Blog 13 – Dual Degrees, the Double Doors of Great Value
As the college education system evolves, more universities now provide non-traditional programs with enriched learning experiences. A dual degree is a program in which you are able to learn two degrees for the price and time of one.
In this blog, I want to introduce you to some of the best dual degree programs involving a bachelor’s degree that you may never hear of. I am not giving a holistic list of all the dual degree programs offered by Canadian universities. I have only selected the extraordinary ones that I would recommend for my students. Also remember that almost all Canadian universities offer programs with combined majors, double majors, joint majors, etc, which can also be great choices for your teens, but I will not cover them in this blog.
UBC Bachelor + Master of Management Dual Degree
This amazing program combines a Bachelor’s degree in a non-business faculty with a Master of Management in just 4.5 years. A typical path of earning a Bachelor’s degree and then a Master’s degree in management requires 4+2=6 years. Just by entering this dual degree, you automatically save 1.5 years of time and money. UBC Bachelor + Master of Management Dual Degree program can be a perfect choice for those who have an interest in both non-business and business fields.
How Does the Program Work?
During your undergraduate journey, you work on your non-business undergraduate degree while taking 6 commerce courses. You can choose from a wide range of undergraduate degrees from UBC faculties and schools including the Faculty of Arts, Faculty of Forestry, Faculty of Land and Food Systems, Faculty of Science, School of Kinesiology, and School of music.
The 6 commerce courses will count towards both your Bachelor’s degree AND your Master of Management. Upon finishing your undergraduate degrees, you study the Master of Management courses for additional six months, and you will graduate with both a Bachelor’s and a world-ranked Master’s degree from UBC Sauder’s Robert H. Lee Graduate School.
Program Highlights:
This program is career-focused which means it is designed to provide valuable preparation and skills facing the job market. Students enrolled in this program can participate in a Community Business Project which gives them hands-on, practical, real-life experience. The dual degree program also offers solid career services to support students in succeeding upon entering the job market.
SFU – ZJU Dual Degree: Bachelor-Master Program in Computing Science and Finance
Even though SFU is less reputable compared to UBC or the University of Toronto, this dual program is a great choice for computer science folks. You can earn two degrees within 5 years – A bachelor of Science in Computing Science from SFU, and a Master of Finance in Financial Technology (Fintech) from Zhejiang University (ZJU).
This program gives valuable global experience to studying aboard and forging an international career. For those who are unfamiliar with Chinese universities, Zhejiang University is one of the most prestigious universities in China and ranked #115 in Best Global Universities by US News.
How Does the Program Work?
You start your curriculum by starting with 3.5 years of a computing science major or honours program at SFU. You then spend the next 1.5 years at Zhejiang University completing the remaining requirements of the SFU BSc within the first year, and the requirements of the ZJU Master of Finance thereafter.
Program Highlights:
Fintech is a growing industry with increasing demand for professionals. With this program, you can pursue career paths enjoying high starting salaries including, but not limited to, data scientist, Financial analyst, and Cybersecurity analyst.
This program is also full of opportunities for real-life experiences. In addition to your eligibility to apply for SFU’s Coop program, this program is supplemented by a mandatory internship that leverages the network of Zhejiang University International Business School. Cross-cultural experience, international awareness, as well as industry connections gained through this program will well prepare you for your future careers.
University of Toronto – Dual Degree Program: Bachelor of Laws (LLB) (National University of Singapore) + Master of Laws (LLM) (University of Toronto)
Similar to the SFU – ZJU Dual Degree program, dual degree programs at the University of Toronto comprise two elements: one degree offered by the University of Toronto, and the other degree by an international peer institution. This LLB (National University of Singapore) + LLM (University of Toronto) program is a great choice for students aiming for lawyer/social justice career paths. The National University of Singapore (NUS) is the nation’s flagship university enjoying a rank of #29 in Best Global Universities in 2022 US News. Additionally, the NUS Faculty of Law is Singapore’s oldest law school with an 8th world ranking by subject in 2022.
How Does the Program Work?
Once enrolled in the program, you complete the first three years of a Bachelor of Laws from the National University of Singapore (NUS), and in Year 4 complete the Master of Laws degree at the University of Toronto. This program empowers you to complete two degrees in four years rather than five years if attained separately.
Program Highlights:
Since this is another program with go-global experience, you gain all the bonuses and perks of studying overseas. However, since the undergraduate study is at NUS, Canadian Grade 12 students who want to enter this program must apply to NUS directly. Therefore, this program is most suited for those who consider Asia as their primary continent to study and work. The University of Toronto also offers a similar dual degree program Bachelor of Laws (Tsinghua University) + Master of Laws (University of Toronto) that works in a similar way.
Compared to dual degrees involving a bachelor’s degree, there are more universities and programs that offer dual degrees that are combinations of master’s and doctor’s degrees. So if you didn’t get accepted into your dream dual degree program as an undergraduate, definitely try again for graduate school!
