dual masters and phd programs

2025 Best Online Masters PhD Combined Programs

Masters and PhD combined programs are designed to help you study two different majors.

These dual degree programs typically combine complementary courses from the two different majors so you can equip yourself with broad but targeted expertise.

If you’re after a career with complex professional demands, dual masters and PhD online programs may be an intriguing option.

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Universities Offering Online Masters and Doctorate Dual Degree Programs

Methodology: The following school list is in alphabetical order. To be included, a college or university must be regionally accredited and offer degree programs online or in a hybrid format.

Fairleigh Dickinson University

Fairleigh Dickinson University offers a dual degree program for students interested in obtaining both a master’s and a doctorate in a field.

Applicants must meet the admissions requirements for the second degree program while maintaining a GPA of 3.0 or higher. Students may choose to study Business Administration, Public Administration, Health Science, Psychology, Public Health, or Pharmacy and Health Science.

Fairleigh Dickinson University  is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.

George Mason University

George Mason University offers a dual degree program for those interested in receiving a Juris Doctorate and a Master of Business Administration.

The program can usually be completed in 3 years when studying full-time or 4 years when studying part-time. Applicants must submit GMAT or GRE scores and 2 letters of recommendation and may be required to complete an interview when applying.

George Mason University  is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

Mercer University

Mercer University offers a Doctor of Pharmacy and a Master of Science in Health Outcomes dual degree program. Applicants must submit a statement of purpose and a resume to apply.

Students in the program are given academic advice from the program director and a graduate advisor to help guide them through their thesis or capstone project. A GPA of 2.75 in the Doctor of Pharmacy courses and 3.0 in Health Outcomes must be maintained to graduate.

Mercer University  is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

National University

National University offers a dual degree for those interested in obtaining both a Master of Arts in Sport Psychology and a Doctor of Clinical Psychology. The program offers both full-time and part-time options and allows students to take the courses for the master’s degree online.

Applicants can apply year round and may have the GRE score requirements waived depending on their GPA. A team of advisors is available to help applicants through each step of the admissions process.

National University  is accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission.

New York University

New York University offers a number of dual degree programs for students interested in obtaining either two master’s degrees or a doctorate and a master’s degree.

Applicants must submit additional test scores when applying. Those interested in getting a doctorate and a master’s may get a Juris Doctorate and Master of Business Administration or a Doctor of Dental Surgery and Master of Business Administration.

New York University  is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.

Nova Southeastern University

Nova Southeastern University’s College of Health Care Science offers a dual degree program for those interested in obtaining Master and Doctor of Health Science degrees.

The program can typically be completed within 7 years. Both programs require students to have a bachelor’s degree with a GPA of 3.0 or higher, GRE scores, and prior health care experience.

NSU  is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

Rutgers University

Rutgers University offers a dual degree program for those interested in a Master and a PhD in Social Work. The program can usually be completed in 4 years.

Those interested in the program may apply directly to the program or after their first year of study in the Master of Social Work program. Official transcripts, GRE scores, 2 personal statements, and 3 letters of reference must be submitted when applying.

Rutgers  is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.

Texas Tech University

Texas Tech University’s School of Law offers a number of dual degree programs. Students may receive a Juris Doctorate with a master’s degree in a variety of business, science, engineering, sports management, or government fields.

Applicants interested in a dual degree program may contact the law faculty advisor to learn more about their program of interest.

Texas Tech University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

University of St Thomas

The University of St. Thomas School of Law offers a dual degree program for those interested in receiving a Juris Doctor and a Master of Business Administration.

The program can typically be completed in 4 years, but students may also choose to take the program part-time or online. Applicants must submit LSAT scores, their undergraduate GPA, letters of recommendation, and a personal statement.

The  University of St. Thomas  is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

Widener University

Widener University offers a dual degree program for a Master in Criminal Justice and a Doctor of Psychology.

The program can typically be completed in 5 years and offers a clinical experience through practicum training, field placements, and internships. Applicants must have an undergraduate degree with a GPA of 3.0 or higher to be eligible. Though having a major in psychology may help with admittance, it is not required.

Widener University  is accredited by the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools.

Online Masters and PhD Combined Programs

Just as some universities offer students the opportunity to earn a bachelors and masters at the same time , there are some doctoral programs that allow you to get a masters as you complete your doctorate. The masters degree serves as a gateway, or an optional exit point, on the longer path to completing the doctoral degree.

