10 Top Double Majors With a Nursing Degree

Choosing a double major with a nursing degree can open doors to a wider range of careers in healthcare, research, education, and leadership. If you've ever considered how to stand out in a competitive field, adding a second major may give you the flexibility and expertise to grow beyond traditional bedside roles.

While earning a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) already provides strong job prospects, pairing it with another field, such as biology, psychology, or healthcare management, can strengthen your skill set and prepare you for specialized or interdisciplinary careers. Below, we'll explore how double majors work, why they're valuable, and which pairings can help you achieve your long-term goals.

What Is a Double Major?

A double major allows students to complete two sets of major requirements within a single bachelor's degree program. Both majors typically share general education and elective credits, which helps reduce overall coursework. This makes it a more efficient and cost-effective way to gain expertise in two related disciplines without earning two separate degrees.

What Is a Dual Degree?

A dual degree results in two separate diplomas, often from different disciplines or degree types. For example, a student might earn a BSN and a Bachelor of Arts (BA) in psychology. Dual degree programs usually take longer to complete than double majors, since each degree has its own credit and course requirements.

Why Double Major With Nursing?

Pairing nursing with a second major can help you expand your professional reach and prepare for leadership or interdisciplinary roles. A double major allows you to explore interests beyond clinical care, such as business, public health, or law, while strengthening your critical thinking and problem-solving skills.

It can also make you a more competitive candidate for graduate programs, including Master of Science in Nursing (MSN), Master of Public Health (MPH), or health administration degrees. Whether you want to teach, manage healthcare programs, or work in policy, pairing nursing with another major can position you for a diverse range of career paths.

Top Nursing Double Majors

If you're attending school to achieve a double major, there are several to consider in addition to a Bachelor of Science in nursing (BSN) degree. A dual major may provide better career opportunities for you. While participating in a BSN program, nursing students must prepare for the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX). The nursing school requires education classes and participating in clinical hours to receive clinical experience.

1. Community Health

A bachelor's degree in nursing and a degree in community health can open doors for many careers. Community health promotes wellness and health for communities.

Those with both a nursing degree and a community health degree allow you to learn more about specific concentrations related to community health such as nutrition and health science. Many of the nursing classes and nursing programs required for these majors may overlap, allowing you to take advantage of similar prerequisite classes and necessary coursework.

2. Child Development

If you seek to help children, consider a child development degree. Those who obtain a child development degree in addition to a nursing education, can find a career in pediatric nursing. With a specialty in child development, not only can you meet your career goals, but you can utilize both degrees. Some may begin careers by working at a pediatric center, taking shifts alongside other healthcare workers.

3. Biology

Achieving a nursing degree requires full-time attention. Although it may be difficult, some colleges may offer biology as part of a double major with nursing.

When you better understand the biology and chemistry of the body and its impact on health, you can become more knowledgeable about anatomy and healthcare issues that affect specific parts of the body. A graduate degree in biology helps you qualify to work in certain areas of medicine such as agricultural science.

4. Public Health

A degree in nursing and a Master of Public Health (MPH) opens the door for advancement in program administration and research. A nursing and public health degree allows you to consider becoming a certified public health nurse. Before you do so, you must pass the NCLEX exam. Once an advanced practice registered nurse (APRN) and upon completion of certifications and education, you can consider primary care clinics as well as community and government organizations.

5. Sports Medicine

Those interested in certain specialties of healthcare such as athletics can choose a sports medicine program. This type of degree provides you with knowledge of anatomy evaluation, the prevention of injuries, and nutrition. Those participating in a nursing practice who decide to double major in sports medicine can expect to find numerous jobs associated with these fields including licensed physicians and athletic trainers.

6. Psychology

Receiving a degree in psychology, you will gain skills such as communication and critical thinking. You will learn about various aspects of the brain. With a psychology degree, you can work as a psychologist who focuses on a variety of areas including post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), brain injuries, and eating or sleeping disorders.

7. Dentistry

Many of the electives you choose as part of the bachelor's or master's program you participate in can overlap with social sciences. In addition to certain courses in biology which are required for a nursing degree, those seeking to become a dentist must take classes in math and chemistry.

