Double Majors and Dual Degree
When a student is completing more than one major, at least 24 credits must be unique to each major.
Double Major and Dual Degrees. Students may complete more than one major within the normal timeline and requirements for each baccalaureate degree. A student pursuing a double major must determine which major is the primary major and which is secondary. The primary major determines whether a B.A. or a B.S. will be granted. Each major must have 24 unique credits. Unless additional requirements are met (see “Dual Degree”), a student completing a double major receives only one diploma and one degree representative of the primary major. The primary major is also the standard by which General Education, other requirements, and the degree are determined.
A dual degree is the concurrent awarding of two different majors each with a different baccalaureate degree type, e.g., a B.A. and a B.S. In order to graduate with dual degrees, the following conditions must be met: each major must have 24 unique credits; the student completes the general education requirements related to each major; and completes at least 30 additional credits beyond the larger baccalaureate degree program. Since Messiah’s baccalaureate programs range from 123 to 133 credits, anyone completing two degrees must complete 153-163 credits. Students who complete these requirements will be issued two diplomas, one for each degree earned.