duel masters vs phd

Joint and Dual Degree Programs

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With more than 100 graduate degree programs, the University of Chicago is uniquely able to offer students the advantages of combining opportunities through interdisciplinary work or by pursuing multiple degree programs. The details vary from program to program, and in most cases require applications to both programs. Please review the information provided by both departments to determine the application and course requirements for each pair of degrees.

Definitions:

• Dual degree—completing requirements for two separate degrees, including, for Ph.D., producing two dissertations. Degrees may be within the same academic unit or across academic units.
• Joint degree—completing requirements for two degree programs with possibly overlapping or coordinated degree requirements. Degrees may be within the same academic unit or across academic units.

Joint/Dual Programs

Biological Sciences Division

• ISTP (MD/PhD ) – Interdisciplinary Scientist Training Program
• MD/MPH – Master of Public Health degree

Chicago Booth School of Business

• MBA/MPP –  Harris School of Public Policy
• MBA/JD –  Law School
• MBA/MD –  Pritzker School of Medicine
• MBA/MPCS –  Master’s Program in Computer Science
• MBA/AM – Crown Family  School of Social Work, Policy, and Practice
• MBA/AM (International Relations) – Social Sciences Division
• MBA/AM in Area Studies ( Eastern Europe/Russia ,  Middle East ,  South Asia ) –  Social Sciences Division
• PhD joint programs in  Business and Psychology  or  Financial Economics  –  Social Sciences Division
• PhD/JD –  Law School

Crown Family School of Social Work, Policy, and Practice

• AM/MBA –  Booth School of Business
• AM/MPP –  Harris School of Public Policy
• AM/MDiv –  Divinity School – Chicago Theological Seminary ,  Lutheran School of Theology at Chicago ,  McCormick Theological Seminary ,  Meadville/Lombard Theological Seminary , and the  Catholic Theological Union

The Divinity School

• MDiv/AM – Crown Family  School of Social Work, Policy, and Practice
• MDiv/JD –  Law School
• MDiv/MPP –  Harris School of Public Policy

Harris School of Public Policy

• MPP/JD –  Law School
• MPP/AM – Crown Family  School of Social Work, Policy, and Practice
• MPP/MDiv –  Divinity School
• MPP/MBA –  Booth School of Business
• MPP/AM (Middle Eastern Studies) –  Social Sciences Division
• MA/MA (International Relations) –  Social Sciences Division

Humanities Division

• Doctoral Joint Degree Program

The Law School

• Law School Dual Degree Overview
• JD/MBA –  Booth School of Business
• JD/PhD  – Booth School of Business and Social Sciences Division
• JD/MPP –  Harris School of Public Policy
• JD/MDiv –  Divinity School
• JD/MA (International Relations) –  Social Sciences Division

Pritzker School of Medicine

• MD/MBA – Booth School of Business
• MD/MA in Public Policy – Harris School of Public Policy
• MeSH (MD/PhD) – Medicine, the Social Sciences and Humanities
• MSTP (MD/PhD) – Medical Scientist Training Program
• GDDTP(MD/ PhD ) – Growth, Development and Disabilities Training Program
• MD/MS – Biomedical Informatics

Social Sciences Division

• JD/MA (International Relations) – The Law School
• MPP/MA (Middle Eastern Studies) –  Harris School of Public Policy
• MBA/MA – International Relations with Booth and CIR
• MBA/AM in Area Studies ( Eastern Europe/Russia ,  Middle East ,  South Asia ) – Booth School of Business
• MA/MA (International Relations) –  Harris School of Public Policy
• PhD in Anthropology and Linguistics – Humanities Division
• PhD in Cognition and Linguistics – Humanities Division
• PhD in Financial Economics – Booth School of Business
• PhD in Psychology and Business – Booth School of Business
• JD/PhD – Law School
• PhD in Social Thought and Classics – Humanities Division
• PhD in Social Thought & Philosophy  – Humanities Division

Dual Degree Programs

Dual degree programs are structured so that a student can pursue graduate work in two fields and fulfill the requirements of two degrees. In programs leading to two master’s degrees, the degrees are awarded simultaneously.

To enter a dual degree program, the student must:

• First be accepted by both of the individual programs before admission can be granted to the dual degree program.
• Observe the application deadlines of both programs.
• Pay only one application fee. Applicants to dual degree programs—or to more than one graduate program—will pay only the higher of the application fees.

Contact the admission coordinator, graduate adviser or graduate coordinator in each individual program before submitting the application for admission.

Dual Degree Programs at UT Austin

These dual degree programs are offered at UT Austin. Select the programs you are interested in to learn more.

Dual Degree Programs with Other Institutions

The university offers a small number of dual degree programs in which students simultaneously pursue a UT Austin degree and a degree from another institution.

Should I Pursue A Master’s or A Ph.D.?

The first step in deciding on the right graduate program for you is to figure out which degree will best serve you—a master’s or a doctor of philosophy (Ph.D.). Here are a few factors to consider.

What are your career goals?

• Professional master’s: A good choice if you want to develop a particular skill set in order to practice a particular profession. This type of degree provides coursework focused on learning and practicing skills.
• Research master’s: A good fit if you want to gain expertise in a discipline and know how to teach it. A research master’s typically includes a research project or thesis and comprehensive exams in addition to coursework and provides experience in research and scholarship.
• Ph.D. (doctor of philosophy): Consider this option if your goal is to ground yourself in a body of research and develop the ability to add to that body of knowledge. Ph.D. study includes a major research project in addition to coursework, and a Ph.D. is the highest scholastic degree awarded by American universities. Contrary to common perception, career paths for Ph.D. graduates are quite varied, not just limited to academia. Ph.D. training helps you hones skills such as writing, research, teaching, data analysis, communicating complex topics—all of which can translate into many sectors, including industry, government, nonprofit, and entrepreneurship.

See career data for Duke graduate programs' alumni

How much time do you have to pursue a graduate degree?

Master’s degrees typically take two years to complete, while Ph.D. programs generally take five to seven years ( see Duke programs' time-to-degree ). That is a significant difference in commitment and opportunity costs. It might also play a key role in deciding which factors take higher priority as you evaluate a program. How does the length of the program fit with your career and family plans? How important is the surrounding community if you are going to be there for seven years instead of two? How long are you able or willing to go on a limited income while in graduate school?

How much can you afford to pay for a graduate degree?

Consider your personal financial situation (e.g., how much savings and student loans do you have), as well as how much financial aid you can get. Master’s and Ph.D. programs differ greatly in the amount of financial aid available. Ph.D. programs tend to offer significantly more financial support than master’s programs (but often will have research or teaching requirements). 

A typical Ph.D. financial aid package usually includes coverage of tuition and fees, a living stipend, and some level of support for health insurance for a set number of years. For instance, Duke’s standard Ph.D. package covers tuition, mandatory fees, and a stipend for five years, as well as health insurance premiums for six years. 

Within an institution, the level of financial support often differs across programs, so be sure to ask your specific program about the financial aid it offers. There are also many national organizations that provide competitive fellowships and scholarships for graduate students.

Know which degree you want to pursue? Here are some key things to look for in a program .

Dual and Joint MS Overview

Main navigation.

The dual and joint degree programs enable graduate students to obtain multiple graduate degrees concurrently or consecutively. Students apply to and complete the course requirements for each department separately. 

Dual Degrees

Joint MS&E and Law Degrees

Joint MS&E and Master of Public Policy Degree

In the dual degree program, students obtain two graduate (usually MS) degrees concurrently or consecutively, completing all of the course requirements for each department. A total of 90 units is required to complete two master degrees.

Students doing a PhD degree, may also complete one MS degree (in the same or in a different department) and one PhD minor, without needing to take any additional units.

Admission Students must apply and be admitted to each program separately. Students may apply to only one department initially. After the first quarter at Stanford, students may apply to be admitted to the second department.

Advising Every student has one adviser in each degree program.

Joint MS&E and law degrees

The School of Law and the Department of Management Science and Engineering offer joint degree programs leading to a JD degree and an MS degree in MS&E, or to a JD and PhD in MS&E. These programs are designed for students who wish to prepare for careers in areas relating to both law and to the decision making, policy making and problem-solving knowledge and skills developed in the MS&E program. Students interested in either joint degree program must apply and gain admission separately to the School of Law and the Department of Management Science and Engineering, and, as an additional step, must secure consent from both academic units to pursue degrees in those units as part of a joint degree program. Interest in either joint degree program should be noted on the student’s admission applications and may be considered by the admission committee of each program. Alternatively, an enrolled student in either the Law School or MS&E may apply for admission to the other program and for joint degree status in both academic units after commencing study in either program.

Joint degree students may elect to begin their course of study in either the School of Law or MS&E. Students are assigned to a joint program committee composed of at least one faculty member from Law and one from MS&E. This committee plans the student’s program jointly with the student. Students must be enrolled full-time in the Law School for the first year of law studies, and it is recommended that students devote exclusively one autumn quarter to the MS&E MS program to initiate their MS&E work. After that time, enrollment may be in MS&E or Law, and students may choose courses from either program regardless of where enrolled. A candidate in the joint JD/PhD program should spend a substantial amount of full-time residency in MS&E. Students must satisfy the requirements for both the JD and the MS or PhD degrees as specified in the Stanford Bulletin or by the School of Law. The School of Law may approve courses from MS&E or courses in the student’s MS&E program from outside of the Department of Management Science and Engineering that may count toward the JD degree, and MS&E may approve courses from the School of Law that may count toward the MS or PhD degree in MS&E. In either case, approval may consist of a list applicable to all joint degree students or may be tailored to each individual student’s program. The lists may differ depending on whether the student is pursuing an MS or a PhD in MS&E.

In the case of a JD/MS program, no more than 45 units of approved courses may be counted toward both degrees. In the case of a JD/PhD program, no more than 54 units of approved courses may be counted toward both degrees. In either case, no more than 31 units of courses that originate outside the School of Law may count toward the law degree. To the extent that courses under this joint degree program originate outside the School of Law but count toward the law degree, the law credits permitted under Section 17(1) of the Law School Regulations are reduced on a unit-per-unit basis, but not below zero. The maximum number of Law School credits that may be counted toward the MS in MS&E is the greater of: (a) 18 units in the case of the MS, or (b) the maximum number of hours from courses outside the department that an MS candidate in MS&E is permitted to count toward the applicable degree under general departmental guidelines or under departmental rules that apply in the case of a particular student.

