phd mba dual degree

Dual Degrees: Combined Master’s and Ph.D. Programs

Key Takeaways

• Dual degrees combine studies in two distinct but related fields, such as business and law.
• Earning two degrees together can increase your career options and salary potential.
• Dual degrees offer professional benefits, but tuition may be higher.
• Consider your career goals carefully to decide if you really need a dual degree.

If you’re looking for career versatility and high salary potential , combined master’s and doctoral programs can help you advance quickly in your field. These specialized programs combine a master’s degree in one area with a doctorate in another area, such as a master’s in business and a law degree.

Our guide to master’s and Ph.D. combined programs offers information on popular programs, career options, and answers to common questions about dual degrees .

What Is a Dual Degree?

Master’s and Ph.D. combined programs give you complementary skills in two different areas of study, preparing you for careers that cross professional boundaries. These degrees focus on related subjects that commonly intersect, such as law and public policy. By studying both fields together, you gain a more specialized perspective that can make you more competitive in the job market.

Completing two degrees simultaneously can also help you graduate faster, save money on tuition, and enter the workforce sooner.

Featured Online Master’s Programs

Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.

9 Popular Combined Master’s and Doctoral Programs

This list highlights nine of the most popular types of combined master’s and doctorate. These dual degrees bring together diverse fields such as business, medicine, and education.

1. MBA & Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)

Combining skills in business and nursing , a dual MBA/DNP prepares you for leadership positions in nursing and healthcare. With this dual degree, you’ll gain advanced skills in clinical care, nursing leadership, and healthcare management. An MBA/DNP gives you an understanding of both the practical and the business sides of the healthcare industry.

2. MBA & Doctor of Medicine (MD)

A dual MBA/MD can prepare you for cross-disciplinary jobs requiring intensive medicine and business leadership knowledge. Fusing two high-paying degrees , these master’s and doctorate combined programs train you for high-level healthcare leadership roles. Usually taking 5-6 years to complete, an MBA/MD equips you for clinical medical practice, medical leadership, and medical consultation in the private sector.

3. MBA & Doctor of Pharmacy (Pharm.D.)

A combined MBA/Pharm.D. degree gives you comprehensive skills in both pharmacy practice and business leadership. This is an ideal program to pursue if you’re interested in a high-level career in the pharmaceutical industry. A dual MBA/Pharm.D. can also prepare you for entrepreneurship opportunities in the pharmaceutical and healthcare industries.

4. MBA & Doctor of Psychology (Psy.D.)

A dual MBA/Psy.D. degree can prepare you for both clinical psychology practice and private sector consultation without forcing you to commit to either path. These programs focus on psychology and business knowledge, commonly preparing you for executive coaching or organizational consulting jobs.

5. MBA & Juris Doctor (JD)

One of the most versatile master’s and doctorate combined programs, a combined MBA/JD covers both business management and law. This degree can prepare you for careers in corporate law or any other industry where business and law intersect. MBA/JD programs take 3-5 years to complete.

6. Master of Education (M.Ed.) & Juris Doctor

A combined M.Ed./JD gives you extensive knowledge of law, education leadership, and education policy. Coursework typically explores the relationship between education organizations and state and federal education regulations. This degree is ideal if you want a career in education administration , advocacy, or policy development.

7. Master of Public Policy (MPP) & Juris Doctor

A dual MPP/JD degree provides insight into both law and public policy. Often taking four years to complete, these master’s and doctorate combined programs focus on regulatory and legal issues related to public policy. After graduating, you can work in law, government, or other policy-related careers .

8. Master of Science (MS) & Medical Doctor

An MS/MD degree combines medical knowledge with scientific research, giving you a deeper understanding of the science behind clinical healthcare. These programs can prepare you for careers in healthcare, medical research, and teaching. You can complete an MS/MD degree program in five years of full-time study.

9. Master of Public Health & Medical Doctor (MPH)

A combined MPH/MD highlights the intersection of community health and clinical medical practice. This degree combines individualized and community perspectives on healthcare issues, training you both to treat patients and address larger, population-wide health issues. An MPH/MD program typically takes 4-5 years to complete.

Is a Combined Master’s and Ph.D. Degree Worth It?

Combined master’s and Ph.D. programs offer some notable professional benefits, including increased job options and higher salary potential. However, earning two advanced degrees usually doesn’t come cheap — particularly if you’re pursuing high-paying fields such as medicine, business, and law.

