This article was originally published December 11, 2023, and was updated to reflect changes to UMGC’s dual degree options.
In 2023, University of Maryland Global Campus (UMGC) began offering accelerated online dual degrees to graduates of our Master of Business Administration (MBA) program, allowing eligible students to earn a second master's degree faster and for less. These dual degree options are available to students regardless of whether they choose an MBA specialization. This fall, UMGC is expanding the options and will begin offering the following dual master’s degrees:
- MBA and Management: Project Management
- Cybersecurity Management and Policy and MBA
- Cybersecurity Technology and MBA
- Data Analytics and MBA
- Healthcare Administration and Health Information Management and Policy
- Health Information Management and Technology and Data Analytics
Is a Dual Degree Worth It?
For those seeking to broaden and advance their education in multiple areas, there are definite advantages to obtaining an accelerated second master’s degree from UMGC.
First, a dual degree facilitates your career growth in a specific direction. A second master’s degree can equip you with a particular combination of skills that can distinguish you in the job market, providing a unique opportunity to enhance and focus your expertise. Plus, holding two master’s degrees can show employers that you are a lifelong learner who is always interested in expanding your skillset.
In addition, with dual degrees you can obtain a second master’s in a shorter time and for less money than pursuing the same two degrees separately. UMGC’s online dual degree options are market-driven and provide in-demand combinations of skills and knowledge.
In your classes at UMGC, you’ll have the ability to connect with students and faculty from different fields and gain a broader academic and business perspective. Because UMGC is a truly global university, your online classes can enable you to connect with students from different parts of the world, offering an international perspective.
How Dual Degrees Work at UMGC
At UMGC, instead of enrolling in both master’s programs simultaneously, you will complete your first program and become eligible to pursue your second master’s degree. This can give you a seamless transition into your second degree without compromising the education you receive with your first master’s.
While you don’t have to commit to a second degree immediately, UMGC requires that students start the second degree program within two years of completing the first degree. That way, you can reap the full value of accelerated dual degrees by building on current and industry-relevant knowledge and skills you’ve gained in your first degree. Dual degrees also help you save time and money by earning the second degree faster and with fewer credits. If a student needs more information, they can discuss and plan their dual degree options with their success coach.
Market-Driven Degree Combinations
The dual degree combinations available to UMGC students are created to meet the needs of a dynamic job market and are subject to change with each year’s new course catalog. The availability of the dual degrees is governed by the catalog of the year a student starts the second degree. UMCG closely monitors industry trends and requirements, and our dual degree offerings are designed to help prepare students to meet existing demands in the workforce.
The expanded portfolio of accelerated dual degrees will allow students a deeper dive into specific functional areas, which, when applied on top of a first degree, creates a synergy of knowledge, skills, and dispositions that are highly valued by employers.
MBA and Management: Project Management: Along with an MBA, a master’s in management with a project management concentration can give you a formidable combination of skills and techniques essential for leading projects to successful completion while creating value for your organization and stakeholders. You’ll learn to leverage traditional and agile project management techniques for various industries and organizations. The online courses cover all aspects of planning, executing, monitoring, and closing a project, as well as technology and modeling, to provide a balance of hard and soft skills that are highly prized by employers. The coursework can also help prepare you for the PMP, PMI-ACP, CAPM, and CSM certification exams.
Cybersecurity Management and Policy and MBA: This dual expertise enables graduates to not only develop and implement effective cybersecurity policies and practices but also to align these initiatives with broader organizational objectives, mitigate risks, and foster innovation securely. With a focus on cybersecurity policy and management, students gain a comprehensive understanding of the technical, legal, and ethical aspects of cybersecurity, along with skills in risk assessment, compliance, and incident response. An MBA program provides a broader foundation in business strategy, finance, operations, and leadership, essential for navigating the complex business landscape. By combining these two disciplines, graduates emerge as dynamic leaders capable of achieving cybersecurity goals while driving overall business success, and creating competitive advantages in an increasingly digitized world.
