Best Online Dual Master’s Degrees of 2025
You may have thought about pursuing a master’s degree, but have you ever considered earning two master’s degrees at the same time? Many colleges offer online dual master’s degree programs that allow you to creatively complete your graduate-level studies.
A dual master’s degree is a lesser-known path that gives you the ability to earn two master’s degrees concurrently. A dual degree program can be a great option if you have multiple career interests and can’t pursue your passions in a single degree program.
Read our guide to learn more about how these programs work, what the best graduate schools with dual degree programs are, and why a dual master’s program might be the right fit for you.
10 Best Dual Master’s Degree Programs Online
University of Virginia-Main Campus
Charlottesville, VA- 4 year
- Campus + Online
What You'll Like:
The University of Virginia offers a hybrid dual master's degree program in business and education to train the next generation of educational leaders. Graduates have gone on to roles in education technology, education leadership, industrial design, and consulting.
- Credits Needed to Graduate: 90
- Programmatic Accreditation: Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business
- Leads to Licensure and/or Certification: Yes, in teaching
- Dual-Degree Programs Offered: MBA/M.Ed. in curriculum and instruction
Things We Love:
- The average completion time for the dual master's degree program is two years.
- You'll benefit from a reduction in required credits by completing the dual degree program.
- You'll have the opportunity to earn nine credits from an area of emphasis of your choosing, including educational policy, literacy, and social foundations.
What to Know Before You Apply:
- In this hybrid program, the M.Ed. curriculum is typically 100% online, while the MBA curriculum is held in person on the Charlottesville campus.
- Both in-state and out-of-state students pay $622 per credit for online classes.
- UVA master's programs take a test-optional approach, so you don't have to submit GRE scores.
- In-State$18,059
- Out-of-state$53,325
- In-State$18,382
- Out-of-state$30,790
- Retention Rate97%
- Acceptance Rate19%
- Students Enrolled26,082
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment10%
- AccreditationYes
Johns Hopkins University
- Baltimore, MD
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
What You'll Like:
Johns Hopkins University offers several dual-degree programs that can reduce your time to degree completion by one full semester or 16 credits. Most of the dual degrees are combined with an MBA, but if you choose to pursue a master's in international relations, you can select a hybrid dual degree program in a field such as law, public health, or public policy at a global university campus.
- Credits Needed to Graduate: Varies by program
- Programmatic Accreditation: Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business
- Dual-Degree Programs Offered:
- Design leadership MA/MBA
- Doctor of nursing practice/MBA
- MBA/MA in communication
- MBA/MA in government
- MBA/MS in applied economics
- MBA/MS in biotechnology
- MBA/MSN in healthcare organizational leadership
Things We Love:
- A number of Johns Hopkins' dual-degree MBA programs are offered through partnerships with other schools, including the Maryland Institute College of Art.
- The flexible online format allows you to take asynchronous or synchronous courses alongside optional in-person experiences.
What to Know Before You Apply:
- To be admitted to any dual-degree program, you must be accepted by both schools independently.
- Just 8% of applicants are admitted to Johns Hopkins, making it a highly competitive school.
- In-State$60,480
- Out-of-state$60,480
- In-State$60,480
- Out-of-state$60,480
- Retention Rate98%
- Acceptance Rate8%
- Students Enrolled30,363
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment62%
- AccreditationYes
University of Pennsylvania
- Philadelphia, PA
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
What You'll Like:
The University of Pennsylvania offers two online dual degrees: a master of science in engineering in data science (MSE-DS), combining the engineering and data science programs, and a master of science in engineering in AI (MSE-AI), combining a master's in computer and information technology and a master of science in engineering in artificial intelligence. Once a student matriculates into the dual-degree program, they must complete it within three years.
- Credits Needed to Graduate: Varies by program
- Programmatic Accreditation: None
- Dual-Degree Programs Offered:
- MSE-DS
- MSE-AI
Things We Love:
- You'll learn from experienced, world-class researchers who are leaders in their fields.
- You can double-count four Penn engineering course units for your dual degree program.
What to Know Before You Apply:
- You must have a cumulative GPA of 3.5 or higher and be in good standing with the university to be accepted into the dual-degree program.
- Online students must take proctored exams a few times per semester.
- In-State$56,212
- Out-of-state$56,212
- In-State$39,838
- Out-of-state$39,838
- Retention Rate98%
- Acceptance Rate6%
- Students Enrolled23,790
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment14%
- AccreditationYes
University of Central Florida
- Orlando, FL
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
What You'll Like:
The University of Central Florida offers two online dual degree programs: a master of nonprofit management and public administration (MPA-MNM) and a master of science in public administration and criminal justice (MPA-MS). These programs stand out for their competitive in-state tuition rates and flexible coursework options.
- Credits Needed to Graduate: 51 (MPA-MNM); 54 (MPA-MS)
- Programmatic Accreditation: Network of Schools of Public Policy, Affairs, and Administration Commission on Peer Review and Accreditation
- Dual-Degree Programs Offered:
- MPA-MNM
- MPA-MS in criminal justice
Things We Love:
- UCF's online dual-degree programs prepare you for diverse career opportunities in leadership, including criminal justice and nonprofit management.
- The total tuition cost for the dual-degree programs for in-state students is around $17,000, which is relatively low compared to other dual-degree programs.
What to Know Before You Apply:
- Out-of-state tuition is more than three times as much as in-state tuition, making UCF less affordable if you live outside of Florida.
- The program has a cohort structure with limited start dates each year.
- In-State$6,368
- Out-of-state$22,467
- In-State$6,916
- Out-of-state$25,759
- Retention Rate92%
- Acceptance Rate43%
- Students Enrolled68,842
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment9%
- AccreditationYes
The University of Tennessee-Knoxville
- Knoxville, TN
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
What You'll Like:
The University of Tennessee-Knoxville offers a hybrid dual nursing degree program that prepares you for a career as an advanced practice registered nurse (APRN) by pairing a bachelor of science in nursing with a doctor of nursing practice (BSN-DNP). This program provides specialized education to help you focus your clinical practice on delivering advanced care for children as a pediatric nurse practitioner.
- Credits Needed to Graduate: 88
- Programmatic Accreditation: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
- Leads to Licensure: Yes (depending on state of residence)
- Dual-Degree Programs Offered: BSN-DNP
Things We Love:
- During your on-site courses, you'll have access to a high-fidelity simulation center where you can build advanced clinical skills.
- You can complete clinical or project immersion hours in the state of your official residence and licensure.
- Most courses can be completed online.
What to Know Before You Apply:
- The hybrid format requires on-campus visits twice a semester.
- The total program tuition is $86,178, which is substantially higher than many programs.
- The program courses are taught synchronously throughout the semester to allow for real-time case discussions, content review, and presentations.
- In-State$11,340
- Out-of-state$29,552
- In-State$11,468
- Out-of-state$29,656
- Retention Rate91%
- Acceptance Rate46%
- Students Enrolled36,304
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment50%
- AccreditationYes
Lehigh University
- Bethlehem, PA
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
What You'll Like:
Lehigh University's College of Business offers two online dual master's degree programs: an MBA with a second degree in either engineering or educational leadership. With the engineering degree, you can choose from concentrations in many different sectors of engineering.
- Credits Needed to Graduate: 45
- Programmatic Accreditation: Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business
- Leads to Licensure and/or Certification: No
- Dual-Degree Programs Offered:
- MBA-MA in educational leadership
- MBA-MS in engineering
Things We Love:
- Each college at Lehigh offers scholarships to help you pay for graduate school.
- The dual MBA and education leadership degree program prepares you for specialized positions, including superintendent, principal, or district administrator.
- You can select one of nine engineering concentrations, including chemical, electrical, or mechanical engineering, based on your desired career path.
What to Know Before You Apply:
- Total tuition for the MBA and engineering program is $1,590 per credit, or $71,550 total, which is comparably higher than other dual-degree programs on this list.
- You do not need to have prior teaching experience to enroll in the educational leadership master's program.
- In-State$58,970
- Out-of-state$58,970
- In-State$27,000
- Out-of-state$27,000
- Retention Rate93%
- Acceptance Rate29%
- Students Enrolled7,590
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment11%
- AccreditationYes
Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University
- Blacksburg, VA
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
What You'll Like:
Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University offers a hybrid dual MBA and master's in information technology. With this track, you'll be enrolled in an evening MBA program plus a flexible master's program in IT that allows you to customize your courseload each semester.
- Credits Needed to Graduate: 81
- Programmatic Accreditation: Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business
- Leads to Licensure and/or Certification: No
- Dual Programs Offered: MBA-MS in information technology
Things We Love:
- The dual-degree program can lower costs by allowing you to double-count up to five courses to earn two degrees in a compressed timeframe.