Tuition and financial aid arrangements are normally through the school in which the student is then enrolled.

Joint MS&E and Master of Public Policy degree

MS&E MS students who wish to apply their analytical and management skills to the field of public policy can simultaneously pursue a master's degree in MS&E and a master's degree in Public Policy. The MPP is a two-year degree program, but MS MS&E students who pursue the joint program can earn both degrees in a minimum of two years, depending on prior preparation and elective choices, by counting up to 45 quarter units of course work toward both degrees. After admission to the Department of Management Science and Engineering, incoming or current MS students request that their application file be forwarded to the MPP program director for review.

Students in the joint program normally will spend most of their first year taking MS&E core and concentration courses. The second year is typically devoted to the MPP core, concentration, and practicum. The joint degree requires 90 quarter units.

Tuition for the first year of study is paid at the Graduate Engineering rate, the remaining time at the Graduate rate.

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Demystifying Graduate Degrees: Comparing Master’s vs. Doctorate

You want a graduate degree — to continue exploring your passions, make discoveries or advance your career — but how do you turn that decision into a plan?

It starts with understanding the difference between a master’s and a PhD in your field. They differ in length, intensity, curriculum and career paths, so you’ll also need a clear idea of why you want to pursue a graduate degree to determine which one you should get.

What Is a Master’s Degree?

If you’ve completed your undergraduate degree, it might be time to ask, “What’s next?”

That’s where Master’s degrees can come in.

Whether you want to specialize in a particular area or get advanced skills in your profession, a master’s degree can help you get there in 1-2 years.

The most common types of master's degrees include:

• Master of Arts (MA),
• Master of Science (MS),
• Master of Business Administration (MBA),
• Master of Education (MEd),
• and Master of Fine Arts (MFA). 

What do you learn in a master’s program?

The short answer? A lot.

Master’s degree programs are designed to build on the foundational knowledge gained during your undergraduate studies, and the curriculum focuses on advanced knowledge and skills in a particular field.

Here’s what you can expect to encounter in a master’s program:

Advanced coursework:  Master's programs provide advanced courses that build upon the foundational knowledge gained during your undergraduate studies. These courses delve deeper into specific topics within your field and often explore the latest research and developments. 

Specialization:  One of the primary goals of a master's program is to allow you to specialize in a particular area. Whether pursuing a Master of Arts, Master of Science, or a professional degree like an MBA, you can focus your studies on a specific subfield or concentration within your discipline. 

Research and analysis:   Many master's programs require you to engage in research projects and analytical work. This could involve conducting independent research under the guidance of a faculty advisor or participating in group research projects with fellow students. Through these research experiences, you’ll develop critical thinking and analytical skills, learn how to gather and evaluate relevant data and draw meaningful conclusions.

Practical applications and internships:  Some master's programs incorporate practical training opportunities like internships, practicums, or field experiences; hands-on experiences allow you to apply the knowledge and skills gained in the classroom to real-world settings.

Collaboration and networking:  A Master's program is a rich collaboration and networking environment. Collaborative projects, group discussions, and professional events allow you to exchange ideas and build connections within your field, often leading to long-lasting professional relationships and potential career opportunities.

Thesis project:   Outside of building skills like project management, problem-solving, project management, and effective communication, thesis projects in master's degree programs serve as a cornerstone for building advanced skills, expanding professional networks, and contributing to the body of knowledge in your respective field. 

Why get a master’s degree?

Career advancement: One primary advantage of getting a master’s degree is an edge in the job market. Employers value the specialized knowledge and advanced skills that come with a master’s degree, opening up new and exciting career opportunities.  The cherry on top? Individuals with a master’s degree often earn more than those without an advanced degree — you can take that to the bank, especially if you set yourself up for financial success during your studies. Flexibility: Another aspect to consider is the flexibility that a master’s degree offers. Many programs offer part-time or online options, allowing you to balance your studies with work or other commitments.  This flexibility can be particularly helpful if you’re already established in your career but want to gain additional qualifications.  Growth opportunities: Depending on your field, a master’s degree can be a stepping stone toward a PhD or other doctoral programs. It gives you a solid foundation in research methods and academic rigor — a boon if you want to pursue a career in academia or conduct advanced research.

What is a Doctoral Degree or PhD?

A doctoral degree is a terminal degree — it represents the pinnacle of academic achievement and is the most advanced degree you can attain. Doctoral students want to become authorities in their chosen fields and develop the skills to conduct independent and original research. 

Doctoral programs usually span 3-6 years of full-time study, during which students complete advanced coursework, pass comprehensive examinations, engage in extensive research and ultimately produce a dissertation that contributes new knowledge to the field. 

There are several types of doctoral degrees based on different academic and professional aspirations, including:

• Doctor of Philosophy (PhD),
• Doctor of Education (EdD),
• And Doctor of Psychology (PsyD), among others. 

What do you learn in a doctoral program?

When you successfully defend your dissertation and complete your degree, you also become an expert in your field — but it doesn’t happen overnight. Here's what you can expect to encounter in a doctoral program:

Advanced research: If you’re looking for a hard emphasis on research, a doctoral program is the place to be. Over several years, PhD students engage in extensive research activities — including conducting independent research, producing scholarly publications, and contributing to the knowledge base of their field through original research contributions.

Theoretical and conceptual frameworks:  PhDs are an incredible opportunity to deepen your understanding of theoretical and conceptual frameworks in your field of study. You'll critically analyze existing theories, evaluate their applicability, and develop your theoretical frameworks to advance knowledge and understanding in your chosen area of research.

Advanced methodological training:  Because a dissertation is an original research project, you’ll gain advanced training in research methodologies and data analysis techniques, like designing robust research studies, collecting and analyzing data, and drawing valid and reliable conclusions from your research findings.

Critical thinking and intellectual independence: Both academia and industry employers highly value independent thinkers and workers. Doctoral programs foster critical thinking and intellectual independence by challenging you to evaluate existing research, identify gaps in knowledge, and propose innovative research ideas. Teaching and Mentoring Experience: Being a teacher or mentor is a great opportunity to share your hard-earned knowledge, and universities agree. Doctoral programs often provide opportunities to teach and mentor undergraduate students, develop effective pedagogical skills, and contribute to the academic community.

Dissertation project:  Your dissertation is the culmination of years of hard work within your field. By enrolling in a doctoral program, you’re also given the chance to participate in a significant and original research endeavor that demonstrates the expertise you’ve worked so hard to cultivate.

Why Get a Doctorate?

Having a doctorate doesn’t just open doors; it can kick them down. A doctorate might be right for you if you’re looking for a door to these things:

Expertise and specialization:  Doctoral degrees can be a labor of love. They help you delve deeper into a specific subject area, gaining expertise and specialization.

Research opportunities:  Extensive research training, opportunities for conducting original research, and contributing new knowledge to the academic community — these three things make a doctorate coveted by students, universities, and employers.

Salary potential and career advancement: In some fields, having a doctorate can lead to higher earning potential and increased salary opportunities. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics , doctoral degree holders made an average of $1,885 per week in 2020, while master’s degree holders made an average of $1,545 per week.

Contribution to society:  Doctoral research often addresses pressing societal issues, contributing to advancements in technology, healthcare, education, and other areas for the benefit of society — for many students, contributing to the greater good is just as rewarding as career advancement or personal development.

What’s the difference between a dissertation and a thesis?

You might have heard “thesis” and “dissertation” used interchangeably, but they’re not quite the same. Here are the general distinctions to consider:

• A thesis is usually associated with a master's degree program. Students undertake a research project in the final stage of their degree.
• It typically involves conducting original research or analyzing existing research to answer a specific research question.
• The length of a thesis varies based on the field and program requirements, but it’s usually shorter than a dissertation.

Dissertation:

• A dissertation is typically associated with a doctoral degree program. It is an extensive, in-depth research project that marks the culmination of a doctoral program.
• in-depth exploration of a research topic
• comprehensive literature review
• methodology section
• data collection and analysis
• substantive discussion of findings and conclusions.
• Dissertations are usually longer than theses and may take several years to complete.
• Once you’ve completed your dissertation, you participate in a formal defense of the research, where you’ll present your findings to a committee of experts in the field.

Key Differences: Master's vs. PhD

Deciding between master's vs. phd programs.

“Should I get a master’s degree or a PhD?”

Answering that question can be exciting — and a bit intimidating. You must consider long-term career objectives, personal interests, and the time you can commit. Plus, the level of specialization you wish to achieve based on your career path is also a factor. Typically, a PhD is a prerequisite for those aspiring to research careers in academia, while professional roles in various industries may require only a master's degree. 

It’s still worth noting that students have the option of completing a master's degree first and then, based on their experiences and career aspirations, deciding whether to pursue a PhD.

Find the right graduate degree at SMU 

A graduate degree is a big investment, so investing in the right program is important.

SMU offers a diverse array of master's and PhD programs tailored to align with your unique interests and career goals, and personalized support, from the applicant to the graduate, is always available. 

Whether you're interested in pursuing a PhD in Chemistry or are almost finished with your MBA, we can help you find the right advanced degree.

This could just be the beginning of your journey. Get a closer look at applying to graduate programs of your choice with our guide, How to Get a PhD: A Guide to Choosing and Applying to PhD Programs .

Learn More About

Doctoral degrees at SMU, and how you can choose the right program and thrive in it, in our Guide to Getting a PhD.

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Discover valuable resources to assist you in your program search and decision-making process.

Master’s vs. Ph.D.: What’s the Difference and Which One to Choose?

If graduate school is on your radar, one of the first things to consider is what type of degree you should pursue . While a bachelor’s degree is required for any postgraduate study, many people think you need a master’s to pursue a Ph.D., but that isn’t always the case. While there are benefits to receiving your master’s degree before your Ph.D., it’s not always necessary or required. However, there are important differences to note when deciding which type of program to apply to.

Master’s degree

A master’s degree usually takes about two years to complete full time. There are programs that allow a student to attend on a part-time basis, but that of course extends the completion time. Many master’s programs require a thesis to be completed, but not all. A thesis is a research project that is completed during the final year of a master’s program under the guidance of your program chair or advisor.

Under the master’s umbrella, there are quite a few specific degrees you can obtain. Your professional path will determine which of these you pursue.

