Can You Double Major at the Naval Academy?

I'm considering the Naval Academy and I'm wondering if it's possible to pursue a double major there. How common is it and what are the challenges involved?

While some military academies, like West Point, offer the option to double major, this is not the case for the United States Naval Academy (USNA). At USNA, you are only allowed to pursue one major due to the demanding nature of the program which includes a variety of requirements outside of academics like physical education, professional training, and leadership development.

Instead of double majoring, you can choose to further specialize in certain areas by taking more advanced courses in your chosen major or in a related field. Despite the limitation to one major, the Naval Academy offers a diverse range of academic paths from STEM fields like Aeronautical Engineering or Computer Science to Humanities & Social Sciences like English or Political Science.

However, the challenging aspect is managing your time effectively since the course load can be quite rigorous. In addition to coursework, midshipmen must also participate in a variety of physical training activities and adhere to a high standard of conduct and discipline which makes time management paramount.

Keep in mind if you are thinking of joining with a certain career path in mind, your major does not necessarily determine your future role in the Navy or Marine Corps. There is always room to acquire specific skills throughout your service.