Are you considering earning a dual masters degree? Have you already made the decision, but are not sure which dual master’s degree programs are the best option for you? There are several schools that recognize the desire that some students have to earn two master’s degrees.
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Saavy students understand that earning both degrees simultaneously requires less time than if earning both master’s degrees separately. The first step is to learn what a dual master’s degree program really is and to discover the best colleges and universities that offer dual masters programs.
What are Dual Masters Degree Programs?
The highly competitive nature of the job market means that graduates need to have the qualifications to edge out the competition to get their dream job, or in some cases these days, to just get their foot in the door. The recognition by some students that they have to gain the highest level of knowledge and skills to have the best opportunity to advance their career and to earn the best salary may lead to students enrolling in dual master’s programs.
Just what are dual masters degree programs? Students that earn dual master’s degrees earn two separate master’s degrees simultaneously rather than completing one program and then earning another master’s degree after completing the first degree. Some dual master’s programs actually lead to earning a master’s degree and a more advanced degree such as a Master in Nursing Practice (MSN), Juris Doctor (JD) or medical doctor (MD).
What are the Similarities and Differences between Double Majors and Dual Master’s Degrees?
Earning a dual master’s degree is different than earning a degree with a double major. A student that pursues a double major graduates from college with only one degree. The student focuses on two concentrations within the same field. The degree with dual majors is typically earned at the undergraduate level. Kent State University explains that an individual with a double major at the school may earn a Bachelor of Business Administration degree with a double major in the accounting concentration and the finance concentration.
The school explains that the student earning a dual graduate degree earns two separate master’s degrees, or one master’s and one doctoral degree. The school offers several dual masters degree programs.
The Benefits of Earning Dual Masters Degrees
The primary benefit of earning dual master’s degrees is the fact that the student graduates with two degrees, not just one degree in two concentrations. One particular option among many schools is a dual master’s degree program where one degree is a Master’s of Business Administration (MBA). A dual master’s that includes an MBA typically opens many doors for the graduate.
A dual master’s degree does not always include an MBA. That does not take away from the importance of the degree. The student that enrolls in any dual master’s degree program graduates with opportunities that may never be realized by earning only one degree. A contributor to The Santa Barbara and Ventura College of Law blog explained that earning dual degrees in law and psychology, for example, provides students with a fresh perspective that increases the opportunity to explore and gain a greater understanding across both fields of study.
There are many other potential benefits to earning the dual master’s degrees, including:
- The graduate increases their knowledge and skills of the dual subject areas
- Dual master’s degrees increase job prospects and opportunities for advancement
- Earning dual master’s degrees likely garners a higher salary for graduates
- Dual master’s degrees are ideal for professionals that enjoy an intellectual challenge
Choosing to complete dual master’s degrees is a personal choice. Students have to decide whether they want to commit to the extra time in school to excel in their career and likely earn better wages. Most dual master’s programs require only an additional year or so of study.
| Rank | School | Location |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | University of Central Florida | Orlando, Florida |
| 2 | University of Houston | Houston, Texas |
| 3 | Kent State University | Kent, Ohio |
| 4 | The Santa Barbara and Ventura Colleges of Law | Santa Barbara, California |
| 5 | California State University East Bay | Hayward, California |
These dual master’s programs offer students the opportunity to graduate with two degrees simultaneously with support from the individual school offering the dual degree programs.
University of Central Florida
The University of Central Florida offers a Master of Public Administration and Master of Science in Criminal Justice dual degree program for professionals that want to expand their career opportunities. Students gain all of the necessary skills, including analytical techniques, to have a successful career in both professions.
The curriculum consists of 51 credit hours, with students taking courses such as Policy Analysis in Criminal Justice, Public Organization Management, and Research Methods in Criminal Justice. The school allows the Criminal Justice Master of Science program to be completed in an online format, which reduces the cost of some fees.