Ultimately, you have to weigh the increased cost of earning two degrees against potential future earnings in your field.

If you’re interested in a specific career path or hope to advance in your current job, a dual degree can be a practical choice. At the same time, it’s crucial to consider your return on investment and how much more you can realistically earn by completing two graduate degrees instead of just one.

Frequently Asked Questions About Dual Master’s and Ph.D. Programs

How long does a combined master’s and ph.d. program take.

Completion times for combined master’s and Ph.D. programs vary by school and type of degree, but most programs take 3-6 years. Accelerated programs may take as few as three years, while part-time programs usually take longer.

Do you need your master’s to earn a Ph.D.?

Education requirements for admission vary by program. Some dual degrees, such as the MBA/DNP, often require you to hold a master’s in nursing to apply. Others, such as the MBA/JD, only require a bachelor’s degree. Consult individual program admissions requirements to learn what level of education you need to apply.

What can you do with a combined master’s and Ph.D.?

Most combined master’s and Ph.D. programs prepare you for management roles and other advanced positions within your field. These degrees also qualify you for more specialized jobs that combine knowledge from multiple fields, such as healthcare management or corporate law.

Can you get your master’s and Ph.D. at the same time?

Dual master’s and Ph.D. programs often let you complete coursework for both degrees simultaneously. Combining coursework helps you earn your master’s and doctorate in less time than it would take to complete both degrees separately. Some programs may split coursework for the two degrees into different school years, while others let you work toward both degrees simultaneously.

Explore More College Resources

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MBA Dual Degree Programs

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What is an MBA Dual Degree?

An MBA dual degree program, also known as a double degree program, is an educational program that allows students to pursue two separate degrees simultaneously. In a dual degree program, students typically study two different academic disciplines and earn two distinct degrees, often a master’s degree or Ph.D. This way, students can gain expertise in multiple areas and apply certain credits to both degrees.

Our MBA dual degree option allows students to combine an M.S. or Ph.D. degree from the Georgia Tech Colleges of Engineering, Computing, Design, and Liberal Arts.

Pairing a Georgia Tech graduate degree with an MBA gives students a competitive advantage and a unique blend of skills to accelerate their career growth. By bringing together advanced curriculum across multiple disciplines, the MBA dual degree programs cultivate a new generation of business leader.

MBA dual degree programs allow students to count 15 credit hours from their M.S./Ph.D. courses toward their MBA elective requirements, reducing the time required to complete both degrees. Students can complete an MBA with 39 credit hours instead of 54 credit hours.

Program Structure

Students interested in pursuing an MBA in addition to another graduate degree within the Georgia Tech Colleges of Computing, Design, Engineering, and Liberal Arts have two program format options. Both options allow students to reduce the time and cost to complete their MBA.

Full-time MBA Dual Degree Option Students who plan to pursue an MBA concurrently with another graduate degree should apply to the Full-time MBA program . This is the only way to pursue an MBA through the dual degree option if a student will be pursuing an MBA while also completing another graduate degree.

Evening MBA Dual Degree Option Students who plan to complete an MBA after completing another graduate degree are eligible for the Evening MBA program . This structure is designed for those who will be working while completing an MBA. To be eligible for the reduced time and cost of the MBA dual-degree option, students must apply to the Evening MBA program before graduating from their other degree program and start the MBA program after completing their other degree program.

Students who have already graduated from another graduate program are eligible to apply to the Full-time and Evening MBA programs but are not eligible for the dual degree option.

M.D./MBA Option

The Georgia Tech Scheller College of Business and Morehouse School of Medicine (MSM) also have a partnership to offer an M.D./MBA program as a dual degree option. 

The M.D./MBA with Morehouse School of Medicine (MSM) program allows students to count 15 credit hours from their MSM M.D. degree courses toward their MBA elective requirements, reducing the cost and time required to complete the MBA degree.

Students interested in this option should read more on the M.D./MBA page . 

Dual Degree Eligibility

Students who have been admitted to an M.S. or Ph.D. program in the Georgia Tech Colleges of Computing, Design, Engineering, and Liberal Arts are eligible to pursue the dual degree option. This includes students in interdisciplinary programs between colleges, such as the M.S. Analytics and Quantitative & Computational Finance (QCF) programs.

