16 answers
16
Asked 3294 views

What double major is most helpful to get with Accounting?

I want to major in Accounting and become a private accountant, but thanks to my dual enrollment classes in high school, I have an extra semester where I can add a double major (or graduate early). I'm considering Economics as my second major, but I don't know if this will be beneficial in real life. Are there specific majors that pair especially well with accounting? And is a double major likely to be worth it? #Spring25

business spring25 accounting economics academic-advising double-major
Answer This
16

16 answers

1
Updated
Share a link to this answer
Share a link to this answer

Lauren’s Answer

Having extra space in your schedule is a great way to pursue additional interests and level up your career in accounting! If your school allows you to double major, I would choose another option in the business school, as most of the majors tend to have the same prerequisite classes.

Right now, AI and technology solutions are on the rise, so if you are going into industry accounting or private accounting, having a second major in some sort of business information systems major (schools call it different things) would help you to better understand the technology solutions that are offered and how to use them in a business setting. I think personally this is a great option due to the evolving landscape of business and the continuous innovation of technology solutions.

Economics, data analysis, and finance would help you have additional insights to forecasting business situations and various problem-solving skills for the business. This could also open your career paths up into various finance and consulting roles.
1
0
Updated
Share a link to this answer
Share a link to this answer

James’s Answer

Choosing a double major in Accounting and Finance can be a powerful step toward a successful career. This combination offers a solid base for many financial roles and enhances your accounting skills. Other great options include pairing Accounting with Economics or Computer Information Systems.

Here's why these choices are beneficial:

Accounting and Finance: This combo gives you a strong grasp of financial reporting and analysis, preparing you for roles in corporate finance, investment banking, and financial management.

Accounting and Economics: Adding Economics boosts your analytical and critical thinking, helping you understand economic trends and make smart financial decisions.

Accounting and Computer Information Systems: This mix provides technical skills to handle and analyze financial data with advanced tools, which is highly valuable in today's tech-driven world.

Other helpful double majors include:

Accounting and Business Administration: This pairing broadens your understanding of business principles, enhancing your leadership and decision-making skills.

Accounting and Mathematics: This combination strengthens your analytical and problem-solving skills, essential for many accounting and finance roles.

Ultimately, the best double major for you will align with your career goals and interests. Explore these options and find the path that excites you the most!
0
0
Updated
Share a link to this answer
Share a link to this answer

Jessica’s Answer

Hi Emily! Economics would be a great option. I would also consider finance, data analytics (or similar) or anything AI/tech related. Most of all, pick something that you think you will enjoy.
0
0
Updated
Share a link to this answer
Share a link to this answer

Spencer’s Answer

Hi Emily - Great question! The degree in accounting alone will open up many opportunities for you. If you're set on becoming a private accountant, I would recommend doing a double major or an accounting masters program so that you will have the credits required to earn you CPA license. I chose the path of doing an accounting major and then an accounting masters program, which I thought best prepared me to become a CPA. I have many acquaintances who have studied data analytics and finance along with accounting who have also gone on to become CPA's and build phenomenal careers. I don't think there is a right or wrong answer, but I definitely do think there are positives to double majoring because then you'll open up many doors and different career paths for your future! Best of luck!
0
0
Updated
Share a link to this answer
Share a link to this answer

Jason’s Answer

Hi Emily,

As someone in a similar position, I wanted to share a bit about my own experience. I chose Business Analytics as my second major, and so far, it’s been a great decision. I’ve found it to be highly applicable and valuable within the accounting and broader business landscape.

That said, the usefulness of Business Analytics can really depend on your career goals. Personally, I’m planning to go into public accounting, where there are various sectors, like advisory or specific audit functions where my analytics background can be a strong asset. If you're considering private accounting, I still believe Business Analytics is a smart choice, especially with the growing influence of AI and technology in the industry.

However, if you’re not particularly interested in analytics, Finance could be another strong complement to your accounting degree. It really comes down to what aligns best with your interests and long-term goals.
0
0
Updated
Share a link to this answer
Share a link to this answer

Harry’s Answer

Hi Emily. Good question(s). You might consider a double major with just Management. It can give you some ideas on how business works along with some detail for understanding different business disciplines, IE: Marketing, Engineering, Product development, etc. That said, I got a double major and it wasn't that helpful. The best training/education is getting on-the-job experience, and that comes with time.

I have been in private accounting all my life, never in the public sector. I found it very rewarding. You get to understand (if you want to) all the different disciplines and how they interact with each other. I wouldn't trade it for the world. I spent my last 25 years working in Mexico and it was the best experience ever.

