Save Your Resources and Double Your Value with Dual Degree Program

Here is something that not many students ever think about though it has a lot of advantages. By taking this one step students can not only save their time but also get to learn more and increase their market worth. Most Pakistani students are entirely unaware of this concept for the reasons mentioned below. However, I believe that every student should have this knowledge and be aware of all the possible opportunities they can avail.

What are Dual Degree Programs

So, what is it that can double a student’s value and also in a short time. It is called Dual Degree Program. Double degree is process of pursuing two different fields of study. You can either study your selected programs from the same institute or join different universities. This option is usually only available for bachelor’s level studies. For example, you can study BS Computer Sciences and at the same time also pursue a degree of BS in Fine Arts.

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Dual degree is called by many names around the world including Joint Degree, Double Degree, Combined Degree, Conjoint Degree and Simultaneous Degree. It is easier to study both programs at one institute, however, it has more market value and fun to study both programs at different universities. You start both degrees at the same time and also end at the same time. It would take you 8 years to study two complete BS programs but if you join dual degree program, you will get both of the degrees in the time span of only one that is 4 years.

Most of the student apply for one sciences degree and other in Arts as two science degrees can pretty difficult to manage at the same time. Each degree has nothing to do with the other one. If you are studying in same university, it will be easier to manage time otherwise lecture timings can collapse with each other.

Not to Confuse with Double Majors

Some students confuse it but we are not talking about Double majors. Double majors is an entirely different program though it may sound similar to Dual or Double degree program. A double major is a study program that fulfills the requirements of two different majors but in a single Bachelor’s degree. It is one program with courses mixed of two different fields. For example, double majors in Chemistry and Biological Sciences. On the other hand, if you study a Dual degree program, you study courses of two entirely different programs in different lectures from different teachers get two different degrees and probably from different universities.  

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Dual Degree Programs in Pakistan

During my time at Bahauddin Zakariya University, I wanted to study two programs at a time. One that I was already studying, BS Computer Sciences, and with that a degree in English Language. I was really disappointed to know that Dual Degree is not allowed by Higher Education Commission of Pakistan. It was banned. I don’t quite understand, were they afraid that some students will study and learn too much?

However, it is safe to assume that it was definitely a wrong decision. It was until recently that HEC lifted this ban still from only 9 categories. Even in this, it is a condition that both degrees are not allowed in the morning session. And they wonder why Pakistani Higher Education System was ranked worst among study abroad destination. These so called big scholars of Pakistan are nothing more than Hypocrites doing unethical business off students. 

Study Dual Degree Program Abroad

I think it’s a blessing that Pakistani students still have the option to study abroad. I don’t really understand but still thankful that foreign universities still accept the Pakistani certificates and degrees. Unlike Pakistan, all study abroad destinations offer dual degree programs. Some universities may have different conditions or priorities still most institutes have special arrangements for dual degree program. Just choose a study abroad destination and after selecting the university make sure that they are offering dual degree program in the fields of study you want to pursue. Students of dual degree programs are very much preferred and admired by the institutes and employers.

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Advantages of Dual Degree

1.     You save a lot financial resources that you would have spent studying two programs separately. For example, cost of living while studying.

2.    In dual degree program, you get to learn different fields of education.

3.    You save a lot of time. You get two degrees in half of the time compared to if you had studied them separately.

4.    Dual degree programs increase your market worth. You have double skills compared to other candidates, who do you think employers would prefer. It also manifests that you are a hard worker since you did study two programs at the same time.

5.    If you have pressure on you to study a certain program, you can study that. Good thing is that in addition to that you can also pursue the field that you like Arts or something.

6.    Usually people can only make carrier in the field that they studied. If you study two programs, you got more carrier opportunities to choose from. You can just choose one that you prefer or make profit by combining both.

7.    Higher educational institutes also prefer students in admission who wish to pursue dual degree program.

Challenges in Dual Degree Program

1.     Since you are studying two higher education programs at the same time, it get really difficult and requires a lot of hard work.

2.    You won’t get much time to socialize with friends.

3.    Double degree programs’ dropout rate is 50 percent and most of it occurs in last two years.

4.    Studying abroad with dual degree program, you won’t be able to do a job with it. Hence, you may lack financial resources and you have to pay tuitions fees for two programs.

Dual Degree Student Life

 

 

Usama Ahmed Awan The Editor of StudyAbroad.pk, Usama is a BZU studied Software Engineer, now  a Teacher, Article Writer, Educational Counselor and Journalist. He has been  writing to assist students selecting the right career path.