Harry Potter Character Analysis Essay

Harry Potter Character Analysis Essay Harry Potter Character Analysis Essay Example Harry Potter Character Analysis Essay Example Joanne Katheline Rowling is the writer of Harry Potter fantasy series, one of the best selling series all over the world. The main character being Harry – a young boy who is the main protagonist. In this paper we look at Joanne Katheline Rowling’s stand on the heroes and monsters. According to Rowling, the heroes infringe canons and have weaknesses; they go hand in hand to rescue people’s lives. On the other hand, the monsters violate rules and commit evil for their own interest. Harry Potter: Good and Bad Monsters have weaknesses. In Harry Potter series, there is monster, Draco Luis Malfoy, who is a Slytherin student at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft And Wizardry. Lord Voldermort is a monster, too. He is the devil in the series. He greatly opposes Harry Potter. In addition, he is said to posses the might to conquer the Dark Lord. Malfoy and Voldermort is the major adversaries throughout the series. The monsters have weaknesses, too. Their worst fear is darkness – they only come out when there is light. Draco is a good example. When Draco joins Hogwarts School of Witchcraft And Wizardry, his bed is near the window. He has chosen this place so as to get a glimpse of twilights. He wants to see when the sun is rising and when it is setting. Draco wants to be noticed all the time whenever he is with friends. He often seeks attention from Harry to escape rejection. Harry is renowned as the ‘chosen one’. This title creates animosity and jealousy towards Harry by Draco Malf oy. In school Harry engages in quidditch – a game in which players use broomsticks with the aim of getting the ball. It is similar to hockey. Draco’s jealousy heightens when Harry becomes the kingpin of the game despite being the youngest. Consequently, Malfoy joins the Slytherin team so as to compete with Harry’s Gryffindor team. Whenever the two teams meet there is chaos caused by Malfoy and his friends. When Decora, the new girl, arrives at Hogwarts, she encounters Malfoy who leads her to the hall. As they walk, Harry passes by and Decora shifts attention to Harry. She likes Harry’s eyes; this makes Malfoy jealous. On the other hand, Lord Voldermort tries to retaliate by killing Harry. He does so because Lily, Harry’s mother, sacrificed her life instead of Harry’s. Harry’s parents were believed to be foretelling about the killing of Voldermort. Harry Potter is the main protagonist in this series. He is the only child of James and Lily Potter. He is said to be partially possessing magic. When Harry was born his parents believed he would destroy Voldermort the monster. On the contrary, Voldermort kills the Potters. This happened as a result of the parents protecting their beloved son from the monster. During his early years Harry is a young orphan who is taken care of by Pertunia Dursley. Harry portrays the heroes who are out to commit evil with the aim of rescuing people’s live. At the beginning we meet Harry, a young boy, who is feeble, poor and neglected by the guardian. In the Chamber of Secrets we are introduced to Harry’s friends, Hermione Granger and Ron Weasley. Hermione is a female protagonist, close to Ron and Harry. She was born with abilities of being a witch and she boasts about her status. Besides saving Ron and Harry whenever they are in trouble, she also fought for rights of the other muggle-born – like Neville Longbottom. She goes on saving those who had similar features with the monsters – like Hagrid. As for Ron, he is a young boy and classmate of Harry. In the Chamber of Secrets he is seen as timid and kind-hearted boy. He helps Harry to flee from the uncle Vernom’s house. Harry had been locked in the room so as not to go back to Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. Ron comes to rescue him with a flying car and takes him home. Ron, Harry and Hermione are the leading characters in the series. They are the heroes throughout all the series. Harry is a young boy who is constantly opposed by Malfoy. As we know, no one is born perfect. Abilities are perfected as one grows. J. K. Rowling in her works shows us Harry’s weaknesses. He is full of fury and under certain circumstances he is haughty. There was the moment when he manages to rescue Ginny Weasley who shed blood by piercing Lord Voldermort’s diary which he had found in the bathroom. In the event of unveiling the person who opened the Chamber of Secrets at Hogwarts, Harry finds a diary belonging to Tom Riddle (Rowling 15). He later finds out that Riddle is indeed Lord Voldermort who is responsible for killing of his parents. This acknowledgement makes him feel bitter because of the love he had towards his parents. The three heroes go to the forbidden forest in order to get the hidden truth. At the Chamber cave in the forest they find Ginny who has been said that he had been taken to the forest. Harry finds Ginny who has fainted and looks half dead. Voldermort appears to accuse Ginny who was the one who had opene d the chamber (Rowling 25). As a result, Harry learns that Riddle is the monster. Due to his fury he pierces the diary and Ginny comes back to life. Although he is skinny he is strong and is a real fighter. With the description given about Harry we