By taking two university degrees simultaneously, a student can earn a double degree, which is also known as a double degree programs or a combined degree. By doing this, they develop a wider range of skills and broaden their career options.
Students can also gain more depth in their studies by getting a double degree without increasing their study time significantly. It usually takes one to two years longer for a double degree program than for a single degree program. As a result, students gain a more comprehensive understanding in a shorter amount of time.
Find out what career opportunities await you after you earn your college diploma and what the most popular double degree programs are.
What are the most common double degree programs?
Business Administration (MBA) and Public Health (MPH) master’s degrees
Both MBA and MPH degrees can help you develop a strong understanding of public health and management. If you’re interested in gaining leadership skills and management training as well as learning the most important topics in public health, such as environmental health, this is the perfect double degree program for you.
MBA-MPH graduates have the following career options:
- Healthcare consultant
- Hospital administrator
- Medical and health services manager
- Pharmaceutical project manager
Juris Doctorate (JD) and Master of Business Administration (MBA)
It is ideal for students who want a more comprehensive understanding of law and management to pursue a double degree in JD and MBA. A double degree program like this usually takes three to four years to complete. Leadership skills are taught to students so that they can handle legal and business issues effectively and efficiently. Those interested in careers in law, investment banking, venture capital, and entrepreneurship will find this double degree program to be ideal.
Graduates with a JD-MBA degree are likely to find employment in the following fields:
- Arbitrator/Mediator
- Bankruptcy attorney
- Business owner
- Commercial litigator
- Corporate attorney
- Employment attorney
- Entrepreneur
- Insurance attorney
- Real estate developer
- Trust and estate attorney
Doctor of Medicine (MD) and Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
In addition to gaining medical knowledge, you can receive intensive scientific training with a MD and Ph.D. It typically takes a student seven to ten years to complete this dual degree program. The MD-PhD programs build on a university’s regular MD curriculum, but enhance the students’ research skills. As a physician-scientist, it is an ideal program for people who wish to begin a career in medical research.
The following are some of the common career opportunities for MD-PhD holders:
- General surgeon
- Neurologist
- Radiologist
- Medical scientist
- Neurologist
- University professor
Master of Social Work (MSW) and Juris Doctorate (JD)
Through the MSW-JD program, students will gain an in-depth understanding of both social work and law. People who are interested in making a difference in others’ lives would benefit from this double degree program, since they will gain knowledge of the legal system as well as social work competencies.
Graduates of the MSW-JD program can pursue careers in the following fields:
- Social service administrator
- Public welfare administrator
- Family court judicial personnel
- Guardian ad litem
- Family law attorney
- Legal aid attorney
- Labor attorney
- Corrections
- Juvenile court representative
- Mediator
- Public policy official
- Planning official
- Nonprofit manager
Masters in Management Information Systems (MIS) and Master in Business Administration (MBA)
Business leadership and information technology can be developed through the study of MIS-MBA degrees. In this double degree program, students will learn the skills, knowledge, and tools needed to be effective business leaders. A MIS-MBA will also provide them with strong competencies in management information systems, which are vital to businesses today.
Graduates of the MIS-MBA program have the following career options:
- Business systems analyst
- Chief information officer
- Computer network architect
- Information technology director
- Project manager
- Technology consultant
Double degree programs have many benefits
While taking up a double degree can be challenging, it maximizes the knowledge and skills you can acquire. If you’re wondering whether a dual degree program is right for you, here are some of its benefits:
Study More in Less Time with Double Degree Programs
Dual degree programs allow you to study two subjects simultaneously, but they don’t add much to your college experience. It is possible for you to earn two bachelor’s degrees within five years rather than spending eight years getting them. They are therefore much more efficient as a result.
Makes you more employable
It is possible to stand out from the crowd if you enroll in a double degree program. In crowded job markets, your educational background will give you an edge.
Long-term savings
In comparison to getting those two degrees separately, getting a double degree is far more economical than getting a single degree. The program will be most beneficial to students who were already going to get two degrees anyway.
Is a double degree program right for you?
By earning a double degree, you gain more knowledge and skills, which opens up a broader range of career options. In addition, it gives you the opportunity to study both careers at the same time if you cannot decide which to choose.
However, the most important thing is that you want to be in the field you are studying, regardless of whether you take a single or double degree. Then you won’t have any regrets once you receive your college diploma.
A replica of your degree will also help you feel less regret once you’ve received it. There are many things you can do with it, from displaying it in your home to making a copy in case your original gets lost or damaged. Visit our website today to learn more.