Best Online Dual Master’s Degrees of 2025
Are you ready to discover your college program?
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.
Popular Online Programs
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.
The Best Dual Master’s Degrees Online
University of Virginia-Main Campus
- Charlottesville, VA
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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?
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 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:
- 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.
Accreditation for Online Dual Master’s Degrees
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.
How Do I Apply for a Dual Master’s Degree Online?
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.
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.