• Master of Arts (MA) is given for disciplines in the arts and social sciences.
• Master of Science (MS) is given for sciences, health, engineering and statistics.
• Master of Research (MRes) is focused on training students to become researchers. This is advantageous to a student if they’re pursuing a research-based career or planning to apply for a Ph.D. program.
• Master by Research (MPhil) is similar to a MRes but is more advanced and focuses on research topics to be explored in depth. It’s often considered a precursor to a Ph.D. program.

Specialized master’s degrees

There are numerous specialized master’s degrees that are categorized by profession. These are often (not always) preceded by some professional experience prior to undertaking these types of advanced degrees.

• Master of Business Administration (MBA)
• Master of Library Science (MLS, MLIS, MSLS)
• Master of Public Administration (MPA)
• Master of Public Health (MPH)
• Master of Social Work (MSW)
• Master of Laws (LLM)
• Master of Education (MEd, MSEd, MIT, MAEd, MAT)
• Master of Engineering (MEng)
• Master of Architecture (MArch)
• Master of Fine Arts (MFA)
• Master of Divinity (MDiv)

Ph.D. (Doctor of Philosophy)

There are many Ph.D. programs and, in general, it’s considered the most advanced type of research degree you can obtain. Ph.D. candidates are required to complete a dissertation to obtain their degree. Unlike a thesis, a dissertation is longer and consists of original research conducted throughout the entire doctoral study. In some cases, students may be awarded a stipend, or pay, to complete the doctoral program and dissertation.

Ph.D.’s take a considerably longer time to complete than a master’s, five to eight years on average, and they carry a rather high rate of noncompletion due to time and financial commitments. Many Ph.D. programs have stipends available, so it’s important to inquire about that when researching a particular program.

Specialized doctorate programs

As with master’s degrees, there are several specialized doctorate programs specific to different disciplines and areas of study:

• Doctor of Business Administration (DBA)
• Doctor of Engineering (EngD/PhD)
• Doctor of Education (EdD/D.Ed)
• Doctor of Social Science (DsocSci)
• Doctor of Professional Studies (DProf)
• Doctor of Architecture (DArch)
• Doctor of Theology (Th.D)
• Doctor of Divinity (DD/DDiv)
• Doctor of Science STEM (Dsc/ScD)
• Doctor of Science Arts & Humanities (DLitt/LitD)

When deciding which one to get, consider your immediate or long-term career goals — which degree would serve you best? In some cases, you can obtain a Ph.D. with just a bachelor’s degree, but often it’s recommended you get a master’s first for the research experience that will be required for a Ph.D.

As with anything, there are exceptions. Students in law school obtain a J.D. (Juris Doctor) but can then further obtain a master’s in a sub-specialty like tax or immigration law. The health care occupations of physical therapist and pharmacist are also doctorate programs obtained post undergrad.

Making your choice

As with any decision, weigh your options, list pros and cons, and go from there. Once you’ve narrowed your options , you’ll have a precise list of programs and institutions generated for your specific goals.

• Joint/Dual Doctoral Programs
• Programs of Study
• Doctoral Programs
• Masters Programs
• Joint/Dual Masters Programs
• MA and PhD Certificates
• Joint BA/MA Degrees
• Undergraduate Programs

The University of Chicago is renowned for its interdisciplinary culture, and doctoral students can pursue a variety of joint or dual degree programs. Opportunities to create a specific combination can be discussed with one’s Director of Graduate Study.

Existing programs include:

PhD in Political Economy

Offered jointly between the Department of Political Science and the Harris School of Public Policy , the PhD program in Political Economy provides accelerated training in formal theory and statistical methods alongside deep engagement with political science. 

Joint PhD in Anthropology and Linguistics

In addition to linguistic anthropology as a sub-field within the Department of Anthropology , a joint Ph.D. program is available to students who are admitted to both the Department of Anthropology and the  Department of Linguistics . Administratively, the student is admitted to, and remains registered in, the primary, or “home” department, and subsequently seeks admission to the second department in joint residence status. Students approved to pursue the joint degree program must complete the requirements of both departments, including the distinct introductory and advanced courses stipulated by each, the departmental qualifying examination in appropriate special fields, and the language requirements, including additional foreign languages for the Linguistics Ph.D. Students should declare interest in the Joint Degree Program on the initial graduate application to the Department, and should discuss this interest personally with linguistic anthropology faculty soon after arrival on campus.

Joint PhD in Psychology and Linguistics

Students in the Department of Linguistics in the Division of the Humanities who wish to work toward a joint PhD in Psychology's Cognition Program and in Linguistics must be admitted to the Department of Psychology .

Joint PhD in Financial Economics

Established in 2006, the Joint PhD Program in Financial Economics is offered jointly by the Kenneth C. Griffin Department of Economics and the Finance dissertation area at  Chicago Booth . The aim of this program is to leverage the strengths of both sponsors in training PhD students interested in financial economics. Students must satisfy program requirements for the PhD in both departments.

Joint PhD in Psychology and Business

Established in 2009, the Joint Program in Psychology and Business is overseen jointly by the  Department of Psychology  and the  Behavioral Science dissertation area  at Chicago Booth. The aim of this program is to connect the large number of social, cognitive, and organizational psychologists at Chicago Booth and within the Department of Psychology. To qualify for the joint program, a student must be admitted into either the Psychology or the Business graduate program.

JD/PhD Programs

Doctoral students in Social Sciences who are also admitted to the University of Chicago Law School may pursue a concurrent PhD/JD program , where there is an explicit and authorized close association between legal education and doctoral training. Students in the concurrent degree program alternate registration sites between the two units. Students complete all requirements for both degrees. Applicants must apply to both programs separately. The University of Chicago Law School has established a fellowship program to support students pursuing a concurrent JD/PhD at the University of Chicago, which may grant fellowship aid during the Law School years.

MD/PhD in Medicine, the Social Sciences, and Humanities

The program in  Medicine, the Social Sciences and Humanities (MeSH)  at the University of Chicago trains medical students to become innovative physician-scholars at the critical interface of medicine and society. The MeSH program is an opportunity for students interested in obtaining an MD and a PhD in a field outside of the traditional biological and physical sciences. Students interested in MeSH may pursue a doctoral degree among any of the graduate programs relevant to the social sciences and humanities at the University of Chicago.

Joint PhD in Social Thought & Classics

The  Joint Ph.D. Program in Social Thought and Classics  is intended for students whose study of a particular issue or text from the ancient Greek and Roman world requires a broadly inter-disciplinary approach alongside a professional mastery of philological skills. Those interested in pursuing this joint degree program must first be admitted in EITHER the  Committee on Social Thought  OR the  Department of Classics  and complete at minimum the two quarter language survey (Greek or Latin), offered by the Department of Classics, with an average grade of B or higher. Application shall then be made to the second department and, provided that the standards of admission to that department are met, students will be admitted to joint degree status. 

Joint PhD Social Thought & Philosophy

The  Joint Ph.D. Program in Social Thought and Philosophy  is designed to provide students with equal in-depth training, simultaneously provided by the Committee on Social Thought and the Department of Philosophy . Those interested in pursuing this joint degree program must first be admitted in EITHER the Committee on Social Thought OR the Department of Philosophy. After commencing the program of study, application shall then be made to the second department and, provided that the standards of admission to that department are met, students will be admitted to joint degree status. 

Other Joint and Ad Hoc Degree Possibilities

Students admitted to any doctoral program in Social Sciences may subsequently petition the University to create a joint program with another department. Such individually-created joint degree programs begin in the second year of graduate studies or later. In all cases, students complete the separate program requirements for each degree, with no additional residence requirement, and write one Ph.D. dissertation that separately meets the dissertation requirements of each department.

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Land your dream job, the difference between a masters and a doctorate.

There are a lot of degree types out there. Many fall into one of two camps: doctorates and master’s degrees. Both graduate degrees offer a narrower educational focus than the undergraduate experience. The higher the degree, the longer it takes to earn and the more specialized is its focus. We’re taking a closer look at the master’s and doctorate degrees to highlight differences and help you determine which might be most useful to you.

Master’s Degrees

Master’s degrees are more versatile than doctoral degrees, and have a wide range of professional and academic applications. The most common master’s degrees are Master’s of Arts (M.A.) and Master’s of Science (M.S.) . Additionally, there are three types of master’s programs:

• Research Master’s degrees are typically for academic and applied research disciplines. Examples include a Master’s of Arts in Comparative Literature, and Master’s of Science in Biology. In some fields, earning a research master’s degree without going on to earn a Ph.D. restricts your professional options. Figure out what's best for you and your career trajectory by talking with professors or professionals in your field.
• Professional Master’s degrees prepare candidates for professional work by introducing practical skills and frameworks for understanding issues in their field. These degrees may also qualify a person to practice in their field. Examples include a Master’s of Social Work, Master’s of Architecture, or Master’s of Art in Teaching. Most of the degrees featured at Idealist Grad Fairs are professional master’s degrees supporting careers in the social good sector.
• Terminal Master’s degrees are the highest academic degree in their field. While some master’s degrees may serve as the first step towards a doctorate, others—such as a Master’s of Fine Arts in Creative Writing or a Master’s in Library Science—are as high as you can go for academic accreditation in those fields of study.

Before pursuing a master’s degree, candidates must have already earned a bachelor's degree. Master’s programs take one to three years to complete and consist of advanced-level courses and seminars. In some programs, students go on to research, write, and defend a master’s thesis. In professional master’s programs, the thesis is often replaced by final projects and exams.

Doctoral Degrees

The most common doctorate is the Doctor of Philosophy or PhD. These research doctorates prepare students to contribute to the collective knowledge base of the field and offers a unique opportunity for an individual to conduct intensive and prolonged research on a very particular topic, which often leads to publication. With a PhD, many seek careers as professors and researchers, but may also pursue roles in the nonprofit, public, and private sectors. Additionally, there are professional doctorates like the MD (Medical Doctor), and the JD (Juris Doctor). Before pursuing a doctorate, candidates must have already earned a bachelor's degree and in some cases a master’s depending on the program. Due to the nature of specialization, PhD programs tend to be smaller than master’s programs.

PhD candidates begin by taking courses and exams. They go on to take advanced seminars and complete their requirements by researching, writing, and defending a dissertation. A dissertation is one of the central components of earning the PhD and is a doctoral-level thesis about the candidate’s original research. A doctorate degree may take up to eight years to earn depending on the program, whether the candidate has already completed a master’s degree (or is coming straight from undergraduate), and the amount of time it takes to complete the dissertation.

