Are you considering a dual degree or double major in college? Learn the differences, pros and cons, and which path is right for you.
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Danika Miller is a senior writer at BestColleges and Accredited Schools Online. Her writing has also appeared in Grad School Hub, Best Value Schools, Affordable Colleges Online, and Her Campus. Her financial expertise has been featured in The Simple ...
Updated on May 31, 2024
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Raneem Taleb-Agha is a copy editor for BestColleges. Previously, she worked as a bilingual educator in both the U.S. and Spain before transitioning to editing and writing. She holds a BA in Spanish and Near Eastern Studies from UC Berkeley....
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Stephanie DeBord has spent the past eight years working in higher education. She has held various academic advising roles, and she currently works as a quality assurance manager at the College Credit in High School program at the Metropolitan State U...
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By
Writer & Editor
Danika Miller is a senior writer at BestColleges and Accredited Schools Online. Her writing has also appeared in Grad School Hub, Best Value Schools, Affordable Colleges Online, and Her Campus. Her financial expertise has been featured in The Simple ...
Edited by
Editor & Writer
Raneem Taleb-Agha is a copy editor for BestColleges. Previously, she worked as a bilingual educator in both the U.S. and Spain before transitioning to editing and writing. She holds a BA in Spanish and Near Eastern Studies from UC Berkeley....
•
Reviewed by
Reviewer & Writer
Stephanie DeBord has spent the past eight years working in higher education. She has held various academic advising roles, and she currently works as a quality assurance manager at the College Credit in High School program at the Metropolitan State U...
Updated on May 31, 2024
Learn more about our editorial process
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If you're someone with varied interests or a clear career path that spans multiple disciplines, you may be considering pursuing either a dual degree or a double major in college.
But what's the difference? Each approach has its own benefits and drawbacks, depending on your personal goals and circ*mstances.
We'll outline the distinctions between the two, discuss their advantages and disadvantages, and provide some guidance to help you choose the path that best suits your educational aspirations.
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What Is a Dual Degree?
A dual degree involves earning two separate degrees concurrently, often from different colleges or disciplines within a university.
This could mean receiving both a bachelor of arts and a bachelor of science or even earning a bachelor's degree and a master's degree simultaneously. The dual degree approach often takes longer and requires more credit hours than a double major, but it results in two distinct degrees.
The two degrees are typically distinct but may complement each other based on a student's career objectives. For example, some universities offer dual-degree tracks that award an MBA and a master of science in information systems, preparing graduates for careers as IT managers and executives.
Examples of Dual Degrees
- BA in economics and BA in political science
- BS in biology and BS in chemistry
- BS in nursing (BSN) and MS in nursing (MSN)
- Master of business administration (MBA) and juris doctor (JD)
- Master of public health (MPH) and master of social work (MSW)
What Is a Double Major?
A double major allows you to earn one bachelor's degree with two separate majors. This means you fulfill the requirements for two distinct areas of study within the same college or university.
For instance, you could double major in English and history, biology and chemistry, or business and psychology. This often involves a more rigorous course load, as you'll need to meet the requirements for both majors, but it allows you to explore two areas of interest in depth.
Examples of Double Majors
- Engineering and business
- Environmental science and public policy
- Political science and a foreign language
- Psychology and economics
- Communication and biology
Dual Degree vs. Double Major: Overview
| Factor | Dual Degree | Double Major |
|---|---|---|
| Length | Five years for two bachelor's, five years for a bachelor's and a master's, and three years for two master's. | The same amount of time it takes for a single-major degree. |
| Credits | About 150 credits for two bachelor's or a bachelor's and a master's, or 60 credits for dual master's degrees. | The same number of credits it takes for a single-major degree. |
| Cost | While more course requirements result in higher tuition overall, most dual-degree plans include overlapping classes that can help students save money. | The same price as a single-major degree based on the university's tuition rates. |
| Requirements | Curricular requirements vary by program. Students usually need to fulfill practicum and capstone requirements for both degrees. | Curricular requirements vary by program. Students generally only need to complete the capstone requirements for one major. |
| Result | Two separate degrees. | One degree with two areas of specialization. |
Differences Between Dual Degree and Double Major
Course Load
A double major typically requires you to complete more classes than a standard program but not as many as a dual degree. For example, if your university requires 120 credit hours for a single major, a double major may require around 150 to 160 credit hours.
A dual degree, however, might require up to 180 credit hours or more, depending on the specific programs you're pursuing.
Time to Completion
A double major can often be completed within the typical 4-6 year timeframe for a bachelor's degree, although it might require a heavier semester load or additional summer courses.
A dual degree usually takes longer to complete, often 5-6 years for two bachelor's degrees or as many as seven years for a bachelor's and master's degree combination.
Degree Outcome
Upon graduation, double majors receive one diploma that lists both of their majors. Dual degree students receive two separate diplomas, one for each degree earned.
Career Opportunities
Both dual degrees and double majors can expand your career opportunities by offering diverse skill sets and knowledge in two areas.
However, a dual degree might give you an edge in certain careers that require graduate-level education or specialized knowledge in two separate fields.
Is a Dual Degree or a Double Major Better?
Whether a dual degree or double major is 'better' largely depends on your individual goals, interests, and career aspirations. If you're passionate about two subjects within the same general field and want to delve deeply into both, a double major might be the best fit.
Alternatively, if you're interested in two distinct fields or are considering a career that requires graduate-level education, a dual degree could offer the depth and breadth you need.
Dual Degree
Pros
-
Allows you to gain in-depth knowledge and develop applicable skills in two disciplines, resulting in two complementary credentials -
Dual degrees can diversify your career options, since you build a multidisciplinary skill set -
Students who pursue a graduate degree as part of their program may qualify for managerial positions
Cons
-
Earning dual degrees requires not only an additional investment of money and time but also two separate admission processes -
While they may lead to more career prospects, dual degrees do not guarantee a higher starting salary
Double Major
Pros
-
Allows you to study two academic disciplines without paying more in tuition -
Prevents you from overspecializing in one subject area, which can open the door to diverse academic and professional opportunities -
Because some classes can be applied to multiple majors, students may even find ways to triple major
Cons
-
Some employers do not take note of double majors, particularly if one of the majors is unrelated to the job at hand -
If students don't schedule their classes very carefully, they may need to spend more time in school
Dual Degree and Double Major: Which is Right for You?
Deciding between a dual degree and a double major comes down to your personal, academic, and career goals.
It's important to consider your own interests, the amount of time and money you're willing to invest in your education, and the career path you see for yourself.
Speak with academic advisors, career counselors, and professionals in your field of interest to get a fuller picture of what each path could mean for you. Remember, the right choice is the one that best aligns with your aspirations and paves the way for a fulfilling future in the career you love.
Note: The insights on this page — excluding school descriptions — were reviewed by an independent third party compensated for their time by BestColleges. Page last reviewed May 28, 2024.
