What is a Dual Master’s Degree?
Put simply, a dual degree is where you earn two different master’s degrees, often in a shorter timeframe and at a lower cost than completing them separately. There are a few different names for double master’s programs. Some universities will call these courses dual master’s or joint master’s. However, they all refer to the same kind of qualification.
Dual master’s degrees are offered worldwide by many universities, allowing students to earn two degrees simultaneously through programs within the same or at different institutions. These programs are available in a wide range of fields, including business, law, science, and public policy.
Let’s look at the reasons why this is a great way to arm yourself with broad knowledge and skills that will give you the edge in a competitive job market.
What are the Benefits of Having Two Master’s Degrees?
A dual master’s degree allows you to earn two postgraduate qualifications from different business schools within the same timeframe as a single degree. It’s a popular choice for students looking to study internationally, often at globally recognized institutions with a strong international focus. Furthermore, you can make yourself a better candidate for a specific role by diversifying your skills and deepening your knowledge.
Now, let’s look at the best reasons to study two degrees at the same time.
5 Reasons You Should Study a Dual Master’s Degree
Reason 1: Broaden your skillset and interdisciplinary perspective
When you pursue a dual master’s, you deliberately train in two fields, say business + data science, policy + economics, or engineering + management. This breadth gives you a more versatile toolkit and helps you see connections across domains, making you more adaptable in a rapidly changing job market.
Reason 2: Stand out in a competitive job market
Employers often seek candidates who can bridge multiple disciplines. Having two master’s degrees signals intellectual ambition, depth, and flexibility. You’re less likely to be boxed into a narrow role; instead, you may qualify for roles that demand hybrid skills (such as tech and management, or public policy and analytics).
Reason 3: Save time versus doing two separate degrees
Although a dual master’s costs more than a single master’s, most programs integrate curricula, eliminate redundant courses, and reduce total credit requirements versus doing two completely separate degrees. In effect, you may “save” a semester or more compared to pursuing the two degrees sequentially.
Reason 4: Access expanded networks and prestige
Dual programs frequently involve top-tier institutions or partnerships across universities or departments. You gain access to two faculty networks, alumni bases, and sometimes international partner campuses. That exposure can open doors in academia, industry, or international careers.
Reason 5: Greater career flexibility and pivot potential
With training in two fields, you have flexibility. If one industry contracts, you can lean into your secondary field. Dual degrees let you pivot or combine your interests. For example, transitioning from engineering to management, or integrating sustainability into business strategy.
Top 10 Dual Master’s Programs Worldwide
Darla Moore School of Business and ESADE (USA/Spain)
The double degree program between the Darla Moore School of Business and Esade offers Master of International Business (MIB) students a truly international experience. Students can grow their cultural awareness, explore new study destinations, and widen their horizons.
Other business schools participating in this dual degree partnership include Bocconi University (Italy), and Shanghai Jiao Tong University (China). Students can choose between diverse locations such as Barcelona, Helsinki, Milan, Paris, Shanghai, Singapore, and more.
HEC Paris and Yale (France/USA)
HEC Paris and Yale jointly offer a Master of Business Administration (MBA) and Master of Advanced Management or a MiM and a Master’s in Global Business and Society, to students interested in a deep specialization in management and business. These are taught on two major campuses in Europe and the USA.
Yale M2M (USA)
Yale SOM also partners with other business schools through the Master to Master (M2M) program, whereby the second year of study is at Yale. Students can apply to their preferred Year 1 and Year 2 school programs simultaneously.
CEMS Master in International Management Dual Programs
CEMS is a global program that offers dual master agreements within a global alliance of top business schools. The CEMS Master in International Management (MIM) is a 1-year joint degree program offered by 33 leading business schools around the world.
IE Business School (Spain)
At IE Business School, you can graduate with two master’s in less than two years. They offer a wide range of options and combinations. You can take an International MBA, a Master in Management (MIM), a Master in Finance, or a Master in Law partnered with a specialized master’s.
Bocconi University (Italy)
The esteemed Bocconi University offers a wide range of double-degree programs in partnership with more than 280 top universities in Europe, India, Brazil, the USA, Canada, Oceania, and mainland China.
Saïd Business School, University of Oxford (United Kingdom)
The Oxford dual degree program is known as the Oxford 1+1 MBA. Students can earn a master’s and an MBA at the same time. Partner programs range from an Master of Science (MSc) in Statistical Science, to an MSc in Sustainability, Enterprise and the Environment.