In this article, we’ll talk mostly about blended or dual degree programs. These types of programs allow students to work toward simultaneously earning a masters and doctoral degree in two different but complementary majors, such as business and medicine or business and law.

Here are some advantages of combined masters and PhD programs:

• Combine complementary courses from two distinct graduate degree majors
• Allow you to earn two degrees within a reasonable time frame
• Help prepare you for a specific professional niche

The following are some disadvantages of combined masters and PhD programs:

• Can take longer to complete than a masters degree program alone
• Can include very different specialty courses designed for distinct majors
• Might involve coordinating a study plan with two independent departments

Most dual masters and doctorate degree programs online are designed to help you earn the two degrees in a reasonable time frame.

Common Masters and Doctorate Combined Programs

Many combined degree programs culminate in a professional doctorate and are designed to equip students to work in complex professional settings. A professional doctorate tends to emphasize more practical skills for the workplace.

MBA / Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)

In this dual program, you’ll learn business administration fundamentals while you gain expertise in a range of concepts, practices, and regulatory standards related to nursing.

This combination can help position you for senior management roles or for positions on HR teams with large hospitals or managed care networks.

MBA / Doctor of Medicine (MD)

This graduate degree combination can qualify you to practice medicine while also providing you with lots of business administration skills.

Professionals with these qualifications might work in governance roles at a hospital, help design and manage innovative managed healthcare business models, or work in the development and sale of medical technologies.

MBA / Doctor of Psychology (PsyD)

Dual masters and PsyD programs combining a specialization in industrial and organizational psychology with a masters degree in business administration can open doors to a range of senior management opportunities in large organizations.

Alternately, professionals might specialize in psychotherapy and use their clinical qualifications and business savvy to manage or develop psychotherapy service networks. They may also fill executive leadership roles with mental health service providers.

MBA / Juris Doctor (JD)

Students in this dual degree program often specialize in business law, accessing and blending course offerings from both MBA and JD graduate programs.

This combined program can create an advanced business law degree pathway for future jobs in the business sector or in private law firms.

Master of Public Policy (MPP) / Juris Doctor (JD)

Legal hurdles and legislative complexities can make or break public policy initiatives. A dual MPP and JD program can be a strategic way to develop expertise doing legal analysis work with regard to developing or improving public policy.

With this double-edged expertise, you might pursue any number of roles in public interest law, legislative work, or public policy analysis and advocacy.

Master of Science (MS) / Medical Doctor (MD)

With preparation in an MS and MD combined degree program, you can equip yourself to practice medicine while also learning specialized science research skills.

Depending on your areas of specialization, you might be positioned to work in medical research and development or with organizations engaged in testing, evaluating, monitoring, or regulating new medical practices or products.

Master of Public Health (MPH) / Medical Doctor (MD)

In this blended degree program, you can access a range of graduate courses in the field of public health as you train to become a medical doctor.

If you have an interest in specializing in infectious diseases, preventive medicine, epidemiological research, or public health policy and advocacy roles, this combined degree program can give you advanced training.

Master’s and PhD Admissions Requirements

Admissions requirements will vary by school and program, but most dual masters and PhD programs online require criteria similar to these:

• Bachelor’s degree
• Satisfactory college GPA
• GRE or GMAT scores (if required)
• LSAT or MCAT scores (for JD and MD programs, when required)
• Letters of recommendation

Depending on the major, graduate degree programs may also require the completion of specified prerequisites in math or science as well as other academic or professional requirements.

Accreditation

It can be beneficial to stick with fully accredited schools and programs. If you anticipate pursuing careers in fields that involve professional licensing, accreditation may be a precondition for licensing. Fields that typically require licensing include law, medicine, psychology, nursing, education, and public health.

Accreditation can also be a precondition for some forms of financial aid. Organizations such as the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) have more information about accreditation and finding accredited schools.

Financial Aid and Scholarships

Many graduate students rely on financial aid for help with tuition and other upfront costs. If you plan to apply for need-based aid, you can start by filling out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) .

Common forms of aid include state and federal education grants. If you’re eligible, you can also  apply for any number of need-based or merit-based scholarships. Some employers also offer tuition assistance programs.

Many financial aid offers also include student loans. Terms of loan offers and other awards can vary, so it’s helpful to review all financial aid offers carefully.

Can You Get Your Masters and PhD at the Same Time?

