What are Dual Degree Programs?

If you’re interested in attaining diverse knowledge as well as expertise in two different subjects then the best option would be opting for a dual degree. Emerging as a new trend, dual degrees are now offered by many universities in different disciplines or at various levels of study. As there has been a huge influx of students who have showcased an extraordinary interest in dual degree programs, corresponding to the rising demands where companies seek professionals with multiple expertise. Today, in this blog we will enumerate in a detailed process everything related to dual degree programs.

What is a Dual Degree?

In simple terms, a dual degree is when a student pursues degrees in two different fields of study or disciplines simultaneously to obtain two degrees together. Dual degrees can be pursued in the two distinct branches of the same level of study. For example: If you are pursuing a dual degree program in Psychology as well as Business Administration, you will earn two separate degrees, that is, BA Psychology and BBA together. 

Often universities also offer a combination of UG and PG courses in dual degree programs. For example BA LLB, BBA MBA Integrated course, BTech + MBA, etc.  It primarily depends on the university that the combination of the course is offered. Those universities that provide dual degree programs essentially ask students to qualify for the requirements for each program separately.

Must Read: Dual Degree in UK

Types of Dual Degree Programs

It can be challenging to ascertain how many different types of dual degree programmes there are because there is such a wide range of majors and fields you can combine for a dual degree.

Examining them in terms of the types of degrees they grant is the simplest way to group them. As a result, we can identify the following three categories of dual degree programmes:

• Curricular options that award two bachelor’s degrees
• Programmes offering both bachelor’s and master’s degrees
• Double graduate/professional degree programmes.

How is a Dual Degree Different From a Double Major?

Since now you are familiar with what dual degree programs are, let us examine how they are different from double majors. Mentioned below are the key differences between each of them so that you can weigh the suitability and convenience of both of these programs for yourself. 

• If you’re pursuing a double major, you’ll obtain only one degree but you will specialize in two concerns of the same degree. For example in Management, you can specialize both in Finance and Hospitality. On the other hand, in dual degree programs, you’ll have the opportunity to obtain two degrees in different fields of study. For instance, two undergraduate degrees, one in Management and the other in Sociology. 

• In a double major students have to go through only less extra coursework or sometimes not at all because they are pursuing a single degree. Whereas, in dual degree not only do you go through enormous course work but you have to keep up with the syllabus and schedule of both degrees at the same time. Dual degree programs enable you to simultaneously learn about two very different disciplines.

• You can study a double major within the same school/university without having to shuttle between the departments each time. This is not the case with a dual program where you have to continuously flit from one department to another and sometimes even a university also.

• A dual degree can be completed within a set time frame. But a double major sometimes takes more time to be completed because of the intensive coursework involved in the program. Moreover, more clarity can be seen regarding the duration, once you opt for a particular program.

Popular Degree Courses After 12th

Advantages and Disadvantages of a Dual Degree Course

The Dual Degree programs aim to improve the quality of trained education in India. The structure of the courses has been designed and introduced with a unique curriculum and syllabus. The following are a few advantages and disadvantages of pursuing a dual degree course.

Advantages

• Candidates who have passed 12th can attain a UG and PG Degree together with a single admission.
• It helps people save time and also saves energy.
• Students only have to go through one admission procedure which also reduces a lot of hassle. 
• It is the best option for students who are clear with their end goal and wish to enhance or build many skills.
• Students explore multiple combinations and can choose among various options.

Disadvantages

• You continue to attend school nonstop for longer periods of time. This aspect alone may be a deal-breaker for some people. Regardless of the types of degrees you’re pursuing, a dual degree programme will make you spend more time in class without giving you the chance to take a break and gain some work experience.
• At once, you’re spending more money. Even though earning a dual degree will probably result in long-term financial savings, you will still need to pay a significant amount of money upfront for things like credits, tuition, and housing.
• It might not raise your chances of success financially. While having two degrees can increase your career options, it doesn’t necessarily mean you’ll make more money than if you only had one degree. This, however, greatly depends on the fields you’re studying and the degrees you’re earning (for instance, earning two BAs versus earning a JD and a PhD!

How can Dual Degrees Programs Help in Building a Career?

