7 Top Double Majors With an IT Degree

The best double major with IT should correspond with the personal and professional goals of a student who wishes to augment his or her career outlook and educational options. A general IT major coincides best with business and STEM majors.

Information technology has become an important asset to all businesses and a double major with IT can qualify students to work in different work environments. A double major shows employers a candidate's drive and determination to be competitive and exceed expectations.

What is a Double Major?

A double major is an option that accredited institutions provide to exceptional students who wish to enhance their college experience and career outlook by focusing on two areas of study. Double majoring in college does not grant two different degrees. Students who complete an undergraduate double major earn a Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science degree that names two areas of study.

Double Major Vs. Dual Degree

A double major is different from a dual degree. Unlike a double major, a dual degree program grants students two different degrees upon completion. Other key differences between a double major and dual degree include:

• Degree type: A double major program grants one bachelor's or master's degree that specifies both majors. A dual degree program allows students to earn two undergraduate or graduate degrees, or a combination of two.
• Courseload: An undergraduate double major consists of 120 or more credit hours depending on the selected majors. The minimum credit hours required for a dual degree program is more than 120 credit hours but differs depending on the institution and programs.
• Degree cost: The cost of an undergraduate double major degree is lower than the cost of a dual degree because there are typically fewer credit hours to fulfill.

Top Double Majors For IT Majors

While it is possible to earn a double major in any two areas of study, certain majors support an IT major better than others. Examples of the best double majors with IT are in the list below.

1. Accounting

Accounting or accountancy is a major that requires the use of specific technology such as accounting systems and software. IT majors that double major in accounting learn valuable skills such as troubleshooting technology and tracking financial data.

2. Business

A business major and an IT major prepare students for lots of career choices since business and IT professionals collaborate for business success. Students with the knowledge and skills in both areas of study may be interested in the following occupations:

• business owner
• network administrator
• IT technician

An IT professional with business skills can innovate the way business is conducted, manage other people, and build new relationships.

3. Criminal Justice

IT plays a significant role in criminal justice. A criminal justice major complements an IT major if a student is interested in working in the technology field of the criminal justice system. There are several types of criminal justice technology to detect, prevent, and reduce crimes. IT majors can successfully manage criminal justice technology systems and applications.

4. Engineering

Any engineering degree would be a great double major with an IT major. Depending on career aspirations, one of the following engineering majors would be best with an IT major:

• biomedical engineering
• computer engineering
• mechanical engineering

Having knowledge and skills in engineering and IT strengthens a student's ability to develop and implement practical technical solutions and maintain existing technology.

5. Healthcare Administration

Healthcare administration is another major that goes well with an IT major for students interested in working with healthcare technology. Healthcare professionals use different technologies to manage daily operations in healthcare facilities. A healthcare administration major can enhance and IT major and increase job opportunities in the government and other healthcare and IT organizations.

6. Mathematics

Skills in mathematics can improve critical thinking and problem-solving skills to help IT professionals solve complex issues and enhance system performance. A mathematics major would be beneficial to any IT major interested in math.

7. Science

Information technology is vital to science and vice versa. An IT major that chooses to also major in science should be interested in a specific field of science such as biology or psychology. Students who choose to major in science and IT can expect to understand how to build technologies and the benefits of using them. A double major in IT and science also opens a wide range of career choices.

IT Double Majors FAQs

More information about double majors may help with deciding if it is right for you.

How Does a Second Major Impact Elective Requirements?

A second major can increase elective requirements if the second major does not have any relation to the first. On the other hand, if a second major corresponds to the first major, there may not be much of an impact on elective requirements.

Do I Need To Complete Internships For Both Majors?

Students must complete internships for both majors if it is part of the course requirements to earn the degree. Many degree programs do not have an internship requirement.

Are IT Double Majors Worth It?

Yes, IT double majors are worth it for students with a specific educational interest or career goal. A double major with IT has the following benefits:

• knowledge and skills in two areas of study
• more career opportunities
• higher salary expectations