7 Top Double Majors With a Management Degree

A management degree can help graduates learn a variety of skills that will make them valuable parts of a company's management structure.

However, a management degree can only cover so much. To prepare yourself for a career in management in a more niche concentration, double majoring can be a good way to expand your education plan to include management and a deeper understanding of other areas of study.

What Is a Double Major?

A double major is a single degree that covers two areas of study, equivalent to two bachelor-level degrees. When a student graduates, they only receive a single degree that lists both majors. For a management student, a double major is a great way to prepare to take a management role in a concentrated field like marketing or human resources, while learning about the field they want to lead in.

An alternative that some students take to a double major is a dual degree program. Unlike a double major, a dual-degree program is when a student completes two different degree programs. Double majoring in college results in one degree, while a dual degree program is two different degrees and can be a combination of different degree levels and sometimes is completed at different colleges or universities.

Is a Double Major Better Than a Dual Degree?

For most students, a double major will be better for their ultimate goals. Earning a double major provides a well-rounded education that will prepare them for management opportunities in various fields but will only take a similar amount of time to a single bachelor's degree. Double majors also can satisfy elective requirements for the other program, which won't add time and cost to your studies.

Conversely, a dual degree is two separate degree programs that each have unique requirements that must be completed. A dual degree usually takes longer and might cost more money than a double major. However, having two unique degrees might be more appealing to some employers than just having a double major.

Best Double Majors for Management Majors

For students in management degree programs, a double major is a great way to prepare themselves to enter the job market. However, some double-major selections are better than others.

1. Computer Information Systems

Companies use computers in all types of work, ranging from supply chain management to payroll and beyond. For larger companies, entire teams handle databases, programming, and cybersecurity needs. These teams need leaders who balance computer technology and management knowledge.

Students who double major in computer information systems and management will receive an education in management theories and the hands-on skill set required to work in computer information systems.

2. Finance

Companies of all sizes use financial information to review and analyze their company's strengths and weaknesses and plan for the future. Although many financial analysts simply look at the numbers and how they have changed over recent periods, a manager with financial training can help contextual this information into real examples and convey this information to their employees.

3. Marketing

Marketing requires a unique set of skills, as modern marketing combines a variety of technical and creative skills. Understanding management is helpful for people looking to lead marketing departments or agencies, but they also need to understand the work that their team does. Combining management and marketing majors can open many career opportunities in companies, agencies, and more.

4. Human Resources

Management and human resources are both directly related to getting the most out of employees by taking care of them and providing for their needs. Managers who have a background in the principles of human resources will be well-positioned to lead teams of employees as well as leading human resources departments.

5. Accounting

Although finance looks at the historical performance numbers of a company, accounting deals with the real-time day-to-day financial performance and expenses. Accounting is a skilled role that performs highly technical work daily. Leading teams of accountants require an understanding of what they have to do and the skills they need to do it. With a double major including an accounting and management degree, graduates can position themselves to lead an accounting team or serve in a higher role that works with the accounting department.

6. Sociology

Good management involves understanding how people interact and work as groups. Although most management degrees involve social science courses like general sociology and psychology, they won't be able to go to the same depths as majoring in those areas of study. By double majoring in sociology and management, you'll gain a much deeper understanding of a variety of group dynamics.

7. Business Analytics

Modern management, regardless of the size of the company or team, employs data and other metrics to monitor performance. Understanding the analytics that factor into monitoring performance is required to be an effective manager.

In addition to analyzing past and current performance, business analytics are used to model growth and make plans. For companies that try to innovate in production methods, managers who can use analytics tools to inform decision-making will be in high demand.

Management Double Majors FAQ

Before starting a double major degree program of any kind, you should ask yourself questions to understand better which double major is right for your career goals.

Can I Earn a Management Double Major Online?

Yes, there are a variety of online programs that allow you to double major with a management degree. If you're pursuing a degree online, you must confirm that your school or program is accredited properly. Without the right accreditation, your degree won't be accepted by most employers.

Is a Double Major in Management Worth It?

If you're looking to pursue a management position in a concentrated field, a double major with a management major will allow you to have the skills to understand the industry and lead teams of various sizes.

Do Employers Care About Double Majors?

If the degree programs that you double majored in are related to the job you're applying for, then most employers do care. Employers will view a person who double majored in accounting and management favorably if they are applying for an accounting management position, but the double major can also help that person get hired for a non-management accounting position.

Are Management Degrees Required To Become a Manager?

Although not every management position requires a management degree, the skills that you would earn with a management degree, or a double major involving management, will prepare you better than not having a degree.