could never expect him to do so. In Hogwarts School of Witchcraft And Wizardry, the rules are to protect a student’s right. Due to differences among the students, they violate the rules with different reasons. The major similarity between heroes and monsters is that they do not obey stipulated rules. The difference is that heroes break rules so as to save lives, while monsters break rules for their personal interests. For instance, Voldermort kills Harry’s parents so as to gain the fame of witchcraft. Voldermort goes on by targeting Harry. He has greed for power. As for Draco Malfoy, while at Hogwarts, he goes to an extent of forming a gang that insults, bullies and undermines Harry. It is not allowed to bully students in Hogwarts. Malfoy does this so as to draw attention away from the friends. On the other hand, Harry is a selfless person. He has a character that is admired by all. Harry he is a go-getter. He believes in action that benefits all. When in Hogwarts, Harry flies to Malfoy so as to get Ne ville’s Remembrall. This happens during Madam Hooch’s flying lesson. We see that he disrespects Madam Hooch, but he does it out of the goodness of his heart to assist Neville in locating the gift that had been given to him by his grandmother (Rowling 22). The heroes believe that disobedience benefits the entire school. When Harry disobeys the uncle and comes back to Hogwarts, he helps the school remain open from the fact that he makes the school access the students to teach them. Ron also returns to school for his second year. The three heroes really believe in themselves. Although the protagonists, Harry, Ron and Hermione break the rules, they do so to assist to rescue the muggles and pure blood. They use their magical powers, such as flying cars, to rescue people. On the other hand, the monsters have different reasons. They break rules so as to gain fame or to get attention from the rest. This difference is brought by the greed for power between the antagonists and protagonists. What Is Harry Potter Trying to Teach Us? This question is of particular importance in a view of the fact that a brave hero has gained popularity among a tremendous amount of people, both children and adults. A lot of people love this hero as everyone can find something similar that is close to him/her. The character of Harry Potter is truly a â€Å"storehouse† of valuable personal qualities that can be rarely seen in the modern world. Harry Potter is a bright and good personage. It is difficult to overestimate his importance for modern people, regardless of their age, sex, or national origin. In this paper, the significance of Harry Potter as a teacher of life values and principles for the modern reader will be analyzed. Moreover, attention will also be given to his psychological qualities that formed the basis of life position and ideas. Harry Potters Character In the first book (Harry Potter and the Sorcerers Stone) the reader learns about him very important things, namely, that he is special and unlike everyone else. He lives with his aunt and her family who do not treat him well. He has lost his parents at an early age and now he is a burden on the shoulders of his aunt. However as he grows older, he realizes that he is not an ordinary boy who, for example, can speak with a snake at the zoo. At school, he reveals himself as a very brave and selfless boy who is always ready to help. He finds out who killed his parents and the reason of this act. He is not afraid to call out the name of the murderer, though, other magicians avoid this name because of their fear. Harry wants to find this wizard and destroy him. Harry makes one feat after another. With each victory, he comes closer to his main goal to defeat the villain, who is terrible and treacherous. This battle ends with a victory not by chance, since Harry Potters spiritual qualities a re the key to his success. Let us denote them. Like his mother Lily, Harry Potter loves people and believes in them. Stingy in the external manifestations of emotions, the boy is very sentimental and at the same time noble, courageous, and brave. He does not allow himself to put his feelings on display. The life with his callous relatives, who did not give due care to an orphan who needed their support, played its role in the development of Harry’s character. Harry is able to see the best in people, desperately opposing himself to his relatives, who have never had â€Å"human† qualities. Harry cannot abstract from his own emotions and rely only on the facts. He follows his intuition and often acts based on his first impressions. Consequently, he often attracts runs into trouble. Harry has a very weak point. Once he finds out about the way his parents were killed, he starts to blame himself for the fact that all his family, relatives, and friends die, giving their lives for the sake of him. Like the Himalayan heights, Harry cannot get rid of this terrible and loneliness. Harry follows his principles, but he also accepts tips from the adults whom he likes. What Harry can Teach a Reader As we can see, uneasy life allowed Harry to develop valuable personal qualities which not all people can boast of. While reading the entire series of Harry Potter books, it is possible to talk about the special importance of the hero for the modern reader. First, it should be said about the notion of friendship. Harry