- You'll complete your MBA requirements before enrolling in the MS in IT program, which you could finish with as few as six additional courses.
- You could qualify for teaching or research fellowships, scholarships, or grants through Virginia Tech to help pay for college.
What to Know Before You Apply:
- The MBA is held in person with classes in the evenings, so you'll need to commute to campus. The master's in IT is 100% online.
- In-state graduate students pay an average of $17,446 per year, while out-of-state tuition is nearly double that at $33,918 annually.
- In-State$12,698
- Out-of-state$33,310
- In-State$14,521
- Out-of-state$29,267
- Retention Rate92%
- Acceptance Rate57%
- Students Enrolled38,290
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment55%
- AccreditationYes
Dominican University
- River Forest, IL
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
What You'll Like:
Dominican University offers three 100% online dual-degree programs. You can earn a master's in library and information science and pair it with an MA in youth literature (MLIS-MAYL), a master of social work (MLIS-MSW), or an MBA (MLIS-MBA). You can also choose a hybrid option to network with classmates and professors on campus.
- Credits Needed to Graduate: 54-78
- Programmatic Accreditation: American Library Association, Council on Social Work Education, Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business
- Leads to Licensure: No
- Dual-Degree Programs Offered:
- MLIS-MAYL
- MLIS-MBA
- MLIS-MSW
Things We Love:
- You may be able to apply past coursework, allowing you to graduate sooner.
- Dominican offers many private and specialized scholarships that could help pay for your tuition.
- You'll get the chance to connect to a strong alumni network of leaders in their fields around the world.
What to Know Before You Apply:
- At $850 per credit for tuition, total program costs range from $45,900 to $66,300.
- If you have a bachelor’s degree in social work, you may qualify for advanced standing in the MLIS-MSW program.
- Classes are offered asynchronously, meaning you can log in and study anytime.
- In-State$35,850
- Out-of-state$35,850
- In-State$19,900
- Out-of-state$19,900
- Retention Rate79%
- Acceptance Rate80%
- Students Enrolled3,424
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment73%
- AccreditationYes
Tulane University of Louisiana
- New Orleans, LA
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
What You'll Like:
Tulane University offers several dual master's degrees and accelerated degree programs. You can choose from two online dual master's degrees in social work, one paired with public health (MSW-MPH) and the other with a master of science in disaster resilience leadership (MSW-MS-DRL), and an MBA paired with a master's in healthcare administration (MBA-MHA).
- Credits Needed to Graduate: Varies by program
- Programmatic Accreditation: Council on Social Work Education, Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business
- Leads to Licensure and/or Certification: Yes (MSW)
- Dual-Degree Programs Offered:
- MSW-MPH
- MSW-MS-DRL
- MBA-MHA
Things We Love:
- In these dual-degree programs, you may share up to 12 credit hours between degree requirements.
- Tulane awards millions of dollars in financial aid to Louisiana students every year.
What to Know Before You Apply:
- The MHA degree requires an administrative residency of around 400 hours, and the MPH requires a practicum.
- Tulane is highly competitive, with a low 15% acceptance rate.
- In-State$58,666
- Out-of-state$58,666
- In-State$61,066
- Out-of-state$61,066
- Retention Rate94%
- Acceptance Rate15%
- Students Enrolled12,285
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment31%
- AccreditationYes
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 MBA: Best suited for healthcare managers, policymakers, and entrepreneurs
- 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 in IT prepares you for tech-related roles in diverse fields, such as healthcare, education, and business.
Business Administration
A dual MBA program offers a potent combination of business acumen and specialized expertise. You can combine an MBA with a specialized master’s degree, such as an MS in a field like finance, marketing, healthcare management, or technology.
Nursing
Completing a master’s in nursing 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. It can pair well with a degree in international affairs or an MBA. A dual master’s degree in public administration 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 policy, or legal studies. A dual master’s degree in social work can lead to a career in education, community service management, or healthcare.
How to Choose 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 Apply for an Online Dual Master’s Degree
Applying for admission to an online dual master’s degree program requires a few steps. 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 programs require a single application.
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.
If the two degree programs you’re interested in pursuing aren’t currently being offered as a dual master’s degree program, you’ll work with your advisor to create an integrated course of study. Developing a course of study helps ensure you’re satisfying requirements for both degree programs in a structured and timely manner.
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. Online master’s students receive the same diplomas as on-campus graduates.
