For a long time, a "top school reputation" has been a key factor influencing students' university choices. A good educational background enables you to make better friends, enjoy a broader perspective, richer resources, and more opportunities for further study and employment.
What if there were an opportunity to earn two prestigious diplomas at once?
Due to translation, dual degree programs and double majors are often confused. In reality, the former is a type of program, while the latter is an academic choice.
A double major usually occurs during undergraduate studies and can be completed within the regular four-year timeframe. A dual degree program, on the other hand, involves pursuing two degrees at two different institutions. Because the degrees differ, students must apply separately, and the credits required, duration of study, tuition, etc., also vary.
Many top overseas universities have also established dual master's degree programs. CheersYou（清柚教育） here lists some of these powerhouse collaborations, interpreting them from multiple angles including program introduction, curriculum, and application requirements.
Joint Dual Master's Degree Programs at Top Global Universities
The Global Communication program is a joint program between LSE and USC, designed to train students to become experts in new technologies, global media, international telecommunications, and media research, thereby becoming professionals with a global vision who play a significant role in redefining the way the world communicates.
The first year at LSE consists of three terms, requiring at least 3 credits to be completed, equivalent to 18 USC credits. The second year at USC requires completion of a research internship course and 20 elective credits. A final global media research paper is required before graduation.
Some courses taken during the first year at LSE:
- Theories and Concepts in Media and Communications
- Media and Globalisation
- Methods of Research in Media and Communications
Some courses taken during the second year at USC:
- Global and Transnational Communication
- Media, Culture and Community
- Rhetoric, Politics and Publics
- Health Communication and Social Dynamics
- Groups, Organizations and Networks
- Information, Political Economy and Entertainment
- New Media and Technology
Tuition:
first year: £22,608 (2020/21 at LSE)
second year: TBC (2021/22 at USC)
Some application requirements:
- Recommended GPA 3.5+/4.0
- Letters of recommendation, CV, statement of academic purpose
- Domestic Chinese students need language test scores
USC language requirements: TOEFL 100+ (no sub-score below 20) or IELTS 6.5+ (no sub-score below 6)
LSE language requirements: TOEFL 100+ or IELTS 7.0+ (no sub-score below 6.5)
Applicants should also hold an upper second class honours degree in a social science discipline or equivalent professional background.
*This program requires separate applications to both USC and LSE.
Program links:
https://annenberg.usc.edu/communication/global-communication-ma
http://www.lse.ac.uk/study-at-lse/Graduate/Degree-programmes-2020/MSc-Gl...
Columbia University and the London School of Economics jointly offer the International and World History dual master's degree program. As two long-established prestigious universities, the faculty strength needs no elaboration; with New York and London as two major global affairs hubs, they can provide you with top-tier academic resources while you build your network.
This dual master's program revolves around international and global history, exploring issues related to migration, trade, technological revolutions, epidemics, environmental change, war, and diplomacy, among others.
Some courses taken at Columbia:
- International and Global History
- Research Skills and Methods in International and Global History
- Elective courses available from GSAS, SIPA, SOA schools
Some courses taken at LSE:
- CU-LSE Dissertation Workshop
- International History series
- Economic History series
Tuition:
Columbia: $30,851
LSE: £23,520
Some application requirements:
- Electronic transcripts
- Letters of recommendation, CV/Resume, Statement of Purpose
- Writing Sample
- Domestic Chinese students need language test scores, IELTS 7.5+ / TOEFL 100+
- GRE scores (optional)
Program links:
https://worldhistory.columbia.edu/
http://www.lse.ac.uk/study-at-lse/Graduate/Degree-programmes-2020/LSE-Co...
Students in this program will simultaneously earn Georgetown University's Master of Policy Management (MPM) and the Korea Development Institute's Global Master's Program (GMP).
The Korea Development Institute (KDI) is an autonomous economic policy think tank established by the Korean government. Founded in 1971, it is primarily responsible for research and analysis of Korean economic policy. The dual degree program offered by KDI equips students with interdisciplinary skills and an international educational experience spanning Korea and North America.
*Only current KDI students are eligible to apply for this program.
Some courses taken at KDI:
- Public Administration and Leadership
- Strategic Management
- Global Governance and Political Economy
Some courses taken at GT:
- Management of Program Evaluation
- Economic Analysis for Public Policy
- Innovations/Leadership in Public Management
- Ethics and Public Policy
Application requirements:
- Electronic transcripts
- Letters of recommendation, CV/Resume, Statement of Purpose
- Language test scores
Program links:
https://mccourt.georgetown.edu/programs/dual-degree-programs/mpm-gmp/
https://www.kdischool.ac.kr/#/www/cp/academics/study_abroad_program/glob...
Advice on School Selection
In addition to the three programs mentioned, many other collaborative programs between renowned universities include:
Dual master's programs in partnership with Sciences Po:
Columbia University
Stockholm School of Economics
London School of Economics and Political Science
University of St. Gallen (Switzerland)
Bocconi University (Italy)
Moscow State Institute of International Relations
Georgetown Law
University of Pennsylvania, etc.
Dual master's programs in partnership with London School of Economics and Political Science:
Columbia University
University of Southern California
Sciences Po
Hertie School of Governance (Berlin, Germany)
National University of Singapore
University of Tokyo (Japan), etc.
Overall, for students who aspire to study at multiple overseas locations and institutions, embrace a multilateral educational model, and experience different cultures, a dual master's degree program can be a great choice.
However, keep in mind that a dual master's degree requires students to consider more and invest more. First, don't choose a program simply because of the multiple degrees; have a clear understanding of your own interests and future career development before applying.
For instance, students applying through CheersYou（清柚教育） for the LSE/USC dual master's program often come from marketing and communications backgrounds and have a strong interest in global media development. Such fitting programs can be the icing on the cake for their applications.
Secondly, the intensive schedule poses a major challenge to a student's adaptability. Compared to ordinary students, dual master's degree students must better balance their time and energy to complete their studies, covering both theory and practice, and also learn to seize various opportunities in a timely manner.
If both your ability and determination align, then consider adding dual master's degree programs to your shortlist of options, and reap more rewards in less time!
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