8 Top Double Majors With a Business Degree

A business degree is a common choice for college students, particularly those looking to enter upper management and work at large corporations.

Because business is such a diverse field with multiple career paths, many students choose to go with two majors instead of a single major to help prepare them for concentrated work. Although many business degrees allow for a concentration, double majors will allow for more in-depth studies.

What Is a Double Major?

A double college major is when a student declares two majors or bachelor-level degree programs to complete simultaneously. Instead of two degrees, though, a double major results in a single degree with both majors listed.

To make the most of a double major, most students choose majors that are related or complement each other. For example, a person looking to become a history teacher might double major in history and education to make sure they have all the required knowledge to teach future students properly.

For business majors, choosing a double major is a common choice for students looking for a specialization while also getting a general business education.

Double Major vs. Dual Degree

In addition to double majors, students can enroll in dual degree programs. A double major is when a student completes the degree programs for two different areas of study.

A dual degree, though, is two different degrees. Some students use this to earn multiple bachelor's degrees, while others earn a master's degree and bachelor's simultaneously. Dual degrees often take longer because the requirements of both degrees must be met.

Top Double Majors for Business Majors

A bachelor's degree in business administration is often enough to prepare graduates for work in business, but for more specialized roles, choosing a double major can help prepare you for the skill set needed to work in a given business sector, while also setting yourself up for management roles in the future.

Although there are many double major options for business students, some may be better than others depending on your educational and career goals.

1. Corporate Finance

Understanding a business's financial standing is essential for future planning. A business major who chooses a second major in finance will be in a good position to assume a management role in either an accounting or finance department or a more general executive position. Understanding where a company comes from can help prepare for planning expansion.

Although most business degrees do include finance courses, they won't be as in-depth as the courses included in a double major. In addition to finance, choosing an accounting major to pair with your business degree will teach you valuable skills regarding the money decisions of a company.

2. Economics

Much like finance, a double major in economics will help graduates understand a company's financial situation. Finance is directly related to a company's past performance, while economics looks at larger market trends that could affect business decisions.

This major is often paired with an international business major because of the relationship between understanding international economies for expanding businesses looking to go global.

3. Political Science

For international businesses, expanding into a country with a drastically different governmental structure than their base nation can be a shock. When it comes to hiring, students who understand how businesses operate under different political systems might have an edge.

Political science coursework can also benefit graduates looking to work domestically, though. As the political landscape changes regularly, businesses that know how they fit into this landscape will have an advantage.

4. Supply Chain Management

Nearly all businesses involve a supply chain, especially production-based companies. Understanding supply chain management is important. In the modern business landscape, supply chains often include international elements, so the basic level of supply chain management covered in a business degree program might not be enough.

Understanding supply chain management is a crucial skill for businesses looking to maximize profit without sacrificing quality.

5. Legal Studies

There is a difference between attending a business school and a law school, but the two practices are related. For corporate lawyers, the combination of law and business can help prepare graduates to provide legal and ethical advice for the companies they work for.

In most cases, a double major won't include an advanced law degree like a Juris Doctorate, but combining a pre-law major with business can be a good base before attending law school.

6. Data Science

Modern businesses, even non-tech-focused ones, rely on data analytics to track performance and plan for the future. For business majors, data science is often too big of an area of study to give a deep focus. A double major allows for a more intense review of data analysis tools and methods to give graduates the skill set required to analyze and interpret data for stakeholders inside and outside the company.

7. Social Sciences

Multiple degrees are classified as social sciences, including economics and political science, but two other social science programs that can pair well with business majors are psychology and sociology. Although they are different programs, both areas of study involve understanding people and groups which can apply to business, especially in management or human resources roles.

Psychology is a field of study that focuses on individuals and can help understand how single workers learn and interact with each other. Sociology looks at larger social structures and group dynamics. Understanding how groups work is a valuable skill when planning incentive programs or other structures in a company.

8. Computer Information Systems

Computer information systems is a degree program that focuses on how computers are used, including:

• programming
• cybersecurity
• project management

Businesses are increasingly turning to computers for different aspects of business, especially with more remote work opportunities.

Business Double Majors FAQ

Many students have questions before enrolling in a double major program.

How Does a Second Major Impact Elective Requirements?

If you're afraid that a second major will increase your courseload, it's important to know that some of your classes will qualify for elective requirements for your other major. Speaking with your school's academic advisors can help you understand the elective requirements for your double major.

Do I Need To Complete Internships For Both Majors?

Not all bachelor's degree programs have internship requirements. In most cases, you won't need to complete two internships for both majors.

Are Business Double Majors Worth It?

A double major can be worth it for many students due to the opportunities it will create in the job market. Double majors can allow graduates to pursue jobs that use both majors or jobs that only require the skills of one major.