Double majoring with business. CS maybe?

Student Lounge College Life
1

So I’ve always had a passion for business/finance, and definitely want to major in it. I got directly admitted into the business school at UW-Seattle, and because of AP classes will have the majority of my general ed classes taken care of by the time I enter. Looking over course requirements, it will be very feasible for me to graduate in 2-2.5 years. So, I’m looking into double majoring.

The two main options I’m considering are either applied mathematics or computer science. Applied math would be the easy route- I’m enjoy math and I could do the mathematical economics option which would compliment my other major well and the requirements have some overlap.

However I’m in AP computer science right now and enjoying the class. I know that a cs degree would be great for job prospects, but I really can’t see myself sitting in front of a computer coding all day. Like, this is completely out of the question. I would go crazy. But I’ve always been interested in technology and could see myself maybe on the business side of a tech company. But then, I don’t know how useful a cs degree would be in this scenario.

So I’m basically just searching for some advice. Would a cs degree be useful, if I don’t necessarily want to become a programmer? Or should I stick with applied math, which has more overlap and is more concentrated in what I know I love to learn about? Would this second degree even be useful compared to just a degree in business administration with a concentration in finance when it comes to job prospects? Any input would be appreciated.

2

Take a look at a degree in Management Information Systems. It would be like a combination of Business and C.S. and allow you to look at jobs that are in both fields as well as the field of Business Analyst.

3

MIS is different from CS. MIS focuses on managing computers and their software, while CS focuses on designing computers and their software.

4

I would recommend against CS and caution against MIS for this reason: Getting a CS degree will mean your HW is lots of coding to the point of being close enough to all day. And that would be added to a business major at the same time. For MIS, the aspects you like about CS may be the part that’s missing from MIS. If it’s not, then MIS would be the best route. Otherwise, go with the Applied Math.

5

Any other ideas?

6

It kind of seems like you think you could just throw in a CS major, regardless of the fact that CS is one of the most time-consuming and mathematical majors, but whatever.

In short, a degree might get you an interview, but what you’ve done with your degree, your knowledge, the experience you have from internships and other work - perhaps personal projects, etc. is what counts in addition.

I’d go with the applied math If I was you. I was tempting to double major at first (in my freshman years, because it seemed so “easy” at first), but don’t let this fool you.