A Dual Degree, sometimes called a Double Degree or Joint Degree, allows a student to work toward two degrees simultaneously.
This could result in two complementary bachelor’s degrees, a combined bachelor’s and a master’s degree, or two master’s degrees.
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The primary advantage to earning two degrees simultaneously is saving time. Rather than spending six years earning a bachelor’s and then a master’s, for example, a Dual Degree Program may allow you to earn both degrees in as little as four years.
How Do Dual Degrees Work?
When you work on a Dual Degree, you’re working on two degrees from two different departments or schools simultaneously.
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The departments or schools work together to make the process more convenient than if the degrees were earned independently. For example, some courses may count toward both degrees, or some may be waived entirely so that the student can complete the Dual Degree Program in a shorter time.
Dual Degree vs. Double Major – What’s the Difference?
It’s easy to confuse Dual Degree Programs with Double Majoring, but they are different.
- Dual Degrees: Results in two equal degrees
- Double Major: Results in one degree, with two areas of specialization (majors)
If you begin college knowing what career you plan to pursue, a Dual Degree may be an excellent option for you. It can help you earn complementary degrees or a more advanced degree in a shorter time. Either option can impress employers, showing them that you are a highly motivated and well-educated candidate.
If you are less sure of your career plans, however, a Double Major is an option you can choose later in your education. This will also allow you to pursue multiple paths.
Some common Double Major combinations include:
- Foreign Language and International Studies
- Economics and Political Science
- Criminal Justice and Psychology
- Any combination of Business degrees
Since you will be juggling two college majors at a time, it may be helpful to check out our article discussing the easiest college majors!
Dual Master’s Degree Programs
Dual Master’s Degree Programs allow students to earn two advanced degrees at the same time. Sometimes the Dual Master’s Degrees are already established, with courses and expectations clearly outlined. Other times you may propose a program and help determine the requirements.
Here are some common Double Master’s Degree Programs:
| Dual Master’s Degree Program | Potential Career Paths |
| Master of Business Administration & Master of Public Health (MBA/MPH) |
Medical and Health Services Manager, Hospital Administrator, Pharmaceutical Project Manager, Healthcare Consultant |
| Master of Social Work & Juris Doctorate(MSW/JD) |
Public Welfare, Criminal Justice or Corrections, Political Policy or Planning, Non-Profit Organization Management |
| Master of Science in Criminal Justice & Master of Public Administration (CJ/MPA) |
U.S. Marshal, Federal Bureau of Investigations, Chief of Police, Customs Agent, Juvenile Court Counselor, Victims Services Specialist, Private Investigator |
| Master of Science in Nursing & Master of Business Administration (MSN/MBA) |
Medical and Health Services Manager, Clinic Manager, Nursing Home Manager, Nurse Practitioner, Director of Nursing |
| Masters in Management Information Systems & Master in Business Administration (MIS/MBA) | Information Technology Director, Business Systems Analyst, Chief Information Officer, Computer Network Architect, Technology Consultant, Project Manager |
When it comes to dual masters degree programs online, a Master in Business Administration is an especially common choice. An advanced degree in business can complement almost any other degree of choice.
Are Dual Degrees Worth It?
Yes, Dual Degrees are typically worth it for many students. If you can keep up with the academic rigor, there are many advantages to choosing a Dual Degree Program.
- Accelerated education. In succession, it may take six or more years to earn a bachelor’s and then a master’s degrees, but if you are able to work toward them simultaneously it could take as little as four years. The process to earn two bachelor’s degrees or two more advanced degrees can also be shortened. Completing the degree programs faster can save you time and money.
- Increased skills. You can develop expertise in two areas of study. This can open the door to more career options, make you more qualified than competitors, and lead to a higher earning potential.
- Dual Degree Programs can be very prestigious and competitive, which can also impress potential employers.
When it comes to your career success, having earned Dual Degrees can be very beneficial.
