Dual Master’s and Ph.D. Programs: What They Are and How They Work

Looking for ways to maximize your time while earning an advanced degree? Get two.

In a dual degree program, you can earn your master’s and doctorate at the same time, with your master’s classes counting for credit toward a Ph.D.

But you don’t have to do your master’s and Ph.D. in the same field. Many dual degree programs combine a Ph.D., JD, or MD with a popular master’s degree, like a master of science (MS), master of education (M.Ed.), or master of business administration (MBA).

A dual degree program gets you two degrees at the same time. In a dual degree program, you can get any of the following combos:

Colleges usually do this by offering classes that can earn you dual credit toward both degrees. A dual degree may be for you if you’re looking to either:

When earning a dual master’s and Ph.D. program in the same field, you typically have to take classes that fulfill the requirements for both degrees.

If you’re going into your graduate program for the first time, you may start out with a master’s degree and transition into a Ph.D. program. If you’re working on a Ph.D., see what other programs you can pair with your degree, like an MBA or master’s in accounting, or anything else that may interest you or build upon your Ph.D.

Doing two degrees at the same time can also save you money instead of going back to school later for your secondary degree. While you may be able to do your master’s online, an online Ph.D. isn’t as common — doctoral degrees usually require research and in-person collaboration.

This list highlights nine of the most popular types of combined master’s and doctorate. These dual degrees bring together diverse fields such as business, medicine, and education.

Combining a business and nursing program, a dual MBA/DNP prepares you for leadership positions in nursing and healthcare. With this dual degree, you’ll gain advanced skills in clinical care, nursing leadership, and healthcare management. An MBA/DNP gives you an understanding of both the practical and the business sides of the healthcare industry.

A dual MBA/MD can prepare you for cross-disciplinary jobs requiring intensive medicine and business leadership knowledge. This dual degree usually takes 5-6 years to complete and fuses two of the most high-paying degrees, so you can not only practice medicine but also lead in the medical field and participate in private medical consultation.

A combined MBA/Pharm.D. degree gives you comprehensive skills in both pharmacy practice and business leadership. This is an ideal program to pursue if you’re interested in a high-level career in the pharmaceutical industry. A dual MBA/Pharm.D. can also prepare you for entrepreneurship opportunities in the pharmaceutical and healthcare industries.

A dual MBA/Psy.D. degree can prepare you for both clinical psychology practice and private sector consultation without forcing you to commit to either path. These programs focus on psychology and business knowledge, commonly preparing you for executive coaching or organizational consulting jobs.

One of the most versatile combined master’s and doctoral programs, a combined MBA/JD covers both business management and law. This degree can prepare you for a career in corporate law or any other industry where business and law intersect. MBA/JD programs take 3-5 years to complete.

A combined M.Ed./JD gives you extensive knowledge of law, education leadership, and education policy. Coursework typically explores the relationship between education organizations and state and federal education regulations. This degree is ideal if you want a career in education administration, advocacy, or policy development.

A dual MPP/JD degree provides insight into both law and public policy. Often taking four years to complete, these master’s and doctorate combined programs focus on regulatory and legal issues related to public policy. After graduating, you can work in law, government, or other policy-related careers.

An MS/MD degree combines medical knowledge with scientific research, giving you a deeper understanding of the science behind clinical healthcare. These programs can prepare you for careers in healthcare, medical research, and teaching. You can complete an MS/MD degree program after five years of full-time study.

A combined MPH/MD highlights the intersection of community health and clinical medical practice. This degree combines individualized and community perspectives on healthcare issues, training you both to treat patients and address larger, population-wide health issues. An MPH/MD program typically takes 4-5 years to complete.

Combined master’s and Ph.D. programs offer some notable professional benefits, including increased job options and higher salary potential. However, earning two advanced degrees usually doesn’t come cheap — particularly if you’re pursuing high-paying fields such as medicine, business, or law.

Ultimately, you have to weigh the increased cost of earning two degrees against potential future earnings in your field.

If you’re interested in a specific career path or hope to advance in your current job, a dual degree can be a practical choice. At the same time, it’s crucial to consider your return on investment and how much more you can realistically earn by completing two graduate degrees instead of just one.