When pursuing a business degree, double majoring can be valuable, especially when selected in a strategic way.
Whether the two majors overlap or are drastically different, versatility is critical. Beyond showing employers that you are capable of taking on a hefty workload and possess multifaceted expertise, the best double-major combinations ensure you are prepared for more than one career, in more than one field — so you’re ready to succeed no matter how the world of business changes, and no matter what comes your way.
Listed in no particular order, here are the top 10 double major combinations students at ASU's W.P.Carey School of Business feel will help with their careers.
1.Computer information systemsandaccounting
Computer information systems is increasingly important to every field in business. For accounting in particular, double majoring in computer information systems can help you bridge the gap between traditional bookkeeping and the evolving (and tech-savvy) world of accounting we know today. This double major combination is ideal for those interested in information technology (IT) auditing, as well as forensic accounting, paving the way for opportunities in the public sector, private sector, accounting department, and IT department — and even consulting. That’s a huge increase in career potential, from just a few extra classes.
2.Computer information systemsandsupply chain management
Computer information systems adds value to any business degree. In relation to supply chain management, the combo gives you insight into an increasingly important aspect of logistics, procurement, purchasing, and beyond — especially for companies managing supply chains that crisscross the globe. ASU has one of the top supply chain management programs in the nation.
3.Computer information systemsandmarketing
Computer information systems is a popular program. The computer information systems and marketing combination is increasingly popular, with more companies seeing the value of quantitative skills in marketing. Students who follow this path will gain insight into the technical and consumer sides of marketing, and skills that will prepare them for a variety of careers in an even wider variety of companies and industries.
4.Economicsandsupply chain management
Economics examines the scarcity of goods, whereas supply chain management encompasses the flow of goods — making them highly related and useful in conjunction. This double major combination gives insight into all aspects of both disciplines, allowing you to specialize in either field, both of which are vast in terms of career potential. This combinations will be helpful in procurement, operations, logistics, purchasing, forecasting, and beyond.
5.Economicsandfinance
Buy! Sell! Stock market! If any of those get you excited, economics and finance might be a good double major combination. There’s a reason so many refer to economics as the “mother” of finance — it’s critical to your understanding of financial markets from both a qualitative and quantitative perspective. This is a good path for future Wall Street types, with an interest in hedge funds and investment banking.
6.Economicsandstatistics
Ever heard of Freakonomics? That’s just one example of how statistics can be used in economics, which requires a lot of quantitative knowhow, especially as you become more immersed in the field. This combo will be helpful for those interested in quant roles such as financial engineering or computational finance.
7.Economicsandglobal politics
The economics and global politics combo is good for anyone interested in conducting research, or with a knack for macroeconomics. Students who choose this route will become adept in writing, reading, and analyzing — skills that will serve you well if you decide to go to law school, or enter graduate programs in political science, international relations, economics, and even public policy.
8.Accountingandlaw
Regulations are an inextricable part of accounting, which is why this double major combination makes dollars and sense. Double majoring in accounting and law will serve you well if you want to eventually become a CPA, attend law school, or apply for a concurrent JD/MBA program.
9.Accountingandfinance
Many recommend that you choose one or the other, not both, but accounting skills and knowledge are embedded in finance (especially corporate finance). The opposite is also true, so this double major combination can be valuable regardless of the area in which you ultimately build your career.
10.Marketingandcommunication
Think you’ve got the chops for a social media or public relations career? Marketing and communication often overlap, so much so that many who work in the field have both disciplines listed in their job titles. This combo is a good idea for individuals who want to get into PR, branding, marketing, internal communications, and external communications roles, particularly those who want to engage with every aspect of all of the above, rather than becoming a specialist.
Undergraduate degrees at the W. P. Carey School of Business include many of the same core courses, which makes it easy to pursue multiple majors without sacrificing your spare time or running yourself ragged due to an overly busy schedule.
