Dual Degree Program (2025): Popular Programs, Benefits & Universities

Lakshmi

9 min read

Updated On May 6, 2025

Dual Degree Program (2025): Popular Programs, Benefits & Universities

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What is a Dual Degree Program?
Key Benefits of Dual Degree Programs
Popular Dual Degree Programs Combinations
Advantages and Disadvantages of Dual Degree Programs
Eligibility Requirements for Pursing Dual Degree Program Abroad
What is a Double Major Program?
Double Major vs Double Degree
Top Universities that Offer Dual Degrees: Bachelor's Degree
Top Universities that Offer Dual Masters Degrees
How to Choose the Right Dual Degree Program?
Expand Your Academic Horizons with Dual Degree Programs

In the dynamic landscape of global education, dual degree programs have emerged as a compelling option for students aspiring to gain international exposure, diversify their academic portfolio and accelerate their careers.

This unique educational pathway not only enhances academic rigor, but also equips students with cross cultural competence, making them highly attractive in the global job market. In today's article, we will be exploring in detail about what a dual degree program is and how the dual degree works?

What is a Dual Degree Program?

A dual degree program also. called a double degree or join degree program Allow students to pursue two distinct degrees simultaneously, either with the same field or across complementary disciplines. Through a structured curriculum agreed upon by partnering universities, often in 2 different countries.

For instance, a student might complete part of their studies at a university in their home country and the remainder at an international partner institution graduating with degrees from both universities.

Common Dual Degree Program Formats

The common formats of dual degree programs that students can choose from based on their level of education is as follows:

Format	Example
Undergraduate + Undergraduate	BA + BSc
Undergraduate + Postgraduate	BBA + MBA
Postgraduate + Postgraduate	MA + MSc
Interdisciplinary Programs	Engineering + Business

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Key Benefits of Dual Degree Programs

The benefits of studying abroad for Indian students, are obviously quite known and varied, however the additional benefits you could earn by opting for on a dual degree include:

1. Global Exposure

According to the Institute of International Education (IIE) 92% of students who studied abroad reported a significant increase in global awareness and cultural sensitivity. A report by QS Global employer survey states that 80% of employers considered international experience important when evaluating job candidates

2. Two Degrees in Less Time

Generally, standalone degrees may take 6 to 7 years (i.e. 3 to 4 years of bachelors and 2 to 3 years of a master's), but dual degree programs reduce this by 20% to 30% on average. For example, a BBA + MBA dual degree can be completed in just 5 years instead of 6 years.

3. Higher Career Prospects

A survey by the Graduate Management Admission Council highlights that dual degree candidates from business schools had an employment rate of 92% (within 3 months of graduation) in comparison to 85% for single degree graduates. Additionally, graduates with international credentials were also noted to have a 25% higher starting salary on an average.

4. Academic Flexibility and Interdisciplinarity

Interdisciplinary skills are in high demand. The World Economic Forum reports state that 44% of skills required for jobs will witness change by 2027, emphasizing the importance of adaptability and cross disciplinary learning. Dual degrees equip students with both depth and breath in their knowledge base, allowing them to tailor their education to evolving career paths.

5. Access to 2 Alumni Networks and Career Services

A study by the Council of Advancement and Support of Education (CASE) found that aluminum network engagement increases placement rates by nearly 35% and dual degree students gain the advantage of dual access to career fairs, internships, and mentorship programs.

Also Read: Top 8 Benefits of Studying Abroad for Indian Students

Popular Dual Degree Programs Combinations

A few of the popular dual degree programs combinations preferred by international students, aspiring to explore the shorter education times for bachelors and masters dual degrees combined include:

Degree Combination	Common Fields	Career Prospects
BBA + MBA	Business & Management	Consulting, Finance, Entrepreneurship
B.Tech + MS	Engineering & Technology	R&D, Software Development, Data Science
BA + LLB (International)	Humanities + Law	International Law, Diplomacy, Human Rights
BSc + MSc	Science + Applied Sciences	Biotechnology, Environmental Science, Healthcare
BA + MA	Arts, Social Science, International Relations	Policy, Academia, NGOs

Explore: Best Country to Study an MBA and Settle for Indian Students

Advantages and Disadvantages of Dual Degree Programs

Now, that we have understood how dual degree programs work, let us take a look at the pros and cons of dual degree programs to determine whether it is worth the effort

Advantages of Dual Degree Program

Disadvantages of Dual Degree Program

Gain expertise in two fields, making you a highly sought-after candidate in diverse industries
Studies show dual degree graduates often command higher salaries due to their specialized skills and increased adaptability
Some programs cleverly integrate courses from both fields, potentially shortening the overall study duration compared to pursuing each degree sequentially
Develop innovative solutions by bridging the gap between seemingly different fields
Broaden your intellectual horizons and challenge yourself by exploring diverse areas of knowledge

