Dual degree programs offer a pathway for earning a master's degree as well as a doctorate degree in related or slightly related fields. There are two types of doctorate degrees, including research-focused degrees such as the PhD and professional-focused degrees such as the JD and PharmD. In this article, we will explore several types of dual master and doctorate degree programs, including coursework, degree requirements, and admittance information.
Types of Dual Master & Doctorate Degree Programs
MA/PhD in English
One type of dual program will allow you to earn both a Master of Arts in English and a PhD in English. Programs of this type will usually require around 85 credits of coursework and dissertation hours; however, the exact number of credits will depend on your specific program. Your coursework will be built around your chosen specialty, which could be in the area of rhetoric, British literature, Victorian literature, postmodernism, or gender studies, among others. In some programs, you could earn your MA in the first two years of study and then will move on to the PhD. The MA might include a final essay and portfolio while the PhD will require a dissertation, oral exams, and competency in a language other than English.
MBA/PhD in Biomedical Science
For those interested in a career in biotechnology or in the health care industries, a dual Master of Business Administration and PhD in Biomedical Science could be a good choice. For this dual degree program, you will most likely first complete the coursework requirements for the PhD in a field of study like neuroscience, cell biology, or human genetics. You may also be required to complete lab rotations, research, and a thesis. Your MBA classes could touch on such subjects as financial reporting, marketing, and management, and you might need around 45 total MBA credits to earn that part of the dual degree.
MBA/PharmD
Another option for those wanting to earn an MBA along with a doctorate is the dual MBA and a Doctor of Pharmacy degree. This type of degree program is for those wanting to pursue a career as a pharmacist and increase their management and administration knowledge. Programs of this type will usually allow you to earn both degrees in a shorter time than earning these separately, and some will count PharmD electives towards your MBA and MBA electives towards your PharmD. Also, along with coursework for both degrees, your Pharm D most likely will require clinical experience.
MSW/JD
For those interested in the justice system and social work, you may consider a dual Master of Social Work and Juris Doctor program. In this dual program, you might spend your first year taking law school classes on torts, procedure, contracts, and the basics of lawyering. In total, you could need to earn anywhere from 71-89 credits for your JD. You may then begin to take MSW coursework in the realm of social work practice with individuals, families, and communities, and you could need to earn anywhere form 52-57 MSW credits, depending on your specific program. Your MSW will also usually require practicums and field work.
Admittance Information for Dual Master & Doctorate Degree Programs
Due to the highly specialized nature of dual master and doctorate programs, there are several unique requirements needed to apply to a program of this type. For example, if you are applying to an MA/PhD in English program you will need to submit a critical writing sample, while an MBA/PhD in Biomedical Science program will require GRE scores. Admissions to an MBA/PharmD program may require prerequisite coursework in calculus, microbiology, chemistry, and other subjects as well as the Pharmacy College Admissions Test (PCAT). For the MSW/JD program, the Law School Admissions Test (LSAT) will be required.
Dual master and doctorate programs will allow you to earn two advanced, complementary degrees in fields like English, business, science, law, and social work. To apply to a dual program, you must meet specific entrance requirements that are unique to the fields you want to study.
