15 Best Combined Bachelors and Masters Degree Programs [2020 Ultimate Guide]

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Earning both a bachelor’s and a master’s degree at the same time is a convenient and cost-effective way to get ahead in your field. Accelerated college degree programs online offer these dual degrees in a variety of subject areas. Some job positions like management roles now require or at least prefer applicants with a master’s degree.

Instead of having to first earn your bachelor’s degree and then start all over again in a graduate-level program, these dual degree bachelor’s to master’s programs allow you to knock out both degrees at the same time. This quick guide lays out the basics of how these programs work online.

Combined Bachelor’s and Master’s Degree Programs

It’s best to have your plan in mind before you enroll because many bachelor’s to master’s accelerated college degree programs require that you apply to their dual degree program before you even start your bachelor’s degree.

Declaring that you’ll be complete both degrees at the same time is the fastest strategy because you’ll be able to follow a straightforward plan from the very beginning of your enrollment all the way through to graduation with a master’s degree.

You can complete both of your degrees in about 4-5 years, which is significantly shorter than the average time it takes to complete a bachelor’s and master’s degree separately (about 6-7 years).

Once you’re enrolled in an accelerated bachelor’s to master’s program, you will most likely follow a course of study the school has set up for you to ensure that you graduate with both degrees in an accelerated time frame.

Because these degrees are combined into one program, you’ll likely take fewer credit hours total than you would if you were to pursue your degrees separately.

Some programs allow you to complete both degrees in 120 credit hours, which is typically how many hours it takes to complete just a bachelor’s degree.

Popular Accelerated College Degrees Offered

These types of programs are becoming increasingly popular, so you can find accelerated bachelor’s to master’s programs online in a wide selection of majors.

Some of the most popular programs include:

Combined: Bachelor’s in Accounting + MBA
Combined: Bachelor’s in Business + Master’s in Business Intelligence
Combined: Bachelor’s in Finance + MBA
Combined: Bachelor’s in General Business + MBA
Combined: Bachelor’s in Health Care Management + MBA
Combined: Bachelor’s in Health Sciences + Master’s in Health Sciences
Combined: Bachelor’s in Human Resources Management + MBA
Combined: Bachelor’s in Information Technology + MBA
Combined: Bachelor’s in Marketing + MBA
Combined: Bachelor’s in Public Health + Master’s in Public Health

Other than the BSN to MSN programs that require you to already be a practicing RN to apply, the other programs allow you to start from the beginning with no previous college experience.

List of the 15 Best Combined Bachelors and Masters Degree Programs

American University
Boston University
California University of Pennsylvania
Capella University
Dallas Baptist University
Excelsior College
Grand Valley State University
Hofstra University
Kent State University
Lesley University
Northwestern University
Stockton University
University of Chicago
University of Florida
University of Miami

Rankings Methodology

We researched hundreds of universities offering accredited bachelor’s and master’s degrees. Only schools that have accredited programs available to students that allow them to accelerate their studies without sacrificing program quality are included. Universities must also offer dual degrees that will equip students for a wide range of careers.

#1 American University

Sometimes known simply as “American” or “AU,” American University is a private university based in Washington, D.C. They were founded in 1893 by a Methodist congregation, and they continue being affiliated with them.

They keep a strong focus on STEM research and possess a space grant. Their urban-suburban campus encompasses 84 acres, and they currently have approximately 14,000 students.

Combined Degree: Bachelor’s in Anthropology + Master’s in Public Anthropology
Combined Degree: Bachelor’s in Art History + Master’s in Art History
Combined Degree: Bachelor’s in Biology + Master’s in Biology
Combined Degree: Bachelor’s in Chemistry + Master’s in Chemistry
Combined Degree: Bachelor’s in History + Master’s in History
Combined Degree: Bachelor’s in Literature + Master’s in Literature
Combined Degree: Bachelor’s in Philosophy + Master’s in Philosophy
Combined Degree: Bachelor’s in Political Science + Master’s in Political Science
Combined Degree: Bachelor’s in Statistics + Master’s in Statistics

AU is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.

#2 Boston University

Boston University is a private and non-sectarian university, although they were originally founded by a United Methodist Congregation. They were established in Boston’s South End in 1839, and their main campus is still located in that historic neighborhood.

