Benefits of Pursuing a Dual Graduate Degree at a Christian University

College Advice, Master's Degrees, Undergraduate Careers

masters degree student graduating from Dallas Baptist University, a Christian University in Texas

Choosing to pursue a master's degree often involves selecting a specific area of study to deepen your knowledge and enhance your career opportunities. However, if you're among the many students pursuing a master’s degree who gravitate to multiple fields, choosing a single area of graduate study may feel impossible. Thankfully, there's another option: Pursuing a dual degree allows you to study two disciplines at the graduate level simultaneously while broadening your knowledge, skills, and career opportunities.

Dallas Baptist University (DBU) offers multiple options if you're considering graduate dual degree programs from a Christian university in Texas.

Embarking on a dual-degree journey is a big undertaking. Seek God's guidance first, and read on to learn more about dual degrees and their benefits, tips for navigating your educational path, and why DBU is an excellent choice as you consider dual graduate degree programs in Texas.

What Is a Dual Degree?

It may be easy to confuse getting a dual degree with pursuing a double major. In a dual degree program, you will earn two separate degrees, and they can be in separate fields. When you pursue a double major, you earn a single degree with two focus areas.

For example, when you earn dual degrees, you might seek an M.A. in Communication and an M.A. in Theological Studies. The curriculum and requirements for each of these degrees are very different. In a dual degree program, you must meet all the course requirements in each plan. This typically means you'll earn many more credits and attend school longer to complete both degrees.

Academic Levels of Dual Degrees

Students can pursue dual degrees at different academic levels, as follows:

A bachelor's degree and a graduate degree.
Two master's degrees.

Some schools offer accelerated programs for students completing a bachelor's degree and a graduate degree together. Accelerated programs can shorten the amount of time for completion, and some allow students to apply classes to each program, which saves money.

DBU offers Accelerated Graduate Placement for qualified students, allowing them to demonstrate graduate competencies and apply for graduate credit while they complete their undergraduate degree.

For high school students who want to earn college credits while still in high school, DBU offers Dual Credit opportunities via AP, IB, and CLEP programs, as well as DBU's Pre-College Academy online courses.

Benefits of Dual Degrees

In fall 2023, almost 18.1 million students were enrolled in degree-granting colleges and universities in the U.S.

Earning dual degrees is an ambitious endeavor that requires determination and patience. The benefits and rewards are worth the effort. Here are a few of them:

A dual degree may give job candidates a competitive edge over other applicants.
Graduates expand their knowledge and skills in two fields of study.
Dual degrees broaden career opportunities so that you can move to more than one industry.
Dual degree holders can leverage learning from both degrees to change careers and advance in their field.

Why Christian Students Should Pursue a Dual Degree

Christian graduate students can follow their calling and use their dual degree knowledge and individual gifts to serve others in their communities and around the world.

As scripture encourages, "As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God's varied grace." 1 Peter 4:10 ESV

DBU's mission is to produce Christian servant leaders who will integrate faith and learning beyond the classroom via their respective callings.

By gaining broader knowledge and a Christ-centered education, dual degree graduates can make a significant impact in neighborhoods and communities beyond the classroom. Each student has unique God-given gifts and talents, and earning dual degrees can expand them.

DBU's Ministry-Focused Dual Graduate Degrees

As a Christ-focused university, DBU celebrates the success of graduates as they pursue their calling in various occupations across the country and around the world.

For those students who feel led to pursue a career in ministry, DBU offers a wide array of Dual Master's Degree Programs in ministry. Examples include:

The dual degree plans listed above are just a sample of the many dual master's degree programs DBU offers.

Applicants must apply to, meet the existing admission requirements for, and be accepted into each of the master's degrees that comprise the dual degree program they choose.

Tips for Managing Dual Degree Programs

Tackling two degrees at once may seem like a daunting task. Remember to trust God and pray for strength.

Follow these tips for success:

Develop and implement effective study methods.
Closely follow your prescribed degree path when it comes to course selection/scheduling to ensure you meet the requirements for both degrees.
Meet with your academic advisor regularly to assess your progress and get advice.
Pray about your academic journey with your pastor, family, church, and school friends.
Use planners, apps, and other appropriate time management tools to record homework and quizzes — and to plan meeting times and deadlines.
Form a study group with classmates and friends to reinforce study habits and knowledge.

Overall, with prayer, faith, dedication, and perseverance, motivated students can earn dual degrees that will open many professional doors and present many opportunities to enjoy serving others in a bright future.