Dual Degree Programs or Joint Master’s and PhD Programs

If you decide both degree programs sound right for you, there are some programs that offer the option to pursue both degrees at the same time. A dual degree program allows you to double count your earned credits towards the completion of both degrees. You can find more information here .

How to decide which degree is right for you?

Figuring out whether to pursue a master's or PhD will depend on your career field and educational goals. You can learn more about requirements in your field by doing some research or your own as well as networking with colleagues. Reaching out to a mentor in the field or alumni from your preferred program can also help you navigate graduate school decisions. Additionally, speaking with admissions staff at graduate schools can help provide insight into the kinds of graduate programming available. 

It can be tricky to offer general guidance on graduate programs since so much is dependent on the field of study. That said, we wanted to offer examples of how master’s and doctorate degrees can set you up for success. We've selected social work and business as fields to illustrate this:

Social Work

If you want to go to graduate school to study social work, you can study at the master’s level or the PhD level. To determine what is best for you, consider what role you’d like to play in the field of social work. If you’d like to be a social welfare direct service provider or government agency administrator, a master’s program may be most appropriate. If you’d like to become a faculty member at a post-secondary institution, a social welfare research scholar, or a social welfare policy analyst, a Ph.D. program will be a better fit. Outside of academic settings—where a doctorate is required for most faculty positions—a master’s combined with practical work experience may provide ample preparation for a career as a researcher, policy analyst, or mid-level manager.

For business administration, you have the option of a Master’s of Business Administration (MBA), or a Doctorate of Business Administration (DBA). If your long term goal is to take on a leadership role in a nonprofit or business enterprise, the MBA (or nonprofit management degree) may be best. If instead, you’re interested in a career in academia teaching and researching on business practices, the DBA will be the better option.

Knowing your professional goals will help guide your choices for graduate study. Certain career paths, such as becoming a public defender or a medical doctor, are more clearly marked with the necessary steps, including the required educational level and graduate degree. Other career paths are less regimented and therefore require more investigation and consideration of what is right for you. Thoroughly researching your field of interest and having a strong understanding of the skills and knowledge you want and need from your graduate education will inform which degree options make the most sense for your goals.

Planning on returning to school? Check out our Grad School Resources . And if you’re interested in speaking with an admissions representative, find out which cities near you are hosting an Idealist Grad School Fair this fall.

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Master’s Vs. Ph.D.: What’s The Difference?

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Most people have a pretty solid understanding of what a bachelor’s degree is, but master’s degrees and Ph.D.s can often be fuzzier for many.

In this article, we’ll go over each of these degrees and what each one entails.

Key Takeaways:

What Is a Master’s Degree?

A master’s degree – also called a graduate degree – is an advanced degree that people with an undergraduate degree can go on to obtain.

A master’s degree takes about one to three years to obtain. This can change based on the program you pursue and how many classes you take per semester, but the typical master’s degree program lasts about two years.

Again, the actual amount of time a master’s degree requires depends on the program you’re in, how much time you have to dedicate to your classes and research, and how smoothly your research goes, but most master’s degree programs are designed to take two years to complete.

A master’s degree requires a bachelor’s degree. This is the main prerequisite for starting a master’s degree. While some master’s programs require students to have bachelor’s degrees related to the graduate program, others don’t, allowing anyone with any area of expertise to enter as long as they meet the other qualifications .

One of these qualifications is often a passing score on a standardized graduate school entrance exam such as the GRE, GMAT, LSAT, or TOEFL.

A master’s degree mostly involves coursework with one to two semesters dedicated to research for a thesis and/or capstone project. This thesis or project (or combination of both) is a requirement for graduation and must be approved by and presented to the program faculty (called a defense).

While the student is working on this research, they’re usually taking classes as well.

A master’s degree can prepare you for almost any career. You can find people with master’s degrees in virtually any industry, and you can find a master’s degree program for a wide variety of interests.

Some people choose to pursue their master’s in order to build a more advanced and/or specialized knowledge base in their field or to open up opportunities in an entirely different field than they’d originally been working in.

What Is a Ph.D.?

A Ph.D. is a doctoral degree that many people pursue when they want to work in research or academia. It’s the highest degree someone can obtain.

A Ph.D. takes three to seven years to obtain. Usually, though, it takes closer to five to seven years to obtain a Ph.D. The length of time it takes you to finish a doctorate program will depend on the particular program, how much time you have to spend on classes and research, and how long your dissertation takes to research and complete.

A Ph.D. usually requires a master’s degree. Usually, your master’s degree has to be at least somewhat related to the Ph.D. program you’re trying to enter so that you have a solid knowledge base going into your research.

However, many programs combine their master’s degree and Ph.D. programs so you can start right out of undergrad and get it all done in one place. Sometimes these programs even take less time since they often require less research than two separate programs would.

A Ph.D. involves some coursework but mostly focuses on research for a dissertation. Generally, Ph.D. students spend just a few years on coursework and focus the majority of their time conducting research and writing their dissertations.

This is because their research generally has to be more original than many graduate program projects are and often requires them to obtain their own funding, which can take time.

In addition to a dissertation, Ph.D. students also may have to pass a comprehensive exam before they can graduate.

A Ph.D. can prepare you for a career in research and/or academia. If you want to continue conducting research in your field for a company or a university, or if you want to become a university professor , you’ll need a Ph.D.

As a result, many people obtain their Ph.D.s if they are interested in either of those options, even if they end up working in a regular job as part of their career as well.

Master’s Vs. Ph.D. FAQ

Can you get a Ph.D. without a master’s?

Yes, you can get a Ph.D. without a master’s. Many Ph.D. programs in the U.S. will accept students who have only earned their bachelor’s degrees. However, usually, this means that the Ph.D. program is a little longer than it would be otherwise, as it also includes the master’s degree requirements.

Many students still prefer this route if they know they want to get a Ph.D., as it often still ends up being shorter than it would be to obtain their master’s degree and then a separate Ph.D. You should only take this route if you’re very sure that you want to get your Ph.D., though, as it requires a significant amount of time and money.

Is a Ph.D. above a master’s?

Yes, a Ph.D. is above a master’s. A Ph.D. is the highest level of academic study, and a master’s degree is the second highest. Both are higher than a bachelor’s degree.

There are some master’s degrees, however, that are terminal degrees, which means there isn’t a higher degree than a master’s degree in that area of study. One example of this is a Master of Fine Arts (MFA). Because it’s a terminal degree, it’s considered similar to a Ph.D. in that field.

This is because a Ph.D. is a terminal degree in other fields of study and designates someone who has obtained the highest level of education possible in that field.

What are the four types of degrees?

The four types of degrees are associate’s, bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral. An associate ’s degree typically takes about two years to earn and focuses on general education with a few specialized classes. These degrees are designed to prepare graduates to enter the workforce.

A bachelor’s degree usually takes about four years to complete and includes both general education and about two years of classes in the student’s chosen field. Typically, bachelor’s degree holders are eligible for careers in virtually any area, as well as many managerial and mid-level positions.

A master’s degree typically takes about two years to complete and includes both classwork and research in the student’s chosen field of study. Many students earn their master’s degrees because they want to take on an administrative or managerial role in the future.

A doctoral degree (which includes Ph.D.s) is a terminal degree for most fields, which means it’s the highest degree someone can obtain in that area. These degrees take between three and seven years to earn, and they focus mainly on research, although they have some classwork as well.

People who want to conduct research or work in academia often earn their doctoral degrees.

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Abby is a writer who is passionate about the power of story. Whether it’s communicating complicated topics in a clear way or helping readers connect with another person or place from the comfort of their couch. Abby attended Oral Roberts University in Tulsa, Oklahoma, where she earned a degree in writing with concentrations in journalism and business.

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• Masters Vs Phd

• Masters vs PhD – Differences Explained
• Types of Doctorates

The decision of whether or not to pursue a Masters or PhD (or both) after you complete your undergraduate studies is not necessarily a straightforward one. Both are postgraduate degrees but are different in terms of the academic experience and the career paths taken afterwards.

In short, a Masters degree involves a year of study, primarily through taught lectures and a final dissertation research project, whilst a PhD (also referred to as a doctorate degree) is a three-year commitment of independent research on a specific subject.

There’s more to it than that, however – read on for more information.

What Is a Masters Degree?

A Masters degree is the next level of education after the completion of an undergraduate degree, commonly known as a Bachelors.

These degree levels are often referred to in terms of cycles so that a Bachelor’s is a first-cycle degree, a Masters is a second-cycle and finally, a PhD is the third-cycle of higher education (and the highest).

Masters degrees demand an intense period of study, usually centred around a core series of lectures and taught modules, coupled with coursework assignments and exams, followed by the completion of a contained research project usually taking students 3-4 months to complete.

These types of degrees are attractive to recent graduates who want to delve deeper into their specific field of study, gaining some research experience and more specialised knowledge beyond what an undergraduate degree can offer.

Equally, some pursue a Masters degree program in a subject that is only tangentially related to their Bachelors degree, helping them gain a broader depth of knowledge.

These degrees also serve as a significant stepping stone for those already in employment who want to progress their current career development and earn a higher salary. They can also be an excellent method for helping in changing careers completely by learning new skills and subject knowledge.

What Is a PhD Degree?

A Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) is the highest academic degree that can be awarded and is the third and final cycle in the progression of higher education.

A doctoral degree is earned on the basis of producing a significant, independent and novel body of work (a Thesis) that contributes new knowledge to a particular research topic.

These are research degrees that are a significant investment of a candidate’s time, resources and energy and are all but a pre-requisite for anyone considering a career in academia, such as eventually becoming a professor.

There are some exceptions to this, such as those with a medical background who may earn an MD (Doctor of Medicine), which is the equivalent of a PhD.

Doctoral degrees can also have a significant positive impact on career development outside of academia, especially in fields such as engineering, business and finance that have a high demand for highly qualified and capable people.

A graduate student engaged in PhD study is commonly known as a PhD student, PhD candidate or doctoral student.

What are the Benefits of a Masters Degree?

There are several reasons one might consider doing a Masters degree rather than a PhD in their graduate education. These include:

• It takes approximately a third of the time to do compared to a doctorate degree and costs less too.
• It’s a good way to differentiate yourself from those that hold only an undergraduate degree without having to commit to a substantial research degree.
• The end goal is more career-focused as opposed to research-focused. For example, it is practically an ‘easier’ route to changing or progressing your career if that aligns with your professional goals.

What are the Benefits of Doing a PhD?

