Best Online Dual Master's Degrees
Updated October 18, 2023
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You've 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 create a way for you to creatively complete your graduate-level studies.
If you're unable to pursue your passions in a singular degree program, a dual master's degree is a lesser-known path to earning two master's degrees concurrently.
Learn more about how these programs work and why a dual master's program might be right for you.
Popular Dual Master's Degrees
What Is an Online Dual Master's Degree?
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. If you already have a clear idea that your career goals require advanced training in two fields, you can 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 you for leadership and decision-making roles in niche industries.
| Dual Master's 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 |
Online Master's Degree Programs
Online master's degree programs delve deeper into content areas and allow you to pursue specialized interests. Although there are many master's degree options, some subjects tend to be more common, and some pair better than others for dual master's programs.
Check out some popular dual master's degrees below:
Education
A master's degree in education focuses on specialized areas within education, including curriculum and instruction, special education, or school leadership. Dual master's programs can include pairing with other education degrees, business degrees, or social work degrees.
A dual degree in education can help you pursue educational careers in business administration, policy, or school leadership.
Information Technology
Technology is integrated into almost every aspect of our lives. A master's in IT can be paired with other technology-related programs, education, and business. Earning a master's degree in IT prepares you to work with technology across various fields.
A dual degree in IT and another subject can open up career paths in healthcare, education, and business.
MBA
A master's in business administration consistently ranks as one of the most popular master's degrees. MBAs are flexible degrees that cover many aspects of how businesses work and often include picking a specialty area. MBA graduates can find employment in careers from marketing to human resources.
Pairing your MBA with another master's degree can help you enter the career field in specific industries like healthcare management, international business, and technology management.
Nursing
Nurses are highly skilled medical professionals that need to be prepared for a broad range of patients and settings. Completing a master's in nursing degree gives you the opportunity to specialize in areas within healthcare, like pediatrics or oncology, or to advance your nursing career.
Completing a dual master's program in nursing and public health, healthcare administration, or business can open doors to administrative careers in healthcare or roles in public health and healthcare policy.
Psychology
A consistently popular major, psychology programs examine the theories behind how people work and why. Because psychology studies human behavior, the major complements other degrees well. Dual master's programs may combine psychology with master's degrees in management, leadership, and education.
Depending on what your dual master's program combines, you could pursue careers in counseling, marketing, or in public mental health.
Public Administration
Working in public administration can include careers in public policy, nonprofit management, and environmental policy. A master's degree in public administration focuses on economics, analytics, and management and can combine well with international affairs or an MBA.
Completing a dual master's degree that includes public administration can prepare you for careers in legislation, public relations, and community outreach management.
Public Health
A master's in public health degree prepares you to make a difference in the health of a group of people. Graduates with this degree may work for government agencies, non-profits, or even think tanks.
Dual master's degree programs that combine with public health include nursing, business administration, and social work.
Social Work
Social work is an interdisciplinary field that couples with many areas of study. A master's in social work covers topics in research, public policy, and analytics. Dual master's degree programs candidates can look to pair with international studies, public policy, or legal studies.
Depending on the degree you combine with your master's in social work, you could find careers in education, community service management, or healthcare.
The Best Online Master's Degree Program
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Best Online Dual Master’s Degrees
University of Mary
Bismarck, ND - 4 years
- Online
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:
- Master of Science in Nursing in Healthcare Administration/ Master of Business Administration
Best Online Dual Master’s Degrees
Xavier University
Cincinnati, OH - 4 years
- Online + Campus
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:
- Master of Science in Nursing/Master of Science in Criminal Justice
Best Online Dual Master’s Degrees
Keiser University-Ft Lauderdale
Fort Lauderdale, FL - 4 years
- Online + Campus
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:
- Master of Science in Education/Master of Business Administration
Best Online Dual Master’s Degrees
Benedictine University
Lisle, IL - 4 years
- Online + Campus
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.