Dual degree programs allow students to delve into and study multidisciplinary degree programs. It prepares them to morph into professionals with diverse knowledge, skills as well as applications. As professionals, they will be able to tackle complex problems using different methodologies and achieve their goals with a high success rate. 

In the constantly changing business environment, organizations are looking for individuals who can adapt to the requirements and responsibilities of different roles. For example, a student with a degree in Finance and Engineering will be the first choice for an engineering firm to handle their financial department as well as their design projects.

Must Read: Dual Degree Programs in Canada

List of Popular Dual Degree Programs

Since there’s a huge upsurge of students looking to apply for dual degree programs, universities have introduced more such programs in their academic curricula. Here are some of the hot choices in the field-

Dual Degree Undergraduate Programs

Bachelor of Engineering (Honours)/ Bachelor of Laws – Chemical Engineering	Bachelor of Architecture/ Master of Business Administration in Management of Technology	Bachelor of Commerce / Bachelor of Arts – Bus Strategy and Economic Mgmt
Bachelor of Commerce/ Bachelor of Arts – Business Economics	Bachelor of Engineering (Honours)/ Bachelor of Arts – Engineering Flexible	Bachelor of Science in Mathematics and Physics (Augustan Campus)
Bachelor of Engineering (Honours)/ Bachelor of Laws – Bioinformatics Engineering	Bachelor of Engineering (Honours)/ Bachelor of Laws – Renewable Energy Engineering	Bachelor of Business Management / Bachelor of Communication

Dual Degree Postgraduate Programs

Master of Health Administration / Master of Business Administration	Master of Business Administration and Master of Public Health	Master of Science in Journalism and Computer Science
Master of Arts Administration / Master of Arts in Folklore and Ethnomusicology	Master of Science in Information Studies/ Master of Arts in Women’s and Gender Studies	Master of Arts in Marriage and Family Therapy/ Master of Social Work
Master of Social Work / Master of Divinity	Master of Arts in English/ Master of Science in Information Science	Master of Arts in Journalism and Master of Arts in Middle Eastern and North African Studies

Dual Degree Doctorate Programs 

Doctor of Dental Science/ Master of Arts in Science and Dental Education

Doctor of Philosophy in Psychology And Peace Studies

Doctor of Philosophy in Psychology – Human Development and Public Policy

Top Universities 

Numerous universities across the world are now offering these degree programs to students, among which some of the prominent ones are.

• The University of New South Wales
• Suffolk University
• Hofstra University
• Monash University
• Thompson Rivers University
• The University of Queensland
• University of Southern California
• The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
• University of Hawaii – Manoa
• University of Colorado – Denver
• Saint Louis University
• CQ University Australia
• University of Maryland – College Park
• Idaho State University

Must Read: Dual Study Programs In Germany

Dual Degree in India

Various colleges in India have introduced dual degree programs and related specializations. The following are the top colleges in India that offer dual degree programs.

• Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs)
• BITS Pilani.
• Amity University.
• The University of Rajasthan.
• Punjabi University.
• Delhi Technological University.
• Guru Gobind Singh Indraprastha University.
• Jawaharlal Nehru Technological University, Hyderabad.

Are Dual Degrees Worth it?

Yes, many students find dual degrees to be worthwhile. There are many benefits to selecting a dual degree programme if you can keep up with the rigorous academic requirements.

• Accelerated learning: Earning a bachelor’s degree first, followed by a master’s degree, may take six or more years to complete sequentially, but if you can work on both at the same time, it might only take you four. It is also possible to accelerate the process of obtaining two bachelor’s degrees or two higher-level degrees. Faster degree completion can save you time and money.
• Improved skills: You can become an expert in two subject areas. This may give you access to more career options, set you apart from rivals, and increase your earning potential.
• Potential employers may be impressed by the prestige and competition of dual degree programmes. Having dual degrees can be very helpful for your professional success.

FAQs

Hopefully, through this descriptive blog, you have understood fully what dual degree programs are and all the related information about them. Are you confused between a dual degree and a normal one? Let the experts at Leverage Edu help you choose the best-matched degrees and programs across the top universities in the world. Hurry up! Sign-up for a free e-meeting.