Yes, in most programs you’ll pursue your masters and doctorate together, taking courses that are part of an already blended curriculum or enrolling in courses that straddle two departments.

If you’re in the type of program where you’re pursuing just one major, you’ll typically fulfill your masters requirements first as a qualifying step for proceeding with the PhD requirements.

When you’re pursuing two complementary majors in a dual degree program, you’ll generally be working toward both degrees at the same time.

Can You Leave a PhD Program with a Masters?

You can leave a PhD program with a masters if you fulfill the required academic and administrative steps for doing so. These requirements can vary by school and program.

Some single-track PhD programs make earning a masters degree programmatic for their PhD candidates, usually awarding the masters after comprehensive qualifying exams. In dual programs, your masters and PhD courses can belong to complementary but distinct academic disciplines, which may complicate matters.

In these cases, you may want to talk to an academic advisor about options that would allow you to exit the doctoral track while still earning a masters in the other major.

Do You Need a Masters to Get a PhD?

There are many PhD programs that do not require any prior master’s degree for admissions.

If you’ve already earned a bachelor’s degree, you may find options to enroll in online master degree, PhD, or dual degree programs . Admissions requirements can vary by school and by major in some cases. Some PhD programs offer you the opportunity to earn a masters along the way.

Does Your PhD Have to Be the Same as Your Masters?

If you are applying to a PhD program after earning a masters, your masters does not typically have to be in the same academic discipline. Requirements can vary, though, by school and program.

What will matter are the more general admissions requirements or prerequisites. You may have more admissions hurdles to overcome if you don’t have the right prerequisite training before you apply, regardless of what kind of masters degree you have.

Holding a masters degree, even if it’s in another discipline, may still help you demonstrate that you’re a motivated and capable PhD candidate. There are also many joint masters and PhD programs that combine separate but complementary disciplines.

What Can You Do with a Joint Master and PhD Degree?

Receiving training from dual graduate programs can give you a strong foundation for senior research, management, or leadership positions. There is a vast range of career paths you can take, depending on your specializations and degree combinations.

For example, graduates who pair a masters in public health or science with an MD may pursue positions as epidemiologists or medical scientists respectively. Those interested in business law may want to combine their JD with a Master of Business Administration, making them more marketable for prospective future clients or firms.

Getting a PhD can also qualify you for jobs in postsecondary teaching and research. You may join a PhD in your desired field with a masters in education or teaching to boost your credentials.

Professional doctorates are often designed for professionals who want to enhance their practical skills and advance in their field. They may even pursue top executive roles.

How Long Does It Take to Get a Combined Masters-PhD Degree Online?

It’s common for a dual program to take 4 to 6 years to complete. Time to completion can vary significantly by program, especially when it comes to dissertations, other capstone projects, or supervised field work requirements.

All that said, many of today’s combined masters and doctoral programs online have highly targeted course programs to help you finish more quickly. Some dual masters and doctorate online programs are designed to help you complete most or all of your requirements in as little as 3 to 4 years if you study full-time, year-round.

Is a Masters and PhD Dual Degree Worth It?

Yes, a masters and PhD dual degree is worth it for many students. A dual degree program can help equip you with credentials for jobs that require complex management, consulting, or leadership roles.

When considering a dual program option, you may want to plan backwards. In other words, you might ask yourself if the careers that most interest you require specialized knowledge across two different domains.

Some examples include business law or healthcare management. Business law straddles business and law, and a career in healthcare management benefits from knowledge of both business administration and healthcare practices and services.

Dual degree programs can be especially beneficial if your sights are set on careers requiring combined skills.

Getting Your Masters / PhD Combined Degree Online

Dual degree programs allow you to get creative when it comes to choosing the right kind of masters and PhD combination for your individual career interests and goals.

Regionally accredited schools and programs offer a range of dual degree programs online. Their creative curriculum design options are tailored to today’s complex professional landscape.

You may even try designing your own ideal graduate degree program for the niche you want. There’s a chance that program is already out there and just waiting for you to find it!

2025 Best Dual Masters and Doctorate Degree Programs Online

Are you considering dual masters and doctorate degree programs online?

A dual degree program allows you to earn a master’s degree and a doctorate at the same time. These programs are also referred to as a joint degree program or as masters PhD combined programs.

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If your end-goal is a PhD or a professional doctorate, this degree pathway lets you enroll in both the masters program and the doctoral program simultaneously.

