Are Dual-Degree STEM Programs Effective? An Intramajor, Comparative Study of the Success of Students in a Dual-Degree Engineering and Business Program

Abstract

A critical evaluation was performed comparing final course grades earned by dual-degree STEM students with their peers in the corresponding single-degree programs. The goal was to understand if students in a dual-degree STEM program can obtain grades comparable to their single program peers. There is no published analysis on how the final course grades of these dual-degree STEM students compares with those of the single-program students in their respective courses. A set of success factors was developed and showed that the dual-degree STEM students achieved comparable success on all three factors when compared to their single-degree peers. The results also showed that there was no evidence of a senior slump in their final spring semester. The results of this research can be used to further understand the relationship between dual-degree and single-degree program success and engineering and business student success. Recruiting staff at universities can use these results to convey to hiring agents that dual-degree STEM students are capable in both of the component programs. University administrators, who are considering creating a dual-degree STEM program, can use these results to understand that students in dual-degree programs can be as successful as the component programs.