Doubling Up: The Value of Adding a Second Specialization or Major

Deciding on a major can feel like an impossible task for many students. There’s an immense amount of pressure to pick the “right” major to help with building a future career. However, some students may not consider the possibility of having two specializations or majors and the value that it can hold.  

While all Fisher students receive a degree in Business Administration, students can choose from a plethora of areas to specialize in. There are various reasons as to why a student might decide to add on a second specialization or second major. The skills and opportunities that it provides is invaluable because it diversifies a students skill profile and can really make an impact on a student’s experience at The Ohio State University and after graduating. 

Sameeha Rahman is a third-year student at The Ohio State University double-specializing in Finance and Logistics. Rahman believes that “knowledge is power” and by deep-diving into two separate specializations it will help her become well-rounded with expertise. While many people may have expertise in either Finance or Logistics, not many will have mastery in both. By double-specializing, it will set her apart from her peers and help her to stand out amongst the many others competing for similar positions. 

Each specialization within Fisher falls between 15-28.5 credit hours for specialization specific courses alone. By adding on a second specialization, there is an increase in courses required to graduate. Rahman mentioned how the majority of courses in the business core overlap, which only leaves the extra specialization courses. This makes it more manageable than a second major. Rahman compared adding a second specialization to adding another minor as they are similar in regards to credit hours. 

After graduating, Rahman hopes to work in Corporate Finance. She mentioned her ability to transition into Logistics if she ever decides to thanks to her decision to double specialize. “Ultimately, the dual specialization demonstrates my dedication to learning and my ability to understand multiple areas of business beyond a single focus, which is what my original intention was,” Rahman said. 

Rahman’s advice to students considering double specializing is to be intentional and make sure it’s something of genuine interest. “The way you utilize your double major, and the story behind why you chose it, is what will help you succeed,” she said. 

Double specializing isn’t the only option for business majors, though. Students also have the option to double major across colleges within the University. 

Phyllis Kreiter is a sophomore at The Ohio State University majoring in both Business Marketing and Sports Industry. Business Marketing is a part of Fisher College of Business curriculum, however Sports Industry curriculum is a part of the College of Education & Human Ecology. “I picked them because I wanted to combine my love of sports with creativity and marketing skills,” Kreiter said. “I could follow two passions without having to choose just one.”

After graduating, Kreiter hopes to work in Name, Image, Likeness (NIL) Marketing. Both of Kreiter’s majors will be beneficial in this career, as she will use what she learned in Marketing for researching, campaigning, and content creating, and will use what she learned in Sports Industry for understanding athletes and teams, the sports marketplace, and compliance. Double majoring will set Kreiter up to be successful in multiple ways in her career path.

Double majoring doesn’t just provide two degrees, it also provides more skills, perspectives, and connections. “It expanded my coursework and networking opportunities and introduced me to people at the intersection of sport, business, media, and creative marketing,” Kreiter said. 

It can be really difficult to decide on a singular career path. However, by having more than one major, you don’t have to decide on just one career field. “I didn’t want to give up either sports or marketing,” Kreiter said. “Double majoring lets me build deep knowledge in two fields I care about and opens more career pathways than sticking to a single track.”

When considering adding a second specialization or major, it’s important to consider the logistical aspects of it. Kreiter recommends meeting with your advisor to ensure that you are on track with your coursework to graduate when you hope to. Kreiter mentioned how she feels the need to take a few courses over the summers to make her fall and spring semesters more manageable. Similar to Fisher’s business core courses being able to count for both specializations, there are many General Education and elective courses that can count toward both degrees. 

While adding a second specialization or major increases your workload, it ultimately brings considerable value to a student and is a great way to pursue multiple interests. If you have genuine desire and excitement for adding to your degree, Rahman and Kreiter encourage students to go for it. “At the end of the day, you are only in college once! So, take it seriously, but not too seriously,” Kreiter said. “Nothing is so important that it can’t wait until tomorrow (unless it’s 11:50 PM on Sunday).”