Dual Degree Programs
Along with those professions requiring a graduate degree to practice or gain licensure, employers in all fields are increasingly seeking graduate degrees for new hires.
What is a dual degree program at SHU?
A dual degree program provides a defined pathway for SHU students to move seamlessly and efficiently from an undergraduate degree to a graduate degree. Students apply to a dual degree program as an incoming freshman and are admitted directly into the graduate program at the same time as their admission as undergraduate students. Dual degree students are guaranteed a place in the graduate program provided they continue, as undergraduate students, to meet program-specific criteria to progress into enrollment in the graduate program. All colleges at Sacred Heart University offer dual degree programs.
Dual Degree Program Options
- Accounting
- Athletic Training
- Business Administration (MBA)
- Business Analytics & Applied AI
- Chemistry
- Clinical Mental Health Counseling
- Computer Science & Information Technology
- Cybersecurity
- Digital Marketing
- Education (Elementary with Special Education Cross Endorsement)
- Education (Elementary)
- Education (Middle/Secondary)
- Exercise & Sport Science
- Film & Television Production (MA & MFA)
- Finance & Investment Management
- Health Administration
- Higher Education & Student Affairs
- Industrial Organizational Psychology
- Journalism & Media Production
- Occupational Therapy
- Physical Therapy
- Physician Assistant Studies
- Public Administration
- Public Health
- School Counseling
- Social Work (MSW)
- Speech-Language Pathology
- Sports Communication & Media
- Strategic Communication & Public Relations
What are the benefits of pursuing a dual degree program?
- Many dual degree programs offer students the opportunity to save time and money by accelerating undergraduate degree completion or beginning graduate coursework during the undergraduate years to reduce the cost of the graduate degree. For example, students may finish the bachelor’s degree in three years, or take two or more graduate courses during undergraduate study at no additional cost over undergraduate tuition.
- Dual degree students have the peace of mind that there is a space reserved for them in their graduate program beginning in their first year and that they clearly understand the criteria and achievements expected of them to progress into the graduate program. They are embraced by the graduate program throughout their undergraduate years, becoming part of the College and graduate program community. Combined with advisement from their undergraduate academic advisor, each student is provided guidance and resources in support of successful progression to graduate study.
- Along with those professions requiring a graduate degree to practice or gain licensure, employers in all fields are increasingly seeking graduate degrees for new hires. Students entering the workforce with advanced knowledge and credentials are more competitive when pursuing top positions.
Understanding the Types of Dual Degree Programs
There are several different structures, or plans of study, within the range of dual degree programs offered at SHU.
Accelerated Dual Degree Program
In an accelerated dual degree program, students complete the undergraduate degree in three years instead of four years and are enrolled in the graduate program beginning in the fourth year. These programs are often referred to as 3+2 or 3+3 dual degree programs, meaning that the bachelor’s degree is completed in three years, and students are then enrolled in the graduate program for two or three years.
4+ Dual Degree Programs
In all other dual degree programs (sometimes referred to as 4+ dual degree programs), students are enrolled as undergraduates for four years and as graduate students beginning in year five. In many of SHU's 4+1 dual degree programs, students will complete up to six graduate credits during their senior year as undergraduates. This gives students a head start on the graduate program to allow for the awarding of the graduate degree in only one year of post-baccalaureate study. Additionally, the six credits of graduate study undertaken as an undergraduate student are covered by the student’s undergraduate tuition allowing for significant cost savings versus completing those credits after graduation.
Other 4+ dual degree programs include options such as 4+2, 4+3 and, in the case of the Physician Assistant Studies program, 4+27 months.
Applying for a Dual Degree Program
Students apply to a dual degree program at the time of their freshman application, selecting their dual degree program of interest on the Common Application. In some dual degree programs, specific undergraduate majors must be pursued as part of the plan of study, while others are feasible for almost all undergraduate majors. Students will see the eligible undergraduate majors matching their dual degree program of interest on the Common Application. Students admitted to SHU as undergraduate students will, along with their undergraduate letter of admission, receive a decision letter for the dual degree program.
Students and parents are encouraged to reach out to their Admissions Counselor to discuss dual degree options or ask questions about particular programs.