Dual Degree vs. Double Major: What’s the Difference?

In college, many people pick their major based on their passions or career goals. But what if you have two fields you're equally passionate about — or if multiple career paths interest you?

If this sounds like you, you might want to consider a dual degree or a double major.

What is the Difference Between a Dual Degree and a Double Major?

A double major (sometimes referred to as a second major) and a dual degree (also known as an additional degree) are two options available if you want to deepen your studies during college.

When you get a dual degree, you complete two degrees in two separate programs, according to Jessica Erb, SHRM-CP, GCDF, a team lead within Career Services at Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU). If you decide to do a double major, on the other hand, you complete one degree while taking enough classes to satisfy the requirements of two majors.

With a dual degree being two separate degree programs, a primary difference between that and a double major is the number of credits you'll need.

“A dual degree requires 15 additional institution credits for the associate program and 30 additional institutional credits for the bachelor’s program,” said Jenifer Chabot, an academic advisor at SNHU. A dual degree at the master's level may require 21 unique credits.

While associate, bachelor’s and master's students can complete a dual degree, you can only go for a double major if you're completing a bachelor's degree.

Chabot has personal experience with dual degrees as well. “During my undergrad, I chose to earn more than one bachelor's degree,” said Chabot. “As an academic advisor, I’ve had students request additional information on the differences between a double major versus a dual degree, and I feel like I was in a unique position to provide guidance due to my experience.”

It's important to note that exact requirements and policies related to dual degrees and double majors can vary by school. Be sure to check in with your advisor for information and recommendations specific to your situation.

Do Double Majors Get Two Separate Degrees?

You may have noticed that it's called a double major, but a dual degree. It may seem small, but it does lead to a difference on your transcript and your diploma. “A student completing a double major only receives one degree, with their primary major listed on their diploma,” said Chabot.

Even though you don’t receive two separate degrees with a double major, your transcript will show both majors. This is different from a dual degree, where you receive two diplomas that list your degrees separately.

What Are Common Double Major and Dual Degree Combinations?

At SNHU, there are many dual degree and double major options. These options allow you to choose a course of study that fits your interests and career goals.

As a Career Services team member, Erb sees lots of these different combinations. One common double major she sees includes business administration, which provides 14 concentration options and pairs well with many other majors, like sports management or communication.

Double majors require fewer credits than a dual degree, so it can be helpful if your two majors are related. Some double major combinations that Erb often sees include:

• Data Analytics and Computer Science: A data analytics major can be added to many degrees, as data analytics is a versatile skill and touches every industry. “Employers highly value candidates who possess the ability to understand and interpret data,” said Erb.
  
  
• Healthcare Administration and Human Resources: A double major in healthcare administration and human resources can be a good combination. According to Erb, these can provide a solid foundation in both fields, allowing graduates to lead and manage healthcare organizations efficiently.
  
  
• Environmental Science and Business Administration: These two majors are another combo Erb sees often. Together, they can help a student bridge the gap between environmental awareness and business acumen. “This can be beneficial for careers that entail green entrepreneurship, corporate sustainability or sustainable business practices,” she said.

While some program overlap may be allowed with a double major, dual degrees may require a bit more differentiation.

At SNHU, undergraduate students seeking to earn dual degrees must pair a Bachelor of Arts program with a Bachelor of Science program. For instance, you might pursue a Bachelor of Arts in Graphic Design and a Bachelor of Science in Marketing if you want to use your artistic abilities to support brands.

At the graduate level, dual degrees can be selected from any two combinations of the following categories:

• Master of Arts
• Master of Business Administration
• Master of Education
• Master of Fine Arts
• Master of Science

Certain programs complement each other or make sense for specific career paths you might be interested in.

What Are the Benefits and Disadvantages of Doing a Dual Degree?

Both a dual degree and a double major can be beneficial if you're interested in multiple fields or career paths. You might choose a dual degree if you want to study two fields that are very different and don't have a lot of classes in common.

If you're earning a dual degree, you may need to factor in the additional time that comes with getting two degrees instead of one. “Juggling the course requirements for two programs will require more time than a single degree, which can delay starting a new job,” said Chabot. You may decide that a double major is a better option because it lets you complete more than one major while maintaining a lower credit requirement and time commitment.

That being said, if you don't have a lot of free electives available in your program, pursuing a second major may also take you more time to complete than just one.

You'll also need to consider the additional cost that can come with a dual degree — and potentially a double major. More credits mean more courses, which increases tuition and textbook costs, said Chabot. For these reasons, completing a dual degree is often perceived as more challenging than a double major.

Whether a dual degree is a good fit depends on the student. “The benefits may outweigh the disadvantages for some students, as a dual degree can provide a competitive advantage in the job market with its unique skill set and interdisciplinary focus,” said Erb. “This is especially true for career paths seeking candidates who can collaborate across different areas of expertise, such as healthcare or technology.”

Read more: Is Getting a Second Bachelor's Degree Worth It?

How to Decide if a Dual Degree or Double Major is Right for You

Deciding between a double major and a dual degree will depend on your personal interests and goals.

“Curiosity, discipline, motivation and passion are some of the characteristics of students that pursue double majors or dual degrees,” said Chabot.

They may also lead students to a college minor or concentration instead — or plans for a grad school, a certificate or certification.

If you’re considering any one of these options, be sure to discuss the details involved with your academic advisor and a finance counselor. Academic advisors can help you map out what your course schedule might look like and share how the program change may impact your time to graduation. A member of your university’s Student Financial Services team can help you calculate any changes in cost.

As for evaluating how a double major or dual degree could help you reach your career goals, both Chabot and Erb recommend meeting with your school's Career Services office.

“A career advisor can help students identify and clarify career goals and interests,” said Erb. “They can provide valuable insights to help you assess whether pursuing a dual degree or a double major would better align with your long-term career goals. This personalized support ensures that your academic courses align with the skills and expertise needed for success in your chosen field.”

If you're looking to increase your education and career options through multiple areas of study, a double major or dual degree may be a great next step.

Meg Palmer ’18 is a writer and scholar by trade who loves reading, riding their bike and singing in a barbershop quartet. They earned their bachelor’s degree in English language and literature at Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU) and their master’s degree in writing, rhetoric and discourse at DePaul University (’20). They are currently attending Northeastern University as a first-year PhD student studying English with a focus in rhetoric and digital humanities. While attending SNHU, Meg served as the editor-in-chief of the campus student newspaper, The Penmen Press, where they deepened their passion for writing. Connect with them on LinkedIn.