You’re probably not a huge fan of spending a lot more time and money than you need to, but you’re also very interested in studying the two fields you really want to learn about, regardless of the challenges they might pose. Dual Degree vs Double Major: Key Takeaways Both a double major and a dual degree involve the study of two academic fields. However, there's a big difference between the two academic paths: a double major means you’ll get one degree with two concentrations, whereas a dual degree means you’ll get two separate degrees (i.e., two diplomas), one for each area of specialization. Typically, double majors involve the study of two related fields of study whose majors are housed in the same school or college at a university. This means you’ll graduate with one type of degree, such as a BA or BS, with two concentrations. Students usually have until at least the beginning of their junior year to declare a double major. Most double majors are able to graduate within the typical four-year time frame and therefore won’t need to spend more money on credits/tuition than a single major would. By contrast, a dual degree generally means you’ll be studying two highly different fields whose majors belong to two different schools. As a result, you’ll usually have to apply to both schools separately (and of course get accepted to both!). Dual degrees also require more credit hours than single degrees and double majors, since you need to complete the requirements for two separate degrees. The best way to figure out whether a double major or a dual degree is right for you is to take our quiz above. To reiterate, here are the main questions to ask yourself before you make your choice: What academic fields do you want to study in college (and how sure are you of your choices)? How much coursework are you willing to handle at one time? Are you OK with having to spend more time and money on your degree(s)? Being able to answer these questions should give you a clear idea as to which academic path- a double major or a dual degree- is ultimately the best one for you to take! What’s Next? What about if you want to become a teacher- do you need a dual degree, an education major, or just certification? Learn more about whether or not you need a teaching degree here. We also have complete guides for how to become a teacher and whether or not you should get an early childhood education degree. Still got questions about dual degrees or double majors? Then feel free to take a look at our in-depth guides to what a dual degree is and what a double major is to learn more about what to expect if you're pursuing one. What's the process for double majoring? Get the rundown in our guide on how to double major in college! If you're thinking about adding a second major but aren't sure if you can handle the workload, you should also check out our guide to low-key college majors. Struggling to figure out what you want to study in college? Have no fear- our guide will help you choose the best major for you, one step at a time. Want to improve your SAT score by 160 points or your ACT score by 4 points? We've written a guide for each test about the top 5 strategies you must be using to have a shot at improving your score. Download it for free now: