Some students choose to pursue an MBA while they are also pursuing another degree. Some common MBA joint-degree programs include law, medicine, public policy, and healthcare administration.

Joint Degree Advantages

• Specialized knowledge - The main reason for pursuing a joint degree should be if the knowledge acquired from the additional degree will be useful in your chosen career. Employers will certainly question why you chose a joint degree and it is important that you can articulate how a joint degree has added to your skillset.

• Smaller time commitment - Joint degree programs are often a year or more shorter than if you pursued both degrees separately.

Joint Degree Disadvantages

• Compensation for the additional investment - Even though a joint degree requires extra time and money, don't count on it resulting in an increased starting salary. Many companies will treat you compensation-wise as they do other MBA candidates.

• Joint applications - A joint degree usually means applying to each program separately. Be prepared to justify to the school how you think a joint degree will be of benefit.

• Schedule - A joint degree student will typically not graduate at the same time as their starting class. Also, students in joint programs will likely have fewer options to take elective classes.