Best Online Dual Master’s Degree

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 offers students 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 and why a dual master’s program might be the right fit for you.

Dual master’s degree programs allow students 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.

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:

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:

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

So you want to make a smart choice about pursuing a dual master’s degree program? Below are some key factors to consider:

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 should enroll in a dual degree online program at an accredited university. Accredited schools and programs meet high educational standards and prepare you with industry-relevant knowledge.

Independent accrediting agencies in fields such as business, nursing, social work, and public health ensure that the school’s programs teach you the best practices needed to enter the workforce or continuing your education.

To apply for admission to a dual master’s degree program, you’ll often need to meet the requirements for both programs. At some schools, you must apply to both programs separately, while other programs require a single application.

Depending on the degree programs you pursue, you may need to take one or more standardized tests before applying to college. You also may qualify for scholarship opportunities offered by both programs.

Students pursuing dual degrees online take advanced courses and complete a capstone project or research paper for each degree. Much like an accelerated degree, a dual degree program requires a substantial commitment of time and energy.