University of Houston
The University of Houston offers an impressive number of dual master’s degrees. The Cullen College of Engineering offers the Dual Petroleum/Subsea Master of Science degree program. Students enroll in one program and then declare their interest in the dual degrees. Another area where students can graduate with dual masters degrees includes several options in the Graduate College of Social Work, such as the Master of Social Work/Master of Business Administration (MSW/MBA) option.
Do you want to engage in the future by pursuing a unique dual master’s degree? Consider the Dual Master of Science in Aerospace Engineering and Master of Science in Space Architecture.
Kent State University
Kent State University prepares students to expand their career opportunities with several dual master’s degrees. Choose the Master of Architecture/Master of Urban Design degrees and gain broad knowledge in architecture, knowledge in urban design, and stimulation of your growth of technical knowledge.
Choose the Master of Arts in Translation/Master of Business Administration and expand your knowledge of foreign language while integrating graduate business education and an advanced education in translation. The university offers several other dual master’s programs that leads to earning two separate degrees.
The Santa Barbara and Ventura Colleges of Law
There are a number of dual master’s degree options at The Santa Barbara and Ventura Colleges of Law. One option is the Master of Arts Forensic Psychology: Non-Licensure Track and Master of Legal Studies program. The program provide professionals with the foundations of law, combined with the expertise of forensic psychology. This program, offered by the Chicago School of Professional Psychology, along with The Santa Barbara and Ventura Colleges of Law, is offered in an entirely online format. The school also offers a dual Master of Legal Studies and Master of Arts in Industrial/Organizational Psychology.
Qualifying veterans and active duty military personnel receive a tuition discount.
California State University East Bay
The dual master’s degree program at California State University East Bay is less formal than dual master’s programs at most other schools. The university allows students to choose their own dual master’s programs based on their particular interests, allowing for considerable flexibility.
The student should apply to their primary degree program first, and then complete a ‘Change of Graduate Objective.’ The student completes the form to apply to the second degree program and files it with the Office of Graduate Admissions. Students likely want to file the notice as soon as possible after making the decision regarding which dual masters programs best meet their educational and professional goals.
The university points out that acceptance to the second degree is not guaranteed, and that decisions will be made based on the program’s admission requirements. Students also must comply with all other requirements, such as completing required prerequisite courses.
Auburn University
The Harbert College of Business at Auburn University recognizes the important benefits of earning dual master’s and offers three options for graduate students that want to earn a second degree in addition to the Master of Business Administration. One example is the Master of Business Administration and Master of Science in Finance, which is a 54-credit hour program. The programs are offered in an online format.
The Master of Business Administration and dual Master of Science in Information Systems includes courses such as Operations Excellence, and Information Systems for the Competitive Advantage. Add the Master of Science in Industrial Systems Engineering to your master of Business Administration degree and complete courses such as Linear Programming and Network Flows and Manufacturing Production Economics.
Robert Morris University
The Master of Science in Nursing/Master of Business Administration dual master’s degree program at Robert Morris University prepares nurses for leadership and management positions in nursing while providing the knowledge and skills required for core business education, including accounting, finance and analytical models. Some courses in the 51-credit hour program that leads to earning the two separate master’s degrees include Leading the Business Enterprise and Healthcare Negotiation and Conflict Resolution.
Temple University
Philadelphia is home to Temple University, which offers a variety of dual degree programs from the School of Law, School of Business, College of Public Health, School of Medicine, and the School of Theater, Film and Media Arts. The array of dual master degree programs at the university features options for nearly any student interested in enhancing their career.
The Juris Doctor/Master of Business Administration (JD/MBA) program is one of four options for students that want an advanced education in law and business. The College of Public Health offers several options for students that want a career in both public health and either medicine or dentistry or law. The School of Medicine offers a variety of dual Medical Doctor (MD) degrees including the Medical Doctor/Master of Business Administration (MBA) dual degrees. The School of Theater, Film and Fine Arts offers graduates the opportunity to advance their career when they earn the dual master’s and doctoral degrees through the MFA/PhD program.
