The university years are not just about getting a diploma, but about finding out who you really are. For those who want to deepen this process a little more at Özyeğin University, double major (DMP) and minor programs are indeed like a golden ticket. It gives you the chance to explore a new academic field and takes you a few steps forward in your career journey.
A guy I met at Özyeğin, who was studying Electrical and Electronics Engineering, suddenly became interested in Psychology and applied for a double major. On his graduation day he wore two different robes – that’s when I said “this is it”.
What is a Double Major? Why is it so Popular at Ozyegin?
The double major program allows you to receive a diploma from a second department while enrolled in an undergraduate program at the university. At Özyeğin University, this system operates according to the rules of the Council of Higher Education (YÖK) and the university’s own guidelines.
Why is it popular? Because you can study engineering and get a business degree. Or you can combine architecture with psychology. An excellent way for students who want to gain an interdisciplinary perspective and make their CV much more attractive.
Language Requirement and International Students
If your main program is in Turkish but the second program is in English, you may need to take an exam like TRACE. For international students, this can be a bit stressful, but with early planning it can be very manageable. Preparatory students are already used to these exams.
Double Major Application Process at Ozyegin University
The application process is more systematic than one might think. First of all, applications are opened every semester, but between certain dates. For example, the application period for Spring 2025 is January 6-10.
Everything is done online through SIS (Student Information System). So no paperwork, but you have to fill out the form carefully.
Application Conditions
The first application date is the beginning of the 3rd semester. You have until the end of the 5th semester. But during this time you need to perform well academically:
- GPA (Grade Point Average) must be at least 2.72
- You must have no failed courses
- The number of credits must be sufficient for the semester applied for (e.g. 48 credits in the 3rd semester)
- You must be in the top 20% of your class
Also, the department you are applying for may ask for some additional requirements. For example, a criminal record or health report is required for Aviation Management. If you are applying to the Faculty of Law, your YKS success ranking should be at a certain level.
Evaluation and Acceptance
After applying, each faculty evaluates its own students. The list of those accepted is also announced on the website. Waiting for that moment is a bit stressful, but for those who succeed, there is a real reward: a second diploma!
Lighter but still prestigious. It is especially great for those who are interested in different fields but do not have the courage to study the whole department. For example, it is very common to be an Industrial Engineering student and minor in Psychology.
Yandal Application Requirements
For the minor, you must have a GPA of at least 2.50 and no failed courses. You also need to apply between the 2nd and 5th semester. If you want to do a double major, the minor does not prevent this, but running both at the same time requires a very intensive program.
If your major GPA falls below 2.30 after starting the minor program, the system can automatically delete your minor registration. So discipline is important.
Cap and Minor Advantages for International Students
Studying in Turkey is a unique experience in itself, but if you are an international student at Özyeğin University, this experience is enriched with academic opportunities. Double major and minor systems are one of the most powerful ways for students, especially from abroad, to integrate into Turkish education and shape their careers.
I personally remember an Indonesian student from Özyeğin who studied Software Engineering and minored in Business Administration. “My family wanted me to work in IT, but I was a marketing enthusiast,” he said. After graduation, he founded a start-up combining the two!
Why These Programs Are Important for Foreign Students
A foreign student with a double major or minor stands out as a much more disciplined, versatile and motivated profile in the eyes of employers. Moreover, if you are studying in English programs, your international language proficiency has already increased.
The international office of Özyeğin University is also very supportive in the difficulties that foreign students may face in this process (visa, equivalence, language proficiency, etc.). They also guide students in exams such as TRACE. OzU International Student Office offers one-on-one counseling on these issues.
Scholarship and Accommodation Support
The best part is that there is no additional fee for doing a double major. As long as the program you won with a scholarship continues, you can continue the second part for free. So we can say that both your pocket and your career are comfortable.
International students also receive priority in on-campus dormitories and counseling opportunities. In line with its “cultural diversity” policy, the university also facilitates social cohesion with special events and clubs for these students.
What Do Double Major and Minor Graduates Do?
When you finish these systems, you get a diploma, yes. But the real event starts after graduation. Because you are no longer just “a department”, but an individual who has mastered two separate academic fields.
For example, a graduate in two different disciplines such as Architecture and Business can run creative projects and have the skills to manage an architecture office. Or a graduate in Psychology and Computer Engineering can specialize in human-computer interaction (HCI).
Student with “ÇAP” from the Employer’s Perspective
For employers, graduates with a double major and minor are often described as follows:
- High problem solving skills
- Successful in time management and multitasking
- Academically motivated and planned
Don’t be surprised if you hear the question “How did you manage such a busy schedule?” in a job interview. This is actually a question of opportunity working in your favor. Having this kind of education makes you stand out, especially when applying for a master’s degree or a job abroad.
Steps After Graduation
Although a minor certificate is not as powerful as a diploma on its own, it can make a significant difference to your CV. Especially in academic careers or in specific sectors (e.g. user experience, game development, education technologies), this detail makes you stand out.
Double major graduates can directly apply for jobs in two fields, and even choose one of these fields in graduate education. Some students are becoming truly interdisciplinary academics by doing their master’s degree in one field and their doctorate in another.
Expand Your Academic Horizons with Double Major and Minor
Özyeğin University has a very flexible and supportive structure for both Turkish and international students with regards to the Minor and Minor Programs. If you’re still undecided, consider planning the best program and application process with RoadToStudy advisors.
Remember, these opportunities are more than just graduation certificates. It can be one of the ways to discover yourself, draw your dream and really differentiate yourself.
Check the application deadlines now and create a second academic path for yourself. There is no better time than now to design your future both ways!