Dual Masters and Doctorate Degree Programs Online

A combined masters PhD program allows you to earn both degrees at once, but the degrees themselves serve different purposes.

A masters degree is awarded to graduates who have demonstrated mastery in a certain field or area of professional practice. If you graduate with a masters degree, you’ll likely possess advanced knowledge and improved professional skills for the career of your choice.

If you hold a masters, you are considered more specialized than a bachelor’s level. On the other hand, a doctoral degree—whether a professional doctorate or a Ph.D.—is the highest degree you can obtain in an academic discipline.

For the field of psychology specifically, there are universities that offer combined masters and PsyD programs . The PsyD is the doctor of psychology degree.

Many students pursue a doctorate to increase their professional credibility or improve the quality of their resume. They are often regarded as experts in their field. If your final educational goal is to obtain a doctorate, then you probably know that many doctoral programs require you to hold a master’s degree first.

Combining the two programs can be beneficial. Here are some advantages of dual degree programs:

• Often take less time to finish
• Can enable a deeper level of understanding
• No break taken between the two degrees

On the other hand, enrolling in two programs simultaneously isn’t for the faint of heart. Here are some disadvantages of joint degree programs:

• Heavier workload
• Need to carefully plan your educational journey
• More intensive admission process
• Not offered by every school

Before enrolling in a combined masters PhD program, you may want to weigh the pros and cons to determine if it’s the right path for you.

Common Masters and Doctorate Combined Programs

Which fields can you combine into a masters PhD program? While there are many dual degree combinations, the following are some of the most common.

MBA / Doctor of Medicine (MD)

A Master of Business Administration (MBA) can be combined with an MD to pursue a career in healthcare management, policy, or administration. Graduates might also work in consulting, the pharmaceutical industry, or finance.

MBA / Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD)

The MBA/Doctor of Pharmacy dual degree combines the study of business with the study of pharmaceuticals.

Graduates of this program may want to become directors or administrators of the pharmaceutical industry. They tend to work in state and federal healthcare agencies or in pharmaceutical manufacturing corporations.

MBA / Doctor of Psychology (PsyD)

There are many opportunities for a psychologist with business training, especially as the workplace continues to place more emphasis on employee relationships.

With appropriate licensure, an MBA/PsyD graduate can work in nearly any industry as a psychologist, therapist, or counselor. A masters in business administration is especially applicable to the field of industrial-organizational psychology.

Executive MBA/Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)

Nurses with a DNP and an executive MBA generally pursue careers in healthcare leadership and management. They might work as a nurse or healthcare administrator, director of nursing, or nurse CEO.

Juris Doctor (JD) / Master of Business Administration (MBA)

Lawyers with a business degree often practice law within a business setting or become public advocates. They might work in a law firm or in a large business as an in-house legal advisor. They might also take on management positions that require an extensive legal background.

Juris Doctor (JD) / MA in International Affairs

The JD/MA in International Affairs combined program helps prepare students for a career in international agencies, negotiations, and human rights organizations. This program is designed for students who have a strong interest in international law.

Juris Doctor (JD) / Master of Public Policy (MPP)

The combination of a law degree and a Master of Public Policy equips students with the expertise needed to work in the political arena. Graduates may pursue careers as political advisors, prosecutors, or lobbyists, to name a few.

Juris Doctor (JD) / Master of Education (MEd)

A Master of Education along with a law degree can help prepare students to become educational policy makers, administrators, or practitioners who can successfully navigate the state, federal, and local decision-making process.

This dual degree program can prepare graduates for leadership roles or advocacy roles within the educational system.

Master of Social Work (MSW) / PhD

A combined MSW/PhD in Social Work prepares graduates for teaching, research, and administrative roles. Social workers with a PhD will often work as executive directors, consultants, and administrators in a variety of agencies and organizations.

Doctor of Dental Medicine (DDM) / Master of Public Health (MPH)

Graduates of a DDM/MPH program are often prepared to help shape the dental practice by assessing, developing, and implementing innovative programs within the community setting. They tend to take positions in public health, administration, and education.

Masters and Doctorate Admissions Requirements

Admissions requirements for a dual degree program are similar to the requirements for masters and doctorate programs. Common requirements include:

• Minimum undergraduate GPA
• Letters of recommendation
• Work experience
• GRE or GMAT scores (if required)

An initial application is necessary in order to earn a combined degree. Many programs encourage students to apply for a combined masters and doctorate degree at least a year ahead of enrollment time. Written academic plans may also be required. These are usually worked out between you and both academic departments.

