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

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.


Image of the Simmons MCB exterior

Students Discuss Archival Internship in The Pilot

Students Emily Greco and James Kaeser recently concluded fall semester internships at the Archdiocese of Boston Archives. They shared their reflections about this unique experience in a published interview with The Pilot.


Side by side book covers: Jumper by Jessica Lanan and Big Cat, Little Cat by Elisha Cooper

Simmons Alum Mentors MFA Students in Children’s Publishing

Emily Feinberg ’11, who earned dual Master’s degrees in Children’s Literature and English Literature at Simmons, is now the Executive Editor at Roaring Brook Press, an imprint of Macmillan Children’s Publishing Group.


Three piles of books with sticky notes hanging out between the pages.

From Mock Printz to the Real Deal: Simmons Dual Degree Student Shares Her Awards Committee Experience

Elena McVicar ’11MA/MS shares her experience serving on the 2021 Printz Award Committee, and how her Simmons studies uniquely prepared her to work in the Children's Literature field.


Ally Russell sitting on a chair. Photo credit: Jamie Tan

Children’s Lit Alum Finds Folkloric Inspiration for Spooky Debut Novel

In honor of the 50th anniversary of the Children’s Literature Program at Simmons, we caught up with Ally Russell ’15MFA about her role of Marketing Manager at independent publisher Nosy Crow, and the release of her debut novel.


Bridgett Johnson-Pride

The Extroverted Archivist: Engaging the Underrepresented in Archives

Bridgett Johnson-Pride '18MAMS was named Director of Public Services for Archives and Special Collections at Harvard University in October, 2023. We caught up with Johnson-Pride about her current role, and how she engages with patrons as an extroverted archivist.


An aerial photo of the labyrinth on the Simmons University campus

Children’s Literature Alumna Named among Rising Star Women of Education

Janet Daniels ’10MFA, the Assistant Director of the Student Center at Harvard University’s Kenneth C. Griffin Graduate School of Arts and Sciences, was recently recognized as one of the Rising Star Women of Education for 2024.


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Laura Pedulli