Students should apply to the MBA program before graduating from their other graduate degree program. Students who have already graduated from another graduate program are eligible to apply to the Full-time and Evening MBA programs but are not eligible for the dual degree option.

It is recommended students complete most M.S./Ph.D. courses before starting the MBA program. However, students can complete the MBA requirements in other ways that best fit their schedules. Ph.D. / dual degree students will work with their MBA academic advisor to decide how to best complete the MBA with their other degree requirements.

If you are not a current Georgia Tech student, you will need to complete a separate application for each program. Only one application can be open at a time, so you will need to submit one before starting the other. In some cases, it may be beneficial to start the non-MBA degree program before applying to the MBA program.

Application and Admissions

Students who have been admitted to another Georgia Tech graduate degree program can reuse letters of recommendation from their application. The MBA program accepts either the GMAT or GRE. If Georgia Tech has already received a student's valid GRE score, they do not need to resubmit a test score.

Contact us to learn more about applying to the MBA program under the dual degree option, the GMAT and GRE test-optional policy, and an application fee waiver.

Full-time MBA Application Requirements

Applicants for the Full-time MBA program can apply by any of the application deadlines . However, applying by Round 1 guarantees a decision by the end of the calendar year. If admitted, students may begin taking select MBA electives  on a space available basis during the spring semester prior to officially beginning in the fall.

See Application Requirements

Evening MBA Application Requirements

Applicants for the Evening MBA program can apply by any of the application deadlines . Applicants are only eligible for the dual degree option if they apply to the Evening MBA program before completing their other graduate degree. However, they must start the Evening MBA program after completing their other graduate degree. Applicants who plan to complete the MBA concurrently with another graduate degree are only eligible for the Full-time MBA program.

MBA tuition is higher than the standard graduate tuition rate at Georgia Tech. The tuition amount above the standard graduate tuition rate is the "MBA differential.’" The total tuition for any semester that a dual degree student (without a graduate assistantship) is enrolled in the Full-time MBA program will be the standard graduate tuition rate plus the MBA differential.  The MBA differential will apply for a maximum of three semesters, even if the student requires more than three semesters to complete the MBA requirements. Dual degree students who are granted graduate assistantships from departments outside the Scheller College of Business will receive their tuition waivers from those departments and will be responsible for paying an adjusted MBA differential for semesters enrolled in the MBA program, for a maximum of four semesters. Students who have been granted these non-Scheller graduate assistantships should use these steps to view the tuition rate they will be charged during MBA program enrollment:

• Visit the  Bursar and Treasury Services website .
• Select the term of enrollment in the MBA program.
• Select the “Graduate Assistantship Rates” link.
• Your per semester tuition rate (the differential) is listed next to "Master in Business Administration (Dual Degree)."

Tuition rates can change each academic year, so you should check the website noted above to confirm tuition for each term of MBA program enrollment. Please check with your graduate assistantship supervisor to ensure you will be allowed to retain your graduate assistantship while enrolled as a dual degree student with the MBA program.

If you're completing an MBA after graduating from your other graduate degree, standard Full-time MBA or Evening MBA tuition will apply. You must apply to the MBA program prior to completing your other graduate degree in order to be eligible for the reduced credit hours through the dual degree option.

MBA/M.S. and MBA/Ph.D. Dual Degree FAQs

Program information, if you are unable to find the answer to a specific question or wish to speak with someone directly, feel free to contact us online or call 404.894.8722., who can pursue a dual degree.

The MBA dual degree option is offered to selected students enrolled in M.S. and Ph.D. programs in the Colleges of Computing, Design, Engineering, and Liberal Arts. More specifically, the dual degree may be attractive to M.S. and Ph.D. students who wish to pursue a technology management career outside of academia and help them progress eventually into senior management roles.

Is this a new degree?

No. The M.S., Ph.D., and MBA programs are all currently offered at Georgia Tech, and their degree requirements remain unchanged. The M.S./MBA and Ph.D./MBA dual degree simply allows students to count courses taken in other Colleges to their MBA degree.

Why does Georgia Tech have an M.S./MBA and Ph.D./MBA offering?

The world of business is being transformed by technology at an increasing rate. Innovations in the technology sector are transforming the global economy and technology companies have become the employers of choice for many of our graduates. Simultaneously, companies in traditional sectors such as consumer goods, finance, retail, and transportation are using technology in innovative ways to reach new customers and improve operational efficiency.

This new environment needs a new type of leader with deep technology knowledge, business acumen, and leadership, entrepreneurship, and communication skills. We believe Georgia Tech is uniquely positioned to develop such leaders, and the dual degree offering provides us the opportunity to do that.

If I drop out of my other graduate program, am I still eligible for a dual degree?

If you have been admitted to the MBA program and then drop out of your other graduate program, you will need to complete the 54 MBA credit hours for the MBA degree. You have to complete your other graduate degree to also receive an MBA at the reduced 39 credit hours. If you are not pursuing another graduate degree, you are not eligible for the reduced 39 MBA credit hours.

MBA Curriculum and Schedule

Which of my m.s./ph.d. courses are eligible to also count toward the mba dual degree.

For students who have been admitted to the MBA program for a dual degree, 15 credit hours from the student’s other degree will automatically be applied toward the MBA. 

I’ve already taken some MBA elective courses. Can I count these toward the MBA dual degree?

If you are NOT applying these MBA courses to your other graduate degree, yes, you can count up to nine credit hours toward your 18 credit hours of MBA electives. If you ARE applying these MBA courses to your other graduate degree, you can count them as the 15 credit hours that double count; you will still need to take 18 credit hours of additional MBA electives. Only 15 credit hours can count toward both degrees.

What MBA courses can I take if I have not yet been admitted to the MBA program?

View a list of MBA electives   that can be taken without core prerequisites. If you are not currently an MBA student, you will need to wait for any major restrictions to be removed toward the end of phase I registration or during the first week of classes.

Can I take MBA courses during the summer?

If you have been admitted and paid your deposit to the Full-time MBA program as a dual degree student, you can request to take MBA electives during the summer. However, current Evening MBA students have priority for summer courses. You will need to contact the MBA program office to request permits to take these courses. Full-time MBA students must take all core classes during the day with the Full-time MBA cohort.

If you are an Evening MBA dual degree student, you will NOT be able to take summer courses.

Can I take core MBA courses in the spring or summer?

Almost all Full-time MBA core courses are only taught in the fall; this is the only time they can be taken. Additionally, a select few MBA core courses are only taught in the spring. All of these core courses must be taken as part of the Full-time MBA cohort.

Can I take more MBA electives than the 18 hours required for a dual degree?

Yes, you can take more MBA electives than what is required for a dual degree.

Do I have to complete a summer internship?

The summer internship is not required, but it is recommended for MBA students because it helps them gain experience in a desired field before interviewing for full-time positions.

I want to register for an MBA elective, but it says there are major restrictions. What do I do?

If you are not currently an MBA student, you will need to wait for major restrictions to be removed toward the end of phase I registration or during the first week of classes. Major restrictions will only be removed for   select MBA electives  that do not have a prerequisite.

Admission Process

When during my other graduate degree should i apply to the mba program.

You should apply to the MBA program during the year before you plan to start MBA core classes the next fall. For most students, this will be during their final year of their other degree courses because the following year, they will focus on MBA courses. View the Full-time MBA application deadlines .

You may begin taking   MBA electives  that can be taken without core prerequisites in the spring after/while you apply, prior to starting MBA core classes in the fall. Tip: If you apply by the Round 1 deadline, you will be guaranteed a decision by the end of the calendar year. Then you will already know whether you have been admitted and want to move forward with taking MBA electives during the spring semester.

Do I need to tell my other program that I am also pursuing an MBA?

If you will be completing the MBA while still completing your other graduate degree, yes, your sponsor/advisor must give permission for you to also pursue an MBA. Students should also check with their funding agency regarding restrictions or conditions for funding.

If I’ve already completed my M.S./Ph.D., can I be considered for the dual degree option?

No, in order to be eligible for a dual degree, you must apply to the MBA program and be admitted BEFORE completing your other graduate degree. You can complete your M.S./Ph.D. before starting the MBA program, as long as you were admitted to the MBA program before you completed that degree.

Can I defer my MBA admission and start the program a little later?

You can defer your admission for one year after being admitted to MBA; this allows M.S./Ph.D. students to gain one additional year of work experience before beginning the MBA program. If you do plan to defer one year, please make this clear during the admission process.

How important is work experience?

For MBA admission, we recommend at least two years of professional post-undergraduate work experience. This is more important for M.S. students than for Ph.D. students for career placement because many companies recognize Ph.D.-level research as applicable work experience.

We realize many graduate students begin their program immediately after completing their undergraduate degree. If you do not have at least two years of professional work experience, you will need to show experience on your resume that can count as professional work experience. For example, co-op experience and graduate-level projects working with real companies may apply. Work experience will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis. You may want to take advantage of the optional essay in the MBA application to give examples of professional work experience.

What is different about the dual degree admission process vs. the regular MBA admission process?

The admission process is generally the same. However, if you are already at Georgia Tech, we will have access to some of your required application materials. For example, if Georgia Tech already has your official GRE score, you do not need to resubmit this. Official transcripts should also already be on file and do not need to be submitted. In addition, you do not need any new letters of recommendation; we can use these letters from your previous application.

That being said, an additional professional reference can help you have a more competitive application, as many dual degree applicants only used academic references for their first application. 

Can I apply to the MBA program using my previous Georgia Tech application?

No, you will still need to complete the MBA application because there are different components than your previous application. However, if Georgia Tech already has your valid GRE score, you do not need to resubmit this. In addition, you do not need any new letters of recommendation; we can use these letters from your previous application.

Tuition and Funding

Are dual degree students eligible for mba funding opportunities.

If you do not have funding from another program, you will be eligible for merit-based MBA fellowship funding opportunities. You should apply by the Round 1 or Round 2 deadline for priority funding consideration.

How does MBA tuition work with my other graduate tuition?

MBA tuition is higher than the standard graduate tuition rate at Georgia Tech; we refer to this amount as the MBA differential. The MBA differential is assessed differently for Full-time and Evening MBA students. Full-time MBA differential is charged per semester, and Evening MBA differential is charged per credit hour.

I am not a current Georgia Tech student. Can I apply for the dual degree program?

Yes. You will need to complete a separate application for each program. Only one application can be open at a time, so you will need to submit one before starting the other. In some cases, it may be beneficial to start the non-MBA degree program before applying to the MBA program.

Continue Your Dual MBA Path

Md/mba program, mba electives without prerequisite, listen to our podcast.

Exploring the MBA Dual Degree Option

In this episode of The Intersection Podcast, host and MBA student Analisa Wade chats with dual degree students Leah Cabrera and Wyatt Williams about their experiences pursuing an MBA and another master’s degree simultaneously at Georgia Tech.

Request More Info

Thank you for requesting more information about our programs. In the meantime, access our online brochures filled with helpful information about our MBA programs.

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MBA Student Stories

Veteran launches life-saving device.

How This Lauder Vet Is Working to Create Life-Saving Devices for the Military

Wharton MBA Dual Degree Programs

Many wharton mba students choose to extend their education beyond the wharton school. whether it’s an mba for engineers,  a jd/mba, or a dual mba/master of science in nursing, consider customizing your mba experience with one of the mba dual degree or interdisciplinary program options wharton offers with the university of pennsylvania and other schools below., dual degree & joint mba programs.

A dual or joint MBA degree allows students to complement their business education with another area of study. Some students choose to combine their business degree with a professional program, while others combine their business education with another graduate degree in a particular area of interest to hone their expertise. Wharton offers three integrated interdisciplinary MBA programs at the University of Pennsylvania. These programs allow students to draw from different academic disciplines, pursue a variety of interests and become interdisciplinary thinkers who solve problems with both a creative and analytical approach.

MBA/MA Lauder Joint Degree in International Studies

The MBA/MA Lauder Joint Degree in International Studies combines foreign language skills with a passion for international business by integrating the Wharton MBA program with an MA program in international studies from Penn’s School of Arts & Sciences.

The Francis J. & Wm. Polk Carey JD/MBA

The Francis J. & Wm. Polk Carey JD/MBA Program is a fully integrated three-year joint MBA and JD program that combines the Wharton’s top business school program with Penn’s elite law school. This dual JD MBA program is unique in its three-year curriculum, allowing students to earn two degrees from prestigious schools just blocks away from each other at the University of Pennsylvania. As dual JD MBA programs become more popular, this program’s prestige shines more and more.

MBA in Health Care Management

The MBA in Health Care Management provides students with strengths in health economics and a focus in health management. As dual MBA and healthcare programs become more popular, this program has become increasingly competitive.

Partnerships with Other Schools

Wharton offers established dual MBA programs with Johns Hopkins University School of Advanced International Studies and Harvard Kennedy School.

