Top Dual Degree Programs: A Comprehensive List for Ambitious Students

What Is a Dual Degree?

A dual degree is when a student completes two different academic disciplines at the same time and receives two separate degrees upon completion.

This is different from a double major, where students pursue two majors within the span of a single degree, which results in one degree with two areas of specialization.

Additionally, a dual degree is also different from a major/minor combination, where students focus intensively on one field (the major) while gaining complementary knowledge in another (the minor).

Dual degrees offer a broader academic experience with both fields having equal weight and depth and offers a broader academic experience.

The Benefits of Dual Degrees

The benefits of obtaining a dual degree are substantial.

• For one, a wider breadth of study allows graduates to broaden their knowledge base, acquiring expertise across a wider area of subjects.
• Broader knowledge and skills can often mean better job prospects, particularly in roles that require diverse 21st-century skillsets.
• In an era where many individuals switch careers mid-way, having a broad area of study opens more doors to a variety of career options after graduation.

Moreover, pursuing two degrees at once can be more time and cost-efficient compared to completing two separate undergraduate (bachelor) degrees.

The Challenges of Dual Degrees

Dual degrees also come with added work and other challenges.

• It's important to be sure you're ready to take on the extra workload. Even if you're very motivated you'll need sustained effort and commitment over the course of several years.
• Maintaining a balance between academics, work-life, and mental health may also be more challenging for students pursuing dual degrees.
• With the added time commitments, come opportunity costs, such as not having time for extracurriculars, research opportunities, part-time jobs or internships, and so forth.

It's also possible that your goal entails some practical logistical hurdles, such as scheduling conflicts that arise due to the many course requirements, or exam schedules overlapping across disciplines or departments...

Types of Dual Degrees and Example Programs

Some examples of dual degrees are as follows:

• BA/BS: Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Science (e.g., BA in Economics/BS in Mathematics)
• BA/MA: Bachelor of Arts and Master of Arts (e.g., BA in Political Science/MA in International Relations)
• BS/MS: Bachelor of Science and Master of Science (e.g., BS in Environmental Science/MS in Environmental Policy)
• BS/MD: Bachelor of Science and Doctor of Medicine (accelerated medical programs)
• BBA-LLB: Bachelor of Business Administration and Law

Career Opportunities and Outcomes

As mentioned, one benefit of earning dual degrees can can be expanding your career prospects significantly, especially in sectors which value expertise across different disciplines.

• For instance, a dual degree in engineering and business can provide graduates an edge in attaining management roles in technology firms.
• Similarly, a dual degree in public policy and a relevant science or humanities field can equip individuals for a promising career in the civil service, especially in policy related roles.
• Last but not least, a dual degree in business administration and business analytics could see a graduate gain the edge he or she needs to attain a coveted spot in top financial or banking institutions.

Popular Dual Degree Programs

To make it easier for you to navigate, we have organized the popular dual degree programs by categories:

Engineering & Liberal Arts Programs

• Columbia Plan Program Experience: Engineering and Liberal Arts (3-2 program: three years at one institution followed by two years at another, or 4-2 program: four years at one institution followed by two years at another)
• Dartmouth + Liberal Arts College: Engineering and Liberal Arts (2-1-1 program: two years at one institution, one year at another, and one final year back at the original, or 3-2 program)
• Northwestern University Engineering & Liberal Arts: Engineering and Liberal Arts
• University of Michigan Engineering: Liberal Arts and Engineering
• University of Notre Dame Engineering: Liberal Arts and Engineering

Business & Engineering Programs

• Drexel Business & Engineering: Business and Engineering
• University of California, Berkeley Management, Entrepreneurship, & Technology: Business and Engineering
• University of Pennsylvania Jerome Fisher Program in Management & Technology (M&T): Business and Engineering (can apply when applying or after becoming a student)
• WashU in St Louis: Business and Computer Science

Music & Arts Programs

• Brown - RISD Dual Degree Program: Liberal Arts and Fine Arts (5 years, graduate with an A.B. from Brown and a BFA from RISD)
• Columbia-Juilliard Program: Performing Arts (flexibility in choosing the second specialty)
• Hopkins/Peabody Dual Degree: Music and Engineering or Liberal Arts (Bachelor of Music degree and either a Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science degree from the Krieger School of Arts and Sciences or the Whiting School of Engineering)
• Northwestern University Engineering & Music Program: Engineering and Music
• University of Michigan Music: Liberal Arts and Music

Public Policy & International Relations Programs

• Columbia-Sciences Po Dual BA Program: International Relations
• NYU Gallatin-College of Global Public Health Dual-Degree Program: Arts & Sciences and Public Health
• NYU Gallatin-Wagner Dual-Degree Program: Arts & Sciences and Public Service
• University of Pennsylvania Huntsman: Business and International Relations

Arts & Science Programs

• American University: Flexible specialties
• Boston University: Select degrees from any of BU colleges
• University of Michigan Architecture: Liberal Arts and Architecture
• University of Chicago: BA/BS and MA/MS
• St. Andrews-William & Mary: Flexible program allowing students to transfer between institutions

Final Thoughts: Is a Dual Degree Right for You?

Deciding whether a dual degree is the right path depends on your ambitions, interests, and abilities. While dual degrees provide an impressive combination of skills and knowledge, they require significant commitment and resilience. It's essential to weigh the heavy academic workload against the potential career benefits and consider whether an interdisciplinary academic experience aligns with your goals.

If you're considering a dual degree, feelings of doubt and uncertainty can arise. However, you don't need to make this decision alone.

Crimson Education offers personalized university counseling to help you navigate your college application process and select the academic program that best aligns with your aspirations.

If you’re looking for expert guidance to navigate your college application process and select the academic programs that best align with your aspirations, Crimson Education's world-leading admissions consultants can help you identify the best-fit programs.

To get started, schedule your free feedback session today.

A friendly and experienced counselor can offer feedback on your next steps, walk you through our admissions results, and answer any questions you have about Crimson Education's mission, about our personalized, one-stop approach to admissions consulting, or about upcoming admissions planning events and webinars.