<p>Hi everyone, I'm a rising high school senior.
My question may not necessarily be fully meant for this forum, but there wasn't really a better place to put it...
I was wondering about the differences between Dual Majors and Dual Degrees, namely, what are the pros and cons of each one? What I know already is that dual major programs are offered at liberal arts college (is it only them?), and requires you to devote all of your elective credits to a second major (or a concentration, as some colleges call them). So that's that. But I know significantly less about dual degrees... how much more is the course work? Is it hugely more difficult? Is it hugely more impressive to a potential employer to see that I have two degrees as opposed to two majors?
My inquiries run even deeper, because I intend to somehow involve music in my studies. There's a real possibility that I will need to go between a college and its associated conservatory/music school if I want to dual degree (or dual major? or do one of those joint programs where I can get my Master's in 5 years), and that requires a separate application of its own, which makes life oh-so-much-harder.
Basically, I'm confused out of my mind. I appreciate anybody who can answer any of my ramblings, correct anything I might have said incorrectly, or just offer some words of sympathy (though I'd much prefer the first two). Please help!</p>
<p>All I can tell you is that a dual major will net you two majors in the same degree eg English Literature and Classics under a BA, where as a dual degree will get you two degrees in two fields eg BA/BS.</p>
<p>I’m not sure whether this applies to your situation or not. Some careers require an actual degree to practice in them; eg architecture, engineering, etc.</p>
<p>They aren’t only offered at liberal arts schools though. Personally, I’m going to a state school and will be double majoring in business and studio or visual arts. </p>
<p>I could elect to spend an extra year in the program and actually get two degrees, one in business and one in visual arts. But neither of those fields particularly requires the actual “degree”, so it isn’t worth it to me.</p>
<p>A double major will give you one diploma with two majors listed on it (like BA in English and Music). You will have fewer credits to finish than with a dual degree. If you have a dual degree (like BA in English and BFA in Music, or BS in Physics and BA in Music History), you will get two separate degrees for which you will have to complete all of the degree requirements for each major).</p>
<p>I really have no idea how these compare in the eyes of employers. I am thinking that if you are talking music performance, your auditions will be more important than any degrees you could get.</p>
<p>If I am not mistaken, the programs where you get your masters in five years have the participants begin taking graduate level courses towards the end of the undergrad time.</p>
<p>Any suggestions of universities/conservatories where one could earn a dual degree while getting outstanding instruction in both harp performance and early education?</p>