BY: KAREN KERR
Choosing a major in college or music school is difficult enough, but choosing more than one major – or even more than one degree – presents a whole new set of challenges. Understanding the differences between double majors and dual degree programs is essential for making the right decisions about your future.
Determining the best course of action requires careful consideration. An admissions consultant can provide invaluable assistance in navigating these choices, offering tailored advice on how to align your academic pursuits with your long-term goals. From the admissions process to course selection and career planning, expert guidance from Inside Music Schools ensures you’re on the right path for your future success.
Similarities and Differences: Double Major vs. Dual Degree Program
While double majors and dual degree programs both provide students with options to pursue two areas of study at the same time, they differ in a few fundamental ways.
What Is a Double Major?
A double major involves completing two, sometimes entirely different majors, typically at the same time. For example, many music students choose a complementary field like education, psychology, or journalism, depending on their interests and areas of expertise. However, a student may also select a separate but different area of music as their second major. For a double major, students choose two of these fields and complete the coursework simultaneously,
Some double majors can be completed in the same amount of time as a single major, but for most students, it may mean additional time to complete their degree. Additionally, time spent studying and completing coursework for two majors can be challenging. For undergraduate students, the result is a single bachelor’s degree with two majors listed. Students who pursue a double major gain collegiate-level expertise in two fields, which can broaden their professional horizons when it comes time to pursue careers.
What Is a Dual Degree?
A dual degree program, on the other hand, requires students to earn two separate degrees. In most cases, students who pursue the dual degree path earn two bachelor’s degrees. Less often, students may choose to pursue a master’s degree in a previously-studied field alongside a bachelor’s degree in a new field. For example, students may pursue the music degree of their choice, combining it with a second degree in a field like language, communication, technology, or business, or even another area within music, each of which offers further skills that can be applied to future career choices.
A dual degree program takes longer than a double major to complete – typically an extra year to 18 months. The primary benefit associated with a dual degree is a comprehensive education in two fields, particularly when those two fields are very closely related and can benefit some students’ specific career goals.
Factors to Consider when Choosing to Invest in a Double Major or Dual Degree
Before determining whether you should invest in a double major or dual degree program, consider the following factors:
- Course Load: While each school has its own credit requirements, a double major requires students to complete more classes than a typical single-major program. The coursework is even more rigorous with a dual degree.
- Time to Complete: Some double majors can be completed in the same four-year timeframe as a bachelor’s degree, but a dual degree may take five to six years to complete.
- Degree Outcomes: Double majors receive a single diploma that lists both majors, but dual degrees result in two separate degrees, each of which lists its own major.
- Career Opportunities: Both options can provide students with incredible music career opportunities, but in certain careers that require graduate-level education or specific knowledge in two fields, a dual degree program often shines.
- Cost: The costs associated with either option can be higher than a standard single major or single degree. Most schools – including music programs – bill per credit hour or charge for credits over the full-time limit. However, for students whose career goals require special knowledge in two fields, both dual degrees and double majors may offer some cost savings, if there happens to be overlap between the two programs or areas of study.
Double Major vs. Dual Degree: Tips for a Successful Admissions Process
Students considering pursuing a double major or dual degree program may experience unique challenges during the admissions stage of the process.
Questions to Ask to Determine What’s Right for Your College Experience
Before determining whether a dual degree or double major program is right for your individual college experience, ask the following questions:
Do the schools you’re considering offer dual degree programs?
Some schools don’t offer dual degree programs, and of those that do, the tracks may be predetermined. In specific situations, it’s important for students to be able to choose their own education tracks.
Is there any overlap in the two areas you want to study?
Significant overlap in coursework can reduce costs and courseloads, making it easier to reach dual degree or double major goals.
Which one makes more sense for your career goals?
If you are interested in two music majors, a double major is a more manageable choice. If you want to attend two different schools/colleges under the umbrella of a single university, such as a school of music and a school of engineering, a dual degree program is typically the best option.
Choosing a School for a Double Major vs. Dual Degree
Choosing a school for a double major or dual degree can require some extra research. Some schools have more favorable views of students who wish to pursue dual degrees or double majors than others. Depending on the school, you may need to participate in two separate admissions processes – one for each major or degree. Further, it is important to keep in mind that there are numerous schools that cap the number of credit hours students can earn in a semester, which can extend your education unless you can obtain special permission to exceed credit hour limits.
For example, Northwestern’s Bienen School of Music offers music and an outside field, but students must gain acceptance to both programs and complete both in order to earn a double major. Indiana University Jacobs School of Music offers a Bachelor of Science and Outside Field (BSOF) option that is quite unique among not only music schools but colleges as a whole. It is a single four-year option that allows students to combine their music studies with another concentration, including dance.
Other Admissions Tips
Students who wish to pursue a double major or dual degree should start the planning process early. Writing essays, applying to two different schools, and determining which schools offer career support after graduation is essential. Stay in touch with advisors throughout your entire application process, as well. They are essential for helping you create a schedule that will allow you to meet your goals and help you stay on target.
Inside Music Schools is also an excellent resource for students considering a double major or dual degree. From seeing students through the process from beginning to end, we also offer exceptional career counseling that will allow students to utilize their hard-earned diplomas to their full potential.
The Transition from College to Career for Double Majors vs. Dual Degree Program Students
Double majors and dual degree programs require ample time and focus, and some students find the transition from student to professional a bit daunting. As such, students should access the resources available to them, including counselors, advisors and school career centers, as well as the team at Inside Music Schools. During your education, build a resume highlighting both majors, even though you may end up with two resumes focussing on each field of study. As an example, many medical schools are keen to admit music students because they have received transferable skills that can help them become effective medical professionals.
Admissions Consulting and Career Counseling Experts to Guide Your College Admissions Process
Deciding whether to pursue a dual degree program or a double major is a very personal choice, and while no one can make it for you, Inside Music Schools can help you determine which programs and majors best suit your career goals, talents, and skills. Learn more about our admissions consulting services and how we have helped students like you get into the schools and programs of their dreams.
Karen Kerr
An accomplished professional with over 28 years of experience in higher education, admissions, and recruitment, Karen has always made her goal finding the best-fit school for student musicians. Most recently, she served as the Director of Admission and Recruitment at the University of Miami Frost School of Music, where she was responsible for recruitment, auditions/interviews, and admissions of all undergraduate and graduate applicants. Prior to joining the Frost School, she was part of the admissions staff at the University of Michigan School of Music, Theatre & Dance where she reviewed applications at both the undergraduate and graduate levels.