Dual Degree Testimonials
Students in Applied Science have completed dual degrees in several areas, including: German, Classical Studies, Biology, Political Studies, Philosophy, Economics, and Music. These current dual degree students share their reasons for entering the program and the benefits of a dual degree.
Why did you choose to pursue a dual degree?
"I wanted the chance to rediscover the language that I grew up with as a very small child here in Canada but slowly lost over the years. In my quest to ignite my lost skills, I stumbled across the German Department's web page that encouraged engineering students to consider completing a dual degree in German simultaneous to their engineering degrees and suggested that this could include a year abroad. The opportunity to live and study in Germany, travel and fully immerse myself in the rich culture at the heart of Europe, invigorated me."
How do you see your dual degree being beneficial?
"In my case, I hope to be able to become fluent in German after my year abroad and the German courses I have taken at Queen's prior to going on exchange were a stepping stone to getting me there. In terms of looking for a job after my post-secondary studies, I hope that employers will be able to recognize dual degree students as particularly well-rounded graduates."
Stephanie Schubert
Engineering Physics & German
Why did you choose to pursue a dual degree?
"When I first came to Queen's I was debating between Engineering and Commerce. I decided on Engineering, but remained very interested in business and commerce. Doing a dual degree in economics provided me with the opportunity to take courses that interested me greatly while working towards a second degree that I believed would aid me in my future career path. The dual degree program is great because it allowed me to study a wider range of subjects without having to add on 3 or 4 years of study."
How do you see your dual degree being beneficial?
"I intend to pursue a career in business. I will graduate with the method of thinking that an engineering degree gives as well as a base in financial and business related knowledge from my economics degree."
Brett Bergmann
Mechanical Engineering & Economics
Why did you choose to pursue a dual degree?
"My best mark from first year in computer programming. I enjoyed the linear thinking that was required to formulate an algorithm and working at solving a problem and seeing immediate results. I felt that the combination of computer science with engineering would be beneficial since I will have a broader skill set."
How do you see your dual degree being beneficial?
"Ideally I'd like to have a job where I can combine my skills as an engineer and computer scientist. The additional knowledge I'll have will allow me to take on varying tasks which will keep my career exciting and interesting."
Kristin Heath
Chemical Engineering & Computing and Information Science
Why did you choose to pursue a dual degree?
"I was looking to take more liberal arts classes than the standard engineering H&SS requirements. I liked them in high school and I felt the engineering curriculum too limiting in that regard."
How do you see your dual degree being beneficial?
"This is program-specific to English, but I see benefits in the critical thinking and communication skills I have gained thus far that you just don't get in an engineering education. I guess the breadth of my learning in the end will be perceived to be a 'good thing'."
Jamie McIntyre
Mathematics and Engineering & English
Why did you choose to pursue a dual degree?
" I took psychology as a humanity elective and found myself enjoying it so much that I wanted to learn more. I also found that it was a welcome change in content and pace from my engineering classes. It made my life feel more balanced. I've always had interests in other areas besides technical courses like engineering and I wanted to explore that side while I had the chance. It is nice to be able to take courses you really like and get a second degree by only doing one extra year of school."
How do you see your dual degree being beneficial?
"It gives me a chance to experience different sides of university life and academic programs. I plan to join psychology and chemical engineering as a career in business within a scientific corporation. Beforehand, I plan to learn all the technical aspects of the company using my engineering degree. I have an interest of possibly doing an MBA specializing in organizational behaviour and my psychology degree would allow me to do that. Basically, the dual degree gives me more versatility for career choices and changes in the future."
Heather Fenwick
Chemical Engineering & Psychology