They have approximately 34,000 students, evenly divided between undergraduates and postgraduates. Their alumni list includes 8 Nobel Laureates and 23 Pulitzer Prize winners.

Combined Degree: Bachelor’s in Biotechnology + Master’s in Biotechnology
Combined Degree: Bachelor’s in Chemistry + Master’s in Chemistry
Combined Degree: Bachelor’s in Computer Science + Master’s in Computer Science
Combined Degree: Bachelor’s in Economics + Master’s in Economics
Combined Degree: Bachelor’s in Linguistics + Master’s in Linguistics
Combined Degree: Bachelor’s in Mathematics + Master’s in Mathematics
Combined Degree: Bachelor’s in Political Science + Master’s in Political Science
Combined Degree: Bachelor’s in Public Health + Master’s in Public Health

BU is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education.

#3 California University of Pennsylvania

Not located in the state of California but the city of California, Pennsylvania, this school has been in operation since 1852. There are now over 7,000 students enrolled in programs at CUP. You can root the school on under the moniker the Vulcans.

Combined Degree: Bachelor of Arts in Arabic / Master of Arts in Social Science: Arabic
Combined Degree: Bachelor of Arts in Sociology – Deviance / Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Combined Degree: Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice / Master of Arts in Applied Criminology

California University of Pennsylvania is a public university accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.

#4 Capella University

Capella University is a publicly traded company that operates out of Capella Tower, Minneapolis, Minnesota. Capella University is a primarily online university, and as such, it does not operate a campus like traditional universities do.

It does, however, have learning sites in Minneapolis, Minnesota; Orlando, Florida; and Atlanta, Georgia. This online university was founded in 1993 with the name “The Graduate School of America.” Current enrollment figures have the student population at just a little under 40,000.

Combined Degree: Bachelor’s in General Information Technology + Master’s in Information Assurance and Cybersecurity
Combined Degree: Bachelor’s in General Psychology + Master’s in Clinical Psychology
Combined Degree: Bachelor’s in General Psychology + Master’s in Psychology
Combined Degree: Bachelor’s in Health Care Management + Master’s in Health Administration
Combined Degree: Bachelor’s in Health Care Management + Master’s in Public Health
Combined Degree: Bachelor’s in Human Resource Management + Master’s in Science
Combined Degree: Bachelor’s in Information Assurance and Cybersecurity + Master’s in Information Assurance and Cybersecurity
Combined Degree: Bachelor’s in Psychology + Master’s in Education

Capella is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

#5 Dallas Baptist University

Founded as Decatur Bible College, DBU has been around since 1898. Its teaching program is highly rated and so is its pre-med programs. The school participates in a variety of sports as the Patriots. Besides the Dallas campus, there are also learning centers in Plano and Hurst, Texas.

Combined Degree: B.A. in Biblical Studies (Applied Ministry)/M.A. in Children’s Ministry
Combined Degree: B.A. in Biblical Studies (Applied Ministry)/M.A. in Christian Ministry
Combined Degree: B.A. in Biblical Studies (Applied Ministry)/M.A. in Family Ministry
Combined Degree: B.A. in Biblical Studies (Applied Ministry)/M.A. in Global Leadership
Combined Degree: B.A. in Biblical Studies (Applied Ministry)/M.A. in Student Ministry
Combined Degree: B.A. in Biblical Studies (Applied Ministry)/M.A. in Theological Studies
Combined Degree: B.A./B.S. in Christian Studies (Applied Ministry)/M.A. in Children’s Ministry
Combined Degree: B.A./B.S. in Christian Studies (Applied Ministry)/M.A. in Christian Ministry
Combined Degree: B.A./B.S. in Christian Studies (Applied Ministry)/M.A. in Discipleship
Combined Degree: B.A./B.S. in Christian Studies (Applied Ministry)/M.A. in Family Ministry
Combined Degree: B.A./B.S. in Christian Studies (Applied Ministry)/M.A. in Global Leadership
Combined Degree: B.A./B.S. in Christian Studies (Applied Ministry)/M.A. in Student Ministry
Combined Degree: B.A./B.S. in Christian Studies (Applied Ministry)/M.A. in Theological Studies
Combined Degree: B.A.S. in Christian Ministries/M.A. in Children’s Ministry
Combined Degree: B.A.S. in Christian Ministries/M.A. in Christian Ministry
Combined Degree: B.A.S. in Christian Ministries/M.A. in Global Leadership
Combined Degree: B.A.S. in Christian Ministries/M.A. in Theological Studies
Combined Degree: B.B.A. in Management/M.B.A. in Management

Dallas Baptist University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

#6 Excelsior College

Located in the city of Albany, New York, Excelsior College is a private institution that dates back to 1971. They were originally named “Regents College.”