You may continue on into a doctoral program after a Masters or you may even dive straight in after completing your undergraduate studies. So, what are the advantages of completing this third-cycle?

• You’ll have developed a wealth of transferable skills at graduate school, such as effective communication of complex concepts, multi-tasking time-management and the ability to adapt to and solve unexpected problems.
• A doctorate helps to establish you as an expert within your chosen subject area; your work will hopefully have furthered the knowledge in this.
• It will open up career paths and teaching positions within academia that may otherwise be very difficult to get a hold in (although these career paths will still be very competitive).
• You can add the title ‘Dr’ in front of your name!

Which Degree Is More Impactful: A Masters or a PhD?

On paper, the answer should be clear: A doctorate degree is the highest degree you can earn, so has more impact than a Masters, which in turn has more impact than a Bachelors.

The reality is that the size of the impact (if any) really depends on the subject area and the career path you choose (if the measure of impact is how it positively improves your career prospects, that is).

For someone with aspirations of becoming a professor, a PhD will be of greater value than a Masters alone.

Equally, it’s also possible that someone with a PhD entering a different field or one that doesn’t require a PhD may find that their degree has no bearing on their career or in some cases may even be seen as a ‘negative’ with a concern of the person being ‘over-qualified’ for a position. There are many scenarios in which professional experience would be more valuable to an employer than a doctorate degree.

Check out the links below to our interviews with Prof. Debby Cotton and Dr Nikolay Nikolov to read their experiences of when a going through a PhD program has had a clear benefit (Prof. Cotton) and when it hasn’t been helpful (Dr Nikolov).

Do You Need to Have a Masters to do a PhD?

This really depends on the university, department and sometimes even the project and supervisor.

From a purely application process perspective, some institutions may formally require you to hold a Masters degree relevant to the subject of the PhD project before you can enter their doctoral program.

In another scenario, most universities are unlikely to accept candidates that were awarded below a 2:1 (in the UK) in their undergraduate degree but may consider someone who has ‘made up’ for this with a high-grade Masters.

Lastly, some universities now offer PhD programmes that incorporate an additional year of study in which you would complete a Masters degree before carrying directly on into a PhD project. As you’d expect, even if a university doesn’t formally require you to hold one, a Masters degree can help separate you from other applicants in being accepted on the project.

Check out our detailed guide to doing a PhD without a Master’s .

Why Do a Masters before Your PhD?

Even if you don’t need to have one, it could still be beneficial to begin your postgraduate study by doing a Masters first before you embark on your doctorate journey.

As mentioned previously it’ll help you stand out from applicants that don’t have one, but beyond that, it’ll give you a taster of what research life could be like, especially if you stay at the same university and department for your PhD.

The one-year commitment (in the UK at least) of carrying out a Masters first, and in particular your research project, will help you better understand if this is truly something you want to commit the next three or more years to.

You’ll learn some of the skills of independent research, from performing detailed literature searches to more complex, analytical writing.

At the end of it, you should be in a stronger position to consider your options and decide about whether to continue into a PhD at graduate school.

Finding a PhD has never been this easy – search for a PhD by keyword, location or academic area of interest.

How Long Does It Take to Get a Masters Degree?

In the UK, a full-time Masters degrees take students one calendar year to complete: The programme of study usually starts in September, the final research project the following April and final project viva around August. Part-time degrees are usually double the time.

How Long Does It Take to Get a PhD?

In the UK, most PhD projects take 3-4 years to complete , as reflected by the majority of funded projects offering stipends to cover living expenses of about 3.5 years.

For many reasons, projects may end up taking longer to complete, however. This might be because of difficulties in collecting enough data, or if the project is being done part-time.

Which One is More Expensive to Do?

As you’d expect, as a PhD takes three times as long to complete as a Masters degree, it will cost you more to do as far as university fees are concerned.

Another thing to consider is that many PhD projects come with some level of funding equivalent to a low salary, which may cover the cost of tuition fees and living expenses, whilst it is usually more difficult to obtain funding for Masters study.

Conversely, a Masters graduate may progress into a higher (versus PhD funding) salary sooner whilst a PhD student will endure three years of a comparatively low income.

A Masters vs a PhD: Conclusion

If you’re considering continue further graduate study after your undergraduate degree, the question of doing a Masters vs a PhD is likely to come up. They are both considered an advanced degree, each with their own advantages.

There are benefits to doing either of these graduate programs or even both of them; your decision here can be easier if you have an idea of the career you want to follow or if you know you have a love for research!

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Master’s vs PhD — These are the Main Differences

Updated: July 18, 2022

Published: October 31, 2019

The consideration between earning a master’s vs PhD is not always an easy choice. While many careers and personal aspirations may be complete with just an undergraduate degree (Associate’s or Bachelor’s), a lot of people continue their higher education to obtain graduate degrees. These include a master’s and/or a PhD.

Neither a master’s degree nor a PhD is considered to be a walk in the park. Therefore, it’s useful to understand why you would earn either and then decide how far to go.

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Definitions: master’s vs phd.

Bost a master’s and PhD are defined as postgraduate degrees, but they require different commitments and styles of learning.

1. Master’s Degree:

Mostly all master’s degrees will require the completion of an undergraduate bachelor’s degree to enroll. They generally all share the same common requirement for a thesis or dissertation to graduate.

Earning a master’s degree through a taught program will result in the completion of a Master of Art (MA), Master of Science (MS), or Master of Philosophy (MPhil). For those who earn their master’s degree through research, they will earn a Master of Research (Mre), in a tailored field of study. There are also degree-specific master’s programs like Master of Business Administration (MBA) and Master of Education (M.Ed).

After earning a master’s degree, the next step is a PhD, which entails both working and performing research at an institution. A PhD is an abbreviation for “Doctor of Philosophy.” It is the highest academic degree one can achieve. As such, it is a time-consuming pursuit that requires a lot of studying and research.

You may be wondering, “Do you need a master’s to get a PhD?”

Technically, the answer is not always. Some students skip a master’s and go straight for their PhD, but they may lack research experience. While it could save money, the transition between a bachelor’s and a PhD is incredibly sharp. It may be harder to complete a PhD without the experience from a master’s.

Yet, some institutions may allow for the possibility to earn both your master’s and PhD in conjunction with one another. This will alleviate the transition between skipping a master’s and going straight to earning a PhD.

Should You Get a Master’s or PhD?

There are many considerations to factor when deciding between a master’s of PhD. For starters, it’s useful to consider the amount of time it will take, the cost, and the benefits and disadvantages of each. It is also of utmost importance to explore your own personal goals and reasons for wanting a graduate degree.

If your desired career of choice requires a PhD, like becoming a university professor, then you have your answer. If you want to start a business and benefit by networking while in school, a Master of Business Administration (MBA) could be a good idea. Consider what you want to pursue as a career and find out the requirements first.

Another useful thing to note is that a master’s degree can be used for a shift in careers. For example, if you attended college and earned a bachelor’s degree in humanities, but now you want to pursue science, you can still earn your master’s degree in a scientific discipline. On the other hand, a PhD is tailored to your field of study and specialty, so it will require that you are sure of your direction when you first earn your master’s degree.

Length of Time

A typical master’s degree program takes about two years full-time. However, there are accelerated programs that can be completed in just a year or so.

A PhD, in general, requires five to six years of studying, teaching, and research. However, it may even take some students up to eight or nine years to graduate. With this significant investment in time, it’s necessary to know if a PhD is right for you before starting.

The cost of both programs varies by institution and enrollment status of part-time versus full-time. However, since a PhD takes longer to complete, it will end up costing more. With that said, if you look into your return on investment, a PhD could end up yielding a higher salary, and therefore end up “costing less.”

Additionally, there is also the possibility of being paid to complete your PhD. Some students may receive an academic stipend, a university fellowship or apprenticeship or a reduced fee to earn their PhD while completing research (or teaching) at an institution. It’s also possible to get financial aid through a scholarship or grant.

As tuition rates continue to rise, it’s useful to look into alternative institutions for affordable education. For example, the University of the People offers a tuition-free master’s program in Business Administration and Education. This means you can study 100% online and graduate for less than the cost of most programs.

Weighing the Benefits

When comparing the two degree types, here are some benefits of each:

• Career-oriented
• Can open the door for more job opportunities
• Costs less than a PhD
• Takes less time than a PhD
• Helps you stand out from those with only an undergraduate degree
• You can perform research in your field of choice
• You become an expert in your field
• The prefix Dr. is added to your name
• You can teach in academia at the highest level

Required Commitment and Reasons to Pursue

Both a master’s and a PhD require a huge amount of hard work and utter commitment. You must be dedicated and motivated to complete either degree. Since most careers only may require a bachelor’s degree, having a master’s or PhD will set you apart from the competition. However, this should not be the sole reason to pursue either.

You may be wondering why would you earn either degree. Here’s a look at some motivational factors:

Reasons to Study for a Master’s

• Your career requires it (see next section)
• You want to advance your subject knowledge
• You want to experience graduate school and network with peers

Reasons to Study for a PhD

• You want to contribute new research to your field of choice
• Your career requires a PhD
• You want to earn the title of Dr.

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Required degrees by career.

Most people are motivated to pursue higher education because their desired careers require they do so. Here, we will break down those fields that require the completion of a master’s degree as it’s high on the list of reasons why to get one.

• Education Administration: To work as an administrator in an educational institution, you need to hold an advanced degree. A Master’s in Education (M.Ed) will provide you with the necessary knowledge and required skills to succeed in the field.
• Executive Level Business: A Master’s in Business (MBA) will not only place you ahead of the competition to land high-level positions in the field of business, but it can also be the jumping off point for becoming your own boss.
• Environmental Science: With issues in climate change and technological advancement, careers in Environmental Science are growing. As with most scientific careers, it requires a master’s degree where you will learn Applied Ecology, Environmental Policy, Environmental Chemistry, and more.
• Mental Health: To become a licensed practitioner and assist in mental health counseling, you will continue your education through a master’s degree in the field.
• Physical Therapy: Employers of physical therapists often prefer them to obtain a master’s degree in the discipline as the field is highly specialized.

Of course, some careers require a PhD. These careers are easy to spot because they have the prefix Dr. in front of them or the suffix like J.D. (Juris Doctor). To become a lawyer, doctor of medicine, veterinary medicine or psychologist/psychiatrist, you must obtain a PhD in the respective field.