What Are Dual Degree Programs?
Dual degree programs are programs offered by universities that allow you to earn two degrees simultaneously. For example, an MBA and a Juris Doctor (law degree) may be earned at the same time. The benefit of enrolling in a dual degree program is that you can save some time and earn your two degrees faster than if you enrolled in each degree program separately.
That being said, there are a number of fast online degrees that are not dual degree programs.
Let’s take a look at a few of your other options now.
Dual Degree Program Alternatives
Although dual degree programs do serve their purpose, it is also possible to get a fast bachelors degree with 5 week online college courses, or via an online bachelor’s degree completion program.
And if your goal is to earn both an accelerated bachelor’s and an accelerated master’s degree, you can likely design your own dual degree program if you simply pick a university that offers 6-week online classes.
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This would be achieved by finishing your bachelor’s degree at blazing fast speeds and then as soon as you complete that program, finish your master’s degree online in just one year.
Universities Offering Dual Degree Programs and Combined Degree Programs
Methodology: The following school list is in alphabetical order. To be included, a college or university must be regionally accredited and offer dual or combined degree programs.
- Dual Degree: Online MBA / Online Master’s in Engineering
- Dual Degree: Online MBA / Online Master’s in Industrial Engineering
ASU has been continuously accredited by the Higher Learning Commission since 1931.
- Dual Degree: Online MBA / Online Master’s in Finance
- Dual Degree: Online MBA / Online Master’s in Industrial and Systems Engineering
- Dual Degree: Online MBA / Online Master’s in Information Systems
In 2013, the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools reaffirmed its accreditation of AuburnU.
- Dual Degree: Online Master’s in Public Health / Online Master’s in Management and Organizational Behavior
- Dual Degree: Online MBA / Online Master’s in Public Health
- Dual Degree: Online MBA / Online Master’s in Management and Organizational Behavior
- Dual Degree: Online MBA / Online Master’s in Nursing
Benedictine is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
- Dual Degree: MBA / Juris Doctor
CWSL is officially accredited and/or recognized by the American Bar Association.
- Dual Degree: Bachelor’s in Health Care Management / Master’s in Health Administration
- Dual Degree: Bachelor’s in Health Care Management / Master’s in Public Health
- Dual Degree: Bachelor’s in Human Resource Management / Master’s in Science
- Dual Degree: Bachelor’s in General Information Technology / Master’s in Information Assurance and Cybersecurity
- Dual Degree: Bachelor’s in Information Assurance and Cybersecurity / Master’s in Information Assurance and Cybersecurity
- Dual Degree: Bachelor’s in General Psychology / Master’s in Psychology
- Dual Degree: Bachelor’s in General Psychology / Master’s in Clinical Psychology
- Dual Degree: Bachelor’s in General Psychology / Master’s in Education or Higher Education
Capella is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
- Applied Psychology – Biblical Studies emphasis, B.S. and Biblical Studies, M.A.
- Applied Psychology – Clinical Counseling emphasis, B.S. and Clinical Mental Health Counseling, M.A
- Applied Psychology – Clinical Counseling emphasis, B.S. and Clinical Mental Health Counseling, M.A
- Applied Psychology – Criminal Justice emphasis, B.S. and Criminal Justice, M.S.
- Biblical Studies, B.A. and Biblical Studies, M.A.
- Biblical Studies, B.A. and Theological Studies, M.A.
- Christian Ministry, B.A. and Executive Leadership in Christian Ministry, M.A.
- Economics, B.S. and Economics, M.S.
