Online dual master's degrees offer an exciting opportunity to learn advanced interdisciplinary subjects and diversify your career options in a short period of time. Pursuing a double master's online gives enrollees the opportunity to earn two degrees in less time. These programs have lower credit requirements, meaning learners can save money compared to earning two separate master's degrees. Many universities offer online dual degrees in growing fields such as business, social work, information technology, public health, and education.
This guide ranks the best online dual master's programs to help students find the right fit for their career goals. It also explores the career advantages of dual master's degrees and tips on how to choose the right program.
Yes. Online master's degrees from accredited programs meet the same standards as in-person master's degrees. Most online master's students receive the same diplomas as in-person graduates.
A dual degree grants students two separate degrees at the same time. For example, students earning their double master's online complete two separate master's degrees in an accelerated format.
A dual master's program awards two separate graduate degrees in complementary subjects. For example, a student can earn an MBA and master's in public health degree with overlapping coursework.
Best Online Dual Master’s Degrees | TheBestSchools
A private, Catholic university founded in 1959 by nuns, the University of Mary enrolls a tight-knit student population of around 4,000 in a variety of undergraduate, graduate, and professional degree programs. The university received regional accreditation in 1969 and began offering master's degrees in 1986.
Online Dual Degree Programs:
Best Online Dual Master’s Degrees | TheBestSchools
One of three institutions in the University of Alabama System, the University of Alabama at Birmingham enrolls over 20,000 students in a variety of undergraduate, graduate, and professional degree programs. Founded as an extension of the University of Alabama in 1936, UAB became fully autonomous in 1969.
Online Dual Degree Programs:
Best Online Dual Master’s Degrees | TheBestSchools
Wilmington University is a private, non-profit research university that enrolls over 14,000 students in a variety of undergraduate, graduate, and professional on-campus and online degree programs. Founded in 1968, the university has grown significantly since its charter class of just under 200 students.
Online Dual Degree Programs:
Best Online Dual Master’s Degrees | TheBestSchools
West Virginia University is a public land-grant and space-grant research university that enrolls over 28,000 students in a full array of undergraduate, graduate, and professional degree programs. Established in 1867 as the Agricultural College of West Virginia, the institution began to expand its academic offerings as early as 1868.
Online Dual Degree Programs:
Best Online Dual Master’s Degrees | TheBestSchools
Webster University is a private, non-profit university that enrolls over 12,000 students in a variety of undergraduate, graduate, and professional on-campus and online degree programs. Established in 1915 as a Catholic women's college by the Sisters of Loretto (as Loretto College), the institution became co-educational in 1962. Ownership transferred to a lay Board of Directors in 1967, making the university non-denominational.
Online Dual Degree Programs:
Best Online Dual Master’s Degrees | TheBestSchools
Trident University is a private, for-profit university founded in 1998. The university offers a handful of undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs in traditional and online degree formats.
Online Dual Degree Programs:
Best Online Dual Master’s Degrees | TheBestSchools
The University of Texas at Tyler enrolls over 10,000 students in a variety of undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs. Founded in 1971 as Tyler State College, the public research university went through significant growth and change to reach its current status.
Online Dual Degree Programs:
Best Online Dual Master’s Degrees | TheBestSchools
The University of Illinois-Springfield, a public liberal arts college, enrolls around 5,000 students in a variety of undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs. With numerous online degree programs available, the university serves students locally and abroad.
Online Dual Degree Programs:
Best Online Dual Master’s Degrees | TheBestSchools
The flagship campus of the Indiana University System, Indian University in Bloomington is a public research university that enrolls over 43,000 students in traditional and online degree programs at the undergraduate, graduate, and professional levels. Established as a seminary, the university is now considered a “Public Ivy.”
Online Dual Degree Programs:
Best Online Dual Master’s Degrees | TheBestSchools
Since 2007, CSU Global has offered a variety of undergraduate and graduate programs, all entirely online. Founded as the distance education wing of Colorado State University, the Global Campus enrolls over 12,000 students from all over.
Online Dual Degree Programs:
Best Online Dual Master’s Degrees | TheBestSchools
Since 1901, Texas Woman's University has served the higher education needs of female students in a growing selection of undergraduate, graduate, and professional degree programs. The university became fully co-educational in 1994, and currently enrolls over 15,000 students, with a still largely female population.
Online Dual Degree Programs:
Best Online Dual Master’s Degrees | TheBestSchools
Robert Morris University enrolls a tight-knit student population of around 5,000 in a variety of undergraduate, graduate, and degree programs. Founded in 1921, the private research university got its start as the Pittsburgh School of Accountancy before seeing significant growth and changes over the years.
Online Dual Degree Programs:
Best Online Dual Master’s Degrees | TheBestSchools
Renowned for its medical school, Johns Hopkins University enrolls over 25,000 students in all sorts of undergraduate, graduate, and professional degree programs. Founded in 1876 by the philanthropist Johns Hopkins, the private research university now provides students with numerous high quality online degree options.
Online Dual Degree Programs:
Best Online Dual Master’s Degrees | TheBestSchools
Northeastern University is a private research university that enrolls over 21,000 students in a wide variety of undergraduate, graduate, and professional degree programs. Dating back to 1898, what grew to become Northeastern University began as a night class in the Boston Huntington Avenue YMCA.
Online Dual Degree Programs:
Best Online Dual Master’s Degrees | TheBestSchools
A private, Jesuit Catholic University, Xavier University was founded in 1831, making it one of the oldest of its kind in the country. Xavier University enrolls over 6,000 students in a variety of undergraduate, graduate, and professional degree programs, both on-campus and online .
Online Dual Degree Programs:
Best Online Dual Master’s Degrees | TheBestSchools
Founded in 1971 by Evangelist Jerry Falwell, Liberty University enrolls a massive student population of over 75,000 in a full array of undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs, with many online degree options. The private Christian university is especially well known for its connection with American conservative politics and Evangelism.
Online Dual Degree Programs:
Best Online Dual Master’s Degrees | TheBestSchools
Founded in 1949, Grand Canyon University enrolls a whopping 83,000 students in a full array of undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs; its significant population size is connected to its large selection of online degree programs. The private Christian university became a for-profit institution in 2004 following a sale, but returned to non-profit status in July of 2018.
Online Dual Degree Programs:
Best Online Dual Master’s Degrees | TheBestSchools
Founded in 1891 by philanthropist Anthony J. Drexel, Drexel University is a private research university that enrolls over 24,000 students in a full array of traditional and online undergraduate, graduate, and professional degree programs. Initially established as the Drexel Institute of Art, Science, and Industry, the institution saw significant growth and change over the next century, adopting its current name in 1970
Online Dual Degree Programs:
Best Online Dual Master’s Degrees | TheBestSchools
Founded in 1885, well before Arizona's statehood, Arizona State University is now one of the largest universities in the country, enrolling over 51,000 students at its main campus in Tempe in a variety of undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs. The university also offers numerous online degree programs.
Online Dual Degree Programs:
Best Online Dual Master’s Degrees | TheBestSchools
Founded in 1869 by John Purdue, Purdue University is a public research university that enrolls over 43,000 students in a variety of undergraduate, graduate, and professional degree programs. The university features numerous campuses throughout Indiana and offers online degree programs.
Online Dual Degree Programs:
Best Online Dual Master’s Degrees | TheBestSchools
Formerly known as Dallas Baptist College, Dallas Baptist University is a Christian liberal arts school that has steadily grown since its 1898 establishment. With over 5,000 students on campus and online, the university features a tight-knit student population.
Online Dual Degree Programs:
Best Online Dual Master’s Degrees | TheBestSchools
Dating back to 1852, California University of Pennsylvania is a public university with around 8,000 students enrolled in a full array of degree and non-degree programs. Initially conceived as an institution to provide everything from kindergarten to college-level education, the university began offering doctoral degrees in 2015.
Online Dual Degree Programs:
Best Online Dual Master’s Degrees | TheBestSchools
Auburn University, a land-grant, public research university, enrolls around 30,000 students in a full array of undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs. Founded in 1856 as a private liberal arts school in affiliation with the Methodist Episcopal Church, the school became public in 1872.
Online Dual Degree Programs:
Best Online Dual Master’s Degrees | TheBestSchools
A public research university founded in 1883, the University of North Dakota is the oldest institution of its kind in the state, preceding the statehood of North Dakota by six years. The university enrolls over 14,000 students in a full array of undergraduate, graduate, and professional on-campus and online degree programs.
Online Dual Degree Programs:
Best Online Dual Master’s Degrees | TheBestSchools
A private, Roman Catholic University, Benedictine University was founded in 1887 by Benedictine monks. The university enrolls a small student population of over 5,000 in undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs.
Best Online Dual Master’s Degrees | TheBestSchools
A private, non-profit institution founded in 1977, Keiser University enrolls over 18,000 students in a variety of undergraduate, graduate, and professional degree programs. Headquartered in Fort Lauderdale, the university features numerous campuses all around Florida, as well as an online campus.
Online Dual Degree Programs:
Best Online Dual Master’s Degrees | TheBestSchools
With a student population of over 9,000, the University of Michigan at Dearborn features a variety of undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs. Founded in 1959, the public university began with a land and capital gift from Archie Pearson, then director of training for the Ford Motor Company.
Online Dual Degree Programs:
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An online dual master's degree grants students two master's degrees in less time than it takes to complete two separate master's degrees. Professionals with focused career goals requiring advanced training in two fields save time and money by choosing double master's online programs.
Many dual master's programs offer degrees in overlapping fields. Common dual master's programs include a master of business administration (MBA) combined with a master's in public health, public policy, information technology, education, or nursing. Business, combined with a graduate degree in another field, prepares students for leadership and decision-making roles in niche industries.
Students can also combine a master's in social work with a master's in public policy or a master's in public administration. Depending on the program, dual master's degree students may take courses for both degrees at the same time or alternate their coursework.
The following information explores the benefits of a dual master's program when compared with pursuing two separate master's degrees.
| Dual Master's Degree Programs | 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 | Students pay less due to the lower number of credits and faster completion time | Students pay more due to the higher number of credits and years to earn the degree |
| Credentials Upon Graduation | Two master's degrees | Two master's degrees |
Dual master's degree students often need to meet the admission requirements for both programs. At some schools, they must apply to both programs separately, while other programs require a single application. Depending on the degree subjects and program, prospective students may need to take one or more standardized tests before applying. Dual degree students may also qualify for scholarship opportunities based on both of their programs.
Students pursuing dual degrees online take advanced courses and complete capstone projects or research papers for each degree. Much like an accelerated degree, a dual degree requires a substantial commitment of time and energy.
A double major awards a single degree to students who complete graduation requirements in two separate majors, while a dual master's awards two separate master's degrees. As with a double major, dual master's programs may include overlapping coursework that meets requirements for both degrees.
Graduate students earning dual degrees online must weigh their goals and needs when choosing their program. Students should consider program length, cost, and coursework to identify the program that best suits their professional aspirations.
Applicants should research policies and admissions requirements for both degrees. Other important considerations include eligibility for in-state tuition, online class format, credit requirements, and the program's job placement record.
Prospective master's students should always choose dual degree online programs at accredited universities. Accredited schools and programs meet high educational standards and prepare graduates with industry-relevant knowledge. Independent accrediting agencies in fields such as business, nursing, social work, and public health ensure that programs teach students the best practices for entering the workforce or continuing their education.
Professionals with dual master's degrees can leverage several advantages in the job market and throughout their careers. Thanks to graduate-level training in two fields, they can easily transition into new roles and bring diverse skills to their organization.
Genevieve Carlton holds a Ph.D. in history from Northwestern University. After earning her doctorate in early modern European history, Carlton worked as an assistant professor of history at the University of Louisville, where she developed new courses on the history of science, Renaissance Italy, and the witch trials. Carlton has published five peer-reviewed articles in top presses and a monograph with the University of Chicago Press. She also earned tenure with a unanimous vote before relocating to Seattle. Learn more about Carlton's work at genevievecarlton.com.
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