Salary Differences Between Master’s and Ph.D. Graduates

According to a study performed by the Georgetown University Center on Education and the Workforce , the overall evidence shows that the higher the degree you have, the higher your salary potential. However, the differences vary by subject level and field.

In general, the expected lifetime earnings of those with each degree level is as follows:

• High School Diploma: $973,000
• Bachelor’s Degree: $1.3 million
• Master’s Degree: $2.7 million
• Doctorate Degree: $3.3 million

The Bottom Line

Aside from the financial cost and length of time, the opportunity to earn a master’s and a doctorate degree can offer several benefits.

However, it is an undertaking that requires a lot of dedication and motivation on behalf of the student. As such, it’s important to perform research on your desired career’s requirements, as well as your personal interest in pursuing either a Phd vs master’s.

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Combined and Dual Programs

Combined bachelor's/master's degree program general policies.

In January 1990, the Board of Regents delegated authority for the establishment of guidelines for combined programs to the individual institution . These guidelines follow:

Each institution may establish guidelines for the development and implementation of combined bachelor's/master's programs. These plans may be of two types: (1) plans which permit the development by an individual student of a program specific to that student's career interests and goals, and (2) structured plans within or among departmental or program units or institutions which provide integrated programs attractive to larger groups of students. The program should be available only to students whose academic performance is exceptional and who are admissible to the graduate program. Institutional policy shall set the maximum number of credits applicable to both degrees, normally no more than nine. No more than one master's degree may be earned through a combined bachelor's/master's degree program.

The following campus guidelines for combined bachelor's/masters programs were approved by the Graduate Council on February 28, 2001, by the University Senate on April 9, 2001, and by the President on May 10, 2001.

In a combined bachelor's/master's program, some graduate level courses initially taken for undergraduate credit may also be applied towards the graduate credit requirements for a master's degree program at the University of Maryland. A bachelor's/master's program may be developed for an individual student, or it may be a structured program. 

Individual Student Bachelor's/Master's Program:

A program may be developed by an individual student in consultation with his/her academic advisor. Such a program is available only to students whose academic performance is exceptional. It is to be developed according to the individual career interests and goals of the student and should be an integrated learning experience rather than merely the completion of a certain number of graduate and undergraduate credits. The proposed program requires the approval of the directors of both the undergraduate and the graduate programs involved and of the Dean for Undergraduate Studies and the Dean of the Graduate School. Normally no more than nine credits of graduate courses applied to the bachelor's degree may be counted also for graduate credit in an individual student program. Courses to be double-counted must be at the 600 level or above and must be passed with at least a "B" grade. Individual study courses, internships, or courses given credit by examination are not eligible. The credits to be double-counted will be designated as applicable to the graduate program after the student receives the bachelor's degree and matriculates in the Graduate School. This designation will be canceled if the student withdraws from the graduate program before completing the master's degree.

Structured Bachelor's/Master's Program:

A structured bachelor's/master's program is an articulated curriculum combining an existing undergraduate program and an existing master's program at the University of Maryland, offered by the same or by different departments. Such a program is to be designed for students whose academic performance is exceptional and should be an integrated learning experience rather than merely the completion of a certain number of graduate and undergraduate credits. A proposal for such a program should be submitted by the college(s) housing the academic programs concerned and requires the approval of the Graduate Council, the Graduate Dean, the Senate PCC Committee, and the Provost. Necessary features of a structured bachelor's/master's program include the following:

• There must be specific requirements for admission to the combined program that speak to the exceptional performance of the students to be admitted. At a minimum, students accepted for the program must be clearly admissible to the graduate program portion.
• The program should be designed so as not to unduly delay the students' receipt of their bachelor's degrees. Taking graduate credits should not unduly limit the breadth of the student's experience through premature specialization.
• All requirements of the bachelor's program and of the master's program must be completed to receive the two degrees. Where appropriate, graduate courses taken while an undergraduate may substitute for courses required in the undergraduate major program.
• The students may be offered deferred admission to the graduate school at the end of the Junior year program, subject to completion of the senior year program in a timely fashion and with a specified level of achievement. Formal admission to the graduate school will require completion of all requirements for the bachelor's degree.
• The credits to be double-counted will be designated as applicable to the graduate program after the student receives the bachelor's degree and matriculates in the Graduate School. This designation will be canceled if the student withdraws from the graduate program before completing the master's degree.

A structured bachelor's/master's program may normally include up to nine credits of graduate level courses (600 level and above) that are counted both for the bachelor's program and the master's program. More than nine double-counted credits may be allowed if both of the following conditions are satisfied:

• The additional graduate credits applied to the undergraduate program do not unduly limit the breadth of the student's experience through premature specialization. This condition may be satisfied, for example, if the graduate credits substitute for courses required in the undergraduate program that would have been taken in any case, but at a less advanced level.
• The master's program requires substantially more than thirty credits. This condition will be deemed to be satisfied if the combined program, with double-counting, still requires 150 or more credit hours to complete.

Relevant Policies

Dual graduate program general policies, dual master's program.

Graduate School policy allows students to matriculate in only one master's degree program at a time unless the student enrolls in a formal dual master's degree program that has been approved by the university. This policy allows students in one master's program to pursue concurrently a master degree in another field. The dual degree path is recommended only for the most academically gifted students who can handle the demands of two concurrent degree programs.

The following guidelines govern this dual-degree policy:

• The student must be admitted to both master's programs.
• The two programs must agree, in advance, on a joint course of study for the student.
• The student's GPA will be calculated as the combined GPA for both programs. Separate GPAs cannot be provided.
• No fewer than 30 unique credits should be completed in each degree. Programs proposing structured dual master’s degrees with fewer than 30 unique credits should articulate a compelling rationale for the exception (e.g., dedicated capstone or other courses for the dual-degree program that satisfy the learning objectives for both degrees).
• No more than one-quarter of the total credit hours of both programs can double-count for the dual- degree program. Programs proposing to double-count more than one-quarter of the total credits should articulate a compelling rationale for the exception (e.g., substantial overlap in the curriculum of the individual degrees).

Combined Master's/Doctoral Program

Approved by the Graduate Council on December 8, 1997

This policy is to permit a doctoral student in one graduate program to pursue concurrently a master's degree in another field. For example, a doctoral student in Economics might wish to acquire a master's degree in Business or a doctoral student in Physics might obtain a master's in Mathematics. The dual degree path is recommended only for the most academically gifted students who can handle the demands of two concurrent degree programs.

• The student must first be enrolled in a doctoral program before he/she can apply for the master's.
• The student must be in good standing in his/her doctoral program and be making satisfactory progress towards the doctorate.
• Both the doctoral and the master's programs must agree to allow the student to participate. 
• The two programs must agree, in advance, on a joint course of study for the student. A copy of this dual course-of-study plan must be submitted to the Graduate School for approval. 
• Under no circumstances will a student be permitted to pursue two concurrent doctoral degrees. 
• With the exception of already approved joint masters programs, this option is not available for students who wish to pursue two concurrent master's degrees. 

The following are some of the consequences of the concurrent pursuit of the two degrees:

• On the student's transcript, the name of the doctoral program will appear first, which will indicate the primary program, followed by the master's program, which will indicate the secondary program.
• The student's GPA will be calculated as the combined GPA for both programs. Separate GPAs cannot be provided. 
• If the master's portion of the course of study continues beyond the doctoral portion, the student will have to be readmitted as a master's student. This readmission will be pro forma and no application fee will be charged. 
• Courses that were completed more than seven years before completion of the master's portion of the program cannot be counted towards the master's degree. 

Use CIM to Propose a New Combined Bachelor's/Master's or Dual Graduate Program

Best Online Dual Master's Degrees

Whitney Sandoval

Contributing Writer

Learn about our editorial process .

TBS Rankings Team

Updated October 18, 2023

Margaret Weinhold

Contributing Editor

TheBestSchools.org is an advertising-supported site. Featured or trusted partner programs and all school search, finder, or match results are for schools that compensate us. This compensation does not influence our school rankings, resource guides, or other editorially-independent information published on this site.

Are you ready to discover your college program?

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.

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:

Information Technology

Public administration, public health, social work.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 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

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

Xavier University

• Cincinnati, OH
• 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 .

• Master of Science in Nursing/Master of Science in Criminal Justice

Keiser University-Ft Lauderdale

• Fort Lauderdale, FL

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.

• Master of Science in Education/Master of Business Administration

Benedictine University

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

University of North Dakota

• Grand Forks, ND

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.

• Juris Doctor/Master of Public Administration

Auburn University

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.

• 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

California University of Pennsylvania

• California, PA

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.

• Master of Science in Nursing Administration and Leadership/ Master of Business Administration

Dallas Baptist University

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.

• 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

Purdue University-Main Campus

• West Lafayette, IN

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.

• Master of Business Administration/Master of Science
• Master of Business Administration/Master of Science in Engineering

Arizona State University Online

• Scottsdale, AZ

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.

• Master of Business Administration/Master of Science in Industrial Engineering

Drexel University

• Philadelphia, PA

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

• Master of Science in Special Education/Master of Science in Applied Behavior Analysis

Grand Canyon University

• Phoenix, AZ

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.

• Master of Science in Nursing Leadership/Master of Business Administration

Liberty University

• Lynchburg, VA

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.

• Master of Science in Nursing/Master of Science in Health Administration

Northeastern University

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.

University of Alabama at Birmingham

• Birmingham, AL

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.

• Master of Business Administration/Master of Public Health

Johns Hopkins University

• Baltimore, MD

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.

• 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

Robert Morris University

• Moon Township, PA

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.

Texas Woman's University

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.

• Master of Business Administration/Master of Health System Management

Colorado State University-Global Campus

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.

• Master of Science in Management/Master of Science in Organizational Leadership

Indiana University-Bloomington

• Bloomington, IN

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.”

• 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 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

University of Illinois Springfield

• Springfield, IL

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.

• Master of Public Administration/ Master of Public Health

The University of Texas at Tyler

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.

• Master of Science in Nursing/ Master of Business Administration

Trident University International

• Cypress, CA

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.

• Master of Business Administration/Master of Science in Health Administration

Webster University

• Saint Louis, MO

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.

• Master of Business Administration/Master of Science in Science Management and Leadership

West Virginia University

• Morgantown, WV

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.

• Juris Doctor/Master of Business Administration

Wilmington University

• New Castle, DE

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.

• 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

University of Michigan-Dearborn

• Dearborn, MI

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.