Cybersecurity Technology and MBA: Completing this accelerated dual combination offers a potent blend of technical expertise and business acumen that is highly valuable in today's digital landscape. With a focus on cybersecurity technology, students delve deep into the intricacies of cybersecurity, gaining proficiency in threat detection, incident response, encryption, and network security. An MBA program provides a holistic understanding of business principles, including finance, marketing, operations, and strategy. This dual education equips graduates with the ability to not only develop and implement robust cybersecurity solutions but also to align these initiatives with overarching business objectives, ensuring that cybersecurity strategies are integrated seamlessly into organizational operations. Moreover, individuals with dual degrees possess the skills to effectively communicate cybersecurity risks and initiatives to stakeholders at all levels of the organization, enabling informed decision-making and risk management. They are also adept at leading cross functional teams, fostering innovation, and driving business growth while maintaining a secure digital environment. By combining these two disciplines, graduates emerge as versatile leaders capable of addressing the complex challenges of cybersecurity within the broader context of organizational strategy and competitiveness.
Data Analytics and MBA: With a focus on data analytics, students develop advanced skills in data mining, statistical analysis, machine learning, and data visualization, enabling them to extract actionable insights from complex datasets. Simultaneously, an MBA program provides a comprehensive understanding of business principles, including finance, marketing, operations, and leadership. This dual education equips graduates with the ability to not only analyze data effectively but also to leverage these insights to drive informed decision-making, optimize processes, and create competitive advantages for organizations. Individuals with dual degrees are well-positioned to bridge the gap between data science and business strategy, effectively communicating data-driven recommendations to stakeholders, and leading initiatives that capitalize on data opportunities. They possess the versatility to navigate the evolving landscape of technology and business, driving innovation and sustainable growth. By combining these two disciplines, graduates emerge as dynamic leaders capable of harnessing the power of data to drive organizational success in a rapidly evolving business environment.
Healthcare Administration and Health Information Management and Technology : Completing this accelerated dual degree combination provides graduates with a comprehensive understanding of both the operational and technological aspects of healthcare systems management. This unique combination equips professionals with the ability to streamline administrative processes, enhance patient care service delivery, and optimize health information systems for improved efficiency and accuracy. Students can also prepare for leadership roles, as they possess a deep understanding of healthcare management principles alongside expertise in data management and analytics. Additionally, such a dual specialization opens doors to diverse career opportunities across healthcare settings, including hospitals, clinics, consulting firms, professional organizations, and government agencies. Overall, the integration of healthcare administration and health information management fosters professionals who are agile and adept at navigating the complexities of modern healthcare, driving innovation, and ultimately improving patient outcomes. The graduates are eligible to sit for one of the popular HIM exams in RHIA (Registered Health Information Administrator). While pursuing this degree combination, students could acquire certifications in Long-Term Care and Digital Health Leader (DHL) that help them prepare for professional certifications. HIMT and DHL are uniquely accredited by the CAHIIM.
Health Information Management and Technology and Data Analytics: With a focus on HIMT, students gain a deep understanding of healthcare systems, regulations, and the management of health information, crucial for ensuring patient data accuracy, privacy, and system interoperability within healthcare settings as well as optimization of organizational efficacy. Simultaneously, a degree in data analytics equips individuals with the technical skills to analyze complex healthcare datasets, uncover trends, and derive actionable insights that drive evidence-based decision-making and improve patient outcomes. This dual approach not only addresses the growing demand for professionals who can harness the potential of health data, but also prepares graduates to navigate the intricacies of healthcare technology infrastructure and leverage analytics to assure organizational sustainability and quality of care. By bridging the gap between health information management and data analytics, individuals emerge as assets in the healthcare industry, capable of driving innovation, improving patient experiences, and ultimately, transforming healthcare delivery for the better. While pursuing these degrees, students may acquire certificates in Digital Health Leader (DHL) and Business Analytics. HIMT and DHL programs are individually accredited by CAHIIM.
As with nearly all UMGC programs, these master’s degrees can be completed entirely online. Hybrid courses are also available for the MBA and the project management specialization. Plus, UMGC has replaced expensive, bulky textbooks with no-cost digital course materials in many courses. You can access them directly from your online classroom.
With our streamlined admissions process that doesn't require the GMAT or GRE and multiple start dates throughout the year, UMGC makes it as easy as possible to fit school into your busy life. You can apply, enroll, and access a comprehensive array of support services and resources—all from your electronic device. And UMGC also provides students with lifetime career services to help you after you graduate and throughout your career.
Reference on this webpage to any third-party entity or product does not constitute or imply endorsement by UMGC nor does it constitute or imply endorsement of UMGC by the third party.
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