Should I Major in Business?

Business and related fields are the most popular undergraduate majors in the country, accounting for approximately 20% of all college students. If you're thinking about it but still aren't sure, continue reading about the pros and cons of an undergraduate business degree and perspective from pundits, courtesy of the New York Times.

There are many good reasons to major in business, but they may not be the ones most people think of at first. One common myth is that a business degree will be your ticket to a more lucrative career. While this is true of many MBA degrees, it is usually not the case for undergraduate degrees. If your passion lies elsewhere, follow it! You will be much better off and ultimately more employable as a happy, engaged student in your favorite field than as a mediocre student in a subject that you are studying for the wrong reasons.

This article from the New York Times, and the related debate, do a good job at discussing the pros and cons of undergraduate business programs.

A degree in business may not be the only way to achieve your goals. A possible approach could be to double-major in business and another subject, or to choose a business minor or concentration offered to students majoring in other departments. In addition, consider the specific field you are interested in. Entrepreneurship, for example, will be very different from, let's say, accounting. The opportunities vary widely at different institutions and you should research carefully each school you are interested in.

Good luck!