Online Dual MBA Programs
Earning an advanced degree like a master of business administration (MBA) can be a strong investment. Graduate degree-holders often earn more money and hold higher-level positions than professionals with only undergraduate credentials. Online MBA programs teach advanced knowledge of business and can be useful in many sectors.
In a dual degree MBA program, you can combine the MBA with another degree, earning two distinct credentials. This is different than double majoring, where you earn one degree that includes two disciplines.
Earning a dual MBA degree online can save you time and money. The MBA degree is one of the most common partner degrees. You can pair it with a JD, MSF, MS, and MHA. You can even pair an MBA with a Ph.D. Yale, for example, offers a dual MBA/Ph.D. program through its School of Management.
Read on to learn more about online dual MBA degrees. Discover some of the many online dual degree options available, and determine which one is right for you.
Why Get an MBA Dual Degree?
A dual MBA program lets you specialize in two areas at once, enhancing your knowledge, skills, and credentials. Online dual MBA degree programs can help you to advance in your career and increase your earning potential, often at your own pace from the comfort of your home or anywhere you choose to study.
Students in dual degree programs can also save time and money on tuition by sharing coursework between the two degrees over the course of 2-3 years rather than earning two degrees separately, which could take four years.
While few jobs require two graduate degrees, a dual MBA degree can open many doors. One popular online dual degree is the JD/MBA, for example, which can help students begin careers in law and/or business.
These degrees can also offer a strong return on investment. Dual MBA degrees lead to career growth, often resulting in pay bumps. And a dual degree can also help you stand out while job hunting.
Types of Online Dual MBA Programs
There are several different types of online dual MBA programs. And many universities offer these programs completely online or within a hybrid format. You should research different options to find the best fit for you.
In the section below, learn more about the different types of dual MBA programs you can choose from.
JD/MBA Joint Degree
In dual JD/MBA programs, students specialize in both law and business. To apply to JD/MBA programs, you’ll need a bachelor’s degree. Some schools require above-average scores on the LSAT and GMAT, as well.
These programs tend to take four years to complete, though many programs allow students to earn their degrees within three years. Students with this joint degree graduate to work in finance, business law, and corporate legal departments. Many also work as entrepreneurs.
MBA/MSF Dual Degree
The MBA/MSF dual degree is designed for students who want to combine a master of business administration with a master of science in finance. These degrees are natural complements to each other, as graduates who want to succeed in high-level positions in business often need a strong grasp of finance. In these programs, students take general business courses as well as classes that deal specifically with finance topics. These can include financial forecasting, investment banking, introduction to fintech, and risk management.
MBA/MS Dual Degree
The online MBA/MS dual degree is designed for busy students who want to combine a master of business administration with a master of science. Students learn financial accounting, project management, marketing, and business data analysis. MS concentrations include biotechnology, supply chain management, healthcare management, and engineering.
MBA/MHA Dual Degree
The MBA/MHA dual degree combines an MBA with a master of health administration, preparing students for advanced careers in healthcare. Students learn the business side of healthcare and graduate to work as hospital administrators, healthcare consultants, practice managers, and medical and health managers, among other popular careers.
MBA/MPH Dual Degree
A combination of a master of business administration and a master of public health, the MBA/MPH dual degree trains students to become accomplished public health professionals who are also effective managers. Incoming students usually possess 2-5 years of health experience. The dual degree program provides advanced training in the management of public health systems.
MBA/MSN Dual Degree
The MBA/MSN dual degree combines the MBA and the master of science in nursing. These programs prepare healthcare professionals for careers as healthcare leaders. After graduation, nurses can pursue roles where they oversee other nurses in addition to completing their own nursing duties. Alternatively, they can transition into business roles, leading healthcare organizations.
MBA/MPA Dual Degrees
The dual MBA and master of public administration teaches students how to work across the nonprofit, government, and business sectors. Graduates often work in education, healthcare, and government roles, pursuing administrative, analyst, and regulatory careers.
MBA/PSY Dual Degree
A dual MBA and psychology degree program trains students in organizational psychology. Graduates learn to lead and manage organizations while improving employee well-being. Concentrations in this area include industrial psychology, organizational leadership, strategic management, and training and development.
Applying for Online MBA Dual Degree Programs
Before applying to an MBA dual degree program, make sure to verify that the school and course of study are accredited. When a school is accredited, it meets a certain standard of academic quality. If you attend a school that isn’t accredited, you may have trouble finding a job or transferring credits should you choose to pursue additional education.
Also, keep in mind that MBA dual degree programs may have different admissions requirements, depending on the school that you apply to. For example, some programs may require that you apply and get accepted to one program first before applying for the second program during your first year.
Most, though not all, online MBA dual programs require students to submit GRE and/or GMAT scores. You must hold a bachelor’s degree, and you may need to hold a certain GPA in order to qualify for admission depending on the rigor of the school.
Featured Online MBA Programs
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.
Paying for a Dual MBA Degree
If you can’t afford to pay for an online dual MBA degree program out of pocket, you can select from a variety of financial aid options. These include student loans, grants, scholarships, fellowships, and work-study opportunities.
What’s great about grants, scholarships, and fellowships is that you don’t have to pay them back. Similarly, you can seek out employer assistance, which you would also not have to pay back. Check with your company’s HR department to learn whether the company offers education funding or tuition reimbursement.
You can also search for professional financial aid associations, such as the National Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators and the National Association of Fellowship Advisors, for resources and advice about finding scholarships.
Frequently Asked Questions About Online Dual MBA Programs
A dual degree is worth it if you have an interest in the two disciplines you’re studying. If your academic or career goals require more than one area of expertise, a dual MBA degree can get you where you want to go.
Note: The insights on this page — excluding school descriptions — were reviewed by an independent third party compensated for their time by BestColleges. Page last reviewed April 30, 2024.
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