What are joint Master‘s and Ph.D. Programs?
Dual master’s and Ph.D. programs allow you to earn a master’s degree seamlessly and then a Ph.D.. Referred to as dual degrees, joint degrees, or master’s and Ph.D. combined degrees, grad schools with these practical programs provide a formal study plan for completing two degrees simultaneously.
Depending on the school and the type of dual degree you are pursuing, the same institution usually offers both programs. However, at other schools, you may pursue your master’s and Ph.D. at two universities with a partnership agreement.
What is a Dual Degree Program or Joint Master and Ph.D. Programs?
What is a Dual Degree Program or Joint Master and Ph.D. Program?
A dual degree program is typically structured to double-count some of students’ earned course credits to complete both degrees – masters and Ph.D. While the policies that govern these programs vary, essentially, dual master’s and doctorate degree programs allow participants to:
- Meld two different interests and study immersion-style
- Customize their course plan
- Bulk up a resume with extra skills and knowledge
- Research at the highest academic level
- Course share instead of completing the same material twice
How to Apply to Joint Masters and Ph.D. programs?
Applicants for dual masters and doctorate degree programs may need to apply separately for admission to both schools within their university. Thus indicating their intent to pursue a dual degree.
As a result, you should talk to admissions counselors and program directors during the application process. To make sure you have all the required materials for starting graduate study.
Dual Degree vs Double Major
Combined master’s and Ph.D. programs are not to be confused with double majors or two degrees at the same academic level. A conjoined Masters/Ph.D. program blends two postgraduate programs in areas such as:
- Business administration
- Law
- Political Science
- Medicine
- Education
- Psychology
- Nursing
The curriculum usually draws from the syllabus of both programs, though the course load is a bit heavier. This may stretch out the time to completion. But still usually takes less time than earning the degrees separately.
For example, American University offers a MA / PhD in Psychology. In this case. courses are in-depth analysis in concentrations such as Behavior, Cognition, Neuroscience, and Clinical Psychology.
12 Common Combined Masters and Ph.D. Programs
Some grad schools with dual master’s and doctorate degree programs may have separate pages devoted to dual degree and joint degree programs. Then again, they might require a conversation with the departments.
Below are some standard programs to consider, including dual master’s and Ph.D. programs online. Remember, though you may not see the particular dual degree you’re looking for, this list of schools is open to combined master’s / Ph.D. degrees. Therefore, contact admissions to see if the one you want to pursue is possible.
Are there Ph.D. and MBA dual degree programs?
There are multiple MBA / Ph.D. joint programs to consider that enable graduate degree students to hone their grasp of the day-to-day management issues that today’s professionals face along with functional skills in another area. In many of these programs, the MBA coursework usually comes first.
Here are a few master’s and Ph.D. combined programs in business administration to check out, with partner programs that offer each type of dual degree.
Find the Masters and Ph.D. Combined / Joint Degree For You
Fulfill your interest in more than one disciplinary area in one of the dual master’s and doctorate degree programs above.
You can also complete the form on this page to get matched to the perfect program for you or discover 9 grad schools with Low GPA requirements.