POLICY CHANGE as of November 6, 2023: SOCIAL STUDIES STUDENTS CAN NOW DO DOUBLE CONCENTRATIONS WITH ECONOMICS
Double concentrations differ in important ways from joint concentrations. Whereas joint concentrations are aimed at facilitating the integration of a student’s academic work across two different departments, double concentrations are necessary when a student is pursuing substantially different academic work in two different departments. Joint concentrators can fulfill requirements in both departments with overlapping classes, but students pursuing a double concentration must complete the full requirements for each concentration separately with no more than two overlapping courses. Joint concentrators write one honors thesis that satisfies the requirements of both concentrations. However, double concentrators must choose to designate only one of their two concentrations as their honors concentration. Students who are Social Studies double concentrators must write a Social Studies thesis as a requirement for graduation, whether or not they designate Social Studies as their honors concentration.
Social Studies welcomes students who are pursuing double concentrations with departments in the sciences, humanities, and Economics. However, it is not currently possible for students to pursue double concentrations with other departments with whom we share overlapping social science faculty: Anthropology, Government, History, and Sociology. In cases in which a student’s double concentration might have the potential to overlap with their Social Studies requirements, they should consider declaring a joint concentration instead.
If you have questions about being a double concentrator with Social Studies and another department, please schedule a meeting with the Director of Studies to talk through your proposed plan of study. Our pre-concentration advisers can also answer your questions about double concentrations that include Social Studies. You can find more information about declaring a double concentration on the registrar's page on academic programs, as well as in the Student Handbook.