Difference between dual degree and double major

In a work market that is constantly evolving and moving quickly, college students must rise to the occasion and get a competitive edge over their classmates if they are to thrive in their chosen professional path. Many people seek postgraduate degrees, while others opt to upskill. Students have the option to pursue a double major or dual degree at several undergraduate institutions. Gateway Abroad Jaipur will assist you with your Overseas University Journey. Do you also find it difficult to distinguish between a dual major and a dual degree? Don't worry, we'll assist you in solving this problem. This article explains the differences between a dual degree and a double major, as well as how to choose between them.

A Summary of Dual Degree-

The difference between a double major and a dual degree may not seem clear at first. However, numerous educational establishments offer both programs. What you get after graduating from college is what distinguishes a dual degree from a double major. You can specialize in two areas and obtain one bachelor's degree by double-majoring. Conversely, obtaining two distinct educational credentials in two distinct subjects or streams is known as a dual degree.

You can earn a degree in two related subjects by double-majoring. Even the specializations of these two phrases vary in their separate streams, so please be aware of that. You will become aware of these two terms and get important insights if you study them thoroughly. 

Important points: Double Major vs. Dual Degree-

• Students in higher education can pursue two fields of study simultaneously by pursuing dual degrees or double majors.
• Whereas a double major yields one degree divided between majors, a dual degree yields two distinct degrees.
• Knowing more about these degrees will help you select the one that suits you best because they provide both advantages and disadvantages.

What about a dual degree?

You can earn one degree by majoring in two separate academic subjects. Moreover, you will receive credits equivalent to one degree. This will give you an advantage when choosing a career. You obtain dual degrees, like a Bachelor of Science and a Bachelor of Arts. Students can pursue both bachelor's and master's degrees at the same time. However, this is more typical in undergraduate programs.

Think about double majoring if you are still undecided about your college major, even though it will enable you to earn two areas of expertise, usually in the same field of study, while fulfilling the same academic requirements as a one-degree program. Make sure you fulfill the prerequisites for both degrees to receive them if you intend to enroll in a dual degree program.

Examples of Dual Degree Program Types-

• BA in economics and BA in political science
• BS in biology and BS in chemistry
• BS in nursing (BSN) and MS in nursing (MSN)
• Master of business administration (MBA) and juris doctor (JD)
• Master of public health (MPH) and master of social work (MSW)

What about a double major?

A double major allows you to earn a degree in two different academic subjects. Moreover, you will get as many credits as you would need for a single degree. To pursue a double major, you must develop a reasonably comprehensive skill set for both specializations.

Moreover, you can obtain two specializations while fulfilling the academic requirements for a single degree program by double-majoring, typically in the same field of study. You will have more employment alternatives and broader abilities if you have two majors. 

Additionally, you have four years to complete your double major course. In order to study three subjects at once, some students may choose to major in triples. Business and economics, political philosophy, foreign languages, and many more are examples of double majors.

Examples of Double Degree Program Types -

• Engineering and business
• Environmental science and public policy
• Political science and a foreign language
• Psychology and economics
• Communication and biology

Dual Degree vs. Double Major
Factor	Dual Degree	Double Major
Length	Five years for two bachelor’s, five years for a bachelor’s and a master’s, and three years for two masters.	The same amount of time it takes for a single-major degree.
Credits	About 150 credits for two bachelor’s or a bachelor’s and a master’s, or 60 credits for dual master’s degrees.	The same number of credits it takes for a single-major degree.
Cost	While more course requirements result in higher tuition overall, most dual-degree plans include overlapping classes that can help students save money.	The same price as a single-major degree based on the university’s tuition rates.
Requirements	Curricular requirements vary by program. Students usually need to fulfill practicum and capstone requirements for both degrees.	Curricular requirements vary by program. Students generally only need to complete the capstone requirements for one major.
Result	Two separate degrees.	One degree with two areas of specialization.

The Distinctions between Double Major and Dual Degree-

The burden of course-

• Generally speaking, a double major entails taking more coursework than a regular program but fewer than a dual degree. For instance, a double major would need between 150 and 160 credit hours if your university wants 120 for a single major. However, subject to the particular courses you are pursuing, a dual degree could require 180 credit hours or more.

The duration of time needed to finish-

• Despite the possibility of requiring more summer courses or a heavier semester load, a double major can frequently be finished in the four-to-six-year timeframe normally associated with a bachelor's degree.  A dual degree typically takes longer to finish; two bachelor's degrees typically take five to six years, while a bachelor's and master's degree combination can take up to seven years.

