Inspired by Kitty, a question about college majors....

[bsnyder]

DS #2 is a high school junior, and he's starting to think seriously about his college plans.

He's very interested in pursing a business career in the music industry. There are only a handful of schools that offer this as a true major. USC, Loyola and the University of Miami all offer this as a specialized degree, and he's interested in all of those schools.

Do you think it would be better for him to go to the best business school he can go to, and get a general Business Administration or Finance degree?

The biggest advantage, that I can see, to the more specialized degree, is the internship opportunities they offer. The drawback, obviously, is that he could very well change his mind about this as a career field, and then he's stuck with a degree that's too specific.

Anyone have any thoughts on this?

 

[browneyes]

I'd suggest going to the best business school and perhaps his minor could be a strong minor.

 

[Doctor P]

Bet,

For the most part, he would be better off actually getting a quality liberal arts degree at a school that also offers some business courses. With the exception of majors that are related to some type of licensing requirements (accounting and actuarial science are the big ones in business), the types of skills businesses look for are not those that are unique to a business major. Though this may have changed in the most recent past, a few years ago I know that it was true that, of the top 5 graduate business schools, only one was at a university that offered an undergraduate business school or degree in business. High quality communication skills, good research skills, and a general knowledge of history, economics, and government are all important pieces of the background. In your son's case, a specialized course or two in areas related to entertainment and music business would also add to his record.

Mike

 

[bsnyder]

I pretty much agree with you guys....

Try telling this to a 17 year old, LOL!

 

[Kitty 34]

Interesting question Bet.......at one time I would have easily answered; have him get a more "generalized" degree but I don't see anything wrong with getting more specific.....as long as he will be the type that will pound the pavement looking for that specific job or internship.

A strong minor like Browneyes said would probably be helpful.