{"id":2542,"date":"2023-07-11T10:47:29","date_gmt":"2023-07-11T14:47:29","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.bridgeport.edu\/news\/?p=2542"},"modified":"2023-08-10T09:45:09","modified_gmt":"2023-08-10T13:45:09","slug":"pros-and-cons-of-dual-degree-and-double-majors","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.bridgeport.edu\/news\/pros-and-cons-of-dual-degree-and-double-majors\/","title":{"rendered":"Dual Degree and Double Majors: The Pros and Cons of Two Different Degree Paths"},"content":{"rendered":"

If you\u2019re a high-achieving student with big-time career goals, it\u2019s possible you\u2019ve heard these terms tossed around once or twice before \u2014 dual degree and double major.<\/p>\n

Both of these degree paths may sound ambitious \u2014perhaps even a little overwhelming \u2014 but at University of Bridgeport, we support you in every step of your journey toward professional success. You choose your degree path, we’ll have your back.<\/p>\n

Read on to learn more about the similarities and differences between dual degrees and double majors<\/a>. If you\u2019re still on the fence after that, don\u2019t sweat it. We\u2019ve laid out the pros and cons of each to help you determine if either path is the right choice for you.<\/p>\n

Defining the Difference \u2014 Degrees vs Majors<\/h2>\n

At first, you may think dual degrees and double majors are similar. Afterall, \u201cdual\u201d and \u201cdouble\u201d mean the same thing, right?<\/p>\n

While that may be true, degrees and majors are distinctly different. A degree is a qualification, credential, or statement of achievement. In contrast, a major is the area of study on which you choose to focus your degree. In other words, a major is what you study, and a degree is what you earn.<\/strong><\/p>\n

So, What are Dual Degrees and Double Majors?<\/h3>\n

When you earn a dual degree, you earn two distinct qualifications. In most cases, dual degrees build on each other in succession. For example, when you earn a dual degree in Psychology and Counseling, you earn your bachelor\u2019s in Psychology<\/a> and immediately continue your studies to pursue a master\u2019s in Counseling<\/a>. It usually takes five years to complete a dual degree.<\/p>\n

When you pursue a double major, you earn a single degree that encompasses two areas of study. You can choose majors in similar or different fields. Once you\u2019ve completed both programs of study, you graduate with a bachelor\u2019s degree listing both majors. For example, students who double major in Psychology and Human Services<\/a> graduate with a bachelor\u2019s degree listing both fields of study. As long as you plan your classes accordingly, a double major can still be completed on a traditional four-year timeline.<\/p>\n

Let\u2019s Recap the Basics.<\/h3>\n

If you pursue a dual degree<\/strong>, you:<\/p>\n