- Master of Business Administration/Master of Science in Management and Organizational Behavior
- Master of Public Health/Master of Business Administration
- Master of Public Health/Master of Science in Management and Organizational Behavior
- Master of Science in Nursing/Master of Business Administration
Best Online Dual Master’s Degrees
University of North Dakota
Grand Forks, ND - 4 years
- Online + Campus
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:
- Juris Doctor/Master of Public Administration
Best Online Dual Master’s Degrees
Auburn University
Auburn, AL - 4 years
- Online + Campus
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:
- Master of Business Administration/Master of Science in Finance
- Master of Business Administration/Master of Science in Industrial and Systems Engineering
- Master of Business Administration/Master of Science in Information Systems
Best Online Dual Master’s Degrees
California University of Pennsylvania
California, PA - 4 years
- Online + Campus
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:
- Master of Science in Nursing Administration and Leadership/ Master of Business Administration
Best Online Dual Master’s Degrees
Dallas Baptist University
Dallas, TX - 4 years
- Online + Campus
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:
- Master of Arts in Children's Ministry/Master of Arts in Christian Ministry
- Master of Arts in Children's Ministry/Master of Arts in Global Leadership
- Master of Arts in Christian Ministry/Master of Arts in Student Ministry
- Master of Arts in Family Ministry/Master of Arts in Global Leadership
- Master of Arts in Global Leadership/Master of Arts in Student Ministry
- Master of Arts in Management/Master of Arts in Children's Ministry
- Master of Arts in Management/Master of Arts in Global Leadership
- Master of Arts in Management/Master of Arts in Student Ministry
- Master of Arts in Management/Master of Education in Higher Education
- Master of Business Administration/Master of Arts in Children's Ministry
- Master of Business Administration/Master of Arts in Christian Ministry
- Master of Business Administration/Master of Arts in Discipleship
- Master of Business Administration/Master of Arts in Global Leadership
- Master of Business Administration/Master of Arts in Student Ministry
- Master of Business Administration/Master of Education in Educational Leadership
- Master of Business Administration/Master of Education in Higher Education
- Master of Education in Curriculum and Instruction/Master of Education in Educational Leadership
- Master of Liberal Arts/Master of Arts in Children's Ministry
Best Online Dual Master’s Degrees
Purdue University-Main Campus
West Lafayette, IN - 4 years
- Online + Campus
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:
- Master of Business Administration/Master of Science
- Master of Business Administration/Master of Science in Engineering
Best Online Dual Master’s Degrees
Arizona State University Online
Scottsdale, AZ - 4 years
- Online + Campus
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:
- Master of Business Administration/Master of Science in Engineering
- Master of Business Administration/Master of Science in Industrial Engineering
Best Online Dual Master’s Degrees
Drexel University
Philadelphia, PA - 4 years
- Online + Campus
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:
- Master of Science in Special Education/Master of Science in Applied Behavior Analysis
Best Online Dual Master’s Degrees
Grand Canyon University
Phoenix, AZ - 4 years
- Online + Campus
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:
- Master of Science in Nursing Leadership/Master of Business Administration
Best Online Dual Master’s Degrees
Liberty University
Lynchburg, VA - 4 years
- Online + Campus
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:
- Master of Science in Nursing/Master of Business Administration
- Master of Science in Nursing/Master of Science in Health Administration
Best Online Dual Master’s Degrees
Northeastern University
Boston, MA - 4 years
- Online + Campus
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:
- Master of Business Administration/Master of Science in Finance
Best Online Dual Master’s Degrees
University of Alabama at Birmingham
Birmingham, AL - 4 years
- Online + Campus
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:
- Master of Business Administration/Master of Public Health
Best Online Dual Master’s Degrees
Johns Hopkins University
Baltimore, MD - 4 years
- Online + Campus
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:
- Master of Business Administration/ Master of Arts in Communication
- Master of Business Administration/Master of Science in Applied Economics
- Master of Business Administration/ Master of Science in Biotechnology
- Master of Business Administration/ Master of Science in Nursing in Health Systems Management
Best Online Dual Master’s Degrees
Robert Morris University
Moon Township, PA - 4 years
- Online + Campus
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:
- Master of Science in Nursing/Master of Business Administration
Best Online Dual Master’s Degrees
Texas Woman's University
Denton, TX - 4 years
- Online + Campus
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:
- Master of Business Administration/Master of Health System Management
Best Online Dual Master’s Degrees
Colorado State University-Global Campus
Aurora, CO - 4 years
- Online
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:
- Master of Science in Management/Master of Science in Organizational Leadership
Best Online Dual Master’s Degrees
Indiana University-Bloomington
Bloomington, IN - 4 years
- Online + Campus
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:
- Master of Business Administration/Master of Science in Business Analytics
- Master of Business Administration/Master of Science in Entrepreneurship and Innovation
- Master of Business Administration/Master of Science in Finance
- Master of Business Administration/Master of Science in Global Supply Chain Management
- Master of Business Administration/Master of Science in IT Management
- Master of Business Administration/Master of Science in Marketing
- Master of Business Administration/Master of Science in Strategic Management
Best Online Dual Master’s Degrees
University of Illinois Springfield
Springfield, IL - 4 years
- Online + Campus
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:
- Master of Public Administration/ Master of Public Health
Best Online Dual Master’s Degrees
The University of Texas at Tyler
Tyler, TX - 4 years
- Online + Campus
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:
- Master of Science in Nursing/ Master of Business Administration
Best Online Dual Master’s Degrees
Trident University International
Cypress, CA - 4 years
- Campus
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:
- Master of Business Administration/Master of Science in Health Administration
Best Online Dual Master’s Degrees
Webster University
Saint Louis, MO - 4 years
- Online + Campus
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:
- Master of Business Administration/Master of Science in Finance
- Master of Business Administration/Master of Science in Science Management and Leadership
Best Online Dual Master’s Degrees
West Virginia University
Morgantown, WV - 4 years
- Online + Campus
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:
- Juris Doctor/Master of Business Administration
Best Online Dual Master’s Degrees
Wilmington University
New Castle, DE - 4 years
- Online + Campus
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:
- Master of Science in Nursing Leadership and Healthcare Administration/Master of Business Administration
- Master of Science in Nursing Leadership and Healthcare Administration/Master of Science in Management
Best Online Dual Master’s Degrees
University of Michigan-Dearborn
Dearborn, MI - 4 years
- Online + Campus
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:
- Master of Business Administration/Master of Science in Engineering in Industrial and Systems Engineering
- Master of Business Administration/Master of Science in Finance
Popular Dual Master's Degrees
What Can I Expect From a Dual Master's Degree Online?
To apply for a dual master's degree, you'll often need to meet the admission 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 subjects and program, you may need to take one or more standardized tests before applying. You 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.
Choosing an Online Dual Master's Degree Program
When researching your dual degree online, you must weigh your goals and needs when choosing your program. You should consider program cost, length, and course load to identify the program that best suits your professional aspirations.
You should also 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.
Popular Dual Master's Degrees
Accreditation for Online Dual Master's Degrees
You should always 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 for entering the workforce or continuing your education.
Career Advantages of a Dual Master's Degree
With a dual master's degree, you can leverage several advantages in the job market and throughout your career. Thanks to graduate-level training in two fields, you can easily transition into new roles and bring diverse skills to your organization.
- A dual master's degree demonstrates expertise in two different fields.
- Having two master's degrees prepares you for roles where the fields overlap.
- Job applicants with two degrees stand out compared to candidates with just one.
- Diverse coursework prepares you to consider different perspectives.
- A dual master's degree demonstrates a commitment to a particular career path.
Popular Dual Master's Degrees
Frequently Asked Questions About Dual Master's Degrees
Are online master's degrees respected?
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.
How long does a dual master's degree take to complete?
You can complete a dual master's degree in as little as two years. Most programs range between 2-3 years. How fast you complete your degree depends on several factors, including full- or part-time status, summer enrollment, and prerequisites.
Are dual degree programs worth it?
A dual degree program can absolutely be worth it, depending on your passions and goals. A dual degree program gives you the opportunity to overlap two areas of interest without having to go to graduate school for two separate degrees.
What is the difference between a double major and a dual degree?
Graduates with a double major earn one degree with two areas of specialty. For instance, you may earn a bachelor of science degree in economics and political science. Graduates of a dual degree program earn two separate degrees concurrently, like a master of social work degree and a master of public health degree.
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