teaches that friendship is never given easily as it must be earned. Therefore, despite the importance of grades in school, friendship is the most important (Harry Potter and the Sorcerers Stone). At the same time, one should remember that friendship is always self-perfection, so it is important to hear others and appreciate friends. A true friend will always be close, despite the fact that the whole world might turn against them. Friendship requires loyalty and willingness to help a friend. Harry Potter is such a good friend that he values these qualities in his friends. For example, in the second part (Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets), all the schools students thought that Harry was the heir of Slytherin. However, his true friends supported him and did not betray in a tough moment. Moreover, a true friend can even sacrifice his/her own live for a friend. Friendship is also associated with the ability to take responsibility. As noted by Joyce Pines (2011), â€Å"we learn that while you have to take responsibility for your own actions, you also need support and friends you can trust. Harry has great friends in Ron Weasley and Hermione Granger, but they dont always get along. There are miscommunications and hurt feelings, just like real life. But in the end, they stick together.† The second thing, which Harry teaches his reader, is love. Though â€Å"life is fettered with darkness – death, pain, and, yes, even scars– but that love isn’t extinguished by this darkness because it is a universal truth† (â€Å"What Harry Potter Teaches Us About True Love†). People cannot live without love, as well as without friendship. At the same time, people should not shout everywhere about love. It must be confirmed by people’s own actions. A person is ready for many things for love, including death. The story of Harry Potter also reveals the concept of fame and glory, which unfortunately are not permanent. One needs to remember that friendship and love cannot be bought with money or gained with the help of fame. Moreover, Harry Potter draws the viewers attention to the problem of life mistakes. The emphasis is not on the idea that we should not make mistakes, but on the fact that all of us must learn to recognize own mistakes and try to correct them. The topic of forgiveness, including self-forgiveness, occupies one of the central places in the book. It is very difficult to forgive, but it is a necessary thing to do. However, one must clearly understand when to use it. One should make his or her own choice whether to forgive such actions as a betrayal, murder, and deceit. Moreover, Harry Potter teaches us that we should not believe everything which is attractive and seems to be nice. The most important is to see the essence of a thing or event, especially when it comes to human relations. Not always people that seem to be good and noble are good and noble in reality, and vice versa. The familiarity with Harry Potter’s character also provides with an opportunity to answer the question about death, which is of primary concern to many people. Regarding the death, Harry Potter indicates that it is a natural process, which usually occurs unexpectedly. It is very scary to watch and suffer when some of the loved ones dies. Harry also suffers the death of loved ones. However, he teaches that we should continue to live, no matter what happens. Harry believes that life consists of both happy and sad moments, and nobody should forget about it. He makes us understand that one needs to take life as it is. The story of Harry Potter is not only a story of the struggle between external good and evil, but also a story of the struggle between good and evil within oneself. Each of us has both bad and good sides, and the main task is to fight against the inside evil inside. To fight and to win. Harry Potter is an example of optimism and faith not only in himself, but also in his friends. This young man combines the goodness of heart, sensitivity, and responsiveness. At the same time, the fearlessness of his soul directs his life and actions in the fight for just a cause. Harry Potter is not a simple wizard whose main task is to perform magic actions. I think that this hero can be called a modern Socrates. Despite his youth, Harry is able to amaze a reader with the power of his spirit, steadfastness of his faith, and devotion to his life ideals and principles. As we know, these qualities glorified an ancient philosopher Socrates. Like no one else, Harry knows how to make friends, love, and show care and attention. He is capable of compassion and understanding others. Harry teaches the reader to show independence of personal choice, responsibility for own actions, and willingness to pay the penalty if one is guilty. This hero is an embodiment of the most precious values in life. Therefore, his importance for the modern reader can hardly be overestimated. Harry Potter is a great teacher not only for children, but also for adults. It is no wonder that people of all ages cannot but fall in love with the image of Harry Potter. Harry Potter deserves being imitated in his most positive attributes as he is a heroic and dignified person. The story of Harry Potter is not a usual fairy tale, but a guide that helps us to understand the complexity of life and at the same time it offers options for its dignified passing.