Dallas Baptist University
The Dallas Baptist University Master of Arts in Management/Master of Education in Higher Education dual master’s degree program prepares students to have a successful career in a global business environment in leadership and management vocations. Students develop strong understanding, skills, and competencies in areas such as organizational management and higher education administration. Some courses include Strategic Communication for Organizations, Business Ethics, College and University Administration, and Teaching and Learning in the Online Classroom.
University of Texas at Austin
Choose your dual master’s degree from several unique options at the University of Texas at Austin. The school offers dozens of dual master’s degrees, such as the Master of Advertising and Master of Business Administration (MA/MBA) degrees, the Master of Global Policy Studies/Master of Arts in Latin American Studies, or the Juris Doctor/Master of Business Administration (JD/MBA) dual degree. Other fields of study that have dual degree programs include the School of Medicine, Engineering, Radio-Television-Film, and Women’s and Gender Studies departments.
Students must be accepted into each program before applying to the dual degree program.
University of Connecticut
Gain new skills and expertise to advance your career opportunities at the University of Connecticut when you earn the dual Master of Business Administration/Master of Engineering (MBA/MENG) degrees. The school explains that by completing the dual degrees, students are exempt from 15 credit hours that they would normally take if pursuing each degree separately. There are 30 required Master of Engineering credits and 42 Master of Business Administration credits required for students to earn both degrees.
Students that take courses each semester can complete the dual master’s program in as little as four years.
University of Virginia
The Darden School of Business at the University of Virginia explains that the school offers several dual degree options in conjunction with other departments and schools at the University of Virginia. The dual degrees are only offered in combination with the school’s full-time Master of Business Administration (MBA) program.
There are 10 dual degree programs, including the Master of Business Administration and Juris Doctor (MBA/JD) program. Students that complete the program will be awarded both the MBA and the JD degrees.
Examples of other dual degree programs include the Master of Business Administration/Master of Public Health (MBA/MPH), the Master of Business Administration/Master of Science in Data Science (MBA/MSDS), and the Master of Business Administration/Master of East Asian Studies (MBA/MA).
University of Arizona
The Eller College of Management at the University of Arizona invites graduate students to ‘double down on your graduate degree’s value’ by earning dual master degrees. There are dozens of dual masters programs that provides students with the opportunity to tailor their dual master’s degrees to their interests or career goals. Consider the Dual Master of Science in Finance/Master of Science in Accounting, or the Dual Master of Science in Business Analytics/Master of Science in Marketing degrees.
There are unique programs, including the 100 percent online Master of Science in Management Information Systems/Master of Science in Cybersecurity. Some students choose the Master of Business Administration/ Doctor of Pharmacy dual degree option or other degrees offered by the University of Arizona.
Drexel University
The College of Computing & Informatics (CCI) at Drexel University offers the opportunity for students already enrolled in a master’s degree program to earn a second computer and informatics degree. Students receive a plan of study to work towards the dual master’s degrees upon acceptance into both programs.
One option is the dual Master of Science in Library and Information Science (MSLIS) and the Master of Science in Information Systems (MSIS). Additional options include the dual Master of Science in Computer Science degree program and the Online Dual MS in Software Engineering degree program.
University of Texas at Arlington
The College of Architecture, Planning and Public Affairs (CAPPA) at the University of Texas at Arlington offers several interesting dual master’s degrees. The variety of programs means that students with interest in a second master’s degree in addition to a Master of City and Regional Planning (MCRP) can graduate with both degrees in a shorter time and with lower cost than if earning separate degrees in each field.
Choose the Master of City and Regional Planning/Master of Public Policy (MCRP/MPP), the Master of City and Regional Planning/Master of Science in Landscape Architecture (MCRP/MLARC), the Master of City and Regional Planning/Master of Social Work (MCRP/MSW) or five other options to earn both degrees at the same time.
Clark University
Clark University presents the opportunity for business professionals to excel in their career by completing a dual Master of Business Administration/Master of Science in Finance program. The Worcester, Massachusetts school invites prospective students to gain an advanced competitive edge as a business leader.
