Navigating Higher Education: A Comprehensive Guide to Double Majors and Dual Degrees

For students with diverse academic passions, the prospect of focusing on a single field of study can feel limiting. Fortunately, higher education offers pathways that allow exploration of multiple disciplines simultaneously. Two common options are pursuing a double major or a dual degree. This guide provides an in-depth look at the differences, benefits, and considerations for each path, helping students make informed decisions about their academic journey.

Understanding the Fundamentals: Double Major vs. Dual Degree

The core distinction between a double major and a dual degree lies in the outcome upon graduation. A double major results in a single degree with combined concentrations in two fields. In contrast, a dual degree (sometimes called a double degree) leads to the awarding of two separate degrees upon completion of the program.

Defining the Double Major

A double major involves earning one bachelor's degree while specializing in two different fields of study. This approach allows students to delve into two distinct areas of interest, potentially enhancing their skill sets and knowledge base. For example, a student might pursue a Bachelor of Arts in History and Political Science or a Bachelor of Science in Biology and Chemistry.

At some universities, students can apply the same courses to both of their majors, which can save them time and money. However, this policy varies. At Stanford, for example, you can't have any overlapping classes for your two majors. Many students do not declare a double major until at least halfway through their college career. Furthermore, double majors can typically be completed within the regular four-year span (as most undergraduate degrees are).

Defining the Dual Degree

A dual degree involves studying two different fields concurrently to earn two separate degrees. The degrees can be two types of bachelor's degrees, a bachelor's and a master's, or two master's/professional degrees. Universities that offer dual degree programs often require students to apply and get accepted to the two schools at which the fields are housed. As with any degree, you must complete all basic requirements (including general education courses and major courses) for both degrees in order to earn them. This extra time required for a dual degree naturally means that students who are pursuing one will likely have to pay more in tuition, housing, etc.

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For example, some universities offer dual-degree tracks that award an MBA and a master of science in information systems, preparing graduates for careers as IT managers and executives.

Key Differences Between Double Majors and Dual Degrees

Factor	Double Major	Dual Degree
Degree Outcome	One degree with two areas of specialization.	Two separate degrees.
Course Load	Typically requires more classes than a single-major program but fewer than a dual degree. For example, if your university requires 120 credit hours for a single major, a double major may require around 150 to 160 credit hours.	Might require up to 180 credit hours or more, depending on the specific programs you’re pursuing.
Time to Completion	Can often be completed within the typical 4-6 year timeframe for a bachelor’s degree, although it might require a heavier semester load or additional summer courses.	Usually takes longer to complete, often 5-6 years for two bachelor’s degrees or as many as seven years for a bachelor’s and master’s degree combination.
Credits	The same number of credits it takes for a single-major degree.	About 150 credits for two bachelor’s or a bachelor’s and a master’s, or 60 credits for dual master’s degrees.
Cost	The same price as a single-major degree based on the university’s tuition rates.	While more course requirements result in higher tuition overall, most dual-degree plans include overlapping classes that can help students save money.
Requirements	Curricular requirements vary by program. Students generally only need to complete the capstone requirements for one major.	Curricular requirements vary by program. Students usually need to fulfill practicum and capstone requirements for both degrees.
Application Process	In general, the process for declaring a double major is a lot simpler than that for entering a dual degree program.	By when you must apply to each school depends on the university.

Benefits of Pursuing Multiple Fields of Study

Whether choosing a double major or a dual degree, students gain several advantages:

Broadened Horizons: Studying two fields expands knowledge in different subject areas.
Intellectual Diversity: Acquiring two individual sets of skills and knowledge enhances critical thinking, observation, and analytical abilities.
Expanded Career Prospects: Combining knowledge from two fields can open doors to unique career paths that draw upon both areas of expertise.

Career Opportunities and Earnings Potential

Both dual degrees and double majors can expand your career opportunities by offering diverse skill sets and knowledge in two areas. However, a dual degree might give you an edge in certain careers that require graduate-level education or specialized knowledge in two separate fields.

Post-graduation earnings vary widely for double majors. Studies have estimated that a double major experiences a benefit of approximately 2.3% to 3.4% to their earnings compared to single majors. A major in the science, technology, engineering or mathematics, either as a single major or part of a double major, fared appreciably better than other double-major combinations.

The greatest gains in earnings come when the two majors are in different fields (hypo-specialization), with the highest returns being among those who opt for technical majors. An arts/social science or education pairing with a business or math/science has greater earning potential than a single arts/social science or education major - although, adding an arts/social science or education major with a business or math/science degree offers no greater rewards than a single major in either of those fields. On the contrary, it appears that an education and math/science pairing results in ‘‘lower’’ earnings compared to a single math/science major. The greatest earnings appear to be for those who opt for an engineering- math/science pairing. Compared to those with only the math/science major, double majors have returns of up to 30 percentage points. The most profitable second majors, regardless of the first major, appear to be Business and Administration, Computer Science, and Engineering.

Making the Right Choice: Factors to Consider

Deciding between a dual degree and a double major depends on individual goals, interests, and career aspirations.

When a Double Major Might Be the Right Fit

Passion for two subjects within the same general field.
Desire to delve deeply into both subjects without pursuing graduate-level education in both.
Aim to complete studies within the standard timeframe for a bachelor's degree.

When a Dual Degree Might Be the Right Fit

Interest in two distinct fields.
Consideration of a career that requires graduate-level education or specialized knowledge in two separate fields.
Willingness to invest more time and resources into education.

How to Showcase a Double Major on Your Resume

A double major is a valuable achievement that shows you can handle complex workloads and excel in multiple areas. But if it's not formatted clearly, recruiters might miss it entirely. Start by listing your degree type, followed by both majors connected with "and" or a slash. For example: "Bachelor of Arts in History and Political Science" or "Bachelor of Science in Computer Science/Mathematics." This concise format ensures recruiters see that you earned a single diploma with expertise in two fields, rather than two separate degrees. If you’re a recent graduate, it should go right after your contact information. For those with substantial work experience, move it below your professional history. A well-organized education entry for a double major includes four key elements: degree type, both majors, institution name, and graduation date. These should appear in one entry. The order of your majors can be strategic.

Always lead with the major that best aligns with the job description, even if it wasn’t your official "primary" major in school. If both majors are equally relevant, default to your official primary major - the one that required more credit hours or was your original declared field of study. Highlight the major where you earned a higher GPA, completed a relevant thesis, or took advanced coursework that directly applies to the role.

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