Colorado Christian University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
- Dual Degree: Master’s in International Affairs / Master’s in Journalism
- Dual Degree: Master’s in International Affairs / Master’s in Urban Planning
- Dual Degree: MBA / Master’s in International Affairs
- Dual Degree: Master’s in International Affairs / Juris Doctor
- Dual Degree: Master’s in International Affairs / Master’s in Public Health
- Dual Degree: Master’s in International Affairs / Master’s in Quantitative Methods in the Social Sciences
- Dual Degree: Master’s in International Affairs / Master’s in Social Work
- Dual Degree: Master’s in Public Administration / Juris Doctor
- Dual Degree: Master’s in Public Administration / Master’s in Public Health
- Dual Degree: Master’s in Public Administration / Master’s in Quantitative Methods in the Social Sciences
- Dual Degree: Master’s in Public Administration / Master’s in Social Work
Columbia is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.
- Dual Degree: Executive MBA / Master’s in Healthcare Leadership
Cornell has been accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education since 1921 and was most recently reaffirmed in 2016.
- Dual Degree: Online Master’s in Children’s Ministry / Online Master’s in Christian Ministry
- Dual Degree: Online Master’s in Children’s Ministry / Online Master’s in Global Leadership
- Dual Degree: Online Master’s in Christian Ministry / Online Master’s in Student Ministry
- Dual Degree: Online Master’s in Family Ministry / Online Master’s in Global Leadership
- Dual Degree: Online Master’s in Global Leadership / Online Master’s in Student Ministry
- Dual Degree: Online Master’s in Management / Online Master’s in Children’s Ministry
- Dual Degree: Online Master’s in Management / Online Master’s in Global Leadership
- Dual Degree: Online Master’s in Management / Online Master’s in Student Ministry
- Dual Degree: Online Master’s in Management / Online Master’s in Higher Education
- Dual Degree: Online MBA / Online Master’s in Children’s Ministry
- Dual Degree: Online MBA / Online Master’s in Christian Ministry
- Dual Degree: Online MBA / Online Master’s in Discipleship
- Dual Degree: Online MBA / Online Master’s in Global Leadership
- Dual Degree: Online MBA / Online Master’s in Student Ministry
- Dual Degree: Online MBA / Online Master’s in Educational Leadership
- Dual Degree: Online MBA / Online Master’s in Higher Education
- Dual Degree: Online Master’s in Curriculum and Instruction / Online Master’s in Educational Leadership
- Dual Degree: Online Master’s in Liberal Arts / Online Master’s in Children’s Ministry
DBU is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
- Dual Degree: Online Master’s in Special Education / Online Master’s in Applied Behavior Analysis
- Dual Degree: Online MBA / Online Master’s in Business Analytics
- Dual Degree: Online MBA / Online Master’s in Sport Management
- Dual Degree: Online Business Analytics/ Online Master’s in Sport Management
Drexel is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.
- Dual Degree: MBA / Juris Doctor
FSU is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges.
- Dual Degree: MBA / Master’s in Nursing
Gardner-Webb is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
- Dual Degree: MBA / Master’s in Leadership
- Dual Degree: Master’s in Special Education / Master’s in Applied Behavior Analysis
Grand Canyon is regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
- Dual Degree: Online MBA / Online Master’s in Business Analytics
- Dual Degree: Online MBA / Online Master’s in Entrepreneurship and Innovation
- Dual Degree: Online MBA / Online Master’s in Finance
- Dual Degree: Online MBA / Online Master’s in Global Supply Chain Management
- Dual Degree: Online MBA / Online Master’s in IT Management
- Dual Degree: Online MBA / Online Master’s in Marketing
- Dual Degree: Online MBA / Online Master’s in Strategic Management
IU is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
- Dual Degree: Online MBA / Online Master’s in Communication
- Dual Degree: Online MBA / Online Master’s in Applied Economics
- Dual Degree: Online MBA / Online Master’s in Biotechnology
- Dual Degree: Online MBA / Online Master’s in Nursing – Health Systems Management
Johns Hopkins is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.
