Best Online Dual Master’s Degrees of 2026
- Best Dual Master's Degrees
- What Is a Dual Master's Degree?
- Popular Dual Master's Degrees
- How to Choose
- How to Get a Dual Master's Degree
- FAQ
Have you considered earning two master’s degrees at once? Many schools offer online dual master’s programs that let you complete both degrees together. This option is ideal if you have multiple career interests that one degree can’t cover.
Dual master’s degree programs expand your career options, deepen your interdisciplinary knowledge, and increase your earning potential. But they also come with potential challenges, including higher upfront costs.
Our guide explains how these programs work, the top schools that offer them, and whether a dual master’s degree is the right fit for you.
5 Best Dual Master’s Degree Programs Online
Brown University — Best School for a Dual Degree in Health and Public Policy
- Providence, RI
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- Accredited
Why We Chose It: Offers a Rigorous Master of Public Health (MPH) and Master of Public Affairs (MPA) Dual Degree
Brown's online MPH/MPA dual master's program merges public health science and public policy and addresses complex health challenges across society. The applied-learning format includes a practicum, real-world projects, and a thesis or capstone. The program also lets you customize your learning path through an interdisciplinary concentration and offers specialization tracks in addictions and mindfulness.
Why Attend Brown Online:
- Competency Building: Work with faculty to define at least four personal learning competencies and align them with your coursework, internships, or thesis projects.
- Interdisciplinary Concentration: Choose courses such as maternal and child health, aging, mental health, HIV, or advanced research methods.
- Career Outcomes: Brown reports that 95% of graduates find employment within 12 months.
What to Know Before You Apply:
- You can complete the program in two years, with up to five years to finish if needed.
- Tuition costs $8,259 per course.
7%
$65,656
99%
$65,656
- Acceptance Rate
- 5%
- Students Enrolled
- 11,956
- Institution Type
- Private
New York University — Best School for a Dual Technical HR Management Degree
- New York, NY
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- Accredited
Why We Chose It: Offers a Dual Degree in Human Capital Management (HCM) and Human Capital Analytics and Technology (HCAT)
New York University's dual MS in HCM and HCAT blends management, data analytics, and HR technology skills. NYU's curricula aligns with the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) to prepare you for leadership roles in HR. Graduates commonly pursue careers such as HR manager, DEI consultant, and workforce data analyst at top employers, including Citi, IBM, and Goldman Sachs.
Why Attend NYU Online:
- Dual Expertise: The program combines essential skills in human capital strategy, data analytics, and HR technology to meet the field's evolving demands.
- Leadership Preparation: The SHRM-aligned coursework prepares you for leadership roles in technical HR.
- STEM Designation: The HCAT program is STEM-approved and allows F-1 visa holders to apply for a two-year OPT extension after completion.
What to Know Before You Apply:
- The dual degree program can be completed in two years as a full-time student and up to five years as a part-time student.
- Tuition is $2,785 per credit ($27,562 per term for 10-12 credits).
27%
$38,826
96%
$38,826
- Acceptance Rate
- 9%
- Students Enrolled
- 56,828
- Institution Type
- Private
University of Florida — Best School for a Dual Pharmaceutical MS/MBA Degree
- Gainesville, FL
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- Accredited
Why We Chose It: Offers an MS + MBA Dual Degree With Four Pharmaceutical Concentrations
In partnership with Stetson University, the UF offers online dual master’s degrees for working professionals in health care, pharmaceuticals, and health policy. The combination of an MBA with an MS in pharmaceutical outcomes and policy helps build your expertise in pharmacy outcomes and business leadership. With concurrent tracks and no thesis requirement, you can complete the program in less than three years.
Why Attend UF Online:
- Cross-Discipline Expertise: Gain dual skills in pharmacy outcomes and business leadership to prepare for leadership roles in the pharmaceutical and healthcare industries.
- Concentration Options: Choose one of four concentrations — pharmacoeconomics, pharmaceutical policy, managed care pharmacy, or pharmaceutical value communications — to personalize your studies.
- No Thesis Requirement: Complete both degrees without a thesis, potentially in under three years.
What to Know Before You Apply:
- Tuition is approximately $49,869 in total.
- UF offers short quizzes online to help you decide which concentration fits your interests.
- You’ll alternate between UF and Stetson to complete both degrees.
59%
$10,770
98%
$27,335
- Acceptance Rate
- 24%
- Students Enrolled
- 56,311
- Institution Type
- Public
University of Pennsylvania — Best School for STEM and Applied Technology Dual Degrees
- Philadelphia, PA
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- Accredited
Why We Chose It: Choose from Three Dual Degree Programs in STEM and Education, Each With a Focus on Data or AI
The UPenn offers three online dual master's programs across various fields, including STEM, education, and data science. Each program emphasizes real-world AI and data applications, helping you prepare for leadership roles in tech, analytics, and education. You'll learn in a collaborative environment, with live recitations, group projects, and global peer networks.
Why Attend UPenn Online:
- Prestigious Programs: Earn a dual master's degree from an Ivy League school, with benefits including alum connections, enhanced career prospects, and world-class instruction.
- Flexible Dual Paths: Combine education, engineering, AI, data science, or computer and information technology to tailor your expertise to fast-growing tech fields.
- Study Pace: Finish in as little as 16 months, or take up to five years.
What to Know Before You Apply:
- You must complete the second degree within three years of starting it.
- Most students complete their studies in 20-30 months while working full-time.
- Tuition costs approximately $3,825 per course unit.
16%
$41,544
99%
$41,544
- Acceptance Rate
- 5%
- Students Enrolled
- 24,023
- Institution Type
- Private
University of Southern California — Best School for Engineering Management Dual Degrees
- Los Angeles, CA
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- Accredited
Why We Chose It: Offers an Engineering Management Program With Three Dual Degree Options in Aerospace, Electrical and Computer, and Mechanical Engineering
The USC offers online dual master’s programs that combine technical expertise with management training. You can pair an MS in engineering management with a master’s in mechanical, aerospace, or electrical engineering. Each offers an industry-oriented curriculum balancing technical and managerial skills. Common careers following graduation include aerospace and defense, automotive and manufacturing, robotics, and biomedical design.
Why Attend USC Online:
- Engineering Pairings: Earn engineering management dual degrees across multiple disciplines in mechanical, aerospace, or electrical engineering.
- Specialization Options: Both mechanical and aerospace engineering programs offer multiple specialization areas to fit your career goals.
- International Friendly: International students can extend work authorization through the U.S. OPT STEM extension.
What to Know Before You Apply:
- Thesis and research options aren’t guaranteed and depend on department availability.
- Concentrations are flexible and valuable for skill development, but do not appear on transcripts or diplomas.
- Tuition costs $2,665 per unit; the dual degree programs are 46-48 units.
30%
$66,640
97%
$66,640
- Acceptance Rate
- 10%
- Students Enrolled
- 47,147
- Institution Type
- Private
What Is a Dual Master’s Degree?
Dual master’s degree programs allow you to earn two master’s degrees from different fields or disciplines. By combining two fields of study, you can develop a unique set of skills and gain the expertise needed to make a meaningful impact in your chosen profession.
| Factor | Dual Master’s Degree Program | Two Separate Master’s Degrees |
|---|---|---|
| Length of Time to Complete | 2-3 years | 4 years |
| Total Required Credits | 50-70 credits | 70-100 credits |
| Affordability | You pay less due to the lower number of credits and faster completion time. | You pay more due to the higher number of credits and slower completion time. |
| Credentials Upon Graduation | Two master’s degrees | Two master’s degrees |
Dual master’s degree programs can also reduce the time and costs of graduate school compared to pursuing two master’s degrees separately. Common examples of dual master’s programs include:
- A master of business administration (MBA) and master of science (MS) in engineering: Ideal for entrepreneurs, project leaders, and product developers
- A master of public health (MPH) and master of social work (MSW): Best suited for healthcare managers, policymakers, and social service workers
- A master of teaching (MAT) and master of education (M.Ed.): Useful for education leaders, curriculum developers, and higher education instructors
Popular Online Dual Master’s Degrees
Online master’s degree programs delve deep into content areas and allow you to pursue specialized interests. Although schools offer many master’s degree options, some subjects are more commonly found than others, and some pair better than others for dual master’s programs.
Check out some popular dual master’s degree options below:
Education
A master’s degree in education focuses on specialized areas, such as curriculum and instruction, special education, or school leadership. It pairs well with other education degrees, business degrees, or social work degrees. A dual degree in education can help you pursue careers in business administration, education policy, or school leadership.
Information Technology
A master’s degree in IT can complement other programs in technology, education, or business. A dual master’s IT or computer science degree prepares you for tech-related roles in diverse fields, such as healthcare, education, and business.
Business Administration
A dual master’s in business administration (MBA) program offers a useful combination of business acumen and specialized expertise. You can combine your business degree with a specialized master’s degree, such as an MS in finance, marketing, healthcare management, or technology.
Nursing
Completing a master’s in nursing (MSN) degree program gives you the opportunity to specialize in areas within healthcare, such as pediatrics or oncology, or to advance your nursing career. A dual master’s in nursing and public health, healthcare administration, or business can unlock careers in administrative healthcare or public health policy.
Psychology
A master’s degree in psychology complements various other fields, such as leadership, education, and management. With a dual master’s degree in psychology and another field of your choice, you could pursue careers in areas like counseling, marketing, or public mental health.
Public Administration
A master’s degree in public administration covers areas of study including economics, analytics, and management. A public administration degree can pair well with a degree in international affairs or an MBA. A dual master’s degree in this field can prepare you for roles in areas such as legislation, public relations, and community outreach.
Public Health
A master’s degree in public health equips you with the skills and knowledge necessary to improve community health through roles in hospitals, government, nonprofits, and research organizations. A dual master’s degree in public health pairs well with a degree in nursing, business, or social work.
Social Work
A master’s in social work involves study in research, policy, and analytics, which you can combine with many fields, including international studies, public health, or legal studies. A dual degree in social work at the master’s level can lead to a career in education, community service management, or healthcare.
Choosing a Dual Master’s Degree Program: 6 Factors to Consider
So you want to make a smart choice about pursuing a dual master’s degree program? Below are some key factors to consider:
- Program Suitability: Ensure both disciplines align with your career goals and interests. Look for programs that offer a strong curriculum in both areas.
- X-Factor:Look for an X factor — something unique that the dual master’s program offers, like subjects or specializations, that will boost your skills and can make you more marketable.
- Accreditation:Verify that the program and the institution offering that program are accredited by recognized accreditation bodies. This ensures the quality and credibility of your degree.
- Cost and Financial Aid: Check how long the program takes to complete and how much the college costs. Consider exploring scholarship opportunities, grants, and financial aid options to reduce your out-of-pocket costs.
- Student Support Services: Research what kind of support you’ll receive from teachers and staff, such as academic advising, technical support, library access, and counseling services.
- Reputation and Alumni Network: A program or school with a strong reputation and active alumni network can open doors for employment opportunities and professional growth.
You should also research program policies and admission requirements for both degrees. Other important considerations include online class format, credit requirements, the program’s job placement record, and your eligibility for in-state tuition. You also may qualify for scholarship opportunities offered by both programs.
How to Get a Dual Master’s Degree: Step-By-Step
Applying for admission to an online dual master’s degree program requires a few steps.
Step 1: First, you’ll need to meet the requirements for both programs that you’re interested in pursuing. At some schools, you must apply to both programs separately, while other dual degree programs require a single application.
Step 2: Secondly, graduate schools with dual degree programs typically require you to connect with an academic advisor or graduate coordinator to better understand the application and dual degree process. Depending on the degree programs you pursue, you may need to take one or more standardized tests before applying.
Step 3 (If Not Currently Offered): Alternatively, if the two degree programs you’re interested in pursuing aren’t currently being offered as a dual master’s degree program, you may be able to work with your advisor to create an integrated course of study. Talk with your advisor to see if they can create a customized plan for you.
Step 4: Lastly, once you’ve consulted with an advisor and finalized your course plan, you can submit your program plan form for approval and admission.
Frequently Asked Questions About Online Dual Master’s Degrees
Yes. Online master’s degrees from accredited programs meet the same standards as in-person master’s degrees. As an online grad student, you can expect to receive the same diplomas as on-campus graduates, and your diploma will not indicate you earned your degree online.