Wharton + School of Advanced International Studies Dual Degree

This three-year, MA/MBA dual degree program, offered by Wharton and the School of Advanced International Studies  (SAIS) of The Johns Hopkins University in Washington, D.C., prepares students to operate in both business and the international political environment. Students earn an MBA from Wharton and an MA in international relations from SAIS, a program that pioneered area studies and the integration of international politics and economics. While in Washington, students have access to Washington’s resources and to leaders in foreign policy and international trade.

Applicants must begin the Wharton part of their program in Pre-Term, and conferral of each degree is contingent upon completion of all requirements for the other program. Students with less preparation in their chosen field of study or in their language requirement may need additional time to complete the SAIS degree. Requests to spend Year 1 at SAIS will also be considered.

Applicants should apply within the cycle directly preceding the year they would like to begin at Wharton. All requests for deferral will be considered within Wharton’s deferral policy.

Wharton + Harvard Kennedy School MPA/MBA and MPP/MBA Dual Degrees

These three-year, dual-degree programs, offered by Wharton and the Harvard Kennedy School (HKS) prepare students to operate in both business and public policy or public administration fields. For students with an interest in crafting solutions for public problems across business, government, policy, and more, the dual degree MBA in public policy may be the path for you.

The dual degree option with Wharton allows students to complete the HKS portion of their dual degree over three semesters. The below shows the pathway for students completing the MPA degree where they split the second year between the schools. The MPA/MBA dual degree, MPA/ID and MPP pathways differ in that they require a full year at each school with the third year split between the two.

• The  Master in Public Administration (MPA)  prepares its graduates for positions of significant responsibility in the public, nonprofit, and private sectors. The program’s curriculum lends itself to individual tailoring with guidance from HKS faculty and administrators.
• Geared to the future leaders in the field of international development, the  Master in Public Administration/International Development (MPA/ID)  is an economics-centered, multidisciplinary program, combining analytical and quantitative methods with an emphasis on policy and practice.
• The  Master in Public Policy (MPP) equips future leaders with a conceptual framework and the specific skills they will need to be successful in public service. The initial emphasis of the curriculum is on building a strong conceptual foundation for analysis, management, and advocacy. This MBA/MPP dual degree program is a good option for students interested in working in politics or government.  

Applicants must fill out applications to both schools during the first year at either school or simultaneously before enrolling at either school. The two degrees may not be completed sequentially. Conferral of each degree is contingent upon completion of all requirements for the other program. Applicants should apply to Wharton during the application cycle directly preceding their desired Wharton start date. All requests for deferral will be considered within Wharton’s deferral policy.

13+ Dual Degree and Interdisciplinary Programs at Wharton

You can combine your MBA with a degree from one of University of Pennsylvania’s top-rated graduate and professional schools. Listed below are some of the fully integrated programs available to students considering a dual MBA and another degree at the University of Pennsylvania.

Applying for a Dual MBA Degree Program

You can apply for one of the dual-degree programs if you are a current first-year student at one of our partner schools (except any of the Medical Sciences programs, which have different application guidelines) or you plan to pursue the first year of the dual degree at Wharton.

Candidates interested in applying to any other graduate program at Penn not listed above must apply to both programs separately and contact the other  program office for details on their courses. The Wharton MBA will be expected to be completed on a full-time basis, like all other degree candidates, with up to 4 courses being allowed to be taken at other Penn graduate schools.

Please review the specific application processes and requirements for joint and dual degrees.

Dual Degree FAQs

What is the difference between an mba and masters degree.

An MBA is a Master of Business Administration degree. It’s a specific designation of a master’s degree course of study.

Am I able to apply to the Lauder Program after I have started the Wharton MBA Program?

The academic calendar for first-year students in the Lauder Program begins in May. Students that have been accepted to the Wharton MBA Program in Round 1 or Round 2 can apply separately to the Lauder Program and still will be expected to start the program in May. Students cannot apply to the Lauder Program after they have started their first or second years at Wharton. For more information about applying to the Lauder Program, please visit the Lauder website or contact [email protected] .

Can I combine the Lauder Program with a degree program other than the Wharton MBA?

The Lauder Institute also offers a joint JD/MA program in partnership with Penn Law. For more information about the Lauder JD/MA, please visit this website .

Is Health Care Management a major or a separate health care program?