- Dual Degree: MBA / Master’s in Social Work
Kennesaw State is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
- Dual Degree: MBA / Master’s in Architecture
- Dual Degree: MBA / Master’s in Communication Studies
- Dual Degree: MBA / Master’s in Library and Information Science
- Dual Degree: MBA / Master’s in Nursing
- Dual Degree: MBA / Master’s in Translation
- Dual Degree: MBA / Master’s in Architecture
- Dual Degree: Master’s in Architecture / Master’s in Urban Design
- Dual Degree: MBA / Master’s in Communication Studies
Kent State is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and a member of the North Central Association.
- Dual Degree: Online MBA / Online Master’s in Nursing
- Dual Degree: Online Master’s in Nursing / Online Master’s in Health Administration
Liberty is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
- Dual Degree: MBA / Master’s in Cybersecurity
- Dual Degree: MBA / Master’s in Human Resource Management
- Dual Degree: MBA / Master’s in Information Technology
- Dual Degree: MBA / Master’s in Leadership and Management
- Dual Degree: MBA / Master’s in Health Care Management
- Dual Degree: Master’s in Health Care Management / Master’s in Information Technology
- Dual Degree: Master’s in Information Technology / Master’s in Cybersecurity
Marymount is accredited by the Southern Associations of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
- Dual Degree: Online MBA / Online Master’s in Finance
- Dual Degree: Online MBA / Online Master’s in Accounting
- Dual Degree: MBA / Master’s in Nursing
- Dual Degree: MBA / Juris Doctorate
Northeastern is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education.
- Dual Degree: Online MBA / Online Master’s in Nursing Administration and Leadership
PennWest is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.
- Dual Degree: Online MBA / Online Master’s in Science
- Dual Degree: Online MBA / Online Master’s in Engineering
Purdue has been accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools (HLC-NCA) since 1913.
- Dual Degree: Online MBA / Online Master’s in Nursing
RMU is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.
- Dual Degree: Master’s in Mathematics / Master’s in Engineering
- Dual Degree: Master’s in Health Studies / Master’s in Library Science
- Dual Degree: MBA / Master’s in Health System Management
- Dual Degree: Master’s in Counseling and Development / Master’s in Music
- Dual Degree: MLS / Master’s in Health Studies
- Dual Degree: Master’s in Health Studies / Master’s in Library Science
- Dual Degree: Master’s in Music – Music Therapy / Master’s in Counseling and Development
- Dual Degree: Master of Library Science and Master of Science in Health Studies
- Dual Degree: Master’s in Library Science / Master’s in Health Studies
TWU is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
- Dual Degree: Online MBA / Online Master’s in Health Adminstration
Trident is the only fully online university regionally accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC).
- Dual Degree: Online MBA / Online Master’s in Public Health
UAH is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
- Dual Degree: Bachelor’s in Computational Social Science / Master’s in Computational Social Science
- Dual Degree: Bachelor’s in Education and Teaching Certificate / Master’s in Education and Teaching Certificate
- Dual Degree: Bachelor’s in the Humanities / Master’s in the Humanities
- Dual Degree: Bachelor’s in Middle Eastern Studies / Master’s in Middle Eastern Studies
- Dual Degree: Bachelor’s in Public Policy Studies / Master’s in Public Policy Studies
- Dual Degree: Bachelor’s in Computational Analysis and Public Policy / Master’s in Computational Analysis and Public Policy
- Dual Degree: Bachelor’s in Social Service Administration / Master’s in Social Service Administration
- Dual Degree: Bachelor’s in Chemistry / Master’s in Chemistry
- Dual Degree: Bachelor’s in Computer Science / Master’s in Computer Science
- Dual Degree: Bachelor’s in Digital Studies of Language, Culture, and History / Master’s in Digital Studies of Language, Culture, and History
- Dual Degree: Bachelor’s in International Relations / Master’s in International Relations
- Dual Degree: Bachelor’s in Latin American and Caribbean Studies / Master’s in Latin American and Caribbean Studies
- Dual Degree: Bachelor’s in Mathematics / Master’s in Mathematics
- Dual Degree: Bachelor’s in the Social Sciences / Master’s in the Social Sciences
- Dual Degree: Bachelor’s in Statistics / Master’s in Statistics
Since 1913, UChicago has been continuously accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
- Dual Degree: Online Master’s in Public Administration / Online Master’s in Public Health
UIS is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
- Dual Degree: Online MBA / Online Master’s in Nursing – Healthcare Administration
UMary is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
- Dual Degree: Online MBA / Online Master’s in Engineering – Industrial and Systems Engineering
- Dual Degree: Online MBA / Online Master’s in Finance
UMich is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
- MS in Toxicology / Pharmaceutical Sciences
- Master of Arts in Language, Literacy and Sociocultural Studies / Master of Arts in Latin American Studies
- Master of Arts in Latin American Studies / Master of Business Administration
- Master of Arts in Latin American Studies / Master of Community and Regional Planning
- Master of Arts in Latin American Studies / Master of Public Health
- Master of Business Administration / Master of Construction Management
- Master of Business Administration / Master of Engineering in Manufacturing Engineering
The University of New Mexico is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
- Dual Degree: MBA / JD
UND as a whole is regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.
