11 Top Double Majors With a Software Engineering Degree

The field of software engineering is focused on creating and maintaining software applications. It's a broad field, as software is used across nearly every industry.

There are several different majors that software engineering students can choose as a double major. Keep reading to discover some of the best double majors with software engineering.

Software Engineering Double Majors

Software engineers tackle the design, development, testing, launch, and maintenance of software systems and applications. Several double majors can be paired with software engineering.

Some double majors will help you with a software engineering career, while others will broaden your horizons. Below, we've listed some of the best double majors with software engineering.

Computer Science

Computer science is a major for those who want to understand how to use computers and computer processes. Common topics covered include:

• algorithms
• calculus
• data types
• statistics

Computer science focuses on theory, while software engineering focuses on the practical aspects of software. Double majoring in software engineering and computer science gives you a deeper wealth of knowledge for a software engineering career.

Data Science

Data science refers to the collection, analysis, and management of data. These degree programs often cover topics such as:

• algorithms
• ethics in data science
• modeling
• programming

Double majoring in software engineering and data science will not only help you understand software engineering better, but can help you land roles in developing data-focused software.

Electrical Engineering

Electrical engineering is a field of engineering that studies any equipment or devices that use electricity, electronics, or electromagnetism. Topics covered usually include:

• control systems
• electrical energy systems
• magenetics
• telecommunications an signal processing

By double majoring in electrical engineering and software engineering, you'll understand both the hardware and software of devices. This puts you in a great position to work on software for different types of electronics.

Philosophy

Philosophy is focused on questions without concrete answers, often concerning topics like consciousness, free will, and morality. Coursework covers topics like:

• human nature
• mathematical logic
• metaphysics
• value theory

Philosophy majors are great for developing critical thinking and reasoning skills. A double major in philosophy and software engineering can help give you a better view of the ethics of software engineering.

Mathematics

Math majors look at the relationships between numbers, patterns, and structures. A math major will likely include courses in fields of math like:

• algebra
• calculus
• geometry
• statistics

All types of engineering, including software engineering, are based in math. A mathematics degree will give you a deeper understanding of software engineering and engineering as a whole.

Statistics

Statistics is a specific field of mathematics that looks at data in order to calculate predictions and break down complex information. Courses included in statistics programs often include:

• data analysis
• machine learning
• probability
• statistical theory

Statistics and software engineering go hand-in-hand. Combining these two majors will help you better understand software engineering and give you an edge in developing statistics software.

Environmental Science

Environmental science majors study how humans affect the environment as well as how to protect the environment while still providing people with the goods and services they need. Core courses often cover topics like:

• environmental policy
• geology
• organic chemistry
• soil science

By double majoring in environmental science and software engineering, you can take a closer look at how software engineering impacts the environment. You could go on to create solutions for sustainability or develop software to analyze changes in the environment.

Business

Business degrees are some of the most popular types of degrees. Many business programs allow students to choose a specialty, such as:

• economics
• human resources
• management
• marketing

A double major in business and accounting can prepare you for a job developing or maintaining business software. It can also prepare you for a role rooted in the business side of software development.

Sociology

Sociologists examine how humans impact society and how society impacts individual humans. Sociology degrees often cover topics like:

• human behavior
• race and ethnic relations
• research and analysis
• social justice

Like a philosophy double major, a double major in sociology and software engineering will provide you with a broader perspective. You'll understand more how society behaves and how software and applications play a part in that.

Finance

Finance focuses on the management of money. These programs teach students about the economy and how to handle financial resources. Courses often include:

• economics
• investments
• portfolios
• statistics

Double majoring in finance and software engineering can help you land a position managing finances for companies in the software industry. It can also help you develop and manage financial software.

Entrepreneurship

Entrepreneurship refers to starting or building a business from the ground up. In an entrepreneurship degree program, you'll cover topics such as:

• business models
• business planning
• business theory
• obtaining capital

A double major in entrepreneurship and software engineering is great for those who want to strike out on their own in the software industry. It's also great for those looking to create software that helps entrepreneurs launch their businesses.

What Is a Double Major?

A double major is when you earn one degree, but have two majors. Usually you'll need to fulfill course requirements but won't need to complete two different capstone projects.

With careful planning, you can usually complete a double major with the same number of credits as a single major. In some cases, you may be required to take on a heavier course load.

Double Major vs. Dual Degree

Dual degrees and double majors are different. Dual degrees require you to earn two separate degrees concurrently. This means you need to fulfill all degree requirements, including final projects.

Dual degrees take longer to complete than double majors, but often not as long as it would take you to finish two degrees back to back. Some colleges offer bachelor's-to-master's dual degrees.

FAQs About Double Majoring With Software Engineering

Below, we've answered some common questions about double majoring with software engineering.

Can You Double Major With Software Engineering?

You can double major with software engineering. This isn't always easy, but many students choose to double major with software engineering by choosing another major in a related field or a field of humanities.

Is a Double Major With Software Engineering Worth It?

A double major in software engineering can be worth it for some. This is especially true if you're looking to work in a specific niche of software engineering.

What Are the Benefits of Double Majoring With Software Engineering?

The benefits of double majoring with software engineering can depend on the double major. Some majors will increase your software and computer knowledge, others will help you find jobs in specific industries, and still others will allow you to view software development in a new way.

Will a Double Major With Software Engineering Improve My Career Outlook?

Some graduates may find that having a double major in software engineering can improve their career outlook, especially for certain sectors within the industry. For example, a double major in software engineering and finance can help you land roles working with financial software.