11 answers
Arsh
Student
Elmhurst, NY
5
Questions
Asked
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Which one is better? ?
I would like to have a job in either human resources or marketing. So I was wondering which option would be better to do in college:
1) double major in psychology and business
2) major in psychology and minor in business
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11 answers
Bonnie Garza
Revenue Sales Operations VP
58
Answers
San Antonio, Texas
Updated
Bonnie’s Answer
Hi Arsh, truthfully you could go either way. But to be honest HR is a function of business, specifically a core concentration. Same with marketing. I would suggest doing business with a double concentration in HR and marketing. Have you spoken with a college counselor, that should also help you narrow down the correct path.
Laura Pinsent
Consulting Manager
3
Answers
Charleston, South Carolina
Updated
Laura’s Answer
Hi Arsh,
I agree that double majoring will be slightly more beneficial. Double majoring can be stressful, though so if you were to pick one I would recommend business because it's a bit more transferrable to the corporate world. Personally, I double majored in Psychology and History and then went to grad school immediately after getting my undergraduate degree.
If you know you want to obtain an advanced degree, both psychology and business will position you well for enrollment. There are some schools that have 5 year programs where you get your bachelor's and master's so you could also take a look at those.
Hope this helps!
Laura
I agree that double majoring will be slightly more beneficial. Double majoring can be stressful, though so if you were to pick one I would recommend business because it's a bit more transferrable to the corporate world. Personally, I double majored in Psychology and History and then went to grad school immediately after getting my undergraduate degree.
If you know you want to obtain an advanced degree, both psychology and business will position you well for enrollment. There are some schools that have 5 year programs where you get your bachelor's and master's so you could also take a look at those.
Hope this helps!
Laura
Chinyere Okafor
Educationist and Counseling Psychologist
543
Answers
Port Harcourt, Rivers, Nigeria
Updated
Chinyere’s Answer
Hello Arsh,
Both options can lead to career opportunities in either human resources or marketing, but the better choice depends on your personal interests and goals.
Firstly, double majoring in psychology and business would provide you with a strong foundation in both fields. This combination could be beneficial for roles that involve understanding human behavior, such as consumer behavior analysis or organizational development within marketing or human resources. However, double majoring requires a significant time commitment and may leave less room for elective courses.
Secondly, majoring in psychology and minoring in business allows you to focus more on psychology while still gaining some knowledge of business concepts. This option could be suitable if you have a strong passion for psychology but want to supplement it with some business skills relevant to HR or marketing roles. It provides more flexibility in terms of course selection and allows you to explore other areas of interest.
Ultimately, the "better" option depends on your individual preferences, strengths, and career aspirations. Consider researching the specific requirements of jobs in both fields, talking to professionals working in those industries, and evaluating your own academic abilities before making a decision. It may also be helpful to speak with academic advisors, who can provide guidance based on your specific circumstances.
Best wishes.
Both options can lead to career opportunities in either human resources or marketing, but the better choice depends on your personal interests and goals.
Firstly, double majoring in psychology and business would provide you with a strong foundation in both fields. This combination could be beneficial for roles that involve understanding human behavior, such as consumer behavior analysis or organizational development within marketing or human resources. However, double majoring requires a significant time commitment and may leave less room for elective courses.
Secondly, majoring in psychology and minoring in business allows you to focus more on psychology while still gaining some knowledge of business concepts. This option could be suitable if you have a strong passion for psychology but want to supplement it with some business skills relevant to HR or marketing roles. It provides more flexibility in terms of course selection and allows you to explore other areas of interest.
Ultimately, the "better" option depends on your individual preferences, strengths, and career aspirations. Consider researching the specific requirements of jobs in both fields, talking to professionals working in those industries, and evaluating your own academic abilities before making a decision. It may also be helpful to speak with academic advisors, who can provide guidance based on your specific circumstances.
Best wishes.
This is great advice. I would just add that the business major will serve you well across many career paths including HR and beyond. While psychology is a great option, I would recommend you also consider sociology which is very relevant to HR as well.
Jessica Muglia
Thank you so much for your added contribution, @Jessica Muglia.
Chinyere Okafor
Patrick Meyer
Executive - Data Analytics and AI
725
Answers
Naperville, Illinois
Updated
Patrick’s Answer
Arsh, when deciding on a career in human resources or marketing, your academic path can significantly impact your future. Choosing between a double major in psychology and business or a major in psychology with a business minor is a crucial decision. Each option has its own benefits and considerations.
A double major in psychology and business gives you a broad and detailed understanding of human behavior, business principles, and how organizations work. This mix of skills is highly sought after in both human resources and marketing roles. By studying theories and concepts from both fields, you gain a better understanding of how psychology and business strategies interact.
In human resources, a double major can boost your skills in handling complex interpersonal relationships, creating effective recruitment and retention strategies, and promoting a positive work culture. Your psychology knowledge can help you understand employee motivations and behavior, while your business skills can offer insights into the structure, policies, and efficiency of an organization.