Accreditation

If a school is regionally accredited, it means the school has been recognized as providing student services and advanced training that meet high quality standards.

If you are serious about your graduate degree, it’s beneficial to pursue a regionally accredited program. Doctoral degrees from accredited institutions are recognized as the highest level of training or expertise achieved in that field. Employers also recognize and respect degrees from accredited schools.

To find an accredited university, you can visit the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) and explore their university database.

Financial Aid and Scholarships

Students at the graduate level may qualify for federal and state financial aid. To find out if you are eligible, you can visit the US Department of Education’s website and fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) .

As a combined master’s/PhD student, you might also qualify for a fellowship or a TA or RA position. Fellowships are typically awarded to advanced students based on merits.

Teaching assistant and resident assistant positions are typically awarded to graduate students as well. These positions are usually awarded in the second half of the first year or in the second year.

You can also look for scholarships from all of the same organizations that award undergraduate scholarships. Good places to search include professional organizations, nonprofits, and your place of employment. You can also look for college-based awards and career specific awards.

Can I Get My Masters and PhD at the Same Time?

Yes, in some cases, you can get your masters and PhD at the same time. This is usually called “en passant,” meaning “in passing.” These programs allow you to enroll in both a master’s program and a doctoral program simultaneously.

Usually, the coursework from the master’s program is carried over to count against the degree requirements for the doctoral degree.

Whether or not a dual degree is offered depends on the university, though. Not all universities offer joint degree programs. It’s helpful to check with the individual departments at the school to see if they will offer a combined masters PhD program.

Are Two Master’s Degrees Equivalent to a PhD?

No, two masters degrees are not equivalent to a PhD. A masters degree has an entirely different purpose than a doctoral degree.

A masters program teaches you specialized skills for your chosen field, while a doctorate degree is the highest level of education you can receive in a given field. Doctorate students typically perform deep research and gain expert knowledge of their chosen field.

A masters and doctoral dual program blends the two degrees, providing specialized skills and expert knowledge. Two masters degrees do not blend in this same way.

Which Is Better, a Second Masters or Doctorate Degree?

Whether you should go on for a second master’s degree or pursue a doctorate degree depends on your educational and professional goals.

Some positions require a doctorate for licensure, but others are satisfied with a masters. Either graduate degree can help you advance your expertise and qualify for more responsibilities in the workplace.

What Can You Do with a Dual Masters and Doctorate Degree?

A dual degree program can open the door to opportunities in leadership or academia and research in the field of your choice.

The following fields are projected to have the most openings for those with graduate-level education:

• Community and social services
• Legal, education, and library
• Medical, dental, and nursing
• Postsecondary teaching
• STEM and social science

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics , higher education tends to lead to higher wages and lower unemployment rates.

For example, the median annual wage for bachelor degree holders is $64,900. Meanwhile, the median wage for masters graduates is $77,840, and the median for doctoral graduates is $97,920 (Bureau of Labor Statistics).

How Long Does It Take to Get a Combined Master’s and Doctoral Degree Online

While specific programs and universities vary, earning a combined masters and doctoral degree online typically takes about 4 years to complete. A PhD program with a dissertation requirement will often add time to your program.

Earning the two degrees simultaneously can generally save you time. Of course, your field of study and your course load will ultimately determine how long it takes for you to earn a combined masters and PhD. Enrolling part-time can extend your timeframe as well.

Is a Masters and Doctorate Dual-Degree Worth It?

Yes, a masters and doctorate dual-degree is worth it for many professionals. A number of top leadership roles now require a doctorate degree. These roles can be highly specialized and require expert knowledge within the field. Executive, management, and administrative roles in law, education, and public policy often require a doctoral degree.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, an increasing number of fields are requiring a master’s degree for entry-level employment. As a result, employment for professionals with graduate-level education is projected to grow faster than average over the next ten years.

Universities Offering Online Dual Masters and Doctorate Degree Programs

Methodology: The following school list is in alphabetical order. To be included, a college or university must be regionally accredited and offer degree programs online or in a hybrid format.

Fairleigh Dickinson University offers a Dual Degree Pathways program that allows students to obtain a master’s degree and a doctorate at the same time.

Students interested in the program may select degrees in Public Administration, Public Health, Health Science, Organizational Psychology, or Business Administration. Students must maintain a GPA of 3.0 or higher to graduate.

