Is a Double BA (Bachelor of Arts) Worth It?

Pursuing a double Bachelor of Arts (BA) degree is worth the educational commitment if it will help you reach your career goals. With two degree courses, you can get a more in-depth understanding of two subject areas, save time at university, and perhaps qualify for a wider variety of job opportunities. 

Discover the requirements necessary to study for a double degree, and understand the differences between similarly titled programmes.

What is a double BA?

A double BA means you earn one Bachelor of Arts degree, but you have a degree course in two different areas, such as engineering and business or psychology and economics. It is an academic degree that allows you to earn two degree courses in one programme. You’ll focus on two study areas, and upon completion, receive one BA degree for both degree courses.

You’ll usually study a double BA within the same university or department at a university. For example, you might take a degree course in history and sustainable studies that are both in your university’s liberal arts and sciences department.

Double degree course vs double BA vs dual degree

The terminology of degrees can be unclear at times. Learn more about the terms double degree course, dual degree, and double BA below.

The terminology you’ll see for earning one degree with two degree courses:

• A double degree course is two degree courses in one degree. You can earn one degree with two academic disciplines. The fields of a double degree course typically have relation to one another and you will usually earn either a BA or Bachelor of Science (BS).

• A double BA is a double degree course where both subjects fall within a Bachelor of Arts. 

• A double BS is a double degree course where both subjects fall within a Bachelor of Science.

The terminology you’ll see for earning two separate degrees:

• A dual degree refers to earning two distinct degrees, such as a BA and a BS, and can sometimes mean earning two degrees from two different universities.

• A double degree is another name for a dual degree, but is more broad as it refers to earning two degrees in general; it may be two BSs, two BAs, or one of each.

A double degree course may be a good choice if you want to pursue two related fields of study. You’ll find that some universities don’t offer all double degree courses. If your double degree course is unavailable where you want to study, you may need to consider a dual degree. You can earn a dual degree from the same university or two different universities at once. A dual degree or double degree may be a better fit if you are looking to explore two different areas of interest. If you’re unsure which route to take, speak to an advisor at the university to help you weigh the pros and cons of each option.

How do credits work in double degree course programmes?

Each university establishes its own rules for how many credit hours you need to complete to earn a double BA. In general, however, you’ll need to earn the minimum credit hours for one of your degree courses, typically about 150 credits. You will still need to meet the course requirements for both degree courses, but you might not have to spend extra time at university if you plan your required courses for both degree courses strategically. 

If you have transferable credits, these may count towards the credits you’ll need. Your uni can advise you about acceptable transfer credits; you will likely need the consent of both your previous and future universities to proceed.

4 advantages of a double BA 

A double Bachelor of Arts may offer a way to expand your professional career options and increase your earning potential. Take a look at some other advantages a double BA can offer:

1. Enhanced CV

Studying two fields can make a much stronger statement about your skills and abilities. A double BA indicates you have completed a rigorous educational programme, which could set you apart from other job candidates.

2. Saved time

Completing two degree courses at once can help you study two different subjects in less time than if you earned two separate bachelor’s degrees. You can typically complete a double BA in four to five years and then move into the job market or pursue further education.

3. More opportunities

In today’s changing world, it’s good to have more than one career opportunity. Should you not find work in one of your degree course fields, you’ll have the option of finding employment in your second degree. Many companies would prefer if you have training in more than one field, often a result of a double degree.

4. A unique perspective on your field of study

By combining two fields of study, you can have a deeper understanding of your preferred field and its place within a larger context. For example, a double degree course in law and political science can help you to understand the legal implications of legislation. Additionally, a double BA may help you increase your network and achieve a broader scope for research as you consider post-secondary degrees.

Things to consider when pursuing a double BA

Many universities offer double BA programmes. However, it’s important that you start this academic route with a clear understanding of the financial, time, and academic commitment it will take.

You’ll want to be cognisant of your CGPA, especially if you’re planning on applying to scholarships or other financial aid programmes that require a specific CGPA. Make sure you can maintain your desired CGPA in both degree courses.

Higher cost

Double BA programmes can be more expensive than single degree programmes because they may require you to pay tuition for two degree courses. Unless you can take all of your core classes for your second degree course as electives, you’ll generally pay for more credit hours. The cost of these programmes can vary depending on whether your university offers financial aid or special consideration for double degree courses.

Larger course load and challenging schedule

A double degree course can involve a significant time commitment. You’ll be balancing a rigorous academic schedule with the requirements for each degree course. A double BA programme requires a heavy amount of coursework each semester, and you will have varied challenges. You’ll need to be very organised, especially if you have outside commitments.

Less time for friends and family

You’ll need to find a way to balance coursework and social activities when you’re studying two subjects. If you want to succeed with your double BA, you’ll need to prioritise your commitments. This means making time in your busy schedule for your personal life whilst keeping up with your studies.

Consider a minor.

Adding a minor allows you to complete coursework in an additional subject area with your degree course. The coursework schedule will likely be less intensive than in a double degree course or dual degree. Upon graduation, you can claim a level of expertise in the minor subject and demonstrate your commitment to that subject.

Should you decide a minor is the best educational path, you’ll have more opportunities to take electives. A double BA programme doesn’t leave much scheduling time, so if you have an interest in electives, you might want to consider a minor instead.

Possible degree combinations

A beneficial double degree course combination allows you to take advantage of the strengths in both degree courses and provides the opportunity to develop skills and experience in complementary areas. It can also create multiple career paths to employment opportunities after graduation.

Many combinations are possible, including combining a BA with another type of bachelor’s degree, so you can do some research to pick the right one for you. Review some of those combinations below:

• Psychology and business

• Journalism and business

• Commerce and law

• English and journalism

• Communication and business management

• Architecture and business

• Commerce and business administration

• Commerce and economics

• Technology and law

Should you pursue two degree courses?

The answer to this depends on a number of factors. Some degrees are for specific careers and some are for general education. Reflect on your interests and aspirations to gain a better understanding of your future career plans or academic choices. 

If you decide to pursue a double degree course, make certain the degree courses you choose align with your career goals. Your advisor or counsellor can guide you through this process.

Next steps

A double BA can be a great way for you to explore two, often complimentary, fields of study and gain a unique perspective on your career goals.

If you’d like to explore bachelor’s degrees with multiple degree courses but are unsure if you are ready for a dual degree, check out the Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Data Science & Artificial Intelligence programme from the Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati on Coursera. You can complete the degree at your own pace, between four and eight years, at one of India’s top engineering institutes.