Dual-Degree Program Guide

If you know what career you want to pursue or are passionate about a complementary subject, a dual-degree program can help you save time and put you on track to your dream job.

Dual-degree programs allow you to earn two degrees simultaneously or consecutively. They can be demanding and usually take careful planning and preparation. Luckily, many online colleges offer dual-degree programs.

We’ll walk you through the benefits of dual-degree programs and how they could enhance your academic journey.

A dual-degree program allows you to earn two degrees at once — sometimes at different degree levels. These programs allow you to graduate with two degrees in a much shorter time period.

At some colleges, dual-degree programs are predetermined pathways with specific program options. Other schools allow students more agency and autonomy to design their own dual-degree programs.

Popular dual-degree options include earning two bachelor’s degrees, earning a bachelor’s and a master’s degree, or earning two graduate degrees. For example, some dual-degree pairings might be a master of business administration (MBA) and a Juris Doctor (JD), a bachelor’s degree in nursing (BSN) and a master’s in nursing (MSN), or a bachelor of business administration (BBA) and a BA in economics.

Dual-degree programs in which you earn a bachelor’s and a master’s degree are often referred to as 4+1 programs. In 4+1 programs, you earn a bachelor’s and master’s in five years rather than the 6-7 years it would take to earn them separately.

Simply put, a dual-degree program results in two degrees, and a double major results in one.

With a dual-degree program, students pursue two different degrees, while with a double major, students pursue one degree in two areas of study.

Both programs allow you to explore multiple areas of study. However, a double major can typically be completed in four years. Double majors are also typically only offered for bachelor’s programs.

Dual-degree programs can often take longer than four years and can include both undergraduate and graduate work.

Like every learning option and academic path, dual-degree programs have pros and cons. The rigorous structure may not suit every student. But the opportunity to fast-track your education can be tempting.

Before committing to a dual-degree program, consider the benefits and potential drawbacks.

A dual-degree program can cost anywhere between $40,000 and $100,000, depending on the length of your program, what school you attend, and what financial aid you might be eligible to receive. Typically, the more years you spend in a program to complete your degree, the more you’re likely to spend.

According to the National Center for Education Statistics, the average cost of a graduate degree was $20,513 as of the 2020-2021 academic year. Meanwhile, the average cost of undergraduate tuition and fees was $21,035 for in-state schools and $27,091 for out-of-state schools.

However, advanced degrees can make you eligible for higher pay. Programs that offer two graduate degrees, like JD-MBA programs, can be more expensive than bachelor’s to master’s dual-degree programs, but they may also yield a higher return on investment.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that, as of 2024, professionals with advanced degrees earn around $300-$800 more per week, on average, than professionals with just a bachelor’s degree.

There are some common dual-degree programs such as JD-MBA, MPH-MSW, and BSN-MSN dual degrees. Consider your career interests to decide which may be the best fit for you.

In a JD-MBA program, you can complete an MBA and a Juris Doctor at the same time. This program can save you time and increase your earning potential if you’re interested in a career in both business and law.

You’ll become an expert in both subjects, which can increase your status as a professional in the business or legal sector. You will typically need your bachelor’s degree before pursuing a JD-MBA. This degree can prepare you for a career as an attorney, financial manager, and auditor.

An MPH-MSW is a dual master’s degree in public health and social work. It combines graduate-level public health training — research, analysis, and health policy — with graduate-level social work training, which qualifies you to work as a licensed social worker.

In this program, you may explore health disparities, community services, and the intersection of policy and people. This program can prepare you for a career as a social worker or public health professional.

A BSN-MSN dual-degree program is very common at universities across the country and is a good fit for students who want to excel in nursing. It allows nursing students to start work on their master’s of nursing program while still earning their bachelor’s of nursing degree.

A BSN-MSN is often a 4+1 program, which means students can complete it in five years.

If you’re interested in child development, pedagogical research, or counseling, you can earn a dual degree in education and psychology. The two subjects are complementary to each other and can prepare you for a career in academia, school administration, or counseling.

Some dual education and psychology programs are at the master’s level, and some are at the doctoral level.

A dual-degree program that covers both business and computer science can prepare you for a well-paying and in-demand career. You’ll learn to pair technical skills with business insights, allowing you to potentially lead teams both technically and with an eye for business interests.

These programs are usually rigorous and have degree requirements for both the business and computer science degree. These integrated programs can open you up to unique career opportunities.

Business and economic studies have complementary crossover within the subjects, such as basic principles of finance and supply and demand.

Sometimes, these degrees can appear as a dual bachelor’s and master’s degree, and sometimes as a dual bachelor’s degree. In these programs, you may learn to combine investment strategies with applied economics.

A dual bachelor’s in public health and master’s in public health program can prepare you for an advanced, better-paying career in public health. In this 4+1 program, you can earn your master’s of public health in just five years, meaning you can enter the workforce faster and start earning money.

There are also several dual-degree programs that pair a master’s of public health with another master’s degree.