They focus strongly on adult education and offer a variety of professional part-time and long-distance programs. This is why a large amount of their 30,000 students are working or already have professional experience.

Combined Degree: Bachelor’s in Accounting + MBA
Combined Degree: Bachelor’s in Finance + MBA
Combined Degree: Bachelor’s in General Business + MBA
Combined Degree: Bachelor’s in Health Care Management + MBA
Combined Degree: Bachelor’s in Health Sciences + Master’s in Health Sciences
Combined Degree: Bachelor’s in Human Resources Management + MBA
Combined Degree: Bachelor’s in Information Technology + Master’s in Cybersecurity
Combined Degree: Bachelor’s in Information Technology + MBA
Combined Degree: Bachelor’s in Logistics Management + MBA
Combined Degree: Bachelor’s in Marketing + MBA
Combined Degree: Bachelor’s in Nuclear Engineering Technology + MBA

Excelsior is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.

#7 Grand Valley State University

Grand Valley State University is based in the City of Grand Rapids, Michigan. They are a public university that dates back to 1960 when they were founded as “Grand Valley State College. They now cater to 24,000 students across their two main campuses: the urban one in Grand Rapids, and a suburban one in Allendale.

They are a major football college, and they compete in 20 varsity sports.

Combined Degree: Bachelor’s Exercise Science + Master’s in Athletic Training
Combined Degree: Bachelor’s in Accounting + Master’s in Accounting
Combined Degree: Bachelor’s in Cell and Molecular Biology + Master’s in Cell and Molecular Biology
Combined Degree: Bachelor’s in Computer Engineering + Master’s in Computer Information Systems
Combined Degree: Bachelor’s in Computer Science + Master’s in Computer Information Systems
Combined Degree: Bachelor’s in Engineering + Master’s in Engineering
Combined Degree: Bachelor’s in Information Systems + Master’s in Computer Information Systems

GVSU is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

#8 Hofstra University

Formerly known as Nassau College, Hofstra University is a private institution based in Hempstead, New York State. They were established in 1935 and have since become the largest private University in Long Island.

Thanks to their suburban location that is still close to the heart of things, they are often the main venue for presidential debates and conferences. They currently have approximately 10,000 students and employ over 3,300 faculty members.

Combined Degree: Bachelor’s in Biology + Master’s in Integrative Biology
Combined Degree: Bachelor’s in Business Administration + MBA
Combined Degree: Bachelor’s in Computer Science + Master’s in Computer Science
Combined Degree: Bachelor’s in Economics + MBA
Combined Degree: Bachelor’s in English + Master’s in Creative Writing
Combined Degree: Bachelor’s in Information Systems + Master’s in Information Systems
Combined Degree: Bachelor’s in Journalism + Master’s in Journalism
Combined Degree: Bachelor’s in Labor Studies + MBA
Combined Degree: Bachelor’s in Mathematics + Master’s in Finance
Combined Degree: Bachelor’s in Mathematics + MBA
Combined Degree: Bachelor’s in Psychology + Master’s in Counselling

Hofstra is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.

#9 Kent State University

Kent State University is one of the largest members of the University System of Ohio. They are a public institution based in the city of Kent, but they also have seven satellite campuses across the state of Ohio, in addition to a New York City Studio for their Fashion program.

They serve nearly 40,000 students, who can also access international exchange programs in Shanghai and Florence.

Combined Degree: Bachelor’s in Business Administration + MBA
Combined Degree: Bachelor’s in Fashion Merchandising + MBA
Combined Degree: Bachelor’s in Nursing + Master’s in Nursing
Combined Degree: Bachelor’s in Public Health – Health Services Administration + Master’s in Public Health – Health Policy and Management
Combined Degree: Bachelor’s in Speech Pathology + Master’s in Speech Language and Pathology

Kent State is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

#10 Lesley University

Lesley University is located in Cambridge, Massachusetts, a vibrant college town that lives and breathes academics. This private university was founded in 1909 as a School of Practical Art. While their program portfolio has been expanded, they remain strongly focused on offering artistic and educational degrees.