Fairleigh Dickinson University is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.

George Mason University offers a dual degree program in Business and Law. Students can work towards obtaining a Juris Doctorate and a Master in Business Administration.

The program can typically be completed after 3 years of full-time studies. Applicants must have a bachelor’s degree, GMAT or GRE scores, and 2 professional letters of recommendation. Successful applicants must attend an interview to be admitted.

George Mason University  is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

National University offers a dual degree program that allows students to complete a Master of Arts in Sport Psychology and a Doctor of Clinical Psychology.

The program can be completed online and usually takes 5 years to finish. Each course is 4 weeks long. Those interested in the program must have an undergraduate degree with a GPA of 2.5 or higher. The school offers year-round admission.

National University is accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission.

New York University offers a dual degree program for those interested in getting a Doctor of Dental Surgery and a Master of Business Administration.

Students must first be enrolled in the Doctor of Dental Surgery program and be nominated by the school to be eligible. The program usually takes 5 years to complete. Students usually spend the first two years at the College of Dentistry before shifting to taking both dental and business courses.

New York University  is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.

Nova Southeastern University offers a dual degree program that allows students to work towards obtaining a Master’s and a PhD in Health Sciences.

Students can usually obtain the 92 credit hours needed to graduate in 7 to 9 years. Both a thesis and a dissertation are needed to complete both degrees. To be eligible for the degree program, applicants must have a bachelor’s degree with a GPA of 3.0 or higher.

NSU is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

Rutgers University offers a dual degree program that combines a Master’s and a PhD in Social Work. The program can usually be completed in 4 years.

Those interested in the program may apply either before they are admitted into the school or during their first year in the master’s program. To be eligible, applicants must submit 3 letters of recommendation and GRE scores and have an interview with the PhD program director.

Rutgers  is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.

Texas Tech University offers a program that allows students to complete a Juris Doctor degree and one master’s degree.

The program can usually be completed in 4 years with 12 hours of law courses taking the place of the elective credits from the master’s program. Students interested in the program must declare their program choice before their second semester of law school. Students must meet the admission requirements for the master’s degree to be eligible.

Texas Tech University  is accredited with the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

The University of Maryland offers students the opportunity to earn a dual doctorate and master’s degree as long as the PhD program is in a related field to the master’s degree.

Courses taken only apply to one program, and the enrollment plan must be submitted to both departments. To be eligible for the program, students must meet the requirements of both their desired programs.

The University of Maryland is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.

The University of St. Thomas offers a dual degree program for those interested in obtaining a Juris Doctorate and a Master of Business Administration.

Students may start the program in their third year of law school. Students must complete the law requirements and an additional 30 business credits, including a 3-day, on-campus residency. Applicants must submit LSAT scores and an official transcript to enter the law school.

The  University of St. Thomas  is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

Widener University offers a dual degree for students interested in receiving both a Doctor of Psychology and a Master’s in Criminal Justice.

The program can usually be completed in 5 years and requires students to complete a field placement or internship. To be eligible for the program, students must first apply for the PsyD program and apply for the master’s program in the second semester of their first year.

Widener University  is accredited by the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools.

Earning Your Dual Masters and Doctorate Degree Online

If a doctorate degree is in your future, it may be beneficial to enroll in both your master’s program and your doctoral program at the same time.

By earning the two degrees simultaneously, your masters courses may be applied to your doctorate program’s requirements. With a combined degree program, you may graduate in less time, take fewer courses, and save a little money in the process.

If you are interested in taking this route, you can get started today by exploring accredited universities that offer dual degree online programs in your field. This may be either dual masters degree programs online or dual master and doctorate programs online.

Dual Degree Programs

Dual degree programs are structured so that a student can pursue graduate work in two fields and fulfill the requirements of two degrees. In programs leading to two master’s degrees, the degrees are awarded simultaneously.

To enter a dual degree program, the student must:

• First be accepted by both of the individual programs before admission can be granted to the dual degree program.
• Observe the application deadlines of both programs.
• Pay only one application fee. Applicants to dual degree programs—or to more than one graduate program—will pay only the higher of the application fees.

Contact the admission coordinator, graduate adviser or graduate coordinator in each individual program before submitting the application for admission.

Dual Degree Programs at UT Austin

These dual degree programs are offered at UT Austin. Select the programs you are interested in to learn more.

