Is Dual Degree in Science Better than BSc?

Dual degree in Science, or a BS-MS degree, or an integrated Science degree is a popular choice among students. But is dual degree programme in Science better than BSc? This article of Shiksha brings the detailed analysis of if a Dual Degree in Science is better than BSc.

Is Dual Degree in Science Better than BSc?

Dual degree in Science, or a BS-MS degree, or an integrated Science degree is a popular choice among students. The duration of a dual degree in Science ranges from four to five years. The first two to three years teaches the undergraduate curriculum, and the final two years are for the postgraduate curriculum.

A number of top institutes in India offer dual degree programmes. On the other hand, the top universities of India still offer three year or four year undergraduate degree programmes. It depends on the students’ aspirations and career plans. But is dual degree programme in Science better than BSc? This article of Shiksha brings a detailed analysis of if a Dual Degree in Science is better than BSc.

Differences Between Dual Degree in Science and BSc?

To put it simply, a Dual Degree in Science refers to studying two degrees simultaneously, from the same institute or university. The total duration of the courses is generally five years. On the other hand, the BSc degree is an undergraduate degree of three or four years duration.

The table below brings the difference between various facets of the BS-MS degree and BSc degree.

Top Colleges in India Offering Dual Degree in Science

There are several reputed institutes in India, including the institutes of national importance, offering a dual degree in Science. This list also includes the Indian Institutes of Technology. The table below brings the list of institutes offering BS-MS or dual degree programmes along with the duration.

Admission Process for Dual Degree Programmes in Science

The admission process for the Dual degree programme in Science takes place through entrance exams. The top entrance exams conducted for admission to Dual degree programmes in Science courses are provided in the table below.

The above table carries a comprehensive list of the top dual degree Science course entrance exams. There may be more such entrance exams, but these are the most opted for.

Advantages of Studying Dual Degree in Science

Like every aspect of life, there are advantages as well as disadvantages of studying a Dual Degree in Science. Let us first assess the advantages of studying Dual degree in Science.

Goal-oriented study: Studying a dual degree in Science helps a student to have a focused approach. All those who are sure of pursuing a master’s degree in a Science specialisation, will have a conducive environment and infrastructure to study the curriculum for both undergraduate and postgraduate levels.

Smooth transition from UG to PG level: Since five years of the dual degree programme in Science is spent in a particular institute or campus, students are relieved of the stress of taking admission to master’s degree programme.

Specialised pedagogy: The pedagogy of the dual degree science programmes is specially curated for students who wish to invest five years in pursuing Science courses. The pedagogy focuses on the right amount of theoretical and practical, or applied studies.

Flexibility: The dual degree courses offer flexibility to the students. While some institutes offer the flexibility of combining multiple subjects, some offer easy coordination and collaboration with other institutes. On the other hand, certain institutes, such as IISERs, offer opportunities for student exchange programmes with international institutes or universities.

Better career prospects: After completing the Dual degree courses in Science, students have a fairly clear choice of career paths ahead. They can either pursue a PhD from the same institute or other institutes of similar repute, or participate in the placement process to bag a suitable job. In either way, the institute plays an important role in curving their career path.

Disadvantages of Studying Dual Degree in Science Dual Degree

As every coin has two sides, studying a dual degree in Science has certain disadvantages as well. Let us take a look at the disadvantages or the cons of studying integrated science courses.

Long-term investment in years: As the course duration of BS-MS or Integrated MSc courses is five years, it is a long-term investment in terms of years. Only those who are absolutely sure of building a career in academia, or pursuing a Master's degree in the chosen field, may find it a good decision to go for a dual degree or an integrated course.

No exit in between: Once the course begins, students will not be able to opt out in between. Or, in case they think of quitting the course mid-way, or after completing the Bachelor’s degree part, they will not be conferred the undergraduate degree. Hence, students must be resilient enough to complete the entire course.

Rigorous curriculum: Needless to say, a five-year course at a reputed institute like IITs, IISER or NISER has an intense curriculum, which can be overwhelming for students. Since the curriculum includes both theoretical and practical lessons, which can be pressurising and students will be left with little or no time left for themselves.

High fee amount: Generally, the fee amount of the dual degree or the integrated degree in Science at the top colleges of India is on the higher side. Hence, students must choose the courses and colleges after weighing the factors such as fees and placement reports, to assess the return on investment.

What After Completing Dual Degree in Science

After completing a Dual Degree in Science or an Integrated MSc degree, students generally tend to follow a career in research or academics. Apart from that, the career path may take a different turn towards a corporate or administrative services job. Here, we bring a few areas wherein students can pursue a career after completing the Dual Degree course in Science.

Research or PhD: After completing a BS-MS or an Integrated MSc degree, the most common path taken by students is to pursue research or PhD in a related field. For this, students can take the relevant entrance exams like UGC NET or directly enrol at their institutes.

Take up a corporate job: In case a student is not interested in going through another level of academic rigour by pursuing a PhD, he or she can take up a corporate job by participating in the placement process organised by the institute, or on their own.

Pursue MBA: Management studies is another popular higher studies or career option chosen by students after completing postgraduation. If, while pursuing a dual degree in Science, or afterwards, one feels that this field is not exactly their calling, then an MBA is another lucrative career option. An MBA or PGDM hones the managerial and other skills necessary to climb up the corporate ladder or take up an entrepreneurial journey.

Join Civil Services: Civil Services, or joining the Administrative Forces, is another most aspired career path, irrespective of the graduation or postgraduation degree or subject. Hence, in case a student has a knack towards the administration field and wishes to be an IAS or IPS officer, then he or she should start the preparation process accordingly.

Read More:

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