Best Bachelor’s Degree for Future CEOs

Thinking about the road to the corner office? The first big decision is what to study in college. While there’s no magic “CEO major,” some degrees give you tools that CEOs use every day. Below we break down the most practical choices and how to make the most of any degree you pick.

Degrees that Build Core Business Skills

A classic Business Administration or BBA program covers finance, marketing, operations, and strategy—all the subjects a CEO meets in boardrooms. You learn how money flows, how products reach customers, and how to manage people. If you enjoy crunching numbers and negotiating deals, a finance or economics degree does the same thing with a tighter focus on markets and data.

These programs also usually offer electives like entrepreneurship, leadership, and business analytics. Those electives let you tailor the curriculum to the kind of company you want to run—tech, retail, or services. Plus, most business schools have strong alumni networks that can land you internships, mentorship, and early‑stage job offers.

Technical Degrees That Give a Competitive Edge

Engineering and computer science may seem far from the C‑suite, but they’re the secret weapons of many modern CEOs. An engineering degree teaches problem‑solving, project management, and the ability to turn ideas into products. Think of CEOs at companies like Tesla or SpaceX—having a technical background helps them speak the language of their engineers and push innovation faster.

Computer science or data science adds another layer: the ability to understand big data, AI, and digital transformation. In a world where every decision is backed by data, CEOs who can read algorithms and interpret dashboards have a real advantage. If you’re comfortable with coding or love turning raw data into insights, these majors set you up for high‑impact roles early in your career.

Don’t overlook liberal arts degrees such as psychology, sociology, or philosophy. They sharpen critical thinking, communication, and empathy—soft skills that are priceless when you’re leading large teams. CEOs need to persuade investors, inspire employees, and navigate complex social dynamics. A humanities background can differentiate you from peers who only focus on numbers.

So, how do you choose? Look at three things: your interests, the industry you dream of, and the skill gaps you want to fill. If you love negotiating deals, lean toward business. If you’re a gadget geek who lives for building stuff, engineering or CS is a better fit. If you thrive on reading people and shaping culture, consider a liberal arts path.Whatever major you pick, supplement it with real‑world experience. Internships in startups, leadership roles in clubs, or part‑time consulting gigs let you apply classroom ideas to actual business problems. Those experiences look better on a resume than grades alone and teach you the decision‑making speed CEOs need.

Finally, keep learning. The best CEOs view a bachelor’s degree as a launchpad, not a finish line. Certifications in project management, data analytics, or fintech can boost your credibility. A habit of reading business news, listening to podcasts, and networking will keep you ahead of industry shifts.

Bottom line: there’s no single “CEO major.” Pick a degree that equips you with a mix of analytical, technical, and people skills, and then fill the gaps with internships, projects, and continuous learning. That combination will put you on the fast track to the executive suite.