Dual Degree Programs with Other Institutions

The university offers a small number of dual degree programs in which students simultaneously pursue a UT Austin degree and a degree from another institution.

Joint and Dual Degree Programs

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With more than 100 graduate degree programs, the University of Chicago is uniquely able to offer students the advantages of combining opportunities through interdisciplinary work or by pursuing multiple degree programs. The details vary from program to program, and in most cases require applications to both programs. Please review the information provided by both departments to determine the application and course requirements for each pair of degrees.

Definitions:

• Dual degree—completing requirements for two separate degrees, including, for Ph.D., producing two dissertations. Degrees may be within the same academic unit or across academic units.
• Joint degree—completing requirements for two degree programs with possibly overlapping or coordinated degree requirements. Degrees may be within the same academic unit or across academic units.

Joint/Dual Programs

Biological Sciences Division

• MD/PhD ( MSTP / ISTP ) – Medical/Interdisciplinary Scientist Training Program
• MD/MPH – Master of Public Health degree
• MBA/MS in Biomedical Sciences – Biological Sciences Division

Chicago Booth School of Business

• MBA/JD –  Law School
• MBA/MD –  Pritzker School of Medicine
• MBA/MPCS –  Master’s Program in Computer Science
• MBA/MPP –  Harris School of Public Policy
• MBA/MS in Applied Data Science – Physical Sciences Division
• MBA/AM (Social Work) – Crown Family School of Social Work, Policy, and Practice
• MBA/AM (International Relations) – Social Sciences Division
• PhD Joint Programs in Business and Psychology or  Financial Economics –  Social Sciences Division
• PhD/JD –  Law School

Crown Family School of Social Work, Policy, and Practice

• AM/MBA –  Booth School of Business
• AM/MPP –  Harris School of Public Policy
• AM/MDiv –  Divinity School – Chicago Theological Seminary ,  Lutheran School of Theology at Chicago ,  McCormick Theological Seminary ,  Meadville/Lombard Theological Seminary , and the  Catholic Theological Union

The Divinity School

• MDiv/AM – Crown Family School of Social Work, Policy, and Practice
• MDiv/JD –  Law School
• MDiv/MPP –  Harris School of Public Policy

Harris School of Public Policy

• MPP/JD – Law School
• MPP/AM (Social Work) – Crown Family School of Social Work, Policy, and Practice
• MPP/MDiv –  Divinity School
• MPP/MBA –  Booth School of Business
• MA/MA (International Relations) –  Social Sciences Division

Humanities Division

• Doctoral Joint Degree Program
• MeSH (MD/PhD) – Medicine, the Social Sciences and Humanities

The Law School

• Law School Dual Degree Overview
• JD/MBA –  Booth School of Business
• JD/PhD  – Booth School of Business and Social Sciences Division
• JD/MPP –  Harris School of Public Policy
• JD/MDiv –  Divinity School
• JD/MA (International Relations) –  Social Sciences Division

Pritzker School of Medicine

• MD/MBA – Booth School of Business
• MD/MA in Public Policy – Harris School of Public Policy
• MD/MS in Bioinformatics – University of Chicago Graham School
• MSTP (MD/PhD) – Medical Scientist Training Program
• GDDTP (MD/PhD) – Growth, Development and Disabilities Training Program

Social Sciences Division

• JD/MA (International Relations) – Law School
• MBA/MA – International Relations with Booth and CIR
• MA (Public Policy)/MA (International Relations) –  Harris School of Public Policy
• PhD in Anthropology and Linguistics – Humanities Division
• PhD in Psychology and Linguistics – Humanities Division
• PhD in Financial Economics – Booth School of Business
• PhD in Psychology and Business – Booth School of Business
• JD/PhD – Law School
• PhD in Social Thought and Classics – Humanities Division
• PhD in Social Thought & Philosophy  – Humanities Division

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Dual-Degree Program Guide

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Key Takeaways

• Dual-degree programs allow students to earn two separate degrees in a shorter amount of time.
• Unlike double majoring, completing a dual-degree program results in two different diplomas.
• Popular dual-degree combinations include business and computer science, public health and social work, and education and psychology.
• Dual-degree programs require careful planning and time management to balance coursework from two disciplines.

The comprehensive approach of a dual-degree program to education can broaden your skill set and diversify your experiences, making you more competitive in the job market.

Some schools offer predetermined dual-degree pathways, while others encourage students to create their own programs. Many options enable students to earn two degrees in a relatively short amount of time. For example, 4+1 programs lead to both a bachelor’s and master’s degree in just five years instead of the traditional six.