After becoming a coeducational facility in 2005, they built a completely new residence hall and expanded their admissions capacity. They now serve 7,500 students, including both undergraduates and postgraduates.

Combined Degree: Bachelor’s Global Studies + Master’s in International Higher Education and Intercultural Relations
Combined Degree: Bachelor’s in Art Therapy + Master’s in Expressive Arts Therapy
Combined Degree: Bachelor’s in Arts, Community, and Education + Master’s in Arts, Community, and Education
Combined Degree: Bachelor’s in Business Management + Master’s in Management
Combined Degree: Bachelor’s in Counseling + Master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Combined Degree: Bachelor’s in Counseling + Master’s in Counseling Psychology
Combined Degree: Bachelor’s in Creative Writing + Master’s in Creative Writing
Combined Degree: Bachelor’s in Early Childhood Education + Master’s in Integrated Teaching Through the Arts
Combined Degree: Bachelor’s in Early Childhood Education + Master’s in Special Education – Moderate Disabilities
Combined Degree: Bachelor’s in Early Childhood Studies + Master’s in Early Childhood – PreK–2
Combined Degree: Bachelor’s in Fine Arts + Master’s in Art Education
Combined Degree: Bachelor’s in Middle School Education + Master’s in Special Education – Moderate Disabilities
Combined Degree: Bachelor’s in Special Education + Master’s in Elementary Education
Combined Degree: Bachelor’s in Special Education + Master’s in English as a Second Language

Lesley is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education.

#11 Northwestern University

One of the highest-ranked private universities in the Western United States, Northwestern University is based in Evanston, Illinois. They were founded in 1851 by a group of Methodist leaders, although they are now fully non-sectarian.

With over 21,000 students, this institution offers access to campuses in Chicago, Doha, and Miami, as well as the fellowship of an alumni list that includes 19 Nobel Prize Laureates. In addition, they are part of the Big Ten Football Conference.

Combined Degree: Bachelor’s in Biomedical Engineering + Master’s in Biomedical Engineering
Combined Degree: Bachelor’s in Computer Engineering + Master’s in Computer Engineering
Combined Degree: Bachelor’s in Computer Science + Master’s in Computer Science
Combined Degree: Bachelor’s in Electrical Engineering + Master’s in Electrical Engineering
Combined Degree: Bachelor’s in Linguistics + Master’s in Linguistics
Combined Degree: Bachelor’s in Materials Science and Engineering + Master’s in Materials Science and Engineering
Combined Degree: Bachelor’s in Mechanical Engineering + Master’s in Mechanical Engineering
Combined Degree: Bachelor’s in Plant Biology and Conservation + Master’s in Plant Biology and Conservation
Combined Degree: Bachelor’s in Public Health + Master’s in Public Health

Northwestern is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

#12 Stockton University

Stockton University is a public institution based in Galloway, New Jersey. They were founded in 1969 to serve in-state students from the southern part of the state. They have approximately 10,000 students in their suburban campus, which encompasses 2,000 acres of facilities, fields, and a wide variety of student housing options.

Combined Degree: Bachelor’s in Business Administration + MBA
Combined Degree: Bachelor’s in Chemical Engineering + Master’s in Pharmaceutical Engineering
Combined Degree: Bachelor’s in Criminal Justice + Master’s in Criminal Justice
Combined Degree: Bachelor’s in Environmental Science + Master’s in Environmental Science
Combined Degree: Bachelor’s in Health Science + Master’s in Physician Assistant

Stockton is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.

#13 University of Chicago

Commonly nicknamed “UChicago,” the University of Chicago is a private “Ivy Plus” university that dates back to 1890. They serve 16,500 students on their urban campus, which is located in the heart of the city.

Their students can also access the nearby Yerkes Observatory, which is run by the university, and the University of Chicago Medical Center, which also serves to provide practice opportunities for their Medical Students.

