Is it smart to get a business degree along with my computer science degree?

Hi Anina,

Great question! My undergraduate degree is both in Business and Computer Science. Although I work in Information Technology and Security, the nature of this profession is to support the business. My education helps me to better understand the business side and speak their language. You have to learn to translate business requirements into technical requirements so the business needs are met. Also, if you seek to become a manager, even a technical manager or project lead, having those skill sets help you to work with individuals from various teams more successfully. One of the frustrations in the workplace is a lack of communication and/or understanding. Once you can understand both side, you bridge that gap... not just for yourself but for those you are working with. You will be able to navigate through troubled waters better which will not go unnoticed by either side.

Just make sure that the area that you are mainly going to work in, i.e. IT, you have a solid foundation from your undergraduate studies since that is when you spend a majority of your time studying and attending classes. Studying never ends after college ... there are always new things to learn through formal and informal means afterwards, but having a good foundation helps to make that easier.

All the best with your decision making!

I think it is an excellent idea. I have a BA in Mathematics and Computer Science from my undergraduate school and received my MBA in Information Systems. The combination of the technical math degree and the MBA allows me to look at complex technical problems but relate them back to the business problem they solve. Specific examples are around the justification for technical investments and relating back the the return on the investment and how it will positively or negatively impact the business considering the spend. The ability to understand the problem and translate it to the business leaders will make you a success in the IT sector. Good luck!

It is a good idea to have both technical and business skills. Having a keen understanding of how technology is applied to solve business challenges or enable growth will ultimately make you a smarter technologist.

I would recommend you focus on completing your computer science degree first with a solid understanding of technology and then follow up with an MBA that can help you understand the keys to managing a business. This will position you well for a career in IT or starting your venture.

Anina without a shadow of a doubt, I can tell you this is definitely something you should consider! I graduated from a great Computer Science School in the midwest and joined an amazing engineering company for 14 years. In that time, I was completely focused on sales engineering (the front face of to the customer and selling technology). This was a learning experience for me as I never took any courses in business! The experience was great but there was a ceiling in truly understanding what business is all about, how to read accounting information, how strategic management works, how operations works, etc. etc. As a result, I choose to do an MBA almost 12 years into my career which was an amazing experience! I really recommend it for anyone who has a good engineering background because it instantly connects you with your business peers and customers! It also will help you come up with cool business ideas in the future in case you ever want to start your own business!

It's an excellent idea to take both business and computer sciences classes especially if you're interested in a career that's not purely technical. Why is it a good idea?
1. It helps you develop two different but related skill sets, and give you a sense which one you're are better at, or more interested in
2. It will make your college life more diverse, and you get to meet and learn from people from the both computer science and business

Yeah it is really a good plan to have a Business Degree along with the Computer Science Degree. This will give you a value addition to your candidature in terms of job.