The dual master’s degrees in this program provides the same high-quality level of knowledge and skills that a student would gain if pursuing each degree on a separate basis. Students also gain the expertise that allows them to tap into emerging markets, gain highly sought after and in-demand skills and to sit for the Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) exam.
George Washington University
The George Washington University offers 11 dual degree options. Choose the Juris Doctor/Master of Business Administration degree or other options, including the Master of Business Administration/Master of Science in Applied Science, the Master of Business Administration/Master of Science in Business Analytics program, or the Master of Business Administration/Master of Human Resource Management dual master’s degrees. There are several other program options, sure to meet the career goals of students that want to receive both degrees at the same time.
Boston University
The Juris Doctor and Master of Public Health dual degrees (JD/MPH) at Boston University is an accelerated program that allows students to complete both degrees in just seven semesters of study. Students must apply to and be accepted at both the School of Law and the School of Public Health.
Highly motivated students quickly gain the knowledge and skills to have a career in the unique and dynamic field of health law and policy, an area there is an increasing demand for attorneys with this type of specialized expertise. Students gain expertise in the overlapping fields of health care and public health. The students gain the skills to protect and enhance the health of individuals and populations, and to identify how law should apply in practice.
Boston University also offers Medicine and Public Health (MD/MPH) dual degrees, Master of Social Work and Master of Public Health (MSW/MPH) dual master’s degrees and other dual master’s degree options.
University of Southern California Viterbi
The University of Southern California Viterbi Department of Aerospace and Mechanical Engineering offers the Dual Master of Science in Aerospace Engineering/Master of Science in Engineering Management in conjunction with the Daniel J. Epstein Department of Industrial and Systems Engineering. Students in the program are typically graduate aerospace engineers that have career objectives that often leads to greater responsibilities in technical management.
Students in the dual masters program must follow requirements specific to this program, in addition to the requirements required for each separate program. The dual degree program consists of a total of 48 credit hours of study and requires a 3.0 GPA to graduate with both degrees.
University of Pennsylvania
Graduate students enrolled at the University of Pennsylvania’s Penn School of Social Policy & Practice have the opportunity to earn their choice of several dual degrees, with one degree being the Master of Social Work. Students interested in a career that encompasses both social work and business may choose the Master of Social Work/Master of Business Administration (MSW/MBA) program, while a student interested in pursuing a career that combines social work and non-profit leadership may earn the Master of Social Work/Master of Science in Non-Profit Leadership (MSW/NPL) degrees. Another option is the Master of Social Work/Master of Science in Criminology (MSW/MS) degrees.
Students work with an academic advisor from both degree programs after applying to and being accepted into each separate dual master’s program.
University of Notre Dame
Pair your Master of Business Administration program with the dual Master of Global Affairs (MGA) degree at the University of Notre Dame. Gain exceptional leadership skills and learn to excel in organizational leadership, policymaking, and addressing conflict analysis and global challenges.
Earning both degrees allows for 16 credit hours of the Master of Global Analysis program to count towards the Master of Business Administration credit hour requirement. Similarly, nine hours of the Master of Business Administration program counts towards the credit hour requirement for the Master of Global Affairs degree. Students complete both degrees in just three years.
The school also offers a dual Juris Doctor (JD) and Master of Global Affairs (MGA) program for students interested in both law and global affairs.
University of Colorado Boulder
The University of Colorado Boulder offers the dual Master of Science in Aerospace Engineering and Master of Science in Engineering Management degrees. Students must be admitted to the Master of Science in Aerospace Engineering program first, and then apply for acceptance into the Engineering Management program after admission to the first program.
The dual degree program consists of 45 total credit hours of study.
Methodology
We searched schools across the country for dual master’s degree programs, and then narrowed our list to some of the best accredited options. The stated tuition is for one credit hour of study. The cost of tuition, along with accreditation information for each program, is taken directly from the school’s website.
Do you need help finding a dual master’s degree? We can help you find the ideal school based on your choice of selected programs.
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