• Master of Business Administration/Master of Science in Engineering in Industrial and Systems Engineering

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.

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.

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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2024 Best Dual Masters and PhD Programs in Psychology Online

If you’re wanting to pursue advanced education in the field of psychology, then you may be interested in dual masters and PhD programs in psychology online.

This option can help you develop a comprehensive and in-depth understanding of various elements of psychology, from theory and research to clinical practice.

Editorial Listing ShortCode:

Dual masters and PhD programs online can enable you to advance your education and transition from bachelor-level studies to the highest degree available in the field.

Universities Offering Masters and PhD in Psychology Dual or Combined Degree Programs

Methodology: The following school list is in alphabetical order. To be included, a college or university must be regionally accredited and offer degree programs online, on campus or in a hybrid format.

DePaul University

DePaul University offers a dual degree program in psychological sciences that allows students to pursue a Master of Arts and a PhD in Psychology. The program can be completed online or in-person. To graduate, students must complete 19 courses, a thesis, and a dissertation. Applicants must have a GPA of 3.5 or higher and need to submit GRE scores, letters of recommendation, and a personal statement.

DePaul University  is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission.

Georgetown University

Georgetown University offers a dual degree program for students interested in receiving a Master’s in Public Policy and a PhD in Psychology. Students must complete 51 credits and a thesis to graduate. The program can only be completed on campus. Applicants must fill out an online application with a resume and 3 letters of recommendation. Georgetown University  is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.

Georgia State University

Georgia State University offers an on-campus dual degree option for students in the Community Psychology Program. Students may obtain both a PhD in Psychology and a Master of Public Health within 6 years. A 3 semester practicum is required to graduate. Applicants must submit a statement of purpose and 3 letters of recommendation.

Georgia State University  is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

Nova Southeastern University

Nova Southeastern University offers an on-campus dual degree program for those interested in obtaining both a Master of Business Administration and a PhD in Psychology. Applicants must be in their second year of their PhD and must contact the Director of Academic Affairs to join the program.

NSU  is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

Pacifica Graduate Institute

Pacifica Graduate Institute offers a dual degree for a Master of Arts and a PhD in Psychology. The program can typically be completed in 3 years and requires the completion of an exam portfolio, a dissertation, and an internship. Applicants must submit a personal statement, a resume, and 3 letters of recommendation.

Pacifica Graduate Institute is accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges.

Portland State University

Portland State University offers a dual degree program for a Master and Doctorate in Psychology. Both programs must be completed on campus. Students may choose to add one of 5 concentrations to their degree as well. Applicants must submit a portfolio, a personal essay, letters of recommendation, and GRE scores.

Portland State University  is accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities.

Rutgers University

Rutgers University offers a PhD and a Master of Science in Psychology. Students must choose one of these focus areas to study: Behavioral and System Neuroscience, Clinical Psychology, Cognitive Psychology, or Social Psychology. Applicants must submit GRE scores, a personal statement, and 3 letters of recommendation.

Rutgers  is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.

Saint Louis University

Saint Louis University offers a dual degree program for students interested in receiving a Master of Science in Public Health and a PhD in Psychology. Students must complete 126 credits to graduate and maintain a GPA of 3.0 or higher. Applicants must be admitted into both programs to pursue a dual degree.

Saint Louis University  is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.

University of Missouri

The University of Missouri offers a dual degree program for students interested in receiving a Master of Arts and a Doctorate in Psychology. Students must complete 113 credit hours, a dissertation, and a thesis to graduate. Applicants will be judged based on their GPA and GRE scores.

The  University of Missouri  is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

University of New Mexico

The University of New Mexico offers a Master of Arts and a PhD in Educational Psychology. The program can typically be completed in 5 years, and students must write a master’s thesis and a comprehensive paper to graduate. To be eligible for the program, applicants need to write their intention for the dual degree program in their letter of intent and must have a GPA of 3.0 or higher.

The University of New Mexico is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

University of Rochester

The University of Rochester offers an MA to PhD track for students interested in obtaining both degrees in psychology. Students may choose between 3 different areas of psychology: Clinical Psychology, Developmental Psychology, and Social-Personality Psychology. Applicants must submit a personal statement, 3 letters of recommendation, and a resume.

The  University of Rochester  is an accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.

University of South Florida

The University of South Florida offers a PhD in Psychology that allows students to pursue a Master of Arts as they study. Students may choose a concentration in Clinical Psychology, Industrial-Organizational Psychology, or Cognition, Neuroscience, and Social Psychology. Applicants must submit transcripts, a statement of purpose, and 3 letters of recommendation. The  University of South Florida  is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

University of Southern California

The University of Southern California offers a dual degree program for a Master of Public Health and a PhD in Psychology. Those interested in the program must first apply to the PhD in Clinical Science before applying for the dual degree program in their first year.

The  University of Southern California  is accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges, the Senior College and University Commission.

University of Texas – Rio Grande Valley

The University of Texas—Rio Grande Valley offers a PhD in Clinical Psychology program that allows students to pursue a Master of Science in Psychology as well. Students must complete 96 credit hours, including a 12 month internship. Applicants must have a bachelor’s degree with a GPA of 3.0 or higher, GRE scores, and 3 letters of recommendation.

UTRGV  is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

Dual Masters and PhD Programs in Psychology Online

There are a variety of educational programs that offer a masters in psychology as a combined degree with a Ph.D. in Psychology.

The specific degree combination that works best for you may depend on your educational and career goals, such as whether you’re interested in sports psychology or clinical psychology.

Some dual masters and doctoral degree combinations can include:

• MS in Clinical Psychology with a Doctor of Psychology (PsyD)
• MA in Sports Psychology with a PsyD in Clinical Psychology
• MA in Psychology with a PsyD in Clinical Psychology

There are also programs that offer advanced education in psychology coupled with another academic area. For example, some programs pair a PhD in Psychology with a masters in business administration, a masters in criminal justice, or a masters in education. Others, such as MPH / MSW dual degree programs , let you earn two masters degrees at the same time.

Specific offerings can vary greatly depending on the school you choose to attend.

Enrolling in a dual masters and PhD program in psychology online may offer you a number of benefits:

• Less time . With a dual program, you can earn your masters and PhD in less time than if you were to complete each program separately.
• Less cost . Graduate degrees tend to cost more if you complete each program separately.
• Simpler application process . You only need to apply to a single program, reducing the burden of needing to apply to each program independently.
• More career opportunities . Holding two graduate-level degrees may help broaden professional opportunities in the job market.

A dual masters and PhD program will include a variety of masters-level courses in addition to PhD-level educational options. This can allow you to develop comprehensive, in-depth knowledge in this area of study.

It may also be worth exploring the combined masters and PsyD programs that some universities offer.

Psychology Careers

Psychology graduate programs can help prepare you to work in a number of different industries and sectors of the economy. These may include government institutions, academia, research, hospitals and healthcare centers, and family and youth services.

Other areas where your skills and expertise may be needed include sports management, criminal justice, education, or community-based and nonprofit services.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics , earning a dual master’s and PhD in Psychology online can help you qualify for a variety of roles in the field.

Attending dual masters and doctorate degree programs online may allow you to take advantage of the positive job growth that the Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts for a number of positions in the field of psychology.

These positions include psychologists (3% job growth), top executives (4%), sociologists (4%), social scientists and related workers (4%), and postsecondary teachers (9%).

Psychology Combined Master’s and PhD Curriculum

Completing a combined masters and PhD program in psychology can require you to take courses at a masters level followed by others at a doctoral level.

• Psychological Statistics : This course is a review of key statistical methods used in the field of psychology.
• Introduction to Group Psychology : You’ll look at theories related to group psychology, including group dynamics, defense mechanisms, and systems theory.
• Human Growth and Development : This course is an examination of the various stages of human development, from childhood and adolescence through to adulthood.
• Developmental Psychopathy and Treatment : You’ll analyze different behavior disorders through different stages of development, including assessment practices, DSM-IV diagnoses, and intervention methods.
• Vocational and Organizational Psychology : You’ll look at various components of career and workplace psychology, including making career decisions and career counseling practices.
• Marriage and Family Psychology : This course is an examination of psychological theories related to marriage and family counseling.
• Biological Bases for Behavior : This course analyzes the relationship between physiological and psychological functioning in humans.
• Ethical Issues in Psychology : This course is a review of ethical issues and standards for professional practice in the field of psychology.
• Approaches to Psychotherapy : You’ll look at theories, practical applications, and techniques in relation to the treatment approach of psychotherapy.
• Diversity Issues in Counseling Psychology : This course is an examination of counseling approaches and skills that account for multicultural differences and cultural diversity in practice.

In addition to completing coursework, many dual master’s and PhD programs require you to complete internships and doctorate projects in the field of psychology.

How to Become a Psychologist

There are a number of steps involved in becoming a licensed psychologist, and the requirements to become licensed may vary from one state to the next.

In order to become a licensed psychologist, you’re often required to:

• Complete the required level of education . Many states require that you hold a PhD in Psychology or a PsyD. To qualify for a doctoral program, you may first need to earn a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution. In some cases, you may choose to complete a master’s program prior to engaging in PhD-level education.
• Earn a specified number of clinical work hours . Before becoming eligible to earn a license to practice, you’re often required to perform a designated number of supervised clinical work hours. The specific number of hours may vary by state.
• Pass a professional exam . Finally, in order to become a licensed psychologist, you’re required to complete and pass the Examination for Professional Practice in Psychology (EPPP).
• Obtain license . Once you complete your state’s licensing requirements, you can be granted your license to practice.

You may also be required to hold a terminal degree from a program that has been accredited by the American Psychological Association (APA).

Dual Masters and PhD Admissions Requirements

Schools and programs often differ in their specific requirements for admissions when it comes to dual masters and PhD programs, but some common criteria include:

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution
• Submission of all postsecondary transcripts
• Letters of recommendation from academic or work supervisors
• Copy of your resume or CV
• Statement of purpose outlining your interest in the program and school

While it is becoming a less common requirement, some schools may also require you to submit GRE or GMAT scores as part of your application.

Accreditation

Regional accreditation is a status that indicates a school’s educational offerings have met a predetermined set of quality standards.

By attending a program that has been regionally accredited, you may have an easier time transferring credits from one school to the next. A degree from a regionally accredited institution may also be regarded more highly by potential employers.

For more information on the accreditation status of programs you’re interested in attending, you can visit the US Department of Education ’s website.

