Ohio University students thrive in environments that best suit their interests, personalities and future career aspirations. Instead of fulfilling requirements for a single major, dedicated undergraduates around campus devote their time to completing multiple majors and minors.
Sophomore Eyon Robinson is double majoring in nursing and integrated healthcare sciences and minoring in health service administration. In addition to his 18 credit-hour schedule, Robinson is a resident advisor, participates in three intramural basketball teams on campus and is in Ohio Fellows, a “non-traditional scholars initiative,” according to OU.
“My whole plan is to get my degrees then go back to school,” Robinson said. “I’ll work in the hospital for two years, and then go back to school for CRNA school. Hopefully I’ll be a CRNA for a while, and then one day open my own practice.”
Robinson wanted to be a certified registered nurse anesthetist since high school, and completing these different programs allows him to understand the fundamentals of healthcare.
“The nursing background is pretty much the base of it all,” Robinson said. “(Nursing) is a lot more hands-on and you’re learning about patient care. (With) integrated healthcare studies, you’re doing a lot of research papers … the health service administration is learning about the different roles and business sides.”
To stay on top of his studies, Robinson said he relies on weekly tutoring at the library and staying in communication with professors and peers. He said he also knows when to take a break and refresh his mind.
Though managing multiple majors and a minor can be a challenge, the end goal is worth the current dedication.
“Accepting that I have to do a fifth year is the toughest thing, but knowing in the end, it’ll always make me a better nurse,” Robinson said. “The most rewarding part is knowing that in the end, I’m going to be helping others in their most vulnerable parts of life.”
Jonny Barrett, a sophomore double majoring in contemporary music and digital instruments and music education, is currently taking 18 1/2 credit hours and minoring in jazz studies and conducting.
“The minors just come easy in the fulfillment of the majors,” Barrett said. “I would like to think that it will open the door for more possibilities … and open up more grad school options.”
Barrett said he can take many pathways after completing these courses.
“The contemporary music major is focused on the creation, the performance, the more popular music,” Barrett said. “Music education is learning how to teach music … so it’s just having to find that balance of, ‘which one do I actually want to be more in life?’"
Although Barrett appreciates each program in its own way, there can be negatives. Attempting to schedule four demanding curricula into a four-year period has its drawbacks. Though this can cause great amounts of stress, Barrett said he has a strong support system and commitment to what he wants.
“The most rewarding part is probably performing … or even passing an exam,” Barrett said. “It’s like, ‘Okay, I did it.’ When you actually watch yourself achieve the things that you sought out, it’s very cool.”
Paige Mountain, a junior studying communication with minors in journalism and fashion retail, is also completing a certificate in social media. On top of her coursework, she is involved in a sorority and holds a job on campus.
“Communication kind of goes with anything and especially journalism, it is a lot of communication and talking, so that goes hand-in-hand,” Mountain said. “I always liked the fashion realm, so one year ago I added on the minor just because I wanted to learn more about it.”
Mountain’s thought process toward these diverse minors derives from her dedication to learn.
“It just gives me more knowledge and more to learn about,” Mountain said. “I’m here to learn, so I might as well if I have the flexibility to pick up another minor. I might as well do it and learn the most that I can.”
Additionally, being able to find new strengths and areas for creativity has motivated Mountain to keep trying new things.
“Fashion really makes me think outside the box, along with journalism as well,” Mountain said. “Learning how to talk and be a broadcaster … you have to learn what words to say and how to memorize scripts super fast. It took a while, but it’s worth it.”
Juggling multiple programs and fully dedicating oneself to coursework every day is not always easy, but some Bobcats seem to find it extremely rewarding.
For students who may be interested in adding an additional major or minor to their studies, Robinson said to not be worried.
“It’s always going to help you,” Robinson said. “As long as you can stay disciplined and know what you’re doing, then it’s definitely worth it. Use your resources and your connections. Talking to the students above you, who are going through what you’re going through … and trying to see what they use to succeed.”
Barrett said it is important for students to be passionate about their majors and the application behind extensive work.
“Make sure it’s actually what you want,” Barrett said. “If you think it’s beneficial for your career, for you or if it’s something that you really want to do and no one can talk you out of it, then you should go for it. Especially if you are as capable or blessed as I am to be able to actually do that, you should definitely go for it.”
Mountain said there is a positive impact and growth that can come from differing programs.
“If your schedule allows for it, just do it,” Mountain said. “College is the time where you can try new things. If you have the time, why wouldn’t you want to learn more?”