In marketing, a double major can be extremely useful. Knowing about consumer psychology and behavior can help you create targeted marketing campaigns, position products, and build brands. At the same time, your business knowledge gives you a strategic mindset, allowing you to analyze market trends, develop effective marketing plans, and contribute to business growth.
However, remember that a double major can be challenging and may require careful planning and time management to balance the workload and course requirements.
On the other hand, majoring in psychology with a business minor gives you a strong base in human behavior and thinking processes, along with a good understanding of business principles. This approach lets you study psychological theories and research in depth while also learning about key business concepts.
For human resources roles, a psychology major with a business minor can give you a unique viewpoint on employee engagement, talent development, and organizational psychology. Your deep understanding of psychological principles can be complemented by knowledge of business operations, finance, and management strategies.
In marketing, a psychology major with a business minor can boost your skills in conducting consumer research, analyzing market trends, and creating targeted marketing strategies based on psychological insights. Your business minor can also teach you important marketing concepts like branding, advertising, and market segmentation.
Both options can lead to successful careers in human resources or marketing, but the choice depends on your interests, academic strengths, and long-term career goals. A double major gives you a more complete and integrated understanding of both fields, while a major with a minor lets you focus more on one main area of study.
Arsh, it's recommended to talk with academic advisors, professionals in your desired field, and think about your personal preferences and career goals before making a decision. Whatever path you choose, combining psychology and business knowledge can lead to exciting and rewarding opportunities in many industries.
A double major in psychology and business gives you a broad and detailed understanding of human behavior, business principles, and how organizations work. This mix of skills is highly sought after in both human resources and marketing roles. By studying theories and concepts from both fields, you gain a better understanding of how psychology and business strategies interact.
In human resources, a double major can boost your skills in handling complex interpersonal relationships, creating effective recruitment and retention strategies, and promoting a positive work culture. Your psychology knowledge can help you understand employee motivations and behavior, while your business skills can offer insights into the structure, policies, and efficiency of an organization.
In marketing, a double major can be extremely useful. Knowing about consumer psychology and behavior can help you create targeted marketing campaigns, position products, and build brands. At the same time, your business knowledge gives you a strategic mindset, allowing you to analyze market trends, develop effective marketing plans, and contribute to business growth.
However, remember that a double major can be challenging and may require careful planning and time management to balance the workload and course requirements.
On the other hand, majoring in psychology with a business minor gives you a strong base in human behavior and thinking processes, along with a good understanding of business principles. This approach lets you study psychological theories and research in depth while also learning about key business concepts.
For human resources roles, a psychology major with a business minor can give you a unique viewpoint on employee engagement, talent development, and organizational psychology. Your deep understanding of psychological principles can be complemented by knowledge of business operations, finance, and management strategies.
In marketing, a psychology major with a business minor can boost your skills in conducting consumer research, analyzing market trends, and creating targeted marketing strategies based on psychological insights. Your business minor can also teach you important marketing concepts like branding, advertising, and market segmentation.
Both options can lead to successful careers in human resources or marketing, but the choice depends on your interests, academic strengths, and long-term career goals. A double major gives you a more complete and integrated understanding of both fields, while a major with a minor lets you focus more on one main area of study.
Arsh, it's recommended to talk with academic advisors, professionals in your desired field, and think about your personal preferences and career goals before making a decision. Whatever path you choose, combining psychology and business knowledge can lead to exciting and rewarding opportunities in many industries.
Lan Nguyen
Lead Talent Specialist
2
Answers
Sorrento, Florida
Updated
Lan’s Answer
Hi Arsh!
I was a marketing major in college and ended up spending my career in HR. Agreed with all the advices here, double major would be more beneficial for you as you'll have greater exposure. One of the things I didn't realized at the time when I was in college was that there were a lot more "sales" positions as it relates to marketing and Sales was just not something I was interested in. Therefore, if you are interested in marketing, do take the time to research which area has your highest interests. As for HR, it is very board and I've done a lot of different areas such as recruiting, resource management, operations, general HR, and so much more. I think getting exposure to different areas will help guide you to where you want to be. An d remember, it is ok to change path! Just keep an open mind as you move forward.
I was a marketing major in college and ended up spending my career in HR. Agreed with all the advices here, double major would be more beneficial for you as you'll have greater exposure. One of the things I didn't realized at the time when I was in college was that there were a lot more "sales" positions as it relates to marketing and Sales was just not something I was interested in. Therefore, if you are interested in marketing, do take the time to research which area has your highest interests. As for HR, it is very board and I've done a lot of different areas such as recruiting, resource management, operations, general HR, and so much more. I think getting exposure to different areas will help guide you to where you want to be. An d remember, it is ok to change path! Just keep an open mind as you move forward.
Maggie Cavanaugh
Marketing Specialist
3
Answers
Indianapolis, Indiana
Updated
Maggie’s Answer
I totally agree with what has been stated above. A major will provide a more in-depth view of whichever topic area, while a minor you still get exposure to the area, but not as specific. It just depends on what you find more of an interest in.