Rotterdam School of Management (The Netherlands)
Rotterdam School of Management (RSM) in the Netherlands hosts a dual master’s in management degree program, called the DM2. RSM offers a 2-year program in conjunction with ESADE (Barcelona, Spain), the University of St.Gallen (Switzerland) and Bocconi University (Milan, Italy). The RSM master’s can choose from diverse specializations such as Marketing Management, Business Analytics & Management, Finance & Investments, People, Organisations, and Change, Global Business & Sustainability, Management of Innovation or Supply Chain Management.
NYU Stern (USA)
Stern has partnerships within New York City and abroad, making it a great option if you want a global education and the NYC experience at the same time. NYU Stern offer dual degree options such as, MBA with an MS in Math Finance, or an MBA and MFA for those interested in the world of Cinema and film financing, and more.
EDHEC (France)
In France, EDHEC offers 24 dual master’s degree programs with global partner institutions from LSE to MIT Sloan School of Management. For example, take a well-rounded Master in Management program and augment it with a specialized MSc in Accounting & Finance. With these diverse pairings, EDHEC equips its students with the knowledge, skills, and practical experience they need to excel in global careers.
What are the Career Benefits After Graduation From a Dual Master’s?
Here are some of the key post‑graduation prospects you can aim for:
- Leadership and managerial roles
Dual degree holders are well-suited for senior or cross‑functional leadership roles because they understand both domain expertise and management contexts.
- Consulting and strategic advisory
Firms (management, tech, policy) love candidates who can straddle technical or analytical depth plus business or social strategy.
- Entrepreneurship/Start-ups
If you combine, say, engineering and business, or environmental science and innovation, you’re better positioned to launch and manage ventures with technical grounding plus business sense.
- Policy, diplomacy, international organizations
Dual degrees in public policy + economics or international affairs + business can pave pathways into governmental agencies, NGOs, think tanks, or the United Nations.
- Data, analytics, and AI roles with domain knowledge
In sectors like healthcare, sustainability, and energy, those who know both the domain (such as public health or climate) and analytics or systems design are in demand.
- Academic research or PhD readiness
With two master’s degrees, especially in complementary areas, you’re often more competitive for interdisciplinary doctoral degree programs or funding.
- Specialist roles bridging disciplines
For example, roles in technology transfer, regulatory affairs, sustainability consulting, and health‑tech strategy, where cross‑disciplinary knowledge matters.
In summary, having dual master’s credentials broadens your appeal and gives you more leeway in choosing industries or roles. In today’s competitive job market, this is your secret weapon.
How Much Does a Dual Master’s Program Cost?
Dual master’s degrees generally cost more than a single master’s, though not exactly double, thanks to subject overlap and integration.
Here are key pricing factors and ballpark figures:
- Tuition per year
Top programs in the U.S. or Europe may charge US$30,000 to 60,000 or more per year for elite universities. Because dual programs often extend in length or add electives, total tuition might reach as high as US$60,000 to 120,000 and beyond for the entire program.
- International/travel/living costs
If your dual program involves studying at partner institutions in different countries, you’ll incur travel, visa, housing, and relocation costs.
- Credits overlap/discounting
Many dual programs eliminate redundant courses, so you might reduce by 10-20 % total credits vs doing two standalone master’s, which helps moderate cost.
- Scholarships, assistantships, fellowships
Some dual programs provide financial support (research or teaching assistantships, institutional scholarships) to offset the higher upfront cost.
- Opportunity cost
Because you may spend more semesters enrolled (versus entering the workforce earlier), factor in lost salary while studying.
- Currency & location variations
In certain countries, mostly in Europe or Asia, tuition fees may be lower, especially for domestic or EU students.
So while dual master’s degrees are a heavier investment than a single one, the relative premium is usually less than doubling, with many programs structured to moderate cost. In addition, you are investing in the possibility that when you graduate armed with two qualifications, you will step into a higher-paying role.
What Do You Call Someone With Two Master’s Degrees?
There is no single term for someone with two master’s degrees; you simply refer to them as a person with two master’s degrees. If listing their credentials, you can state both degrees, such as “MA, MS” or “Master of Arts, Master of Science”. When writing out their name and credentials, you can list each degree separately after their name, for example: “Jane Doe, M.A., M.S.”
Double Down And Boost Your Potential
Pursuing a dual master’s degree is a bold and strategic choice. It offers broad skills, enhanced employability, and flexibility in a shifting global economy. You can leverage top dual programs to get world‑class training in two complementary arenas.
After graduation, you can navigate leadership roles, consulting, policy, tech, academia, or entrepreneurship, comfortably bridging disciplines.
Yes, the cost is higher than a single degree, but smart program design, credit overlap, and financial aid options temper the burden. If your interests already span more than one field, a dual master’s might be one of the smartest investments you make in your future.
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