Dual Degree Vs. Double Major: What’s The Difference?

For students who are equally interested in two fields of study, they can choose to pursue either a double major or a dual degree depending on their academic and future professional goals. Although these sound like the same thing, there are differences between the two which we’ll discuss below.

Double majors are typically available only at the undergraduate level, while dual-degree programs are more common at the graduate level. For those in graduate programs, they may be able to pursue more intensive tracks in order to reach their academic goals more quickly and in a way that caters to more specialized education.

Key Takeaways:

What Is a Dual Degree?

A dual degree sometimes referred to as a double degree, is when a student receives two degrees. This can be two bachelor’s degrees, such as a bachelor of science and a bachelor of arts. It can also be when a student pursues a bachelor’s degree and an advanced degree, such as a B.A. and an M.A., at the same time.

Dual degrees arm students with two separate credentials that are typically distinct but, like double majors, often complement each other based on a student’s future professional goals. Similar to double majors, even though the degree requirements may differ, they will include courses that overlap to reduce the total number of credits required for a student.

Most commonly, however, students must complete at least 150 credits to earn two bachelor’s degrees or a bachelor’s and a master’s degree. For those looking to earn two master’s degrees, 60 credits are required. Students aren’t able to create their own programs, so they must usually choose from the options the schools provide.

Leaving college with two specialties or advanced expertise in a certain subject can increase your potential career opportunities. You may also be eligible for a higher salary at an entry-level job than you would be with just a single degree, depending on what you pursue. Some benefits of taking a dual degree can include

• Enhanced career prospects. With more specialties and advanced expertise in a subject, your career prospects will become broader than if you’re leaving school with just a single degree. Your qualifications will be much more impressive to employers looking to hire you.

• Study two distinct degrees. By studying two degrees, you have the opportunity to study topics that may not directly relate to each other, which can satiate your interest in two different things at the same time. This can also position you uniquely for certain careers once you graduate.

• Be viewed more prestigiously. For the most part, dual degree programs are much more prestigious than just taking a single one. Admission can sometimes even be competitive in certain fields, so if you manage to pursue a dual degree, employers may take notice.

Dual degrees don’t come without their own cons, however. These programs often require more schooling than a single bachelor’s program and that means they are often more costly than a single program. You also aren’t guaranteed an edge in the job market, unless you’re pursuing something specific, meaning you may not get a return on your investment.

You also will be required to make difficult decisions about your future and career path early on in your college education which can be difficult, especially if you’re pursuing this when you’re young. It’s important to research the programs you’re looking to pursue to be sure you’re making the best decision for yourself and understand what rules you must follow.

What Is a Double Major?

A double major means that when a student graduates they graduate with a single bachelor’s degree in two subject areas of expertise. This means the student is required to complete all necessary coursework for each major, whether they are related or distinct. It is often more beneficial for students to choose complementary majors to ease their course load.

Depending on the student’s area of interest, earning a double major can take the same amount of time as a single major. However, if one of the majors in question requires more credits to finish, the degree can take longer even as a full-time student. It’s very important to discuss your goals with your college advisor to determine if a double major is plausible.

Pursuing a double major arms students with a more comprehensive skill set that can benefit them competitively in the workforce. Complementary majors can be something like engineering and business, environmental science and public policy, communication and biology, among others.

Double majors, though more common in undergraduate settings, still exist at the graduate level. However, because of the specialized areas of study in master’s and doctoral education, the opportunities for a double major are much more limited than in undergraduate environments. Here are some benefits of taking a double major.

• Fewer course requirements. If you decide to take complementary double majors, it allows students to complete many of the same core course requirements that work towards both majors. This means it takes less time, and sometimes just as much time as it would take to pursue one major for the benefit of two.

• Complete programs quicker. Similar to the above benefit, students are able to complete a double major faster than they would do for a dual major. This allows the student to spend less time in school and enter the workforce sooner, with the added benefit of a dual major to help them stand out from the competition.

• More comprehensive skill set. As mentioned above, taking complementary majors arms students with more skills that may be beneficial to their future career goals. Take something like political science and a foreign language — these dual majors can help students be successful in very specific fields.

Those pursuing a double major will study two academic disciplines without needing to pay more in tuition. It also prevents you from overspecializing in one specific area so that students have broader job opportunities available to them when they leave school. Additionally, students can use classes to apply to other majors, allowing them to triple major if they wish.

However, it’s important to note that not all employers take note of double majors, especially if the student has pursued a major that is unrelated to the job they end up pursuing. It’s also worth noting that dual majors take planning and commitment, and if classes are not scheduled carefully, students could end up spending more time than they want in school.

Dual Degree vs. Double Major FAQ

1. Is a double major the same thing as a dual degree?

   No, a double major result in one degree with two areas of specialization, while a dual degree allows students to earn two credentials in two distinct fields.

2. Can you double major in two unrelated fields?

   Yes, you can double major in two unrelated fields, but it’s important to understand the specific academic requirements for each to adjust your expectations for how long you may need to attend school.

3. Is a dual degree or a double major harder?

   A dual degree requires more coursework than a double major.

Author

Caitlin Mazur

Caitlin Mazur is a freelance writer at Zippia. Caitlin is passionate about helping Zippia’s readers land the jobs of their dreams by offering content that discusses job-seeking advice based on experience and extensive research. Caitlin holds a degree in English from Saint Joseph’s University in Philadelphia, PA.