Dual Degree vs Double Major

two girls sitting in class


As undergraduates, students complete a bachelor’s degree. The most common degrees are Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) and Bachelor of Science (B.S.). Beyond the B.A. and B.S., some colleges offer specific types of bachelor's degrees related to the industries that they represent.

If you are pursuing more than one degree or major, be sure to work with your advisor to learn about the processes and forms required for accomplishing this goal. You will likely need to apply for or declare each major and may additionally need to complete dual degree application forms if you are pursuing that goal, too.  Your advisor can assist you with navigating these steps.


For example, a student pursuing a B.A. in Philosophy through CLA and a B.S. in Youth Studies in CEHD would be a dual degree student. B.A. degrees require proficiency in a second language. This language requirement does not exist in the B.S. programs in CEHD.

Note: Students cannot pursue two-degree options for the same program. In CLA, both Economics and Psychology have a B.S. and a B.A. option. Students cannot obtain a B.A. and a B.S. in Economics. They can pursue a B.S. in Economics and a B.A. in Psychology.


For example, a student in CSE who is pursuing a major in Chemical Engineering will obtain a Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering. If they decide to also pursue a second major in Anthropology in CLA, they can do that. If they only complete the major coursework in Anthropology (and not the B.A. language requirement), they have completed a double major rather than a dual degree.