What Is a Dual Degree Program Should You Do One

What Is a Dual Degree Program Should You Do One SAT / ACT Prep Online Guides and Tips You’ve probably heard of a double major, but have you heard of a dual degree? In a dual degree program, you’ll study two academic fields at once, earn you two separate degrees. Below, we explain what a dual degree is and show you several examples of the different types of dual degree programs available. We also go over the pros and cons of getting a dual degree, and give you tips to help you decide whether a dual degree is right for you. Feature Image: COD Newsroom/Flickr What Is a Dual Degree? Overview A dual degree, or double degree, is when you study two, usually very different, fields at the same time and receive two separate degrees (one per discipline). For example, if you studied psychology and business in a dual degree program, you’d graduate with two degrees (that is, two diplomas): a Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Psychology and a Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA). Dual degrees typically confertwo different types of degrees, such as a BA/BS combo, a BS/BFA, a BS/BBA, etc. (Some dual degree programs will award you an undergraduate bachelor’s degree and a graduate degree- we’ll talk more about these types of programs in a moment.) In addition, the two fields of study in a dual degree program are usually housed in two different schools at the university. As a result, those wanting to pursue a dual degree typically must apply and get admitted to both schools individually. The deadline by when you must apply for admission will vary depending on the university. Dual degrees require more credits than single degrees. The total number of credits you’ll need will depend on the university you attend and whether it uses the semester or quarter system. But generally speaking, you’ll need anywhere from 140 to 225 credits to graduate. Finally, because you’re working on two degrees simultaneously and need more credits than you would for a single degree, you’ll very likely need to spend more time in college, often five to six years. This also means you’ll be spending more money on your college education since you’ll have to pay for additional courses/credits, books, housing, etc. How Does a Dual Degree Differ From a Double Major? You might be wondering how a dual degree differs from a double major. After all, both academic options allow you to study two fields at once, right? While that’s true, the two paths are actually quite different from each other. In a dual degree program, you're studying two (likely different) fields in order to earn two separate degrees. These are usually different types of degrees, too, such as a BA and a BS. However, with a double major, you're studying two related fields to earna single degree. This also means that you're receiving just one type of degree, such as a BA, BS, BFA, etc. Essentially,a double major is when you’re studying two fields in one degree program, and a dual degree is when you’re studying two fields in two separate degree programs. This is the biggest difference between a dual degree and a double major- but there are many more ways to distinguish the two options. For example, with double majors, a student's two majors are often housed in the same school or college and will grant you the same type of degree, such as a BS or BFA. In addition, a double major doesn’t typically require extra coursework (or at least not as much as a dual degree program does!) and can normally be completed within four years. You can read more about the similarities and differences between double majors and dual degrees in our in-depth dual degree vs double major guide. You'll get two of these when you graduate from a dual degree program. What Kinds of Dual Degree Programs Are There? Because there’s such a big array of majors and fields you can combine for a dual degree, it can be difficult to determine how many types of dual degree programs there actually are. The easiest way to categorize them is to look at them by the types of degrees they confer. We can therefore say that there are three main types of dual degree programs: Programs that confer two bachelor’s degrees Programs that confer a bachelor’s degree and a master's degree Programs that confer two graduate/professional degrees We look at each of these in more detail below. #1: Programs That Confer Two Bachelor’s Degrees This type of dual degree program, which awards two bachelor’s degrees, is fairly common and available at many universities in the US. With this program, you could earn any combination of bachelor’s degrees. Here are some of the most common bachelor's degrees conferred in undergraduate dual degree programs: Bachelor of Arts (BA) Bachelor of Science (BS) Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) Bachelor of Music (BM) Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) Bachelor of Applied Science (BAS) As stated previously, the two bachelor’s degrees you choose to get in your dual degree program will most