Dual Degree Programs in Psychology
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- A psychology dual degree program could help you in law, business, or other fields.
- Dual degree programs allow you to earn two degrees at once, faster than separately.
- A dual degree gives you a diploma in both fields, unlike an undergrad double major.
If you want a career that overlaps disciplines, or you want to stand out as a job candidate in business, law, academia, or psychology, a psychology dual degree program could help you reach those goals. A dual degree program, also called a joint degree program, allows you to earn two degrees at once, saving time compared to earning the degrees separately. Learn more and explore your options today in this guide to joint degree psychology programs.
Popular Online Psychology Programs
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.
What Are Psychology Dual Degree Programs?
Psychology dual degree programs can combine any other degree with a psychology program, but the most common are a combined Psy.D. or Ph.D. in psychology with a law degree (juris doctor or JD) or a master's of business administration (MBA). In general, a Psy.D. emphasizes practicing psychology with patients, while a Ph.D. emphasizes research, research methodology, and advancing the psychology body of knowledge.
Law and Psychology Dual Degree Programs
Most students in a law and psychology dual degree program earn a JD and a psychology doctorate, but some earn a JD and a master's degree in psychology, or a doctorate in psychology and a master of legal studies. Combining these fields gives you an expert's insight into the psychological aspects of the law and the legal system.
Possible Careers
Some of the most common careers for law and psychology dual degree program graduates include lawyer, college or university teacher, expert witness, and consultant to law firms. Graduates can also pursue leadership or research roles in public policy think tanks or other nonprofits.
College Teacher
College teachers (postsecondary teachers) instruct and mentor students, conduct research, publish, and serve on school committees. Some schools and positions emphasize teaching above all other responsibilities, while others emphasize publishing and research.
Median Salary
$84,380 (BLS, 2023)
Job Outlook
8% increase from 2022-2032
Lawyer
Lawyers advise clients on all matters related to the law and represent them in court and other legal proceedings. A lawyer with a background in psychology may specialize in jury analysis, forensic psychology, or analyzing potential testimony, either as part of a firm or as a consultant.
Median Salary
$145,760 (BLS, 2023)
Job Outlook
8% growth from 2022-2032
Business and Psychology Dual Degree Programs
The most common business and psychology dual degree program is a Psy.D. and MBA, though some students combine an MBA and a Ph.D., especially if they want to work in academia or research. This psychology dual degree program is especially suited for the human aspects of business, such as development and training, marketing, and human resources or labor relations.
Possible Careers
While most graduates of business and psychology dual degree programs work in personnel management, you can also work in academia or research, studying organizational behavior, adult education, and related topics.
Human Resources Manager
Human resource managers typically oversee all aspects of personnel management, including recruitment, designing benefits, fostering organizational culture, overseeing professional development, and managing workplace conflicts.
Median Salary
$136,350 (BLS, 2023)
Job Outlook
5% increase from 2022-2032
Training and Development Manager
Training and development managers oversee professional development for staff, typically assessing needs, identifying the best options for professional education, supervising delivery, and measuring the impact. Some may design and deliver training themselves, depending on their background.
Median Salary
$125,040 (BLS, 2023)
Job Outlook
7% growth from 2021-2031
Why Choose a Dual Degree Psychology Program?
The biggest advantage of a psychology dual degree program is that it gives you deep insight into the psychological aspects of your work. In addition, cross-disciplinary studies are often a valuable source of new ideas and innovations, since they let you approach problems with multiple perspectives.
From the practical point of view, pursuing a psychology dual degree program rather than consecutive degrees typically takes less time. During a time of tuition inflation, this can also save you money.
As a graduate of a psychology dual degree program, you may also be more attractive to employers, since you may appear:
- Knowledgeable about human interactions and human factors in an organization as well as business, law, or your other discipline
- Skilled in conducting research at a high level
- More likely to bring new or different insights to business problems
- Able to handle demanding workloads, especially if you were in a fast-paced program
Many employers want to hire staff who are good at the so-called "soft skills." While a degree in psychology does not guarantee having strong interpersonal skills, it a knowledge of how human psychology works and applies to problems.
How Long Does a Dual Degree Psychology Program Take?
A psychology dual degree program typically takes at least 4-5 years, depending on the degrees you are pursuing (doctorates take longer than master's degrees), how many of your courses count for dual credit across programs, whether you are studying on a full-time or part-time basis, and whether you are working while studying. Some psychology dual degree programs can take up to eight years.
How Much Does a Dual Degree Psychology Program Cost?
In the 2020-2021 school year, the median graduate tuition (including fees) at a public school was $11,666, according to the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES). and $23,507 At private nonprofit schools, the median tuition was $23,507. The costs can be much higher, with the top 25% of private schools costing at least $42,910 per year.
However, you may be eligible for scholarships, grants, or loans. Many graduate schools have work-study programs such as teaching assistant positions.
Frequently Asked Questions About Dual Degree Programs in Psychology
What are psychology dual degree programs?
Psychology dual degree programs, also known as psychology joint degree programs, are programs that offer two degrees at once. Some of the most common are dual psychology doctorates with an MBA or law degree.
Are psychology dual degree programs worth it?
Whether a psychology dual degree program is worth it depends on your professional and financial goals, your budget, and your student outcomes. While these programs can lead to personally rewarding and financially lucrative positions, they can be expensive.
Can you complete a psychology dual degree program online?
Whether you can complete a psychology dual degree program online depends on the nature of the degree and the school. At many programs, you can complete at least part of the coursework online or in a hybrid format.
What degrees are offered in a psychology dual degree program?
Some of the more common degrees offered in a psychology dual degree program include a doctorate in psychology (either a Ph.D. or a Psy.D.) and an MBA or JD (law degree). However, you can also find a psychology dual degree program combining a psychology graduate degree with a master of public health, master of theology, or master of education program.
