What Is a Dual Degree Program?

Dual degree programs allow enrollees to earn two separate degrees simultaneously. Students can choose to earn degrees in different fields, including business, technology, or engineering.

Graduates can utilize their additional knowledge to pursue specific careers and stand out among their peers. Individuals interested in dual degree programs can review the following page to learn about popular dual degree programs and related advantages.

Students can pursue two types of dual degree programs. Some dual degree programs allow students to pursue two degrees of the same level. For instance, someone could earn a bachelor’s degree in English and a bachelor’s degree in gender studies.

On the other hand, progressive dual degree programs allow learners to earn two degrees at different levels. These kinds of programs include accelerated bachelor’s-to-master’s or master’s-to-Ph.D. programs.

Accelerated dual degree programs typically offer degrees with related subjects. These programs often require students to earn fewer credits than they would need to complete if they pursued the two degrees individually. Students can complete a dual degree bachelor’s-to-master’s program within five years.

Your personal interests and career plans can influence your dual degree program choice. You can decide whether to pursue multiple majors or obtain two degrees within the same field. The following programs represent popular dual degree options.

Students interested in a bachelor’s degree in engineering can consider a 3-2 program. These programs offer a three-year bachelor’s program followed by a two-year bachelor’s in engineering program. The three-year program typically relates to engineering, including math, computer science, or physics.

Enrollees that complete the three-year degree then transfer into an engineering school. Attendees can benefit from 3-2 engineering programs by gaining knowledge from both a liberal arts and engineering school. Programs may require students to complete a minimum number of credits or maintain a prespecified GPA before transferring to the engineering school.

Bachelor’s-to-master of arts degree in teaching programs provide a clear pathway for students to earn two teaching-related degrees. Accepted students may immediately have a spot reserved for them in the master’s degree program, provided they meet the program’s minimum standards. Students may need to meet minimum requirements to advance to the master’s degree, including prespecified GPA, credit, or time frame standards.

Dual degree master of art in teaching programs may offer a 4+1 schedule. Students complete a four-year undergraduate degree that starts education-specific courses in the junior or senior year. Individuals then enter the master’s program with a basic understanding of the major, allowing them to graduate within one year. Graduates can pursue a career as a teacher or education consultant.

Dual degree BS in nursing and MS in nursing programs typically offer 4+1 schedules. Students complete a four-year BS degree to obtain foundational nursing knowledge. Attendees then pursue an accelerated one-year master’s degree.

Schools may have clinical or practicum hour requirements for bachelor’s and master’s students. Enrollees may be expected to meet minimum hour requirements for both programs before graduating. Dual degree nursing program graduates can pursue roles as family nurse practitioners, patient care directors, or nurse educators.

Dual MBA and MPA programs focus on developing a student’s managerial, communication, and analytical skills. MBA and MPA degrees typically have some overlapping information, allowing dual degree programs to remove repetitive courses. Students can complete both degrees within three years.

Each program has various requirements, but students may need to complete an internship or capstone project. Graduates can pursue roles as financial managers, budget analysts, or management analysts at private, public, or non-governmental organizations.

MBA and JD dual degree programs teach business and legal skills to help students obtain a well-rounded education. Graduates can pursue business or legal roles at law firms, accounting corporations, or other private organizations. Full-time students can complete the program within 3-4 years.

Applicants must hold a bachelor’s degree and may need to gain admission to both a school’s JD and MBA programs separately. Universities may allow currently enrolled JD students to apply for a dual degree in their first or second year.

MD and Ph.D. dual degree programs teach modern medicine alongside research techniques to prepare students to pursue careers in medical research. The dual program can take 7-9 years to complete. During their Ph.D. training, students can choose a specific medical topic to become a field specialist.

Programs may offer a three-step plan to complete the program, including two years of medical school, then a Ph.D. program, and a final two years of medical school.

Dual degrees and double majors both allow students to gain knowledge in two separate fields. However, a dual degree program offers two degrees while a double major provides one degree. Double major enrollees typically complete fewer credits than dual degree students, which results in time and cost savings.

Individuals who wish to learn more about multiple subjects may benefit from a double major over a dual degree. However, students may choose the dual degree route to demonstrate their proficiency in both subjects to prospective employers.

Despite the challenges they bring, dual degree programs are popular. They can be found at small liberal arts private institutions or major state universities. So how do you choose a program? It begins with your goals.

You likely won’t enroll in a dual degree program for personal academic enrichment. Instead, you’ll probably have a specific professional goal. But make sure that earning a dual degree is the best way to achieve it. For example, getting a bachelor’s and a master’s degree in social work together might be a good idea given that many states require professionals to have a master’s degree for licensure.

But for other careers, consider whether getting a double major would be a better option. Or maybe getting one degree now, gaining several years of work experience, and then earning a second degree later would be a better choice.

Now it’s time to choose which degrees to get. Speak to individuals already in your desired field of work, and ask them which degrees they obtained to get where they are. Research the profession online to see what others recommend as the ideal educational path. For certain degrees, you’ll also need to identify any specializations you want to pursue. For example, most master of science in nursing programs have numerous specializations students must choose from, and those determine a future professional path.

Do you have a limited amount of time to earn both degrees? In that case, your primary consideration will be finding a program that can meet your short timeline. Do you have a family? Do you want to continue to work while in school? Then you’ll have to either find a school close to home and work or apply to an online program that has few on-campus requirements. And if you already have a degree and want to use that to jumpstart your dual degree, you’ll want to find a program that allows students with your academic background to take an abbreviated track.

Now it’s time to compare the cost of your education at various schools. Consider the total cost of a program, including additional fees, transportation, and financial aid. Depending on which degree you want, you’ll also need to consider whether it’s worth paying more for a certain school’s reputation — for instance, someone who wants to work in a high-powered legal position might want to shoot for Harvard, Yale, or Stanford. But for many fields, the dual degree and the hard work that goes into it speaks for itself regardless of where you attend school.

Dual degrees offer students the opportunity to learn about different subjects or study the same subject at different levels. Attendees should be committed to their personal education as dual degree programs require additional time and cost constraints compared to single degree programs. Consider the pros and cons of dual degree programs below.

Earning a dual degree takes perseverance and hard work. To handle the potential stress, keep these tips in mind.

Find friends from other classes. Students may only know a few fellow classmates working toward the same degrees. Try to socialize with students you have only one or even no classes with to expand your social circle.

Be your own advocate. Not every school official will support your decision to get a dual degree because of the time and effort it requires. Program administrators understand how much harder a dual degree program is and anticipate you might have a lower GPA than if you completed each program individually. Be confident in your choice, despite what others may think. If you know a dual degree is the right option for you, don’t be afraid to advocate for yourself.

Get experience before enrolling. It may not be possible to get much real-world experience while in the dual degree program, so before entering, it’s nice to have a few years of professional experience. This can help put what you learn in the classroom into practical perspective, as well as improve your post-graduate job prospects.

Study as hard as possible. Even if you’re working toward a terminal degree, your GPA matters. When you’re hunting for a job after graduation, future employers will look at your GPA.

Prepare to network. One of the biggest benefits of going to college and graduate school is the connections you’ll make. And since you’re in two degree programs, you’ll have access to twice the network.

Seek out encouragement and emotional support. Completing a degree program is difficult and getting two at once can be twice as hard. Therefore, it’s important to confide in friends or family members who can support you on your academic journey.