likely be based in different schools, so you’ll typically need to apply and be admitted to both schools in order to do the program. Not every university offers dual degree programs, so check with your university before you decide you want to do a dual degree. In addition, the options for dual degrees will vary depending on the university, so be sure that the specific combo of degrees you want is available at your school. The period during which you may apply for a dual degree program will vary depending on the university. Some schools allow you to apply for a dual degree before you even start college, whereas others will only let you apply after you’ve been in college for at least a year or two. The following chart lists some examples of popular universities offering dual degree programs that confer two bachelor's degrees: University Bachelor’s Degree Combos Offered Notes Boston University BA/BS, BA/BFA, BA/BM, BS/BFA, BS/BM Credit requirements vary. Open to specific major combos only. Brown University BA/BS Minimum 38 credits and 10 semesters (five years). Cornell University BA/BS in Engineering, BA/BFA in Art, BA/BS in Urban and Regional Studies Minimum 150 credits. Open to specific major combos only. Northwestern University BA/BS, BA/BM For BA/BS program, minimum 12 quarters and 42 credits. For BA/BM program, minimum 60 courses. Stanford University BA/BS Minimum 225 credits. University of Alabama BA/BS Minimum 30 additional credit hours. University of Denver BA/BS, BA/BFA, BS/BFA, BA/BM, BS/BM, BFA/BM, etc. Minimum 228 quarter hours. Many combinations of bachelor’s degrees possible. University of Maryland, Baltimore County BA/BA, BS/BS, BA/BS Minimum 150 credits. Note that combinations of same degree types are possible. University of Michigan BA/BS, BA/BFA, BA/BMA*, BA/BTA**, etc. Credit requirements vary. May choose an established program or create own. University of Notre Dame BA/BS Generally requires 45 additional credit hours. Five-year program. *BMA = Bachelor of Musical Arts **BTA = Bachelor of Theatre Arts Getting a master's degree = getting to wear a cool, colorful hood. (Illinois Springfield/Flickr) #2: Programs That Confer a Bachelor’s and a Master’s Degree The second type of dual degree program rewards you with a bachelor’s degree and a master’s degree, usually within five to six years. This program differs from the one described above in that you get to do graduate-level coursework while taking undergraduate classes. Upon graduation, you’ll receive both a bachelor’s degree anda master's degree. (With some dual degree programs, you’ll get your undergraduate degree first and then your graduate degree a year or so later.) These dual bachelor's/master's programs are popular because they can save you both time and money when it comes to a graduate-level education. Instead of having to finish your bachelor’s degree and then apply for a master’s, you can work on both degrees at the same time. This usually means you can have some classes count toward bothdegrees. Here are some of the most common types of bachelor’s and master’s degrees combined in dual degree programs: Bachelor of Arts (BA) Bachelor of Science (BS) Master of Arts (MA) Master of Science (MS) Master of Engineering (ME) Master of Public Policy (MPP) Master of Public Administration (MPA) Master of Business Administration (MBA) The chart below shows some examples of popular bachelor’s/master’s dual degree programs: University Bachelor’s and Master’s Degree Combos Offered Notes American University Varies Must have earned at least 75 credits in order to apply. Boston University BA/MA, BA/MS 144-160 credits required (varies depending on program). The George Washington University Varies Offers both joint programs (in which you earn both degrees at the same time) and dual programs (in which you earn your degrees at different times). Harvard University Liberal arts degrees (BA, BS, MA, MS, etc.) Limited to those with "at least five years of full-time, paid, professional work experience." Johns Hopkins University BS/MS in Engineering All students enrolled are awarded a half-tuition Dean’s Master’s Fellowship. New York University BA/MPA, BA/MUP*, BS/MUP Must be majoring in public administration or urban planning. Northwestern University Varies "Limited to certain degree programs within the University." Must submit a combined degree application to admitting program. Rochester Institute of Technology BS/MS, BS/ME, MBA Students may propose own dual degree program. University of Chicago BA/MA, BA/MAT**, BA/MPP, BA/MS, BS/MS Four- and five- year programs available. Credit requirements vary depending on program. University of Georgia BS/MS, Engineering/MBA, BBA/MAcc*** Limited to specific fields of study. *MUP = Master of Urban Planning **MAT = Master of Arts in Teaching ***MAcc = Master of Accountancy #3: Programs That Confer Two Graduate/Professional Degrees The third and final type of dual degree program is one that confers only graduate degrees. These can be a combination of two different master’s degrees or a master’s and a