Students who wish to earn two degrees must note the distinction between majoring in two subjects and pursuing a double or dual degree. Students who wish to major in two different courses of study in the same college on the campus will graduate with a single degree with two majors noted. For example, if a student majors in English and history, he will earn a single bachelor of arts degree with a major in those two subjects. Students who major in English and biology, on the other hand, will earn two separate degrees -- a bachelor of arts and a bachelor of science -- because the degree types are different. Both options may require equal amounts of work, though they likely will have different requirements.
Numerous benefits are associated with pursuing a double major or dual degrees. One significant benefit is that both allow for students to explore areas in which they have keen academic interests. Students may also find that one major complements or adds an area of expertise to the other. A business major, for example, may find that adding a Chinese major helps her future in international business. Also, job-seekers may find double majors or dual degrees to be more marketable if they have taken on additional challenges during college and have an area of expertise in a given field. Students looking to pursue two degrees or double major should tailor their program to one that provides them with broad skills they can apply in different fields.
Many universities require students pursuing a dual degree to satisfy the requirements of both schools. These students carry a greater courseload than their peers. Completing a double major or dual degree generally will take longer than four years. However, students who take courses during summer or winter intersession can speed the process. Furthermore, students can benefit from choosing degrees in subjects whose required courses overlap. For example, a student may be required to take three years of foreign language for a humanities and social science major, and can satisfy requirements for both majors at the same time.
Pursuing two majors or a dual degree likely will cost the student more because of the additional time required to complete the degree. Students may stay in school an additional one or even two years and must pay for this additional time in college. Students who take courses during the summer to meet the requirements for both majors will likewise have to pay for those summer courses. As an alternative, students should ask their schools if prerequisites or general education courses can be completed at a community college, to save money.