Health Care Management (HCM) is one of the 19 majors offered through the Wharton MBA Program. The Health Care Management major differs from other majors in that students must select this major at the time of application to Wharton. HCM integrates academic and professional development, helping students to obtain summer and permanent positions in all parts of the health care sector, including consulting firms, health care venture capital and private equity, digital health, health care analytics firms, biotechnology, pharmaceutical firms, hospitals, insurers, and government agencies. If prospective students wish to explore the Health Care Management major, the HCM department is happy to arrange either a telephone conversation or a meeting with June Kinney, the Associate Director of HCM. Please find more information on the application process here .

If I am not accepted into the Health Care Management major, can I still be admitted to Wharton?

Your application will be evaluated specifically for the Health Care Management major. If the Admissions Committee feels you are not best suited for HCM but could be a good fit for the MBA program more broadly, you will be considered for Wharton.

If I am admitted to a dual degree program with the Harvard Kennedy School (HKS) or the School of Advanced Studies (SAIS), can I start my degree at HKS or SAIS instead of Wharton?

Applicants should apply to Wharton during the application cycle directly preceding their desired Wharton start date. If you are admitted to both programs and do not want to begin at Wharton, you will need to request a deferral and will be subject to our deferral policy. Deferrals typically are only granted for extenuating circumstances.

Are there any dual degree programs that will not allow me to start at Wharton?

The School of Design requires all dual degree students to start at Penn Design. The Harvard Kennedy School encourages students interested in the MPA/ID dual degree to start at HKS.

If I want to apply to a dual degree program, do I have to apply to the Wharton MBA Program and the other program separately?

Unless otherwise noted on the Interdisciplinary Programs website, you must submit separate applications and materials to both programs. Some schools will have strict application requirements around testing, recommendations, and essays. Please follow the admissions requirements for each individual school.

Are admissions decisions for dual degree programs made by one committee?

Applicants to the Lauder Joint MBA/MA in International Studies, the Francis J. & Wm. Polk Carey JD/MBA Program, and the MBA in Health Care Management will receive one joint decision. For all other MBA dual degree programs, you will receive separate decisions, and it is possible that you could be admitted to one program and not the other.

Can I create my own dual degree with a school not listed on the website?

We cannot accept any credits from other programs. You can pursue another program in your own time, but you would still be required to complete all Wharton credit units as prescribed by the full-time MBA program. As a full-time MBA student, you are expected to be at Wharton and pay tuition for four full semesters.

How do I learn more about a graduate program not listed on the Wharton Interdisciplinary Programs website?

If you are interested in other programs not listed on the website, please contact the program office of that respective program.

How many credit units can I take at other Penn graduate schools while a Wharton MBA student?

All Wharton MBA students can take four to six credit units at other Penn graduate schools .

Can I apply to a dual degree program after starting at Wharton?

For most dual degree programs, you can apply to the other program during your first year at Wharton. However, this may extend your time at Penn.

Can I connect with a current student that is a part of a specific dual degree program?

Due to the volume of such requests, we are unable to connect prospective students with current students in every dual degree program. Please review the profiles of our Admissions Fellows and request to be connected with a current MBA student who most closely aligns with your interests.

What if I want to pursue a degree beyond the master’s level at Penn?

Please speak with the PhD department of your interest if you intend to continue your studies beyond the master’s level.

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• Joint Degrees

MBA/PhD with the Yale Graduate School of Arts and Sciences

The joint-degree program offers an MBA in combination with a PhD in the sciences or humanities from the Yale Graduate School of Arts and Sciences.  

An MBA may be pursued in combination with a PhD in one of a wide array of  areas of study , in the biological sciences, engineering and applied sciences, the humanities, the physical sciences, and social sciences. An MBA/PhD is not available in the  management disciplines .  

Students typically complete both degrees in approximately seven years, rather than the eight or more that would be required if the degrees were pursued separately. Programs are highly customized to fit each student's individual course of study, and are generally determined at the time of admission. Students must complete one full year at Yale SOM, during which they complete the integrated MBA curriculum, and one year taking courses at both schools. Students typically begin their full year at Yale SOM after PhD qualifying exams have been passed.  

Students receive financial support from the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences during the semesters in which they are enrolled there. They pay tuition during the three semesters during which they are enrolled at Yale SOM.

Learn more about admission to the Yale School of Management. Learn more about admission to the Yale Graduate School of Arts and Sciences.