While there's no single "best" degree for becoming a CEO, certain fields of study are more common among top executives.
According to recent data, economics, business administration, and engineering are popular choices. Furthermore, a significant percentage of CEOs hold advanced degrees. Specifically, 34.6% of top CEOs possess a master's or doctorate degree, while 22.3% have a Master of Business Administration (MBA).
Here's a breakdown of the degree landscape for CEOs:
Degree Type | Popularity Among CEOs |
---|---|
Economics | High |
Business Administration | High |
Engineering | High |
Master's/Doctorate | 34.6% |
MBA | 22.3% |
Therefore, while a specific degree doesn't guarantee a path to the CEO's office, a combination of a strong foundational degree in a field like economics, business, or engineering, coupled with an advanced degree like an MBA or a doctorate, appears to be a common and effective route. Other factors, such as experience, networking, and leadership skills, are also crucial for career advancement.