MBA Dual Degree

The MBA dual degree is an MBA program that is combined with another degree program. It can also be called a joint MBA degree.

Usually there is a benefit to combining two different but similar degrees through a joint MBA program.

For example, a dual degree MBA could shorten the time it usually takes to get both degrees individually.

This shortened time is due to the fact that certain classes count toward both degrees.

Fewer overall classes can also contribute to fewer overall expenses...so there is also a cost benefit.

It is important to note that the school usually specifies the MBA joint degree. You usually cannot define a dual degree on your own.

Often, degrees are conferred from different departments or colleges within a university (or even from another university). Therefore, you have to make sure you meet the various admission and degree requirements for both programs.

An MBA degree is versitile and is a good companion to many different degrees. In fact, there are more and more different types of degrees that are combined with the MBA. However, there are still some very common joint MBA combinations.

Here are some common examples of MBA dual degrees...

• Professional degrees outside of business - this most commonly includes a Juris Doctor or law degree and is often called a JD/MBA degree. Another combination that is common is a doctor or physicians MBA and is called an MD/MBA degree. Other professions such as engineering, healthcare, or even education are other options.
• Graduate degrees outside of business - it is also common for academic degrees to be combined with an MBA. Master of Arts (MA) or Master of Science (MS) degrees from many different disciplines can be combined with an MBA program.
• Graduate degrees within business - degrees such as the Mater of Accounting (MAcc) or Master of Information Systems (MIS) in whatever form are very common. Other common business combinations might include graduate degrees in management or finance.

Another common use of the joint degree is an undergraduate business degree combined with an MBA (BS/MBA or BA/MBA). This might be a joint option, but in many cases you first finish your bachelor's degree and then finish the MBA in another year. This is sometimes called a 4 + 1 MBA program. Even if the degrees are conferred at different times, the concept is the same. You shorten the amount of time to finish the MBA because fewer classes are required.

An MBA dual degree is an efficient way to earn an MBA combined with another degree. The only down side is that a joint mba program will always take longer than just the MBA itself, so take that into consideration. If you are planning on earning both degrees anyway or a second degree adds considerable benefit, a dual degree program may be a good way to go.