professional or doctoral degree. For example, several law schools offer dual degree programs so that students can earn a master’s or doctoral degree (usually in a field in which they want to practice law) along with their Juris Doctor (JD). While many universities offer formal dual degree graduate programs that dictate which programs/fields you can earn your two graduate degrees in, others allow students to create their own graduate-level dual degree programs. Here are some common graduate and professional degrees that can be combined in dual degree programs: Master of Arts (MA) Master of Science (MS) Master of Public Policy (MPP) Master of Public Health (MPH) Master of Business Administration (MBA) Master of Science in Engineering (MSE) Master of Social Work (MSW) Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) Juris Doctor (JD) Doctor of Medicine (MD) Some of the most common degree combinations include MA/PhD, MS/PhD, MA/JD, MBA/JD, JD/PhD, and MPH/MD.Below are some examples of popular graduate-level dual degree programs: University Graduate Degree Combos Offered Notes Georgetown University Master’s/Master’s, MBA/Master’s, Master’s/JD, PhD/JD, Master’s/PhD, Master’s/MD, PhD/MD Limited to specific fields of study. Rutgers University Several combinations with JD, including MD, MA, MBA, MPH, PhD, MSW, etc. "A law student may create a dual-degree with another graduate degree offered by Rutgers or another institution." Stanford University JD/MBA, MA/MBA, MPP/MBA, MS/MBA, MD/MBA Credit requirements vary depending on program. Suffolk University MBA/JD, LLM*/JD, MPA/JD, MS/JD Limited to specific fields of study. Credit requirements and length of program vary. University of Arizona MAcc/MBA, MS/MS, MS/MBA, MS/JD, MA/JD, PhD/PhD, PhD/MD, PhD/JD, etc. Limited to specific fields of study. "Students cannot invent their own dual degrees." University of Cincinnati MBA/MS, MBA/MA, MBA/MSN**, JD/MA, JD/MBA, JD/PhD, etc. "The applicant must be accepted by both programs." University of Colorado Boulder MA/MBA, MS/MBA, MA/MA, MBA/JD, JD/PhD, JD/MD, MS/JD, JD/MPA, etc. Limited to specific fields of study. Credit requirements vary depending on program. University of Illinois Varies; includes combos with MA, MS, MArch, MBA, MPH, MSW, JD, PhD, MD, etc. "A student who wishes to enter a joint degree program must be admitted separately to each program as a joint degree candidate." University of Michigan Varies; includes combos with MA, MS, MPH, MPP, MUP, MBA, JD, PhD, MD, etc. Students may propose own dual degree program. University of Texas at Austin Master’s and professional degrees only; includes combos with MA, MS, MBA, MSE, JD, etc. Limited to specific fields of study. *LLM = Master of Laws **MSN = Master of Science in Nursing Want to build the best possible college application? We can help. PrepScholar Admissions is the world's best admissions consulting service. We combine world-class admissions counselors with our data-driven, proprietary admissions strategies. We've overseen thousands of students get into their top choice schools, from state colleges to the Ivy League. We know what kinds of students colleges want to admit. We want to get you admitted to your dream schools. Learn more about PrepScholar Admissions to maximize your chance of getting in. The Pros and Cons of Dual Degree Programs Now that we’ve shown you what types of dual degree programs there are, let’s take a look at the biggest pros and cons of doing a dual degree program. Advantages of Getting a Dual Degree You’ll broaden your knowledge and skill sets. Perhaps the biggest benefit of a dual degree program is that you get to learn more and become an expert in more than one field of study. This can help you feel more fulfilled since you’ll be able to study both fields you’re interested in. You’ll have more choices in terms of potential career paths.Studying two fields equally means you’ll acquire lots of experience with and knowledge of them both. As a result, you'll have a higher number of relevant job options available to you after graduation. You’ll save money on a graduate degree. If you’re doing a combined bachelor’s/master's or graduate/graduate dual degree program, you’ll actually be saving money on what you would have spent had you pursued each degree separately. This is because most dual degree programs allow (and encourage) overlapping classes- i.e., classes that count toward both of your degrees. Disadvantages of Getting a Dual Degree You’re spending more time in school without stopping. For some people, this factor alone can be a deal-breaker. With a dual degree program, regardless of the types of degrees you’re pursuing, you’ll be spending more time in school without the chance to take a break and fit in some work experience. You’re spending more money at once. Even though you’ll likely be saving money in the long run by getting a dual degree, you still have to spend a lot of money upfront for things such as credits, tuition, and housing. It might not increase your earning potential. While a dual degree can broaden your