If you鈥檙e a high-achieving student with big-time career goals, it鈥檚 possible you鈥檝e heard these terms tossed around once or twice before 鈥� dual degree and double major.
Both of these degree paths may sound ambitious 鈥攑erhaps even a little overwhelming 鈥� but at 越南直播, we support you in every step of your journey toward professional success. You choose your degree path, we’ll have your back.
Read on to learn more about the similarities and differences between dual degrees and double majors. If you鈥檙e still on the fence after that, don鈥檛 sweat it. We鈥檝e laid out the pros and cons of each to help you determine if either path is the right choice for you.
Defining the Difference 鈥� Degrees vs Majors
At first, you may think dual degrees and double majors are similar. Afterall, 鈥渄ual鈥� and 鈥渄ouble鈥� mean the same thing, right?
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.
So, What are Dual Degrees and Double Majors?
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鈥檚 in Psychology and immediately continue your studies to pursue a master鈥檚 in Counseling. It usually takes five years to complete a dual degree.
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鈥檝e completed both programs of study, you graduate with a bachelor鈥檚 degree listing both majors. For example, students who double major in Psychology and Human Services graduate with a bachelor鈥檚 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.
Let鈥檚 Recap the Basics.
If you pursue a dual degree, you:
- Earn two degrees: an undergraduate degree and graduate degree.
- Earn two degrees in the same field or closely related fields.
- Earn your bachelor鈥檚 degree before immediately continuing to your graduate studies.
- Earn both of your degrees in approximately 5 years. This can vary based on your programs of study.
If you pursue a double major, you:
- Earn a single degree. It is an undergraduate (bachelor鈥檚) degree.
- Earn a degree that lists two similar or distinct fields of study.
- Earn your bachelor鈥檚 degree after completing all requirements for both majors.
- Earn your bachelor鈥檚 degree in four years. This can vary based on your programs of study.
Is a Dual Degree Right for Me?
Here are some things you should consider before committing to a dual degree program.
Pros of Earning a Dual Degree
One of the best things about enrolling in a dual degree program? It鈥檚 an excellent way to save money on your graduate studies.
When you pursue your bachelor鈥檚 and master鈥檚 degrees separately, you鈥檙e likely to spend six years in school (with four years as an undergraduate and two as a graduate student). In contrast, pursuing both credentials through a dual degree program often takes only five years. Dual degree students enjoy this expedited timeline because certain schools, like UB, offer dual degrees on an accelerated model. This can save you a year of valuable tuition money, while also allowing you the opportunity to jump into your career a year early.
Another benefit of pursuing a dual degree? Earning a graduate-level credential will yield higher earnings and advanced career opportunities. Moreover, your dual degree shows prospective employers that you鈥檙e hardworking, driven, and highly motivated.
Cons of a Dual Degree
While earning your dual degree is completely achievable, it doesn鈥檛 come without its drawbacks.
The biggest drawback may go without saying 鈥� a dual degree takes unique time, effort, and persistence. As you advance your studies, your coursework will become more focused and intensive. Depending on your chosen field, you also may have to fulfill clinical or internship requirements.
Considering that you鈥檙e completing two degrees on a five-year timeline, you may find that pursuing a dual degree can also cut your summers short. To stay with their cohort and graduate on time, most dual degree students have summer classes built into their plans of study.
The final drawback to pursuing a dual degree is a double-edged sword 鈥� the price. While earning a dual degree is typically more affordable than pursuing separate bachelor鈥檚 and master鈥檚 degrees, it is still a pricier option than a double major (more on that later). Additionally, there is always a chance that personal or academic factors might affect your five-year timeline, leading you to a more traditional six-year experience.
Let鈥檚 Recap the Basics.
The pros of a dual degree include the following:
- Compared to students pursuing their degrees separately, students in a dual degree program save time and money.
- Earning two degrees will increase your salary potential.
- Earning two degrees will increase the variety and level of career roles available to you.
The cons of a dual degree include the following:
- A dual degree is time-consuming, and you may be required to take summer classes.
- Compared to a double major, a dual degree is more expensive.
- Dual degree students are required to complete increasingly difficult coursework.
Interested in pursuing a dual degree? At UB, we offer multiple career-focused dual degree programs. Learn more about jumpstarting your career at 越南直播!
Should I Choose to Double Major?
Here are some factors to weigh before deciding whether to double major or not.
Pros of Earning a Double Major
When employers see a double major on your resume, it sets you apart as a hardworking candidate with a diverse and versatile skillset. Given that adaptability and a strong work ethic are some of the most sought-after qualities in new hires, your double major may just help you land that big interview.
This leads to the next advantage of choosing a double major 鈥� you鈥檒l get more bang for your tuition bucks. When you choose a double major, you study both fields simultaneously at no additional charge. As a result, a double major doesn鈥檛 affect your graduation timeline or your bottom-line tuition expense. Upon graduation, double majors can enjoy a rich variety of professional opportunities without having to pursue a postgraduate degree.
Cons of Pursuing a Double Major
While double majors prepare undergraduates for professional success, some find that choosing this degree path takes away from the traditional college experience. Because double majors must satisfy requirements for both of their programs, they often don鈥檛 get the opportunity to explore different areas of study. For this reason, some students prefer to minor in their secondary field of interest. It is important to note, however, that a minor will not appear on your degree 鈥� bachelor鈥檚 degrees only list your major area(s) of study.
Furthermore, earning your bachelor鈥檚 in two different fields will mean a busy four years. Many of your courses 鈥� especially during the latter half of your studies 鈥� will be intensive, upper-level classes. Some students find it difficult to satisfy these challenging program requirements in only four years. As a result, choosing a double major has the potential to take more than just the four years you bargain for as an incoming freshman.
Let鈥檚 Recap the Basics.
The pros of a double major include the following:
- By demonstrating adaptability and a strong work ethic, you can enjoy more job opportunities.
- By pursuing a double major, you demonstrate a versatile and diverse skillset.
- Double majors enjoy a greater variety of career roles while saving time and money on a graduate degree.
The cons of a double major include the following:
- A double major will limit your freedom to explore other areas of study.
- Double majors are challenging to complete and can keep students very busy.
- If you stray from your plan of study, you may spend additional time and money on your bachelor鈥檚 degree.
Knowing What鈥檚 Best for You
When choosing your degree path, there鈥檚 one factor you should prioritize above all else 鈥� you. Education isn鈥檛 one size fits all, so the best option for your future is 100% your choice.
For highly motivated students with specific career goals in mind, a double major or dual degree can provide a competitive edge after graduation. However, both of these degree paths offer benefits and drawbacks that need to be considered before committing to a plan of study.
Learn more about how UB鈥檚 career-focused programs can prepare you for professional success, or call 800鈥�392鈥�3582.