The Rise of Dual Degree and Pathway Programs

The new era of education is witnessing a shift from the traditional way of obtaining a single degree in defined subjects towards dual degrees and pathway programs in every major institution. Students are looking for a wider perspective of knowledge than the conventional methods. Exploring wider opportunities that are time-efficient, cost-effective and enriched in experiences. This includes the studies of two different degrees at the same time, whether they are from the same background or not, and of pathway programs for enriching and holistic development. Nowadays, these are becoming popular choices for students as they significantly enhance the global employment and networking opportunities.

Dual Degrees

Once rare, it is now an emerging trend in education. A dual degree is defined as the simultaneous pursuit and completion of two different degrees at the same time from different fields. The degrees can be awarded by the same or two different universities. They can be completely distinct in nature from each other or can complement each other, for example, doing a Bachelor’s of Arts along with a Bachelor’s in Science at the same time and doing a master's in Business Administration along with a master's in Economics.

Going after a dual degree is different from doing a double major because a double major allows a student to earn credit for 2 distinctive subjects while awarding only a single degree. For example, pursuing a bachelor's in economics with political science. A double major needs to be done in the same time frame, while dual degrees generally take an extended time. For example, a dual master's degree can take up to 3 years to complete, while a double major takes the standard 2 years.

Major advantages of a dual degree program:

1. Saves time: The time taken for pursuing two separate bachelor's degrees can be 6 (3+3) years, while a dual degree is 3 years, saving a year for students. Similarly, for a master's program, it will be 4 (2+2) for two master's pursued individually, while it is only 2 years for a dual degree. This will give a competitive edge to students in less time and help them further focus on their higher education plans.
2. Saves money: Pursuing a dual degree can be costly as compared to a single degree, but it will be less expensive as compared to pursuing two different degrees at different times. The program saves money spent on semester fees, transportation, and accommodation for an extra year.
3. Enhanced skill set: Students gain expertise in two areas, enhancing their interdisciplinary knowledge. This makes them a versatile and adaptable candidate for specific job roles. Taking an example of a BS in chemistry and a BS in biology can make a person more suited for the pharmaceutical industry, in place of candidates having only one of these degrees.
4. Enhances Global perspective: As many dual degrees involve partnerships between two universities from different nations, it enables students to gain international exposure. Students get to understand the cultural values of different places, work environments, and various indigenous methodologies used by different institutions. It opens doors for students to various global opportunities, enhancing their career prospects.
5. Flexible and customisable: Students get the opportunity to choose subjects of their interest according to their career goals, such as combining business administration with engineering, computer sciences with AI, and law studies with the arts. They also choose the pace and mode of learning in various cases, making it feasible and convenient to navigate through both the courses and complete them within a stipulated time.
6. Enhancing employability: Students get an ample amount of networking opportunities on both platforms, fostering connections and understanding necessary for moving ahead in their careers. It also provides multiple internship opportunities in different fields, making them industry-ready as compared to other single-degree courses.

How to Choose the Right Dual Degree program?

• Set clear career goals: Ensure that the degree favours your career growth in your field of interest. Consider whether it aligns with your long-term goals and provides a competitive advantage.
• Research about requirements and program structure: Go through the detailed curriculum of the dual degree, understand the credit requirements, and the timeline for each program. It is necessary to understand the admission process and hence fulfil the requirements for them. Some universities can have specific GPA requirements, application deadlines, or restrictions. Compiling all of them can be a hectic task. Also, search for the flexible options provided by the institutions.
• Search for support: Identify student support services and advising bodies available for dual degree students. Check whether the transition between chosen programs is smooth.
• Considering the practical factors: Evaluate the cost requirements of tuition fees, location, living expenses, facilities and resources for the duration of study. Analyse all the factors and then choose a place for studies.

Reccomended Dual Degree Programs - Bachelor in Applied Management (Business Law) | MBA Artificial Intelligence and Data Science | MBA in Luxury Marketing and Innovation | Master of Business Administration

Dual degree programs are rapidly expanding with the increase in globalisation and cross-border collaboration. The Institute of International Education (IIE) and the Freie Universität Berlin survey suggested that 95% of institutions in a 28-country survey want to expand joint/double degree offerings. Universities are collaborating across countries to provide joint or dual degrees, giving international exposure to their students. It is famous among international students, as it maximises their academic investment and career opportunities. It further enhances their global presence and provides excellent networking opportunities across various domains. The France, Switzerland, UK, USA, Germany, Italy, Spain, and Australia are some of the top destinations that offer dual degrees in various fields.

Pathway programs

Pathway programs are innovative academic programs that allow students to complete their degree from two institutions, generally consisting of one domestic and one international institution. For example, a 4-years or 3-year bachelor's program is divided into 2-2 or 2-1 years, where a student studies for the first 2 years in a domestic institute and the next 2 or 1 in a partnered international institute. They offer a seamless academic transition between the academic partners with global exposure.

As compared to a dual-degree program, pathway programs offer only a single degree but in less time as compared to it. It is focused on a wider international exposure, as students have to stay at both campuses to complete their course credits.

Advantages of pathway programs:

1. International exposure: Students get to experience the vibrant cultures of both nations. They get exposure to a vibrant living experience, enjoying the heritage and geographical features of different places. They understand the global markets and requirements, which is an essential component of their career.
2. Extensive curriculum: Students go through a robust curriculum designed by both universities to provide their best features, sources and facilities to the students. Institutions make sure not to overlap the course subjects and provide ease in transferring credits.
3. Networking opportunities: Students get the advantage of exploring global opportunities with the help of networking from both institutions. They can also access the alumni network of the colleges to build connections. It develops their communication skills as well.
4. Career opportunities: It allows students to graduate with a world-class degree and internship opportunities in the international field; these enhance their employability on a global stage and give wider career opportunities.

How to choose the right pathway program:

• Ensure that the pathway program aligns with your career goals. Select the programs that offer the desired specialisations and internship opportunities in that field. For this, students can go through the curriculum provided by the institutions.
• Consider the practical aspects of the program, such as tuition fees, living expenses, transportation, accommodation and healthcare facilities, before opting for the program.
• Look for further networking opportunities through their student groups, alumni network and counsellors.
• Students can also look for various summer projects, internships, and employment opportunities provided in the course by the university.
• Candidates can explore various favourable policies, funding, and scholarships provided by the universities and governments of the countries.

Reccomended Pathway Programs - Bachelor AI Developer | Bachelor in Marketing and Business

Pathway programs are increasingly in demand by students, as these programs offer a holistic and vibrant approach to education. They make education innovative and fun for the new generation. The popular destinations that provide pathway learning are the France, Germany, Italy, US, the UK, Canada, Australia, Dubai, UAE, Russia, Malaysis, and New Zealand. These courses further enhance partnerships and integration among different nationalities.

Conclusion

In this world of globalisation, there is always a need for experts in multiple domains with excellent leadership skills and academic qualifications. The dual degree and the pathway programs provide education in multiple fields simultaneously in an international environment. It makes students versatile, adaptable and collaborative. Further enhancing their problem-solving skills. They get trained in various fields at the same time, gaining multiple experiences. It further enhances the standard of living and awareness of students. Enhancing their employability, it makes students global citizens, embedding brotherhood and respect for different cultures. This holistic approach not only prepares them for diverse career opportunities but also fosters a sense of responsibility towards contributing positively to society. Ultimately, it equips students to navigate the complexities of a globalised world with confidence and integrity.

While these courses offer numerous advantages in terms of effectiveness, exposure, and employability, it is crucial to carefully select them to ensure they align with one’s career goals and financial considerations.