- Dual Degree: Master’s in Anthropology / Master’s in Public Health
- Dual Degree: MBA / Master’s in Hospitality Management
UNT is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
- Dual Degree: MBA / Master’s in Accountancy
OU is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
- Dual Degree: MBA / Master’s in Advertising
- Dual Degree: Master’s in Advertising / Master’s in Public Affairs
- Dual Degree: MBA / Master’s in Asian Studies
- Dual Degree: Master’s in Asian Studies / Master’s in Public Affairs
- Dual Degree: MBA / Master’s in Communication Studies
- Dual Degree: Master’s in Communication Studies / Master’s in Latin American Studies
- Dual Degree: Master’s in Communication Studies / Master’s in Public Affairs
- Dual Degree: Master’s in Community & Regional Planning / Master’s in Geography
- Dual Degree: Master’s in Community & Regional Planning / Master’s in Sustainable Design
- Dual Degree: Master’s in Community & Regional Planning / Master’s in Urban Design
- Dual Degree: MBA / Master’s in Energy & Earth Resources
- Dual Degree: Master’s in Global Policy Studies / Master’s in Asian Studies
- Dual Degree: MBA / Master’s in Global Policy Studies
- Dual Degree: Master’s in Global Policy Studies / Master’s in Energy & Earth Resources
- Dual Degree: Master’s in Global Policy Studies / Master’s in Information Studies
- Dual Degree: Master’s in Global Policy Studies / Master’s in Journalism
- Dual Degree: Master’s in Global Policy Studies / Master’s in Latin American Studies
- Dual Degree: Master’s in Global Policy Studies / Master’s in Middle Eastern Studies
- Dual Degree: Master’s in Global Policy Studies / Master’s in Russian, East European, & Eurasian Studies
- Dual Degree: Master’s in Information Studies / Master’s in English
- Dual Degree: Master’s in Information Studies / Master’s in Latin American Studies
- Dual Degree: MBA / Master’s in Journalism
- Dual Degree: Master’s in Journalism / Master’s in Latin American Studies
- Dual Degree: Master’s in Journalism / Master’s in Middle Eastern Studies
- Dual Degree: Master’s in Journalism / Master’s in Public Affairs
- Dual Degree: MBA / Master’s in Latin American Studies
- Dual Degree: Master’s in Latin American Studies / Master’s in Community & Regional Planning
- Dual Degree: Master’s in Latin American Studies / Master’s in Law
- Dual Degree: Master’s in Latin American Studies / Master’s in Public Affairs
- Dual Degree: Master’s in Latin American Studies / Master’s in Social Work
- Dual Degree: MBA / Juris Doctor
- Dual Degree: Juris Doctor / Master’s in Community & Regional Planning
- Dual Degree: Juris Doctor / Master’s in Global Policy Studies
- Dual Degree: Juris Doctor / Master’s in Information Studies
- Dual Degree: Juris Doctor / Master’s in Middle Eastern Studies
- Dual Degree: Juris Doctor / Master’s in Public Affairs
- Dual Degree: Juris Doctor / Master’s in Russian, East European, & Eurasian Studies
- Dual Degree: Juris Doctor / Master’s in Social Work
- Dual Degree: MBA / Master’s in Mechanical Engineering
- Dual Degree: MBA / Medicinae Doctor
- Dual Degree: Medicinae Doctor / Master’s in Educational Psychology
- Dual Degree: MBA / Master’s in Middle Eastern Studies