Much like a nursing program, a dental program requires years of studying and training. Although similar courses will provide you with even more knowledge of this area of study, achieving a double major in nursing and dentistry will take time, requiring you to maintain a structured schedule throughout the process.

8. Law

With a law degree, you can consider jobs such as a nurse attorney. A nurse lawyer will know the ins and outs of the legal system.

Representing healthcare organizations in malpractice cases, providing expert testimonies in court, and searching for medical discrepancies are part of the job. Legal regulations are necessary in healthcare which is why those with law degrees have several options when considering a double major in nursing.

9. Social Work

Although it may take a few more years to achieve, it is possible to achieve a nursing degree and a social work degree. As a double major, you will learn from integrative thinking. With a degree in social work as well, careers to select from may include working at nursing homes or working as a nurse at a school.

10. Healthcare Management

With a Master of Science in nursing (MSN), consider a career in healthcare management. A healthcare management degree allows you to choose from jobs in a variety of areas such as:

• education
• research
• primary care
• program administration

A master's program may be required for a degree in healthcare management. As part of your career path, you can choose from several concentrations such as:

• long-term administration
• general management
• clinical management

Factors To Consider Before Choosing a Double Major

Before committing to a double major, nursing students should consider the additional time and workload required. Balancing two majors often means taking heavier course loads, scheduling around clinical hours, and possibly paying extra tuition. It's also important to choose a second major that supports your long-term career goals, such as leadership, public health, or education.

Easiest Double Majors To Pair With Nursing

Some double majors share overlapping coursework or prerequisites with nursing, making them easier to complete within a standard four-year timeline. Common examples include biology, psychology, and sociology, which cover topics that complement nursing courses. Choosing an easier pairing helps you stay on track for graduation while still expanding your career opportunities.

Best Double Majors for Career Advancement

Certain combinations can position you for advanced roles in management, research, or education. For instance, nursing and business prepares you for administrative positions, while nursing and public health can lead to community leadership or policy work. Other strong pairings, like nursing and informatics, develop skills in data-driven healthcare, a growing area of demand.

Online or Accelerated Double Major Options

Some universities offer online or hybrid nursing programs that make it easier to complete two majors at once. Flexible and accelerated formats allow working nurses or adult learners to balance coursework with job or family responsibilities. However, clinical and lab requirements still vary by school, so students should confirm scheduling options before enrolling.

Financial Aid and Scholarships for Double Majors

Students pursuing a double major can still qualify for federal financial aid, nursing scholarships, and employer tuition reimbursement programs. Many universities also offer merit-based or field-specific funding for students in healthcare and science programs. To stay eligible for aid, maintain satisfactory academic progress and check with your financial aid office about credit hour limits.

How To Balance Two Majors in Nursing School

Managing two majors requires strong planning and time management skills. Meet with your academic advisor early to map out your course plan and identify overlapping classes. Consider taking summer or online courses, organize your clinical hours carefully, and use elective credits strategically to meet requirements for both programs.

FAQs About Double Majoring With Nursing

There are several FAQs about double majoring with nursing. There are many options to consider, all depending on your specific career choice.

Can You Double Major With Nursing?

You can double major with nursing. However, nursing students must take part in clinical courses, logging hours of experience. Achieving a double major can be difficult, but not impossible.

Is a Double Major With Nursing Worth It?

A double major with nursing is worth it if it applies to your career goals. For example, those specifically seeking a degree in the legal system regarding healthcare may want to stand firm with a double major in nursing and law.

What Are the Benefits of Double Majoring With Nursing?

Some of the many benefits of double majoring with nursing include the opportunity to advance your career or work in various aspects of the healthcare industry. From education to law, healthcare plays a part in numerous jobs. If you have a double major in nursing and dentistry, you have work options at multiple healthcare locations.

Will a Double Major With Nursing Improve My Career Outlook?

A double major with nursing can improve your career outlook by providing you with extra skills necessary to take on other roles within your workplace or make a career change altogether. Your career outlook can be improved with extra jobs available for you due to your extra major and additional education.

Find a Nursing Degree

A nursing degree provides the foundation for a rewarding and versatile career in healthcare. Visit Learn.org to explore accredited online and campus-based nursing programs that offer double-major options and pathways to help you reach your educational and professional goals.