Balancing two demanding programs demands strong time management and dedication
Tuition fees for dual degrees often double, and you might face longer study periods, extending living expenses
While the long-term career benefits are promising, entering the workforce might be slightly delayed compared to single-degree peers
Spreading your focus across two fields can limit your mastery of each subject
The combined pressure to excel in two programs can be quite overwhelming

Eligibility Requirements for Pursing Dual Degree Program Abroad

While detailed set of requirements might vary depending on the institutions and programs, we have mentioned the minimum requirement for dual degree programs for international students:

Strong academic performance (typically GPA of 3.0 or higher)
Language proficiency tests (IELTS or TOEFL for English, or other scores depending on country)
Standardized test scores (GMAT or GRE may be required for postgraduate programs)
Statement of Purpose (SOP)
Letter of Recommendation (LOR)
Updated Resume or CV
Relevant work experience for some postgraduate dual degree programs might be needed.

What is a Double Major Program?

A Double Major Program is an academic option where a student chooses to pursue two different major fields of study within a single degree program. This allows the student to explore and specialize in two distinct areas of interest.

Advantages of Pursuing a Double Major	Disadvantages of Pursuing a Double Major
Engaging in double-degree programs provides an opportunity to delve into two academic disciplines without incurring extra tuition costs. Double majors act as a safeguard against excessive specialization in a single subject, creating avenues for diverse academic and professional opportunities. In some cases, double-degree programs may allow students to pursue triple majors.	Some employers may not place significant emphasis on double majors, particularly if one of the degrees is unrelated to the specific job. Achieving a double major may extend the time required to complete academic programs, necessitating careful class scheduling.

Hold on a moment! The terms "Double major" and "Dual degree" are confusing. Don't worry; we'll break down the differences and by the end of this article, you'll have a clear understanding of all the intricacies involved.

Must Read: Ultimate Guide on How To Study Abroad on a Budget

Double Major vs Double Degree

Double Major and Double/Dual Degree are both academic choices that enable students to explore two fields simultaneously. While they share this commonality, there is a crucial difference that distinguishes them. This distinction is outlined in the table below, providing a comprehensive overview of these academic pursuits.

Double Major	Dual Degree
Specializations in two fields in one bachelor's degree	Two separate degrees/diplomas in two distinct fields
Typically results in the same type of degree (e.g., BA, BS)	This can lead to two different types of degrees (e.g., BA and BFA)
Both fields are usually based in the same school	Fields are often based in different schools
May require fewer credits than pursuing two separate degrees	Usually involves a heavier credit load due to separate degrees
Often completed within the standard four years	Typically takes longer due to increased credit requirements
Offers less flexibility compared to dual degrees	Provides more flexibility in choosing distinct fields of study

Top Universities that Offer Dual Degrees: Bachelor's Degree

Dive into the table below, showcasing renowned universities that offer diverse combinations of bachelor degrees, providing you with a unique academic journey and a richer educational experience.

University	Bachelor's Degree Combinations Offered	Notes
Boston University	BA/BS, BA/BFA, BA/BM, BS/BFA, BS/BM	Credit requirements vary. Open to specific major combos only.
Brown University	BA/BS	38 credits and 10 semesters are required (five years).
Columbia University	BA/BS in Engineering	A typical program structure is 3-2: three years of liberal arts and two years of Columbia Engineering (applicants apply in their junior year).
Cornell University	BA/BS or BFA/BS	Program typically takes five years and requires students to complete 30 distinct credits for each major. Open to specific major combos only.
Northwestern University	BA/BS Engineering, BA/BM	Foundational courses can count toward both degrees. For both degrees, you must complete all additional requirements.
New York University	Available in multiple combinations pending university approval	Students can create their own degree combinations.
Stanford University	BA/BS	Minimum 225 credits.
University of Alabama	BA/BS	Minimum 30 additional credit hours.
University of Denver	BA/BS, BA/BFA, BS/BFA, BA/BM, BS/BM, BFA/BM	Minimum 228 quarter hours. Many combinations of bachelor's degrees are possible.
University of Michigan	BA/BS, BA/BFA, BA/BMA, BA/BTA, etc.	Must complete a minimum of 150 credit hours. May choose an established program or create your own.
University of Notre Dame	BA/BS	Five-year program.

***BA: Bachelor of Arts/BS: Bachelor of Science/BFA: Bachelor of Fine Arts/BM: Bachelor of Music/BMA: Bachelor of Music and Arts/BTA: Bachelor of Theatre Arts***

Also Read: Best Universities for Indian Students Abroad (2025): List of Top 100

Top Universities that Offer Dual Masters Degrees

Dive into the table below, showcasing renowned universities that offer diverse combinations of dual master's degrees, providing you with a unique academic journey and a richer educational experience.

University	Graduate Degree Combinations Offered	Additional Information
Duke University	Masters/Master's, MBA/Master's, Master's/JD, Master's/PhD	Applicants must secure admission to both programs and credit requirements differ by program.
Rutgers University	Various JD combinations, including MD, MA, MBA, MPH	A law student can craft a dual-degree program with other graduate degrees at Rutgers or external institutions.
Stanford University	JD/MBA, MA/MBA, MPP/MBA, MS/MBA, MD/MBA	Credit requirements vary according to the specific program chosen.
Suffolk University	MBA/MS, MS/MS, MBA/JD, LLM/JD, MPA/JD, MS/JD	Confined to specific fields of study, with varying credit requirements and program durations.
University of Arizona	MAcc/MBA, MS/MS, MS/MBA, MS/JD, MA/JD	Limited to specific fields, and "students cannot invent their own dual degrees."
University of California at Los Angeles	MA/JD, MA/MPH, MBA/JD, MBA/MD, MBA/MA, MA/MSW	Applicants must apply to and be accepted by both programs.
University of Cincinnati	MBA/MS, MBA/MA, MBA/MSN, JD/MA, JD/MBA, JD/PhD, etc.	Applicants must secure acceptance to both programs.
University of Colorado Boulder	MA/MBA, MS/MBA, MS/ME, MA/MA, MBA/JD, JD/PhD, JD/MD, MS/JD, JD/MPA, etc.	Limited to specific fields, with varying credit requirements.
University of Illinois	Various combinations with MA, MS, MArch, MBA, MPH, MSW, JD, PhD, MD, etc.	Applicants must be separately admitted to each program as joint degree candidates.
University of Michigan	Various combinations with MA, MS, MPH, MPP, MUP, MBA, JD	Students can propose their own dual-degree program, with credit hour requirements varying by degree.
University of Texas at Austin	Master's and professional degrees only; includes combos with MA, MS, MBA, MSE, JD	Applicants must be accepted by both programs and are limited to specific fields of study.

***Master of Business Administration, Master of Science, Juris Doctor (Doctor of Law), Master of Science in Engineering, Master of Public Health, Master of Social Work, Master of Science in Nursing, Doctor of Medicine, Master of Laws, Master of Public Policy***

How to Choose the Right Dual Degree Program?

Before we conclude the article, here are a few essential tips to help you choose the right dual degree program for your study abroad. These include:

Must Align With Your Career Goals: Ensure the combination of degrees serves your long term professional aspirations
Accreditation and Recognition: Verify that both degrees are recognised in your target job market and country.
Check Credit Transfer Policies: Understand how academic credits will be evaluated and transferred between institutions
Evaluate Financial Aid Options: Look for scholarships, financial aid, or tuition fee waivers available for dual degree programs students.
Communicate With Alumni: Connect with alumni to gain insights into career outcomes and program values.

Expand Your Academic Horizons with Dual Degree Programs

Dual degree programs represent the future of international education that blends academic excellence across cultural competence and interdisciplinary learning into a single immersive experience. For students seeking to stand out in an increasingly competitive global market all degrees offer a strategic and enriching pathway as universities worldwide continue to forge cross border partnerships. The opportunities for dual degree study abroad are expanding, making now the perfect time to explore this transformative educational journey.

To navigate this educational landscape seamlessly, consider the guidance of our seasoned study abroad consultants at GetGIS. Book Your Free Consultation, to gain insights into the intricacies of dual degree programs, ensuring a well-informed decision that aligns with your academic and career aspirations.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Are dual degree courses worth it?

Yes, mastering 2 distinct subjects through dual degree courses is incredibly rewarding. Beyond the academic achievement, you benefit from a diverse set of professors, industry experts, and a broader range of projects.

Can I do a dual degree in 4 years?

While completing two separate degrees, such as an MBA and MCom, typically takes 6 years (3 years each), opting for a dual degree program can streamline the process. This alternative allows you to earn both degrees within a more efficient timeframe, typically completing the program in four or five years, saving you both time and money.

How do I apply for dual degree programs?

Securing admission to dual degree programs involves a distinct application process that varies across institutions. Generally, applicants directly apply to the specific dual degree program, deviating from the standard college or university admission route.

Is dual degree difficult?

Determining the difficulty of a dual degree depends on various factors. At first glance, it may appear challenging, and to some extent, it is. However, with effective planning, pursuing a dual degree can be an exciting and advantageous choice in the long term.