American Psychological Association (APA) Accreditation

Psychology programs can also have programmatic accreditation. The top accrediting agency for psychology programs is the American Psychological Association (APA) .

Programs that have been granted programmatic accreditation by the APA have met standards that confirm the overall quality of their academic offerings. Achieving these quality standards indicates that the program meets professional best practices in the field of psychology and is in line with evidence-based approaches.

In some states, attending an APA accredited program is required in order to become a licensed psychologist.

Financial Aid and Scholarships

When pursuing a dual masters and PhD program in psychology, you may be eligible to apply for financial aid to help you fund your educational goals. Financial aid options include:

• Government aid . Federal and state financial aid often comes in the form of grants and loans.
• Scholarships . Scholarships can be offered by private organizations, public organizations, and sometimes the school you’re interested in attending.
• Financial aid packages from your school . Financial aid from your school can include loans, scholarships, tuition reimbursements, or stipends to help cover costs.

For more information on financial aid options that may be available to you, you can visit the US Department of Education ’s website.

Can I Get a PhD in Psychology Without a Masters?

Yes, many PhD in Psychology programs don’t require a master’s degree for enrollment. Most psychology doctoral programs only require students to hold a bachelor’s degree, but specific admissions criteria can vary from one school to the next.

Dual masters and PhD programs allow you to earn the two degrees within the same program, which may cut down on the cost and time required to earn both degrees. There are also some PhD programs that do not require you to have a masters degree to enroll and do not even require you to earn a master’s in order to graduate with your PhD.

What’s the Difference Between a Masters vs. PhD in Psychology?

A master’s in psychology and a PhD in Psychology are both graduate-level academic programs, but they are not the same.

A PhD-level education is more in-depth and advanced than a masters.

Can I Get My Masters and PhD in Psychology at the Same Time?

There are a number of dual degree programs available that may allow you to earn a masters degree and a PhD in Psychology at the same time. In combined masters and PhD programs, you’ll typically complete a blend of masters-level and doctorate-level courses in order to achieve the requirements for each degree.

Depending on the dual degree program you choose to attend, you may be able to save on the total cost of your education. You may also be able to complete both degrees in less time than the traditional route.

How Long Does It Take to Get a Combined Masters and PhD Program in Psychology?

Combined masters and PhD programs in psychology typically take 5 to 6 years to complete, depending on the university and your chosen specialty.

How long it takes to complete a combined master’s and PhD program can also depend on whether you attend on a full-time or part-time basis. Whether you’re required to complete an internship, dissertation, or thesis as part of your studies can also impact the total length of time required to earn your degrees.

Should I Enroll in a Dual Master’s and PhD Program in Psychology?

Whether a dual masters and PhD program is the right path for you depends on your educational background as well as your future career and academic goals.

Attending a dual degree program may be a good fit for you if:

• You hold a bachelors degree from an accredited university.
• You’re interested in earning both a masters degree and a doctorate.
• You want to earn your graduate degrees in less time than traditional routes.

A dual degree program may help you develop the skills and knowledge required to advance into your chosen career path in less time and at less cost than alternative options.

What’s the Difference Between a PsyD vs. PhD in Psychology?

While both PsyD and PhD programs are concentrated on the field of psychology at an advanced level, there are some key distinctions to be aware of when deciding which educational path to pursue.

• PsyD : A Doctor of Psychology (PsyD) is a professional doctorate, placing greater emphasis on clinical work in the field of psychology
• PhD : A Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Psychology places greater emphasis on research than clinical work in the field of psychology.

The option that is best for you will depend on your career and educational goals.

Is a Dual Masters and PhD in Psychology Worth It?

Yes, a dual masters and PhD in Psychology is worth it for many students. Common careers in this field include clinical psychologist, social scientist, industrial organizational psychologist, postsecondary teacher, survey researcher, or  sociologist.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, a number of positions in the field are predicted to experience growth over the next several years. These positions include psychologists (3% job growth), top executives (4%), sociologists (4%), social scientists and related workers (4%), and postsecondary teachers (9%).

Getting Your Dual Masters and PhD Program in Psychology Online

If you’re interested in a career in psychology that requires graduate-level education, then pursuing a dual masters and PhD degree program in psychology online may be a strategic path for you to consider.

By pursuing a dual or combined degree program, you may be able to complete your education in less time and at a lower cost. This efficient degree path might help you get started in the professional world faster than average.

If you’re eager to enter the lucrative field of psychology, you can start your advanced educational journey today by exploring dual online psychology PhD and masters programs from accredited universities.

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Au.D./Ph.D. Dual Degree

The Department of Speech Language and Hearing Science offers students the opportunity to pursue an integrated program of study leading to dual doctorate degrees in the field of Audiology and Hearing Science. The Ph.D./Au.D. dual degree program trains students in the clinical research and clinical practice in audiology.  Students in the program gain training that will prepare them to become independent scholars, to teach in higher-education, to conduct research, to become certified clinical audiologists, and to gain skills in leadership.  The dual degree program allows students to pursue both their clinical training and their research training in a rigorous, intensive and streamlined program. The dual AuD/PhD program is appropriate for students seeking academic, clinical and research training with significant overlap and within the scope of practice of audiology. Students whose area of research does not fall within the scope of practice of audiology and would require significant additional training to be well prepared for their PhD research should not pursue the dual AuD/PhD but rather separate AuD and PhD programs.

Students may apply to both programs simultaneously, or may apply to the Ph.D. portion after having been accepted into the Au.D. portion or may apply to the Au.D. portion after having been accepted into the Ph.D. portion.

Students are required to have at least 131 credit hours towards the dual degree. Students will complete the full 89 credits required in the Au.D. curriculum . A minimum of 42 additional credit hours, including dissertation credits, will also be required to receive the dual Au.D./Ph.D. These 42 credit hours will include one additional minor outside of SLHS, the teaching practicum, the research practicum, additional statistics and research tools courses, and the dissertation. While the Au.D. portion is highly prescribed, the Ph.D. program varies greatly and is individualized to meet the research interests and career goals of the student. The timeline of the dual Au.D./Ph.D. varies according to the research program pursued, the advisor, the full-time status of the student, and other opportunities that arise during the course of the dual program. Potential advisors can be found on our research page , and interested students should reach out to faculty members  directly.

Information on the curriculum for the Au.D./Ph.D. program is outlined in the Graduate Student Handbook .

Sample Au.D./Ph.D. Curriculum

• M.A. Research
• Au.D./Ph.D.
• Ph.D. in SLHS with joint Ph.D. in Neuroscience
• Ph.D. in SLHS with a Graduate Certificate or joint Ph.D. in Cognitive Science
• Applications & Admissions

Graduate Student Handbook

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List of Combined Master’s and PsyD Programs

Earning a Doctor of Psychology (Psy.D.) degree is an important educational step in becoming licensed to practice psychology. But for many people, just getting their Psy.D. won’t provide them with the specific training they want to practice in certain niche areas. And some PsyD programs include an M.A. or M.S. within the Psy.D. program by design, which many other students may prefer for academic reasons.

The good news for both groups is that there are several options for programs that combine master’s and other advanced degrees with Psy.D. training. Let’s take a look at these programs and important information students should know about each one.

Widener University — MBA/PsyD, MEd/PsyD, MCJ/PsyD

Chester, Pennsylvania 

Widener University has by far the most extensive options for students who want to pair Psy.D. education with training in another area. Not only does the school offer several degree pairings, but it also includes multiple focus areas that allow students to tailor their education specific to their career goals.

Here’s a look at what’s offered at Widener:

• MBA/Psy.D.: Two possible tracks are offered that pair a Master of Business Administration with a Psy.D. One is a general MBA/Psy.D. path, while the other combines a Psy.D. and an MBA in healthcare management
• MEd/Psy.D.: The combination Psy.D.-Master of Education has a programmatic focus on human sexuality education , preparing the graduate for a career as an educator, therapist or sexual health professional.
• MCJ/Psy.D.: Pairing a Master of Criminal Justice degree with a Psy.D. can help prepare graduates for psychology jobs within legal settings.

University of St. Thomas, MA/PsyD

Minneapolis, Minnesota

The Psy.D. track at the University of St. Thomas includes an option for students who want to first complete a Master of Arts in Counseling Psychology before earning direct admission to the school’s counseling psychology Psy.D.

Prospective students to the St. Thomas Psy.D. must have a master’s degree in counseling psychology before applying.

Loyola University (Maryland), MS/PsyD

Chicago, Illinois

Loyola University (Maryland) includes a Master of Science in Clinical Psychology that students earn midway through their second academic year in the Psy.D. program. Students who already have master’s degrees may be able to shorten their Psy.D. track at Loyola, but not all courses will transfer, so applicants need to do their due diligence.

John F. Kennedy University, MA/PsyD

Pleasant Hill, California 

A unique dual degree focus on sports psychology is one of the primary offerings at John F. Kennedy University. The school’s Master of Arts in Sport Psychology leads into a clinical Psy.D., allowing graduates to work in clinical settings with athletes. The degree is also offered in a hybrid format, further distinguishing it from the pack.

Appalachian State University, MA/PsyD

Boone, North Carolina

Appalachian State gives students a chance to earn a Master of Arts in Psychology en route to their Psy.D., and applicants who already have a master’s degree may be able to shorten the time it takes to earn their Psy.D. degree .

Joint PhD Programs

Another option for those who want to seek professional licensure in psychology is to pursue a Ph.D., or Doctor of Philosophy. This is a more traditional, academic-oriented degree, but for students hoping to complete a dual degree program, pairing another type of education with a Ph.D. may be more common since Ph.D. programs overall are more common than Psy.D. tracks.

Here’s a look at a few of the options out there for dual Ph.D. in psychology programs:

• Drexel University: JD/PhD in Law & Psychology
• University of Arizona: JD/PhD in Psychology
• University of Nebraska: JD/PhD, Law-Psychology
• University of Pennsylvania: JD/PhD in Psychology
• University of Chicago: Joint PhD in Psychology and Business
• NOVA Southeastern University: MBA/PhD in Psychology

Earning a doctoral degree in psychology, whether a Psy.D. or Ph.D., is a huge commitment of time and energy. So if there’s a specific area in which you want to practice, it may pay to invest just a bit more time and energy (and probably money) into making sure that the degree you earn will give you the tools you need to succeed in a niche career. Dual-degree programs can be an important resource that goes way beyond just choosing a few electives.