Most of the time the courses for both majors are exactly the same and if not you could challenge the course if you have taken a course that is similar to another. You may find that you will have a few extra courses to complete, but not as much you may think. The cost may be more due to both majors not sharing exact courses, BUT it will definitely make you look great on a resume and make you extremely marketable in the job market. You have a choice to declare both majors now or until you reach your last semester. You may look into Minors as well… you may complete both majors and a minor simultaneously! Check it out. Talk to your advisor ASAP.

College Counselor

I am a current international business major. I have also done extensive research on various majors. I would like to tell you that the two majors, int bus and int rel, are very different. At most schools, the aren’t even in the same college. This means that you will be in school longer, due to the requirements of a double degree. Also, although job outlook is important, keep in mind that in the end it is about what you have a love and drive for. As long as you have that, you will be successful in any field. You could also minor in a second field in order to gain expertise. For example, you could major in international relations and minor in business. Just a couple of things to keep in mind.

A true International Business Degree will encompass two degrees: one in Business, one in a Foreign Language, and some international study. My best suggestion is to not worry about the international relations side, because a good international business program will include that. There are only 20 TRUE international business programs in the country. There are only 2 in the SEC – Mississippi State University and Auburn University.

Ask 3 questions about any IB program you are looking for:

1) What is your internship placement percentage?

2) What is your job placement percentage?

3) What is your average starting salary?

Attend whichever program gives youthe best rankings. I do know the Mississippi State Univeristy ones:

1) 100 %

2) 100%

3) $74,000

Use these as a base to compare other IB programs.

you just need to talk to your advisor or the head of the department your major would be in . . . it doesn’t directly cost more to double major, however, because you will have more credits to finish, it could take you longer to finish school, which comes out to extra semesters of tuition.