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Combined programs allow students to earn both a master's degree and a bachelor’s degree in a streamlined manner. They're becoming an increasingly popular choice in higher education as they provide a flexible and time-saving pathway for students who are confident in their career direction and understand the value of advanced credentials in their desired field.
However, while completing two degrees in less time has its appeal, deciding whether a combined degree program is worth it requires careful consideration of the benefits and challenges.
A combined program, also known as a dual degree program, integrates undergraduate and graduate studies, enabling students to transition seamlessly from one to the other. This structure reduces informational redundancy between the two programs and shortens the time required to earn both bachelor's and master's degrees.
As Dr. Kody Kuehnl, dean of the College of Arts, Sciences and Technology at Franklin University, explains:
“Combined programs of study are traditionally designed for students who know what field they want to end up in, and that they want or will need to earn a master's degree to meet their career goals. While students still technically have to apply for the master’s program as part of the combined program of study, that process is far less than what a student would have to complete/do if they were applying for a master's separately.”
This streamlined approach can significantly reduce the administrative and academic hurdles typically associated with pursuing advanced education.
Dr. Kuehnl says that institutions structure combined programs of study to allow students to earn both higher education degrees in a shorter period than pursuing a double major or pursuing each degree separately.
Instead of six years for a traditional master’s and bachelor’s trajectory, many combined programs allow completion in as few as 4.5 years. This efficiency leads to fewer semesters of tuition, quicker entry into the workforce with advanced qualifications and lower overall educational costs.
Having a master’s degree can open doors to better job prospects and faster career advancement. Many industries place a premium on advanced degrees, including:
It's also important to note that, according to 2023 data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, master's degree holders often enjoy higher average median pay ($90,334) compared to their peers with only a bachelor’s degree ($77,625).
Dr. Kuehnl highlights the value of early exposure to graduate coursework, saying, “The ability to take graduate coursework earlier on allows for deeper specialization sooner than in traditional bachelor's programs.” This allows students to focus more intensely on their career interests as they move through undergraduate and graduate school.
For example, in competitive fields like clinical psychology or engineering, deeper academic exploration can lead to a competitive edge in the job market.
Dr. Kuehnl also suggests that early exposure to graduate-level courses can help undergraduate students determine whether they want to pursue a master's degree. If they decide against it, they can simply transfer to the bachelor's program and complete their undergraduate degree.
The accelerated nature of dual degrees requires students to handle a busy academic schedule. This can leave little room for exploring other interests or taking elective courses.
“The amount of opportunity and time to explore various interests is often more limited,” says Dr. Kuehnl, pointing to the intense focus required in combined programs, "This is because a dual degree program is designed to be more efficient, which is also a consequence of the close affinity in curriculum between the bachelor’s and master's degrees being used in an accelerated program."
For this reason, students pursuing degrees simultaneously must excel in time and stress management. This can be done by creating a detailed study schedule, using campus student resources and maintaining a healthy work-life balance.
While dual degree programs often reduce overall tuition costs, the initial investment may still be higher than completing only a bachelor's degree.
Due to this, financial planning is essential. Students should explore financial aid such as scholarships and grants, federal or private loans with favorable repayment terms and employer tuition reimbursement programs (if applicable).
Not all industries require or highly value a master’s degree.
For example, in creative fields such as graphic design or writing, experience and portfolios often outweigh advanced credentials. In some tech roles, employers may prioritize certifications and hands-on experience over formal graduate degrees.
With this in mind, it’s important to evaluate whether a master’s degree will actually provide a significant return on investment in one's chosen field or if an undergraduate degree will suffice.
Dr. Kuehnl says that there are numerous considerations to take into account when it comes to students choosing the best educational path for them:
“Combined programs are often best suited for students who tend to be academically strong, motivated and certain about their career path. If a master's is also the preferred credential for their field, a combined program of study could be a fantastic way to save both time and money and enter the workforce earlier than their peers who are completing two separate degrees.”
Before making any choices, consider the following:
Students who confidently answer these questions in favor of a dual degree are more likely to thrive in a combined undergraduate/graduate program.
Finding the right dual degree program requires thoughtful research and a clear understanding of one's career goals. Take time to look at the components of the bachelor's and master's degree programs. A strong program should align with professional aspirations and provide the flexibility and resources needed to succeed.
Here are some other key factors to consider:
With combined degree programs in cybersecurity, information technology, human resources and public administration, Franklin University puts you on the fast track toward advanced career opportunities.
Take the next step and explore Franklin’s innovative dual degree options today.