As I stated earlier, a second major isn't important to get that first job. The best thing you can do is to become valuable to the company that you work for. You will be surprised how many other doors it opens.

Good luck Emily!

Harry
0
0
Updated
Share a link to this answer
Share a link to this answer

Julia’s Answer

Hi Emily - I was in the same situation and decided to double major in Data Analytics. With the growing use of technology in accounting, I think the skills I learned in my data analytics classes gave me an edge when applying for internships and jobs later on down the line. Getting exposure to data analytics tools such as Tableau, Microsoft Access, and Altreyx were more valuable than I expected and allowed me to set myself apart from others in the career field.
0
0
Updated
Share a link to this answer
Share a link to this answer

Helen’s Answer

Hi Emily, I think AI and automation are great ideas too. They're growing fast and can be useful in many fields, even if you choose not to pursue accounting. I enjoyed Economics in college, and even though I don't use it for work, it has been helpful in everyday life.
0
0
Updated
Share a link to this answer
Share a link to this answer

Denise’s Answer

AI and automation are very popular right now so if your school offers anything in these two fields, I would highly recommend taking either of these. Even if you don't necessarily go into public accounting or accounting in general - the knowledge you gain from either of those will be very useful and put you in advantage in the job market.
0
0
Updated
Share a link to this answer
Share a link to this answer

Tim’s Answer

Great question Emily! I have a degree in Accounting with a minor in Economics with 30 years of professional experience and I would recommend Management or Economics as good options for a double major with Accounting. This would give you a higher level view of business and economic principles beyond just accounting practices and round out your education.
0
0
Updated
Share a link to this answer
Share a link to this answer

Zach’s Answer

Pairing an accounting major with finance or business/data analytics would be good options when pursuing a double major. Accounting is the "language of business" and in a finance major you will learn how to interpret and analyze this. But business/data analytics would also be a great option because AI and computer automation are growing every day in the business world, and being able to learn, master, and even create applications to use in professional life would be very beneficial.

From my experience as a valuations intern, doubling majoring in finance and accounting, it has been very beneficial to me to be knowledgeable in both areas, but I have also had to familiarize myself with the world of business/data analytics because it is growing so fast.
0
0
Updated
Share a link to this answer
Share a link to this answer

Wyndham’s Answer

Hi Emily! It sounds like you're off to a fantastic start in your college journey. You're asking a great question, one that I also pondered years ago. Accounting is truly the language of business, and when I wanted to expand my knowledge, I looked into other business areas that sparked my interest. I ended up choosing finance, focusing on real estate. My advice is to think about what parts of business excite you most and consider a second major in that area. This will also depend on what your school offers.

Enjoy every step of your journey!
0
0
Updated
Share a link to this answer
Share a link to this answer

Ron’s Answer

Hi Emily, Economics, Finance, and MIS are all great choices to go with Accounting. Try to figure out which area of Accounting you like most. Once you know, it will be easier to pick your second major.
0
0
Updated
Share a link to this answer
Share a link to this answer

Jason’s Answer

Pairing Accounting with a Management Information Systems major can be helpful to understand more about the IT and technology side of accounting systems.
0
0
Updated
Share a link to this answer
Share a link to this answer

John M.’s Answer

Hi Emily,

Great question. Accounting is a fantastic topic to gain an expertise in and pairs well with a variety of other majors. I went to Indiana University and double-majored in Accounting & Finance as those two topics paired well with each other (as far as required prerequisite courses) and intertwine a lot in related career paths. However, with that said, your accounting degree will provide you with an exceptionally strong base that will make you a great candidate for a variety of organizations and jobs as you prepare to exit college. If you want to pursue jobs in private accounting, you should have no trouble with your accounting degree. That said, if economics is something that genuinely interests you, you should pursue it! It does pair well with accounting and the knowledge you'll gain from an economics double major would provide you a great breadth of expertise that will serve your future employer well or serve yourself well if you should ever decide to open up a private practice of your own. Other majors such as finance, marketing, management, and related business majors can pair nicely as well. But I think if you have already locked down the accounting major, you should pursue something that is truly going to interest you and will not just be about the double major label. I've worked in public accounting since I graduated college in 2019 and have used my finance knowledge sparingly as it has come up in some moments at work, but I use it more in my personal life through various investing and related activities, which is where it truly serves me. The return I've gained from this double major is a product of the genuine interest I have in the topic of finance. So my advice is that you pursue a double major in a topic that truly interests you and might serve you similarly.
0
0
Updated
Share a link to this answer
Share a link to this answer

Cyndi’s Answer

It would be very helpful to add business management and /or technology, such as AI.
0