Employment Possibilities-

• Providing you with a variety of skill sets and expertise in two fields, dual degrees and double majors, can both increase your employment options. However, in some professions that demand graduate-level training or specialized expertise in two different subjects, a dual degree could offer you an advantage.

Degree final result

• Double majors receive a single diploma listing both of their majors upon graduation. Students pursuing dual degrees are awarded two distinct diplomas, one for each degree completed.

What are the benefits of a Dual degree and a Double major?

The advantage of a dual degree-

• Give you more credentials: Employers may view you as a better candidate for roles related to your two separate degrees in various fields. In contrast to students who hold one of those degrees, veterinarian schools might view you as more qualified if you hold a dual degree, such as a BS in animal science and a BA in animal anthropology.
• Combine complementary fields: Pursuing dual degrees enables you to study similar subjects, honing your abilities, and preparing you for specialized employment. For example, earning both a bachelor's and a master's degree in nursing could help you work as a nurse manager.
• Provide a variety of degrees: Dual degrees frequently enable students to earn multiple degrees concurrently. For instance, after completing their dual degree, a student may earn a BFA in music and a BS in biology.

The advantages of a double major-

• Reduced course needs: Students who double major frequently have the opportunity to finish both courses related to their specialized fields of study and many of the same core course requirements. However, a student seeking a double major in theatre and English, for example, might enroll in classes that are relevant to both subjects, such as Shakespeare or playwriting, in order to fulfill the criteria for both degrees.
• Assist you in finishing your program more quickly: You can frequently finish a double major more quickly than a dual major because double majors typically require fewer courses than dual degrees. As a result, pupils can attend school for longer periods and start working earlier.
• Encourage you to pursue a variety of interests: Studying two different disciplines while pursuing a single degree is possible with a double major, which gives you the chance to explore a variety of interests. For example, if their institution allows it, an undergraduate who wants to study both music and art could double major and still graduate in four years.

Guidance for deciding between double majors and dual degrees-

The decision to pursue a double major or dual degree might be made for a variety of reasons. The following advice will assist you in determining if any of these solutions is best for you:

• Establish course requirements- Students are given lists of courses that are necessary for their major or majors by their schools. Students can prepare for a precise number of years or semesters till they finish their courses by knowing the course criteria for particular double majors or dual degrees.
• Take workload into consideration- Students' workload during their academic careers might be significantly increased by pursuing a double major or dual degree. A student pursuing a dual degree in biology and art history, for example, might find themselves taking some advanced courses from both fields concurrently while simultaneously completing the core course requirements for each major.

• On the other hand, some universities might let double majors enroll in foundational classes that satisfy prerequisites for both degrees, which would lessen their overall workload. You can decide whether a certain double major or dual degree is ideal for you by considering your workload.
• Career prospects for research- After graduating, students who pursue dual degrees or double majors have numerous chances to pitch their special talents to employers. Additionally, earning two degrees and double majors can improve your chances of getting hired for particular kinds of jobs.

• For example, having a dual degree in French and English can make you more employable as a translator or instructor of English as a second language (ESL). You can assess whether a program is a good fit for you by looking into potential career paths you could take after earning a certain double major or dual degree.
• Consider a minor - Minors are offered by schools so that students can pursue a variety of interests while still earning a single major and degree. Additionally, minors enhance students' perceived capabilities for employment chances by enabling them to claim a certain level of proficiency in a field following graduation. You can reduce the amount of coursework you need to take to graduate while achieving a more predictable burden by choosing a minor rather than a dual degree or double major.

FAQs on dual degree vs double major

Q.1 Which is better, a double major or a dual degree?

Ans- Whether a double major or dual degree is "better" for you primarily relies on your personal objectives, passions, and professional goals. A double major could be the ideal choice if you have a strong interest in two topics within the same general discipline and wish to study them in depth.

Q.2 Is a Double Major or Dual Degree Better for You?

Ans- Your academic, professional, and personal objectives will determine whether you choose a double major or a dual degree. Your interests, the time and financial commitment you are willing to make to your education, and the career path you see for yourself should all be taken into account.

Q.3 What Financial Benefits Can a Dual Degree Offer?

Ans- As everyone knows, attending college may be costly due to the addition of tuition, housing, food, books, transportation, and other expenses. Additionally, as many expenses rise with time, you and your family will incur greater expenses each year you attend school. One excellent strategy to save money is to complete your degrees all at once in a shorter amount of time.

Q.4 Are you a good candidate for a dual degree?

Ans- A dual degree or advanced degree allows numerous learners to start their careers early while saving money and time. However, some kids are just not yet prepared to seek a higher education.