career prospects, it doesn’t necessarily guarantee you'll earn a higher income than if you’d opted for a single degree. However, this depends a lot on what fields you’re studying and what degrees you’re getting (for example, there’s a big difference between getting two BAs and getting a JD and a PhD!). An equation we can all relate to. Is a Dual Degree Right for You? 4 Key Questions to Consider When it comes down to it, is a dual degree the best option for you? Here are four critical questions to ask yourself to help you figure out whether or not you should pursue a dual degree. #1: Are You Equally Interested in Two (Different) Fields of Study? If you’re not equally passionate about both fields you plan to study, a dual degree might not be the best choice for you. Remember that with a dual degree, you’re studying your two chosen fields equally- after all, you’re earning a degree in each! If you’re more interested in one field than you are in the other you want to study, consider making the latter a secondary field of study. You could do this by declaring it as a minor instead of a major if you're an undergrad, or by taking or auditing some classes in it if you’re a (prospective) graduate student. #2: Are You OK With Staying in School Longer? A dual degree program means you’ll typically be staying in college or grad school at least an extra year or two depending on the program you're doing and the degree types you’re getting. Therefore, it’s important for you to determine whether you’d rather spend this time doing more school or going out into the world and doing other activities such as working or traveling. Remember that even if you decide to forego a graduate dual degree program for now, you can always enter a grad program in the future at a later date! #3: Will Money Be an Issue? If money might pose a problem for you, a dual degree might not be a good idea since it'll require a lot of money outright (even though it technically saves you money in the long run, especially if you’re earning a bachelor’s degree and a master's degree or two graduate degrees). #4: Do You Have a Clear Plan for Your Future? Dual degree programs are solid options for those who have a clear plan for their future career and occupational desires. For example, if you want to be a lawyer who specializes in Chinese law, a dual degree program that earns you a JD and an MA in Chinese Studies would be an ideal combo that perfectly suits your professional aspirations. On the other hand, if you’re not entirely sure what you want to do with a dual degree or what kind of career you want to have after graduation, it might not be worth devoting several years and a lot of money to such a program. Recall thata dual degree does not ensure a higher salary, so it’s important that you’re willing to weigh these risks before deciding to enroll in a dual degree program. Recap: What Is a Dual Degree and Should You Get One? Dual degree programs are academic programs that confer two degrees at the same time. This can be a combination of two bachelor’s degrees, a bachelor’s and a master’s degree, or two graduate/professional degrees. Since you’re studying two (different) fields and earning two separate degrees, you’ll need to stay in school longer- usually an extra one to two years for an undergraduate dual degree program. Dual degrees have both advantages and disadvantages. On the one hand, a dual degree lets you broaden your knowledge of two fields you’re equally passionate about, saves you money on grad school, and expands your career options. That being said, you will have to spend more time in school without a break and pay more money upfront for your education. A dual degree also won't necessarily increase your income potential. Ultimately, whether a dual degree is right for you depends on four main factors: Whether you’re equally interested in two (different) fields of study Whether you’re OK with staying in school for a longer period of time Whether money will pose a challenge for you Whether you have a clear plan for your future After reading this article, you should now have a much better idea of what a dual degree actually is and how it can benefit you. What’s Next? While you can get a dual degree that includes a Master of Arts in Teaching, is it necessary? Find out if you need a teaching degree in this article. A dual degree isn't the same as a double major. But just how are they different? Check out our extensive guide to dual degrees vs double majors to learn more about how the two options are different- and alike. Got questions about double majors instead? Then take a look at our expert guides on what a double major is and how you can get started on declaring one. Not sure what you want to major in? Don't worry! With our advice, you'll figure out what you should study as an undergrad in no time at all. Want to improve your SAT score by 160 points or your ACT score by 4 points?We've written a guide for each test about the top 5 strategies you must be using to have a shot at improving your score. Download it for free now: