Dual Degree vs Double Major: Difference and Comparison

A dual degree is when 2 degrees are completed at the same time, while a double major is when both degrees are completed in succession.

However, there is an important distinction between the two: A dual degree is easier and quicker to complete than a double major.

For example, if you were to pursue a Bachelor of Arts and a Bachelor of Science at the same time, you would be able to complete your degree faster than if you pursued just one Arts or Science degree. A double major can be tough because it means more work and studying, which may lead to higher stress levels and less free time.

But then again, that’s not always true for all majors. If your two majors are related, such as biochemistry and molecular biology, you can get by with less studying and more free time than if your unrelated majors, like journalism and advertising.

Key Takeaways

1. Dual degree programs award two separate degrees, while double majors provide one degree with two focus areas.
2. Dual degrees require more credits and time than double majors.
3. Double majors may limit course flexibility and exploration, whereas dual degrees provide broader opportunities for diverse subjects.

Dual Degree vs Double Major

A dual degree program involves pursuing two separate degree programs at the same time. A double major refers to a single degree program in which a student completes two majors within the same field of study, which means that a student is completing the requirements for two distinct diplomas.

A dual degree is when two degrees are completed at the same time, in a related field. A double major is when you earn two separate but related majors, such as journalism and advertising.

A dual degree is simpler and faster to finish than a double major. These have lots of benefits like acquiring capabilities, Studying two exceptionally particular fields, Receive various sorts of degrees.

A double major can be tough because it means more work and studying, which may lead to higher stress levels and less free time. A double major gives you one degree with a specialization in two fields at a similar everyday schedule.

Benefits are: Appreciate fewer course necessities, Complete your program quicker, and Explore different interests.

Comparison Table

Parameter of Comparison	Dual Degree	Double Major
Meaning	When 2 degrees are completed at the same time	When both degrees are completed in succession
Time	Completed in less time	The second degree, which can take anywhere from 4 to 6 years
Workloads	Often have more manageable workloads	Can be tough because it means more work and studying
Field	Usually in a related field	Two separate but related majors
Result	Two separate degrees	One degree with two areas of specialization

What is a Dual Degree?

A dual degree is when 2 degrees are completed at the same time, like a Bachelor of Arts and a Bachelor of Science. For example, you would need to complete the requirements for both degrees in order to graduate with a dual degree.

Dual degrees have more manageable workloads. But this isn’t always true because every school has different requirements for your major classes, credits required, etc. It can depend on what fields your two majors are in.

For example, say you earned a Bachelor of Arts in Communications with an Advertising emphasis or Journalism with Public Relations emphasis; then you might have lighter course loads than if you had earned one of those majors with an unrelated major like Biochemistry.

What is a Double Major?

A double major is when you complete two undergraduate degrees in succession. The first degree should be completed before the second degree, which can take anywhere from 4 to 6 years, depending on how many credits you need for your bachelor’s degree.

A double major can be tough because it means more work and studying, which may lead to higher stress levels and less free time. Double majors require more work and may take longer than a dual degree.

A double major is where a student studies one subject for an undergraduate degree and then goes on to study another related subject for a master’s degree.

Main differences between Dual Degree and Double Major

1. A dual degree is when two degrees are completed at the same time, in a related field. A double major is when you earn two separate but related majors, such as journalism and advertising.
2. There are also differences in the time commitment and difficulty: A dual degree takes less time to complete than a double major and can be done in four years for most schools. Double majors require more work and may take longer than a dual degree.
3. The main difference between the two is that a dual degree will go by quicker and easier than a double major. However, this may not be true if your majors are unrelated!
4. Additionally, dual degrees have more manageable workloads. But this isn’t always true because every school has different requirements for your major classes, credits required, etc. It can depend on what fields your two majors are in.
5. A dual degree is when you are completing 2 degrees at the same time, while a double major is when both degrees are completed in succession. There are important distinctions between the two when deciding which degree to pursue.

References

1. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0272775707000659
2. https://online.boneandjoint.org.uk/doi/abs/10.1302/0301-620x.73b1.1991744