A 7 year degree is called a few different things depending on the country and education system. The most common terms for a degree that takes 7 years to complete are a double bachelor’s degree or an accelerated combined bachelor’s and master’s degree program.
Double Bachelor’s Degree
A double bachelor’s degree refers to earning two separate bachelor’s degrees concurrently over the course of 6-7 years. This is accomplished by studying two different subjects at the same time and completing the requirements for both bachelor’s degrees simultaneously.
For example, a student could pursue a double bachelor’s degree in business administration and computer science over 7 years. They would take classes and meet graduation requirements for both subjects over those 7 years. At the end, they would earn two distinct bachelor’s degrees – one in business and one in computer science.
Some key points about double bachelor’s degrees:
- They allow students to gain expertise in two unrelated fields like engineering and music.
- Students can combine complementary fields like biology and chemistry.
- Pursuing two degrees simultaneously takes careful planning and course scheduling.
- Students must meet admission and graduation requirements for both degree programs.
- Most programs take around 5-6 years but some can take 7 years to fully complete both degrees.
Double bachelor’s degrees give students very robust educational backgrounds and allow them to develop dual areas of expertise. However, the dual degree path requires a greater number of credits and courses than a single bachelor’s degree.
Accelerated Combined Bachelor’s and Master’s Degree
Another type of 7 year degree is an accelerated combined bachelor’s and master’s degree program. These programs allow ambitious students to earn a bachelor’s degree and a master’s degree in an expedited timeframe.
Here’s how they work:
- Students begin by spending 3-4 years in a bachelor’s degree program in their chosen field.
- During those initial years, they take prerequisites for the master’s program.
- In their 4th or 5th year, they formally apply and get admitted to the master’s program at their university.
- The final 2-3 years are spent taking graduate-level courses to complete the master’s degree.
- By year 7, students graduate with both a bachelor’s and master’s degree in their subject area.
Some key advantages of these accelerated programs include:
- Faster timeline – Students earn two degrees a year or two sooner.
- Cost savings – Students pay for only 7 years of school instead of 8+.
- Seamless transition – Students stay at the same university and avoid transfer issues.
- Networking – Relationships with professors carry over from undergraduate to graduate study.
These combined bachelor’s and master’s programs are common in engineering, education, journalism, and business fields. They allow focused students to get a head start on their master’s education in as little as 7 years total.
Pre-Professional Degrees
In some fields like law and medicine, a 7 year degree may refer to a specialized pre-professional program. These programs prepare students for professional study through a mix of undergraduate coursework, professional prerequisites, and internships.
7 Year Medical Program
Some universities offer competitive 7-year medical programs geared for high-achieving students interested in becoming doctors. These programs combine an undergraduate degree with the standard medical school prerequisites to provide both a bachelor’s degree and preparation for medical school in 7 years total.
A sample 7-year medical program timeline:
- Years 1-3 – Pursue a bachelor’s degree, often in a science field. Complete basic prerequisites for medical school.
- Year 4 – Round out bachelor’s degree. Take additional lab sciences and high-level science courses.
- Years 5-6 – Finish remaining medical school prerequisites. Potentially pursue a master’s degree.
- Year 7 – Apply to and enter medical school.
These medical programs help top students check all the boxes required for medical school admission in an accelerated undergraduate timeline. Students gain a comprehensive pre-med education and transition smoothly into medical training after 7 years.
7 Year Law Program
Similarly, some law schools partner with universities to offer early admission programs that pledge acceptance to law school after only 3 years of undergraduate study, as long as students meet certain requirements. This allows students to transition directly from their bachelor’s degree to law school and complete their JD in just 7 years total.
For example, Northwestern University has an accelerated program with NU Law that guarantees admission to students who maintain a certain GPA. Students complete their bachelor’s degree in 3 years and then pursue their law degree at NU Law in the following 4 years.
These direct law school admit programs reward high-performing undergraduates with an expedited path to earning their JD.
Considerations for 7 Year Degrees
While 7 year degrees allow students to pursue multiple degrees or transition seamlessly into professional programs, there are also some potential downsides to these longer degree paths:
- Greater cost – 7 years of tuition can be expensive and cumbersome.
- Delayed earnings – Students enter the full-time workforce later than peers.
- Program availability – Double degree and accelerated programs have limited space and availability.
- Burnout risk – Long study timeframes can lead to burnout.
Additionally, some professional master’s degrees, like an MBA, may benefit more from work experience between degrees. Delaying graduate education could provide advantages in some cases.
Students considering a 7 year degree path should weigh the costs and benefits carefully based on their career goals, financial situation, and stamina for long-term education. An accelerated 7 year degree does not make sense for every student but can be rewarding for those eager to maximize their time as a student.
Conclusion
In summary, a degree that takes 7 years to complete goes by several different names including:
- Double bachelor’s degree
- Accelerated combined bachelor’s/master’s degree
- Specialized pre-professional degree program
These 7 year degrees allow driven students to pursue dual bachelor’s degrees, fast track their master’s education, or get a head start on medical or law school. While providing efficiency and preparation, these longer degree paths also require stamina, careful planning, and significant expense. Students interested in maximizing their academic immersion may find the investment rewarding as they pursue their educational and career ambitions.
| Degree Type | Duration | Overview |
|---|---|---|
| Double Bachelor’s Degree | 5-7 years | Earn two distinct bachelor’s degrees simultaneously by completing requirements for both programs. |
| Accelerated Combined Bachelor’s/Master’s Degree | 5-7 years | Fast track a master’s degree by applying to a graduate program 1-2 years early and transitioning smoothly into the master’s after bachelor’s completion. |
| Pre-Professional Degree Programs | 7 years | Combine an undergraduate degree with prerequisites, internships, and/or a master’s degree tailored for admission to professional school. |