Guide to Online Dual Degree MBA/MS Programs
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If you have a specialized area of interest or career goal, pursuing a dual degree may help you reach leadership positions more quickly. In a master of business administration (MBA)/ master of science (MS) dual degree program, you can gain valuable skills and specialization in careers as diverse as engineering, tech, supply chain management, global energy, healthcare, or finance.
The best part of a dual degree is that you earn two credentials in a shorter period. You could complete a dual MBA/MS in as few as 21 months to take the next steps in your career. Below, we outline the details of online dual MBA programs to help you decide if a dual degree program is right for you.
Popular Online Programs
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.
What Is an MBA/MS Dual Degree Program?
A dual degree program allows you to earn two graduate degrees within a shorter time than two individual degrees. Dual MBA/MS degrees are especially valuable if you want to pursue business leadership that requires additional specialization, such as technology, engineering, or computer science.
Program Length and Format
Program lengths vary. At some colleges, you can finish a dual degree in as few as 21 months, although many dual MBA/MS programs require 3-5 years of study. Credit requirements vary by university. While a standard MBA or MS usually requires 60 credits, most dual degree programs require between 60 and 72 credits.
Dual MBA/MS degrees are offered online, in person, or in a hybrid format. You can also find programs that are both synchronous cohorts and asynchronous degree programs. The format you choose and whether you’re enrolled as a part-time or full-time student can affect how long it takes to complete the dual degrees.
Most universities allow you to apply some credits to both degrees to earn the dual degree faster. However, some universities require you to complete part or all of one degree program before enrolling in the second.
MBA/MS Curriculum
Most dual degree programs require students to complete all core credits in the MBA and MS tracks. For example, at the University of Massachusetts Amherst, you must complete 37 MBA and 35 MS credits to graduate. Other programs waive some credits or count certain courses toward both degrees.
Core MBA topics include finance, accounting, human resource management, leadership, statistics, and marketing. You can choose electives related to the MBA or the MS. Some but not all MS degrees require a thesis.
The required MS coursework can vary greatly depending on the dual degree program’s MS concentration. Specific fields the MS could focus on include, but are not limited to:
- Management information systems
- Information technology
- Cybersecurity
- Applied economics
- Engineering
- Business analytics
- Entrepreneurship
- Finance
- Global energy leadership
- Marketing
- Supply chain management
- Sports management
Benefits of Getting Your Dual MBA/MS Online
- Explore new career opportunities. While an MBA is considered the terminal degree in business, combining it with an MS can open specialized career paths or prepare you to pursue specific interests.
- Earn a degree on your terms. An online dual degree program allows you to earn two degrees while working full time or meeting other personal obligations.
- Build valuable skills. From statistics and data analysis to diversity and inclusivity in leadership, a dual degree can help prepare you with the latest research and skills in demand in the market.
Check out our guides to other online dual MBA programs
Accreditation of Online MBA/MS Programs
There are two types of accreditation: institutional and programmatic. Institutional accreditation demonstrates that a college or university meets or exceeds set standards of academic quality. To be eligible for federal financial aid, you must attend an accredited school.
Programmatic accreditation is more field-specific and applies to programs or departments within an institution.
Organizations that accredit business schools include the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business, the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs, and the International Accreditation Council for Business Education. MS programs in engineering and applied and natural sciences may be accredited by the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET).
What Can You Do With an MBA/MS Dual Degree?
Someone with an MBA and MS would be well suited for leadership careers in various industries. You could choose a specialized MS to help advance careers as diverse as tech leadership to engineering, transportation, natural sciences, or project management.
While there’s no limit to the careers or industries you can enter with a dual MBA/MS degree, choose an MS that provides additional training for your desired field. Common fields for a dual MBA/MS include:
- Consultancy
- Banking and Finance
- IT
- Education
- Energy
- Government
- Engineering
- Manufacturing
- Marketing
- Management
| Job | Median Salary (2023) | Job Growth (2023-2033) |
|---|---|---|
| Computer and Information Systems Managers | $169,510 | 17% |
| Financial Managers | $156,100 | 17% |
| Architectural and Engineering Managers | $165,370 | 6% |
| Natural Sciences Managers | $157,740% | 8% |
| Data Scientists | $108,020 | 36% |
| Project Management Specialists | $98,580 | 6% |
| Economists | $115,730 | 5% |
Admission Requirements for Online Dual MBA/MS Programs
Online MBA/MS dual degree programs’ admissions process varies by university. Some programs suggest you apply through the business department and complete some credits before applying for the dual degree, while others require you to apply to both departments. Other colleges direct you to apply through one of the departments.
To apply for a dual MBA/MS degree, you’ll typically need:
- Application form and fee
- Undergraduate transcripts
- Reference letters
- Statement of purpose or essay
- GRE or GMAT test scores
Some programs may also require work experience or an undergraduate degree in a specific field.
FAQ About Online Dual MBA Programs
Yes, a dual MBA/MS degree is worth it for many professionals. Many programs allow you to earn a dual degree with 60-73 credits, while an MBA alone typically requires 30-60 credits. A dual degree could help you stand out among other applicants without a major additional investment of time or money.
