Is a Dual Degree for Me?

If you’re someone who craves an international college experience that goes beyond a traditional semester or year of study abroad, there are some awesome dual degree programs worth considering. While this list is not an exhaustive catalog of all the dual/joint programs, it should be a good starting point to help you understand the types of programs that are out there. Get Googling, adventure and an awesome education await!

Here are some of Gomundo’s favorite joint and dual degree program:

The Dual BA Program between Columbia University & Trinity College Dublin
The Dual BA Program between Trinity College Dublin and Columbia University offers students an international educational experience—a program spanning two continents and cosmopolitan cities. The Program allows students to enhance their global outlook and develop their language skills and communication abilities to a high level. During your studies, years one and two are spent at Trinity and the final two years at Columbia.

You may choose from four programs: English Studies, European Studies, History, and Middle Eastern and European languages and cultures.

Sciences Po
Sciences Po has a number of reciprocal agreements with universities around the globe.

Sciences Po Dual BA with Columbia University
Sciences Po Dual BA with National University of Singapore
Sciences Po Dual BA with Keio University
Sciences Po Dual BA with the University of Hong Kong
Sciences Po Dual BA with The University of Sydney
Sciences Po Dual BA with The University of British Columbia
Sciences Po Dual BA with UC Berkeley
Sciences Po Dual BA with University College London
Sciences Po Dual BA with Freie Universität Berlin

A range of majors/subjects are available, depending on the partner institution students select. Most of the focus is on things like international relations, economics, political science, etc. Some business options are available.

International Partnership of Business Schools (IPBS)
All students in the IPBS bachelor programs major in international business, intensively study a second language, spend one to three semesters studying at a partner university, and complete two six-month co-op work placements. Students who spend two years at the partner university and complete all the requirements receive a degree from the partner institution as well as from their home institution.

Reims, France: NEOMA, Centre d'Etudes Supérieures Européennes de Management
Reutlingen, Germany: Reutlingen University, ESB Business School
Dublin, Ireland: Dublin City University, DCU Business School
Piacenza, Italy: Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Facoltà di Economia - Piacenza
Puebla, Mexico: Universidad de las Américas Puebla, Escuela de Negocios y Economía
Madrid, Spain: Universidad Pontificia Comillas, Instituto Católico de Administración y Dirección Empresas
Lancaster, England: Lancaster University, The Management School
Boston, Massachusetts: Northeastern University, D'Amore-McKim School of Business
Raleigh, North Carolina: North Carolina State University, Poole College of Management

The Joint Degree Programme between William & Mary and the University of St Andrews
Students will take required major courses at both W&M and St Andrews. If you apply to the Joint Degree Programme through W&M, you will spend your first year at W&M. Your second year will be at St Andrews. If you apply to the Joint Degree Programme through St Andrews, you'll spend your first year in Scotland, and your second in Williamsburg. You will work with your advisor to decide how to split the third and fourth years.

You may choose from one of six majors: Classical Studies, Economics, English, Film Studies, History, or International Relations.

The Joint Degree Program with UNC & the National University of Singapore
Undergraduates can spend anywhere from two to four semesters at UNC or the National University of Singapore (NUS) and receive a joint Bachelor of Arts degree with a major in economics from both institutions.

Joint Degree Program between American University & Ritsumeikan University
This program allows undergraduate students to earn two BA degrees from two universities in four years. AU students will receive a BA in International Studies. At Ritsumeikan, students study in the College of International Relations. With degrees granted in two countries, students participating in the dual degree programs gain the knowledge, skills, and practical experience to excel in careers in both countries.

Appalachian State & The Universidad de las Américas Puebla Dual-Degree Program (DDP) in Communication
By taking advantage of the strengths of both universities, dual-degree students obtain a unique combination of professional communication skills, thus enhancing their career prospects in both countries. In addition, students gain access to a multinational learning environment, acquire an in-depth exposure to the Mexican culture, and achieve a full proficiency in Spanish. And finally, receiving a dual degree is not as costly as pursuing an undergraduate degree abroad.

Joint Computer Science Degree Ulm University of Applied Sciences, Germany & Rose-Hulman
You’ll spend your first two years on the Rose-Hulman campus. For your third year, you’ll be in Ulm, Germany, meeting your international peers and taking classes together (in English). For your fourth year, both you and students from Ulm will be studying together on the Rose-Hulman campus.

Computing Science Dual Degree Program (DDP) Simon Fraser University & Zhejiang University
Students will obtain degrees in: Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.) from SFU, Bachelor of Engineering (B.Eng.) from Zhejiang University.

World Bachelor of Business at University of Southern California, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, & Università Commerciale Luigi Bocconi
A cohort of 45 students from across the globe study at three highly regarded business schools, each in a major economic and cultural zone. At the end of four years, students have completed the required coursework for all three universities, earning a bachelor’s degree from each institution.

How do I know if a dual degree is right for me?
Start by doing your research. When I’m working with student who are considering dual degrees I force them to learn as much about the program as they possibly can before making a decision. You can read online and dream about going abroad, but also make sure to talk to admissions officers and current students whenever possible. If you’ve dug-in and think it is the right place for you, ask some hard questions. Things like “what kind of student is successful here?“ will help you understand if this slightly non-traditional route is right for you.

Want to learn more about considering all of your college options?
Our unique and tailored admissions advice is available to anyone who signs up for a free session with Gomundo. We offer in-person and online sessions. Check out our online resources, too.

Monica Gallego RudeApril 24, 2019