Whether you’re just ambitious or you’re interested in too many academic subjects to narrow your focus down to one, you might be considering majoring in two programs of study rather than just one. Many students double major to get the most out of the time they spend in school. As an aspiring accountant, majoring in more than one subject will allow you to build additional skills and expand your potential career paths.
Pros and Cons of Double Majoring
By majoring in two programs of study instead of one, students can get the college education they need to become qualified for multiple career paths. When those two majors overlap, they can make a candidate extra appealing to potential employers. With two majors that are not closely related, students can diversify their knowledge so that they interest different kinds of employers. In a competitive economy, a double major can give a job candidate an edge in the job market or contribute to job security.
Because students who double major must fulfill two sets of degree requirements, they must do a lot of work to earn their degrees. Completing the coursework for two degrees may take longer than finishing the work for just one degree. However, since aspiring CPAs have to spend five years in college instead of four anyway, spending an additional year as an undergraduate student may be a good choice for students who don’t want to go to graduate school. Students can help themselves succeed in their double major by carefully planning their course schedules out early on and by choosing their elective courses wisely, according to U.S. News & World Report. Double majoring can be difficult, but it can be done.
Double Major Options
So, what programs of study do aspiring accountants choose for their double major? Among the most useful are finance, economics, business, entrepreneurship, liberal arts, forensics, information technology and computer science. A strong background in finance and economics can appeal to potential employers at accounting firms. Business and entrepreneurial skills are good for accountants who want to run their own firms. For candidates who want to work in in-house accounting positions at schools or museums, a liberal arts background provides the knowledge they need beyond the technical accounting skills. A thorough understanding of forensics is a good choice for aspiring forensic accountants. With the multitude of jobs available in the ever-changing field of technology, computer science and information technology majors can increase accountants’ job opportunities.
Double majoring is not for everyone, but for aspiring certified public accountants (CPAs) who want to go into a career path where they will need additional skill and knowledge, it can be a useful way to meet the 150 credit hour requirement. If you are considering a double major, bring up your idea to your college advisor early on so that you can determine which second major is right for you and how to plan out your studies.
