Ask Simmons

What are the Benefits of a Dual Degree?

Two rows of graduate students smiling during their Commencement from Simmons University

Are you looking to gain expertise in multiple areas as an undergrad? Do you want two-for-the-price-of-one college degrees, or to fast-track your graduate education?

A dual degree — or joint degree — program may be perfect for you. It offers you the chance to pursue rigorous academic study with the reward of graduating with two degrees (either in the same, or complementary, fields) at the same time.

A joint degree can also refer to a degree paired with a professional certificate or licensure. This ensures you are qualified for positions on day one after graduation.

How is a dual degree different from a double major?

A double major at a university or college is a popular way to demonstrate expertise in two disciplines.

But a dual degree program takes it a step further. A dual degree can help you earn both a bachelor’s and a master’s degree or specialized certificate. This gives you a head start on your career journey. 

Some dual degree programs involve a partnership between two separate institutions. Others are housed in two different schools at one university. Often — but not always — you must apply to both schools individually and gain admission to each. 

Simmons Dual Degree Programs 

Simmons University in Boston, Massachusetts, offers co-educational dual degree programs that prepare you for in-demand careers.

You can choose to enroll in programs in many areas, including children’s literature, library and information sciences, engineering, and social work.

Many of Simmons’ dual degree programs are unique. For example, Simmons’ Children's Literature (MA) + Library and Information Science (MS): Library Services to Children is the first and only dual degree program in the country that prepares students for library careers serving children or young adults in libraries and schools.

Spotlight on dual degree students and alums

Rosie Lopolito in the Children's Literature "book nook"

Metafiction as a Willingness to Play

Rosie Lopolito ’29MA/MS shares how a diverse array of experiences led her to the Children’s Literature (MA) and Library and Information Science (MS) dual degree program at Simmons University.


Mik Hamilton '24MS ‘24MA

Sharing the Untold Stories at Queer History Boston

Mik Hamilton '24MS ‘24MA is the archivist at Queer History Boston, a community archive dedicated to collecting, preserving, and sharing the rich LGBTQ+ histories of Boston and New England. Hamilton shares how the dual degree in LIS: archives management and history at Simmons prepared them for a dream job just before graduation.


Alec Chunn ’15MA/MS

Dual Degree Alumnus Found His Voice at Simmons

Alec Chunn '15MA/MS reflects on how the Children's Literature & Library Science dual degree has informed his work as a reviewer of children's literature, a jurist for literary prizes, and a Youth Librarian at Multnomah County Library in Portland, Oregon.


Emily Sun Li ’24MA/MFA

Finding Inspiration in Taiwan’s Night Markets

Children’s Literature and Writing for Children graduate Emily Sun Li ’24MA/MFA reflects on her road to becoming a published author and how Simmons supported her career path.


Damian Alexander ’18MFA

Graphic Novelist Offers Representation for ADHD Kids

We spoke to author and illustrator Damian Alexander ’18MFA about how he found his creative home in writing and illustrating books for young adults, and what drew him to the Simmons Master of Fine Arts in Writing for Children.


Breanna J. McDaniel wearing a long gold dress

The Story Listener

Breanna J. McDaniel ’14MA is the author of four acclaimed picturebooks and the recipient of the 2025 Ezra Jack Keats Writer Award. On July 26, McDaniel will present a presentation with author-illustrator Vashti Harrison at the Summer Children's Literature Institute at Simmons University.


University Archivist Kelsey Kolbet '21MS/MA assists Archives Field Placement student Abigail Smith '22MS, video still by Ashley Purvis.

Archivist Cherishes Communal Essence of Libraries

National Library Lovers’ Month is, according to the Boston Public Library, “a time to recognize the value of libraries and all the special things we love about them.” To celebrate National Library Lovers’ Month, we spoke with University Archivist Kelsey Kolbet ’21MS/MA about her love of archives and women’s history, and why she chose Simmons.


Rebecca McDermott ’24MSW

Empowering Youth: Social Work Alumna on Trauma-Informed Care

Rebecca McDermott is a clinician at Glenhaven Academy, a therapeutic residential school in Marlborough, Massachusetts. She works with students ages 12 to 21 with complex behavioral and mental health issues, providing trauma-informed individual therapy, as well as family and group therapy and case and IEP management.


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Laura Pedulli