Here’s a closer look at what dual-degree programs are, how they differ from double majors, and some popular programs students choose.

Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.

What Is a Dual-Degree Program?

A dual-degree program is an academic path that allows you to pursue two different degrees at the same time. Instead of focusing on one major, you’ll immerse yourself in two programs, earning a separate degree for each.

This could involve two bachelor’s degrees, a bachelor’s and a master’s, or even two graduate degrees in different fields. For example, some dual-degree students complete two bachelor’s-level majors simultaneously (like business and economics), while others obtain more than one degree in the same field (like a bachelor’s and a master’s in nursing).

Unlike double majors, where you earn one degree with two specialties, dual-degree programs result in two separate diplomas. This academic journey is rigorous and rewarding, offering you an effective way to broaden your expertise and expand your educational credentials.

What’s the Difference Between a Dual Degree and a Double Major?

Though both dual degrees and double majors allow you to explore two academic disciplines, they differ in their structure and outcome.

A double major leads to one degree with two majors, which you can typically complete within the standard four-year study period.

A dual degree program, however, results in two separate degrees, often extending your time in school. For instance, if you pursued a dual degree in computer science and history, you’d receive two diplomas. In contrast, a double major in the same subjects would yield one diploma for both majors.

With a double major, you can create a flexible, customized course of study based on your interests. These programs are typically only available at the bachelor’s level.

Why Choose a Dual-Degree Program?

A dual-degree program can be a useful move if you have clear career goals and a passion for two distinct academic fields. A dual-degree program offers a comprehensive, economical, and efficient way for you to learn two different subjects, possibly preparing you for two different careers or a highly specialized role in one career.

Benefits of a Dual-Degree Program

Potential challenges of a dual-degree program, bachelor’s-master’s dual degrees.

Bachelor’s and master’s dual degrees offer you an accelerated pathway to earn both an undergraduate and graduate degree. This is an appealing option if you want to enter the workforce with advanced qualifications faster without having to apply for another degree program after graduating with your bachelor’s.

Popular combinations include a BS in public health and a master of public health , a bachelor of social work and a master of social work, or a BA in international relations and an MA in international affairs.

Popular Dual-Degree Program Combinations

While there are many different dual-degree combinations, certain pairings are particularly popular due to their market relevance and compatible coursework.

Business and Computer Science

A dual degree in business and computer science equips you with a formidable skill set that pairs technical expertise with business acumen.

You’ll develop an entrepreneurial mindset with a solid business foundation, enabling you to identify and seize entrepreneurial opportunities. Expect a rigorous workload and an interdisciplinary curriculum that integrates computer science principles with business applications.

Public Health and Social Work

A dual-degree program in public health and social work integrates the study of human and societal health with research skills and statistical analysis.

This program prepares you to work in roles that serve the public interest, including as a behavioral health professional, crisis counselor, community health worker, or program coordinator.

Education and Psychology

A dual-degree program in education and psychology equips you with a comprehensive understanding of human development and learning processes. You’ll be able to address the diverse learning needs of students by understanding their developmental stages and individual needs, working closely with professionals and families.

Graduates are equipped to undertake a variety of specialized roles in education, making this dual-degree program an excellent choice if you’re passionate about improving educational outcomes.

What to Expect in a Dual-Degree Program

Enrolling in a dual-degree program is an exciting and challenging academic journey. You’ll tackle coursework from two separate disciplines, commit to a rigorous study schedule, and learn to balance the demands of your dual-degree program.

In a dual-degree program, your coursework involves studying two distinct academic fields, leading to the award of two separate degrees.

The specific coursework depends on the combination of degrees you choose. The coursework in these programs is often rigorous and integrated to meet the requirements for both degrees, with some classes counting toward both degrees.

Time Commitment

The time commitment for a dual-degree program can vary depending on your starting point, the number of credits you’ve completed prior to entering the program, and the specific degree requirements.

Generally, dual-degree programs take 9-11 terms to complete, but you also have the option to take additional coursework during the summer terms in order to finish faster.

Balancing Two Areas of Study

Balancing two areas of study in a dual-degree program requires careful planning and time management.

Some strategies to help you succeed include planning early to meet the requirements of both degrees, meeting regularly with your academic adviser, developing effective study methods, and picking related majors to maximize course overlap between degrees.

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