Top Dual Degree Programs: A Comprehensive List for Ambitious Students

Dual degrees have gained prominence and popularity as prospective college students seek to bolster their education and career prospects through a more rigorous and diverse academic experience. A dual degree allows students to pursue two separate degree curriculums simultaneously, enabling them to acquire expertise and competencies in two distinct – or related – fields. Naturally, this can provide graduates with a competitive edge in the job market, thanks to their interdisciplinary expertise.

What is a Dual Degree?

A dual degree is when a student completes two different academic disciplines at the same time and receives two separate degrees upon completion.

This is different from a double major, where students pursue two majors within the span of a single degree, which results in one degree with two areas of specialization.

Additionally, a dual degree is also different from a major/minor combination, where students focus intensively on one field (the major) while gaining complementary knowledge in another (the minor).

Dual degrees offer a broader academic experience with both fields having equal weight and depth and offers a broader academic experience.

The Benefits of Dual Degrees

The benefits of obtaining a dual degree are substantial. For one, a wider breadth of study allows graduates to broaden their knowledge base, acquiring expertise across a wider area of subjects.

These interdisciplinary skills can greatly bolster graduates’ job prospects, particularly in industries or companies where professionals with diverse expertise are sought after.

In an era where many individuals switch careers mid-way, having a broad area of study opens more doors to a variety of career options after graduation. Moreover, pursuing two degrees at once can be more time and cost-efficient compared to completing two separate undergraduate (bachelor) degrees.

The Challenges of Dual Degrees

Dual degrees entail a greater workload than conventional single degrees. Maintaining a balance between academics, work-life, and mental health becomes crucial.

Another challenge involves scheduling conflicts due to different course requirements. Time management skills are essential for dual degree students. Additionally, the extended time required to complete two degrees may pose a financial burden, though many colleges offer financial aid to mitigate this issue.

Types of Dual Degrees and Example Programs

Some examples of dual degrees are as follows:

• BA/BS: Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Science (e.g., BA in Economics/BS in Mathematics)
• BA/MA: Bachelor of Arts and Master of Arts (e.g., BA in Political Science/MA in International Relations)
• BS/MS: Bachelor of Science and Master of Science (e.g., BS in Environmental Science/MS in Environmental Policy)
• BS/MD: Bachelor of Science and Doctor of Medicine (accelerated medical programs)
• BBA-LLB: Bachelor of Business Administration and Law 

Career Opportunities and Outcomes

As aforementioned, dual degrees can enhance career prospects significantly, especially in sectors which value expertise across different disciplines. For instance, a dual degree in engineering and business can provide graduates an edge in attaining management roles in technology firms. 

Similarly, a dual degree in public policy and a related science or humanities field can equip individuals for a promising career in the civil service, especially in policy related roles. 

Last but not least, a double degree in business administration and business analytics could see a graduate gain the edge he or she needs to attain a coveted spot in top financial or banking institutions. 

Popular Dual Degree Programs

To make it easier for you to navigate, we have organized the popular dual degree programs by categories:

Engineering & Liberal Arts Programs

• Columbia Plan Program Experience: Engineering and Liberal Arts (3-2 program: three years at one institution followed by two years at another, or 4-2 program: four years at one institution followed by two years at another)
• Dartmouth + Liberal Arts College: Engineering and Liberal Arts (2-1-1 program: two years at one institution, one year at another, and one final year back at the original, or 3-2 program)
• Northwestern University Engineering & Liberal Arts: Engineering and Liberal Arts
• University of Michigan Engineering: Liberal Arts and Engineering
• University of Notre Dame Engineering: Liberal Arts and Engineering

Business & Engineering Programs

• Drexel Business & Engineering: Business and Engineering
• University of California, Berkeley Management, Entrepreneurship, & Technology: Business and Engineering
• University of Pennsylvania Jerome Fisher Program in Management & Technology (M&T): Business and Engineering (can apply when applying or after becoming a student)
• WashU in St Louis: Business and Computer Science

Music & Arts Programs

• Brown - RISD Dual Degree Program: Liberal Arts and Fine Arts (5 years, graduate with an A.B. from Brown and a BFA from RISD)
• Columbia-Juilliard Program: Performing Arts (flexibility in choosing the second specialty)
• Hopkins/Peabody Dual Degree: Music and Engineering or Liberal Arts (Bachelor of Music degree and either a Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science degree from the Krieger School of Arts and Sciences or the Whiting School of Engineering)
• Northwestern University Engineering & Music Program: Engineering and Music
• University of Michigan Music: Liberal Arts and Music

Public Policy & International Relations Programs

• Columbia-Sciences Po Dual BA Program: International Relations
• NYU Gallatin-College of Global Public Health Dual-Degree Program: Arts & Sciences and Public Health
• NYU Gallatin-Wagner Dual-Degree Program: Arts & Sciences and Public Service
• University of Pennsylvania Huntsman: Business and International Relations

Arts & Science Programs

• American University: Flexible specialties
• Boston University: Select degrees from any of BU colleges
• University of Michigan Architecture: Liberal Arts and Architecture
• University of Chicago: BA/BS and MA/MS
• St. Andrews-William & Mary: Flexible program allowing students to transfer between institutions

Final Thoughts: Is a Dual Degree Right for You?

Deciding whether a dual degree is the right path depends on your ambitions, interests, and abilities. While dual degrees provide an impressive combination of skills and knowledge, they require significant commitment and resilience. It's essential to weigh the heavy academic workload against the potential career benefits and consider whether an interdisciplinary academic experience aligns with your goals.

What Makes Crimson Different

Finalizing an academic path for the next four or five years can be challenging. If you're considering a dual degree, feelings of doubt and uncertainty can arise. However, you don't need to make this decision alone. Crimson Education offers personalized university counseling to help you navigate your college application process and select the academic program that best aligns with your aspirations.

Seek out your dream college path today with support from Crimson's experts, and take the next step in your academic journey!