Dual Degrees

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A Dual Degree offers qualified students the opportunity to earn a Bachelor of Science and another Bachelor’s degree concurrently. Students in the BSc degree can pursue a Dual Degree in:

Science and Arts (BSc and BA) 
Specializations for each degree can be a Major or Combined Major only (e.g., specialization cannot be Honours, Combined Honours, Double Major, or combined with a Minor). You must earn at least 72 Science and 72 Arts credits in order to graduate with this Dual Degree. 

Science and Education (BSc and BEd)
Open to BSc students in the major in Mathematics or Physics only.

Science and Music (BSc and BMus)
 
Science and Master of Management (BSc and MM)
Some Master of Management courses are taken concurrently during the BSc portion of studies. Upon graduation from the BSc, you are then re-assessed for eligibility to enter the Master of Management degree.

Eligibility for a Dual Degree

  • Dual Degrees are not open to students with a prior degree (e.g., second degree students)
  • Students who attempted more than 78 credits in the BSc program cannot apply for a Dual Degree 
  • Admission to specializations within Science may be competitive and admission to the Dual Degree program does not imply future admission to particular specializations
  • BSc students cannot complete an Arts major in the same/equivalent discipline to their primary specialization (e.g., Computer Science, Mathematics)
  • Admission to some specializations in Arts may be competitive
  • Students must satisfy all of the degree and specialization requirements for both degrees
  • Entry into and continuation in a Dual Degree program requires that the students maintain the average of at least 68% in each term of their degree

It is your responsibility to ensure you are planning correctly and progressing toward completion of each degree by consulting with your Faculty advisors. Information on your View My Academic Progress page on Workday is for information purposes only and cannot be used to confirm the meeting of requirements for each degree.

More about Dual Degrees

Dual Degree Application Details

  • Science and Arts (BSc and BA)

    Application Period: July 1 – 15 | Application will be linked here closer to the application period
    Apply once you are established in your Science specialization and while in Class Standing 2 or 3.

  • Science and Education (BSc and BEd)

    Application Period: January 1 – 15 | Application will be linked here closer to the application period 
    Apply once you reach Class Standing 2 and have been admitted to a Physics or Mathematics specialization. You must discuss the Dual Degree with your primary specialization advisor and receive their approval before applying.
    Additional resources: Teacher Education Office Dual Degree website | Webinar recording

  • Science and Music (BSc and BMus)

    Application Period: July 1 15 | Application will be linked here closer to the application period
    Apply once you are established in your Science specialization and while in Class Standing 2 or 3. 

  • Science and Master of Management (BSc and MM) 

    Applications to this program are a part of the UBC admissions program for students coming from high school or for Year 2 transfer students.
    Students already in the BSc program should contact the Master of Management office for application instructions: Science Advising does not accept applications to this Dual Degree directly. 
     


Frequently Asked Questions

General Questions

  • What is the difference between a Dual Degree and Double Major?

    Science students completing the Dual Degree in Science and Arts are required to complete all faculty requirements for both Science and Arts, as well as their Science specialization and Arts major requirements. These students must maintain a minimum sessional average of 68% throughout their time in the degree programs. Science students in the Dual Degree program will receive two degrees, a Bachelor of Science and a Bachelor of Arts. 

    Science students completing a Double Major in Science and Arts will complete a Science specialization and an Arts major and will NOT be required to complete the Faculty of Arts degree requirements. These students will graduate with one degree, the Bachelor of Science. 

    It is not possible to complete a Double Major in Science and Music or Science and Education. 

  • Do I get two degrees if I complete the Dual Degree Program?

    Yes, you will receive two Bachelor degrees. 

  • What courses do I need to take for the Dual Degree program?

    You must complete the faculty requirements for both degree programs as well as the course requirements for your science specialization and the major in your other degree program. For information on the faculty requirements for each degree program and the specialization requirements, please refer to the UBC Calendar. If you have questions regarding the specialization (e.g., major) requirements, please contact the departmental advisor(s).

  • Can I change my Science specialization if I am accepted into a Dual Degree program?  

    It is not often possible to change your Science specialization and continue in the Dual Degree program - changing your Science specialization will likely require you to exceed the Faculty of Science’s maximum 180 attempted credit limit.  

  • Can I graduate with one degree first, and then graduate with the other degree at a later date?

    No. Students in a Dual Degree program must graduate with both degrees in the same graduation period – either May or November graduation. 

  • I have been admitted to the Dual Degree program but I have changed my mind. What should I do?

    BSc Students who decide to drop the Dual Degree program must submit a request in writing to Science Advising. This request must include your name and student number and must clearly state that you wish to be dropped from the Dual Degree program.

Application Process Questions

  • I want to apply for a Dual Degree program but I don’t know where to start.  Where can I find more information? Is there someone I can speak with?

    In addition to the details on this page, there is information about the Dual Degree programs offered in the Faculty of Science available in the UBC Calendar. If you have additional questions, please contact Science Advising.

  • What requirements do I need to meet to be eligible to apply for the Dual Degree program?

    You must be in good academic standing, be established in your science specialization (i.e. completed second year coursework in their specialization) and achieve the minimum required sessional average for the Dual Degree program you are applying for.
     

  • What average do I need to apply for the Dual Degree Program?  
     
    • Dual Degree Program in Science and Arts: minimum 68% sessional average each term
    • Dual Degree Program in Science and Education: minimum 65% sessional average each term
    • Dual Degree Program in Science and Music: minimum 68% sessional average each term
    • Dual Degree Program in Science and Master of Management: see the B+MM website
  • What is the application process for the Dual Degree Program? 

    Refer to the Application Details section.

  • When can I apply for the Dual Degree program? What is the deadline to submit my application? 

    Refer to the Application Details section.

  • How will I know if I have been accepted to the Dual Degree program?

    The Faculty of Science will notify you by email once your application has been reviewed and a decision is made. Please note that admission to a Dual Degree program is conditional at any time; maintaining the minimum Dual Degree average in each term is required throughout your degrees.

Degree-Specific Questions

  • Can I choose any major in Arts? Are there any restrictions?

    Science students are not eligible to major in Mathematics, Mathematical Sciences, and Computer Science while in the Dual Degree in Science and Arts. Additionally, Students completing a BSc major in one of the following disciplines may not also complete a BA major in the same discipline: Cognitive Systems, Geographical Sciences (Geography), Mathematics and Economics, and Statistics and Economics.

    Admission to the following Arts majors is competitive: International Relations, Economics, Political Science, and all Honours specializations. 

  • Is it possible to switch from a BSc Double Major in Science and Arts to the Dual Degree Program in Science and Arts?

    It is possible; however, you must go through the Dual Degree application process. There is no guarantee you will be accepted into the Dual Degree Program in Science and Arts.

  • I’m a student at UBC Okanagan, can I apply to the Dual Degree in Science and Education?

    No. The Dual Degree Program in Science and Education is only available to current students studying at the UBC Vancouver campus. 

  • If I have a BSC degree in Math from another institution, can I apply to the UBC Vancouver Faculty of Science Dual Degree Program in Science and Education?

    No. Students who have already completed a prior degree are not eligible to apply for UBC Vancouver Faculty of Science’s Dual Degree Program in Science and Education. 

  • I want to apply to the Master of Management (B+MM) program. Where should I start?

    Refer to the Application Details section.
     

Musqueam First Nation land acknowledegement

We honour xwməθkwəy̓ əm (Musqueam) on whose ancestral, unceded territory UBC Vancouver is situated. UBC Science is committed to building meaningful relationships with Indigenous peoples so we can advance Reconciliation and ensure traditional ways of knowing enrich our teaching and research.

Learn more: Musqueam First Nation

Faculty of Science

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