Many students find themselves interested in multiple career paths or degrees. And instead of choosing one path over another, they pursue a double major or earn dual degrees depending on their goals.

Graduating with multiple majors or degrees allows students to pursue their passions, broaden employment opportunities, and increase career flexibility. Not to mention improving marketability to future employers.

However, a dual degree and a double major are different.

This article will discuss the differences between a dual degree and a double major and explain the benefits of each pathway.

What is a Dual Degree?

A dual degree, or double degree, is a pathway in which highly motivated students study two, usually very different, fields simultaneously and receive two separate degrees housed in two different schools at the university.

For example, a business and biology student would graduate with two diplomas: a Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) and a Bachelor of Science in Biology (BS). Remember that some dual degrees may complement each other depending on the student’s goals.

Dual degree programs are available at each educational level, from associate to master’s and doctoral programs, but not every college or university will offer them, or they may be limited.

Furthermore, degree requirements differ depending on the dual degree program, and while some course overlap may occur, students will need more credits than students in single-degree programs.

Generally speaking, students must complete anywhere from 150 to 225 credits to graduate with two degrees from bachelor’s or master’s programs. And more credits mean many students spend five or six years in college versus the traditional four years required to complete a single degree.

This means dual degree students spend more money on their educational courses, books, and housing.

What is a Double Major?

Unlike a dual degree, a double major awards students a single degree in two distinct concentrations.

For example, by pursuing a double major in History and English, students receive a single degree specifying they studied History and English. A double major is often housed in the same school or college and grants students the same degree, such as a Bachelor of Science or a Bachelor of Arts.

Additionally, double majors do not usually require students to take extra coursework, meaning students can complete the typical 120 credits within four years.

Pursuing a double major allows students to develop a more comprehensive skill set without wasting time. This can lead to broader career options and higher earning potential.

While some graduate students find double-major tracks, these opportunities are limited since master’s and doctoral degree programs focus on specific fields of study.

Hence, many graduate students interested in a diversified graduate-level education opt for dual-degree programs.

 

Chiropractic students at University of Bridgeport can take advantage of our dual-degree programs in Acupuncture or Nutrition.

Learn more here!

 

What Are the Benefits of Earning a Dual Degree?

Benefits of a dual degree program include obtaining more qualifications, obtaining knowledge in two distinct fields, and earning two different types of degrees.

1. More Qualifications

By earning two distinct degrees in separate fields, students show employers that they are more qualified for positions related to those degrees than applicants with only one degree.

2. Studying Two Distinct FIelds

In addition to an increased job potential, dual degrees offer the ability to pursue topics that may not relate to each other.

This means that students can pursue varied interests at the exact same time. For example, earning a dual degree in theater and criminology provides students with the opportunity to further their education or career in fields that do not relate to one another.

3. Two Different Types of Degrees

As mentioned, dual degrees allow students to receive two different types of degrees at the same time. While it may take longer to earn a double degree versus a double major, students will graduate with two, often vastly different, and complete degrees.

How To Choose a Dual Degree Versus a Double Major

While both options can lead to professional success, choosing between a dual degree or a double major depends on a student’s academic history, educational goals, and career objectives.

For example, if you do not plan on pursuing graduate school but want the benefit of broader subject knowledge, consider a double major. However, if you are equally interested in two areas and want the distinction of two degrees, a dual degree program will likely be the best choice.

No matter which path they choose, students should do their research and consider the following:

• Course requirements
• Personal bandwidth and workload
• Career opportunities and goals

Our comprehensive support services center staff at University of Bridgeport is dedicated and determined to get undergraduate and graduate students through college and into a great career.

Contact us today and learn about all of our dual degree and double major options. Your future starts today!