Combined Degree: Bachelor’s in Chemistry + Master’s in Chemistry
Combined Degree: Bachelor’s in Computational Analysis and Public Policy + Master’s in Computational Analysis and Public Policy
Combined Degree: Bachelor’s in Computational Social Science + Master’s in Computational Social Science
Combined Degree: Bachelor’s in Computer Science + Master’s in Computer Science
Combined Degree: Bachelor’s in Digital Studies of Language, Culture, and History + Master’s in Digital Studies of Language, Culture, and History
Combined Degree: Bachelor’s in Education and Teaching Certificate + Master’s in Education and Teaching
Combined Degree: Bachelor’s in International Relations + Master’s in International Relations
Combined Degree: Bachelor’s in Latin American and Caribbean Studies + Master’s in Latin American and Caribbean Studies
Combined Degree: Bachelor’s in Mathematics + Master’s in Mathematics
Combined Degree: Bachelor’s in Middle Eastern Studies + Master’s in Middle Eastern Studies
Combined Degree: Bachelor’s in Public Policy Studies + Master’s in Public Policy Studies
Combined Degree: Bachelor’s in Social Service Administration + Master’s in Social Service Administration
Combined Degree: Bachelor’s in Statistics + Master’s in Statistics
Combined Degree: Bachelor’s in the Humanities + Master’s in the Humanities
Combined Degree: Bachelor’s in the Social Sciences + Master’s in the Social Sciences

Since 1913, UChicago has been continuously accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

#14 University of Florida

The University of Florida was founded more than 160 years ago with the pursuit of high-quality education through research and innovation.

At UF, students utilize more than 200 research, service and education centers with the most future-focused facilities led by people who are experts in their fields. This led to the university’s consistent ranking as one of the top universities in the county.

The University of Florida launched UF Online in 2014 in accordance with the state law requiring the establishment of the Preeminent State University to offer fully online baccalaureate degrees at an affordable cost to students from the state and others.

Combined Degree: Bachelor’s in Accounting + Master’s in Accounting
Combined Degree: Bachelor’s in Aerospace Engineering + Master’s in Aerospace Engineering
Combined Degree: Bachelor’s in Animal Sciences + Master’s in Animal Sciences
Combined Degree: Bachelor’s in Chemical Engineering + Master’s in Chemical Engineering
Combined Degree: Bachelor’s in Civil Engineering + Master’s in Civil Engineering
Combined Degree: Bachelor’s in Computer Engineering + Master’s in Computer Engineering
Combined Degree: Bachelor’s in Computer Science + Master’s in Computer Science
Combined Degree: Bachelor’s in Health Education and Behavior + Master’s in Health Education and Behavior
Combined Degree: Bachelor’s in History + Master’s in History
Combined Degree: Bachelor’s in Information Systems + Master’s in Information Systems
Combined Degree: Bachelor’s in Interior Design + Master’s in Interior Design
Combined Degree: Bachelor’s in Journalism + Master’s in Mass Communication
Combined Degree: Bachelor’s in Political Science + Master’s in Political Science
Combined Degree: Bachelor’s in Public Health + Master’s in Public Health
Combined Degree: Bachelor’s in Statistics + Master’s in Statistics

UF is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.

#15 University of Miami

Located in Coral Gables, Florida, the University of Miami is a private institution located less than 20 minutes away from the bustle of the city of Miami. Thanks to their proximity to marine reserves and the Space Center, the university offers a strong focus on STEM fields and research.

They serve over 17,000 students, who also have the opportunity to participate in NCAA Division I football, a highly ranked baseball program, and over 15 different varsity teams.

Combined Degree: Bachelor’s in Exercise Physiology + Master’s in Exercise Physiology
Combined Degree: Bachelor’s in Geological Sciences + Master’s in Marine Geology & Geophysics
Combined Degree: Bachelor’s in Latin American Studies + Master’s in Latin American Studies

UM is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.

Benefits and Advantages of Dual Degree Bachelor’s and Master’s Programs

Besides saving time and money, there are other advantages and benefits to enrolling in a bachelor’s to master’s program. Master’s programs can be competitive, so if you don’t perform very well at the undergraduate level, you may lessen your chances of entering a master’s degree program.

With these programs, though, as long as you maintain a certain GPA, you’re guaranteed that you’ll receive a master’s degree by the end if you follow the course plan set for you.

Applying for a master’s program can be a daunting prospect for many. These dual degree programs allow you to bypass that stressful process. You’ll be exempt from taking the GRE for your masters program, an extra application fee, and the responsibility of collecting recommendations and writing samples. This process often turns off people from the idea of graduate school, and they never end up pursuing the graduate degree they really want.

WRITTEN BY

Isaac Collins