One Student’s Path: Deirdre Byrnes

This story was written by Deirdre Byrnes, a Department of Sociology and Anthropology Student Ambassador who is majoring in criminology and psychology.

When first applying to NC State as a freshman I never would have thought that I would one day become a double major during my undergraduate experience. I really wasn’t even confident in choosing one major, which is why I had switched into the Exploratory Studies program before my freshman orientation after originally being accepted into criminology. Little did I know that, down the line, I would one day choose to double major in both psychology and criminology, as well as pick up a minor in forensic science as a junior at NC State. 

For as long as I can remember, I have always had an interest in crime, law, and forensic science. I had grown up around my father, a now retired NYPD police officer of 30 years, and realized that the criminal justice field was something I also really wanted to get into. As I got older, I became increasingly interested in learning more about the different careers within this field, as well as finding out all of the different options. I had always said that I wanted to help people in times of “dire need”, which is another reason why this field stuck out to me. In high school, I was actually able to work under some local crime scene investigators and realized that the forensic science field was my new “end goal.” I was even able to complete a project during my senior year of high school explaining the true importance of forensic science within criminal investigations. 

While applying to colleges I knew that I wanted to learn more about the “why” behind crime, as well as try and figure out the ways in which crime could be prevented. However, I did choose to switch into the Exploratory Studies program my freshman and sophomore year because I still was not 100% convinced that criminology was for me, and wanted to explore other options. Now, as a senior looking back, this was definitely the best decision I have made during my undergraduate career.

As a freshman in Exploratory Studies I really knew that I wanted to spend time choosing the “right” major for me. I began taking different classes and noticed that I also had a love for psychology. However, I had decided to switch back into criminology, since that field had always been my true passion. After sitting down and discussing this decision with my Exploratory Studies advisor, she had mentioned that I was doing really well in my psychology courses. She explained that she thought it would be a great fit for me to double major in both. At first, I never even thought about the possibility of double majoring. I was a sophomore finally just deciding that criminology was the right path for me, and never in a million years would I have even thought double majoring was possible at this point in my academic career. I discussed the options and really began thinking about it. I realized that I had a passion for criminology, but a love for psychology, and began really considering the benefits of incorporating both.

After being officially accepted into the criminology program, I still continued taking some necessary courses for psychology. I knew that even if I didn’t decide to add it on as a major, that I definitely wanted to minor in psychology. However, as I continued taking more psychology classes, I could not get the idea of double majoring in both out of my mind. I started connecting the dots between a lot of my psychology and criminology classes, and realized the overlap the two fields had with one another. I also became increasingly interested in the overlap between psychopathology and crime, as well as how to use the two in order to better understand the human mind, behavior, and crime. I realized that the psychology courses provided me more of a “science-based” understanding of the human mind and behavior, while the criminology major gave me insight into the more sociological aspects and perspectives attached to criminal behavior as a whole. I felt that the two coupled together would give me the best chance at truly delving into the crime prevention field, something I had always wanted to do for as long as I could remember. I felt that adding the psychology major would open-up a lot of career options and pathways for me since it is so broad of a field. I also had the intention of one day working for federal agencies and decided that adding on a double major would make me “stand out” from other applicants, as well as broaden my scope of capabilities. I began really wanting to add psychology as a double major, and as a junior, was finally able to do just that.

Choosing to double major was a little bit intimidating at first. However, the College of Humanities and Social Sciences truly has a lot of overlap between majors and minors, something that makes it a lot easier to pick up another major or minor fairly easily. A lot of the GEP requirements were the same, and the only true differences would be within my major courses. I planned out my courses in a way that I was actually able to fulfill a lot of course requirements just by choosing the “right” classes that could be used for both my psychology and criminology majors. I was given this advice by my Exploratory Studies advisor, who even helped me become better aware of the true overlap both majors had with one another. Once I was accepted into psychology I became so excited. I had finally felt like I knew what I wanted and that I had 100% made the right decision for me. Something that I had once never even considered, was now my reality, and I couldn’t be more happy and proud of myself for it.

As a junior I also decided that forensics was still something I loved and wanted to learn more about. I had heard many criminology majors discussing their decision to minor in forensic science and realized that this was also something that I truly wanted to do. I realized that I was just a few credits away from this minor and made the ultimate decision to add it on during my undergraduate experience as well. I really liked that this minor involved a more “hard science” background because I felt it gave me a new perspective apart from my social science majors. I also felt that adding this minor would better prepare me for crime scene investigations and give me a better understanding of the process that happens not just leading up to the crime, but also after the crime is committed regarding evidence collection and the ways in which forensics assists the investigation side of crime.

Only just a few years ago, freshman year me would have never thought adding another major and minor would be possible. However, as a Senior now, I realize that this was the best decision for me. Recently, I have even been working towards adding a Middle East studies minor which began after I decided to study Arabic to fulfill my chosen foreign language requirement. The possibilities really are endless once you begin looking at all of the different options and considering what it is that you truly want. All of these fields of study build upon each other and allow me to look at things from all different perspectives and outlooks. Personally, my undergraduate experience would not have been the same without my decision to double major. I truly believe that each field is enhanced by knowledge and comprehension gained from the other, and that they can all be applied to one another. It was scary and intimidating at first, but I am beyond happy that I decided to explore other pathways and career fields. I will forever be thankful that I was able to find my true passion for criminology and love for psychology during my undergraduate experience, and would not change it for the world.

At the end of the day, I hope that I can help other students understand the benefits of double majoring, as well as exploring different personal passions and interests. I think that adding a minor or major can open-up different ideas and perspectives, as well as different career paths altogether. I truly stress the importance of finding your own pathway during college, as well as discovering the right “fit” for you. Although potentially overwhelming to even consider at first, taking the “leap” and deciding to do what I wanted, despite the fear, helped me end up where I am today. The reward for following your instincts and exploring your passions will always outweigh the fear of potentially adding a double major or minor. There are so many different pathways one can take during their undergraduate experience, and I hope I can help others see how possible the seemingly impossible truly is if you have your mind set on it.