- Dual Degree: Master’s in Middle Eastern Studies / Master’s in Information Studies
- Dual Degree: Master’s in Middle Eastern Studies / Master’s in Public Affairs
- Dual Degree: MBA / Master’s in Public Affairs
- Dual Degree: Master’s in Public Affairs / Master’s in Community & Regional Planning
- Dual Degree: Master’s in Public Affairs / Master’s in Energy & Earth Resources
- Dual Degree: Master’s in Public Affairs / Master’s in Engineering
- Dual Degree: Master’s in Public Affairs / Master’s in Information Studies
- Dual Degree: Master’s in Public Affairs / Master’s in Social Work
- Dual Degree: MBA / Master’s in Radio-Television-Film
- Dual Degree: Master’s in Radio-Television-Film / Master’s in Latin American Studies
- Dual Degree: Master’s in Radio-Television-Film / Master’s in Middle Eastern Studies
- Dual Degree: Master’s in Radio-Television-Film / Master’s in Public Affairs
- Dual Degree: Master’s in Radio-Television-Film / Master’s in Russian, East European, & Eurasian Studies
- Dual Degree: MBA / Master’s in Russian, East European, & Eurasian Studies
- Dual Degree: Master’s in Russian, East European, & Eurasian Studies / Master’s in Public Affairs
- Dual Degree: MBA / Master’s in Social Work
- Dual Degree: Master’s in Women’s & Gender Studies / Master’s in Information Studies
- Dual Degree: Master’s in Women’s & Gender Studies / Master’s in Public Affairs
UT Austin is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
- Dual Degree: Bachelor’s in Business Administration Dual Degree and Global Business Concentration Programs
Walden has been accredited by the Higher Learning Commission since 1990.
- Dual Degree: Online MBA / Online Master’s in Finance
- Dual Degree: Online MBA / Online Master’s in Science Management and Leadership
Webster is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
- Dual Degree: Online MBA / Online Master’s in Nursing Leadership and Healthcare Administration
- Dual Degree: Online Master’s in Nursing Leadership and Healthcare Administration / Online Master’s in Management
Wilmington is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.
- Dual Degree: Online Master’s in Nursing / Online Master’s in Criminal Justice
Xavier is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
- Dual Degree: MBA / Juris Doctor
- Dual Degree: MBA / Master’s in Environmental Management
- Dual Degree: MBA / Master’s in Forestry
- Dual Degree: MBA / Master’s in Global Affairs
- Dual Degree: MBA / Medicinae Doctor
- Dual Degree: MBA / Master’s in Public Health
- Dual Degree: MBA / Master’s in Architecture
- Dual Degree: MBA / Master’s in Fine Arts
- Dual Degree: MBA / Master’s in Divinity
- Dual Degree: MBA / Master’s in Religion
- Dual Degree: MBA / Doctor of Philosophy
Yale is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education.
Get Started Now, and Finish Fast!
If you are certain of your future career path, dual degree programs can allow you to customize your education in a way that can help set you apart from other graduates.
You can work toward two complementary bachelor’s degrees, a bachelor’s and a master’s, or two master’s degrees at the same time – accelerating your education while developing valuable skills to help you succeed in your career.