When I was in college, I was interested in both areas as well. I took my first year taking intro classes in both marketing and psychology and realized I really enjoyed both and saw how applicable both degrees were to each other. I ended up double majoring in both and felt it has been an asset to my marketing career and provides a lot of exposure to human behavior and understanding.
I would recommend maybe taking some intro classes in both to get an understanding of what you like and see what the requirements/credit hours each take to see if it is manageable and something you want to pursue. I think that will help make the decision a little easier, but I really enjoyed my time with both!
When I was in college, I was interested in both areas as well. I took my first year taking intro classes in both marketing and psychology and realized I really enjoyed both and saw how applicable both degrees were to each other. I ended up double majoring in both and felt it has been an asset to my marketing career and provides a lot of exposure to human behavior and understanding.
I would recommend maybe taking some intro classes in both to get an understanding of what you like and see what the requirements/credit hours each take to see if it is manageable and something you want to pursue. I think that will help make the decision a little easier, but I really enjoyed my time with both!
Marisa Fitz
CareerVillage.org TeamPartnerships Manager
20
Answers
New York, New York
Updated
Marisa’s Answer, CareerVillage.org Team
Hi Arsh,
I think both options are great because both Business and Psychology will set you up with skills and knowledge that will transfer well to Marketing and HR. In college my major was Sociology, and my first job out of school was in a marketing role! However, if I had had a business-oriented education, I may have had a broader scope of options for roles in marketing. So if you think double-majoring is doable with your schedule, then go for it. Hope this helps!
I think both options are great because both Business and Psychology will set you up with skills and knowledge that will transfer well to Marketing and HR. In college my major was Sociology, and my first job out of school was in a marketing role! However, if I had had a business-oriented education, I may have had a broader scope of options for roles in marketing. So if you think double-majoring is doable with your schedule, then go for it. Hope this helps!
Karissa Helton
Teacher
201
Answers
Miami, Florida
Updated
Karissa’s Answer
Double major. You will need a bachelors degree in Business to get an entry level job in Marketing or HR. You could get a bachelors degree in Psychology then get an MBA as well.
Lilliana Ramos
HR Generalist
2
Answers
Detroit, Michigan
Updated
Lilliana’s Answer
Hi there,
I would agree that double majoring is best in order to stand out to employers. While it may be a challenging course load, employers reviewing resumes do not put much emphasis on minors earned in your degree. For a Marketing or Human Resources job full time, having that credential of a business degree will be a strength. If you're able to focus on a business degree/business school, these tend to have really good career resources like career fairs and advisors that will also help you find internships, co-op opportunities and full time work after graduation.
Best of luck!
I would agree that double majoring is best in order to stand out to employers. While it may be a challenging course load, employers reviewing resumes do not put much emphasis on minors earned in your degree. For a Marketing or Human Resources job full time, having that credential of a business degree will be a strength. If you're able to focus on a business degree/business school, these tend to have really good career resources like career fairs and advisors that will also help you find internships, co-op opportunities and full time work after graduation.
Best of luck!
Jared Justus
Procurement
10
Answers
Pleasant Grove, Utah
Updated
Jared’s Answer
of the two choices, I would do #1
Personal preference for sure...what do you enjoy?
But, I believe there will be far more jobs in marketing...and most psychologists require an advanced degree (6+ years of college)
Business roles are plentiful and more flexible on location
Personal preference for sure...what do you enjoy?
But, I believe there will be far more jobs in marketing...and most psychologists require an advanced degree (6+ years of college)
Business roles are plentiful and more flexible on location
Nina Dziamba
Intern
4
Answers
Chicago, Illinois
Updated
Nina’s Answer
Hi Arsh,
I would say that double majoring may be slightly more beneficial in your case but majoring in psychology and minoring in business is still a great option. The double major would show that you have expertise in both fields, but you do need to take more courses than if you were to do a major and a minor. If this fits into your schedule and you think that you can handle the extra workload, I would do it; however, if you are stressed about doing a double major, I would suggest starting with the major and minor and then, if you feel like you want to take more classes in business, declare it as your second major. If your school allows for you to declare majors later on, this would probably be a good option for you so that you do not commit to the business major right away if you are not sure about it. I personally had a minor in psychology and ended up wanting it as one of my majors, so I declared it as one my junior year but every school is different with the timing of when you can declare a major so make sure that this is something that you can do, if you decide to do the major and minor first and then see if you want to business as a second major.
I would say that double majoring may be slightly more beneficial in your case but majoring in psychology and minoring in business is still a great option. The double major would show that you have expertise in both fields, but you do need to take more courses than if you were to do a major and a minor. If this fits into your schedule and you think that you can handle the extra workload, I would do it; however, if you are stressed about doing a double major, I would suggest starting with the major and minor and then, if you feel like you want to take more classes in business, declare it as your second major. If your school allows for you to declare majors later on, this would probably be a good option for you so that you do not commit to the business major right away if you are not sure about it. I personally had a minor in psychology and ended up wanting it as one of my majors, so I declared it as one my junior year but every school is different with the timing of when you can declare a major so make sure that this is something that you can do, if you decide to do the major and minor first and then see if you want to business as a second major.