The Road NOT Taken: Dual Degree in Engineering

An engineering degree topped with an MBA specialization from a reputed B-school – a classic recipe for success in the corporate world. (We hear and read about this all the time, don’t we?) Through the combination of business and management acumen with technical expertise, engineering management degrees are designed to play a key role in preparing the next generation of managers in the engineering sector. No wonder then, a majority of engineering aspirants are inevitably taking this route to scale up the corporate ladder.

However, there is more to this than meets the eye. A lot of engineering aspirants are, in fact, opting for flexible integrated/dual degree courses in management to go with engineering programmes. This combination of degrees is not something a lot of candidates are aware of. With the itch to start earning early so prevalent these days, what students need is an accelerated learning process & the sooner the better!

All about Dual Degree

Integrated/dual degree programme (terms often used interchangeably) is not an alien concept in the Indian education system. Dual degree programmes have been around for a while. However, in the last few years, the country has witnessed a huge surge in the number of integrated/dual degree programmes, largely in the private education sector.

Getting a B.E/ B.Tech degree and topping it up with an MBA normally takes six years. However, you can wrap up both the degrees in five years under a dual degree programme, which saves you an entire year. The curriculum of an integrated/dual degree programme is jointly designed by two or more higher education institutions or disciplines, and regulated by a specific set of guidelines.

A dual degree in B.Tech and MBA covers topics in engineering and technology along with management. Engineering management is a specialized field of management merged with the engineering sector. Reflecting industry demand for management-focused engineers (vice-versa - managers with an understanding of engineering), a growing number of specialized engineering management degrees are available to help develop the knowledge and skills needed for these roles. During an engineering management course, students develop industrial engineering skills, knowledge and expertise, alongside knowledge of business and management techniques, strategies and concerns. The titles awarded for this kind of dual degree courses could vary from Bachelor of Science in Engineering Management (BSEM), Bachelor of Science (BSc) in Engineering Management, Bachelor of Science in Engineering (BSE) in Engineering Management to Bachelor of Engineering in Engineering Management (BEEM). Keep in mind that the specific structure and content of engineering management courses will also vary, so make sure to check the curriculum before applying.

There are various combination permutations to dual degree courses (management & non-management). Some of them include:

• Dual degrees in Computer Science and Engineering by IITs
• M.Tech + PhD dual degrees by IITs
• B.E with M.Sc (Hons) by BITS – Pilani, Goa & Hyderabad campuses
• B.Tech and MBA in Computer Science and Engineering, Telecommunication and Engineering and Electronics Engineering by South Asia International Institute, Hyderabad
• 5 year Integrated Programme in B. Tech & M. Tech by South Asia International Institute, Hyderabad
• 2 year M.Tech/ M.Sc program in Software Engineering, Signal Processing and Telecommunication by Blekinge Institute of Technology in partnership with Andhra University & by JNTU-Hyderabad and JNTU-Kakinada

Pursuing two degrees at the same time does not automatically imply that students have to manage double course load. Most joint degree programmes offered by colleges are structured to enable students to focus and balance between the two degrees, and in most cases the student is not expected to shoulder much more than the normal full-time course.

The Role of Technical Institutions

The concept of an integrated course stems from today’s increasingly complex world where cross-disciplinary exchange of knowledge is of paramount importance to survive in the industry.

Changing trends and business practices have brought with it, mounting concerns over the lack of connection between industry requirements and academic institutions.

With an aim to make higher education more industry-centric and reduce the pressure on graduates becoming unemployable in the market, a lot of technical universities across the country have scaled up their courses and designed them in a manner that makes students job-ready.

This is a trend that started with some of the top institutions taking the lead in introducing integrated/degree programmes after witnessing student’s growing tendency of pursuing an MBA right after graduation.

Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs), VIT University Vellore, KIIT University are among the Universities/Institutes that offer integrated B.Tech-MBA programmes. Many other universities are likely to join the bandwagon.

The Positives

In the present day scenario, time is money. Therefore, joining work right after completing the integrated B.Tech + MBA programme means you gain one year of additional experience. It is an accelerated learning process, which offers academic, professional, cost as well as time benefits.

In addition to this, the cost of studying abroad, plus the demand and importance of foreign degrees India has prompted many Indian institutions to enter into partnerships with established foreign universities and technical colleges allowing students to earn dual degrees both from India and abroad through integrated, well-structured professional courses.

Another reason driving students toward dual degree option is perhaps the country’s stringent market, where lakhs of candidates are fighting it out every year to land the best placements in the industry.

There are many companies which look for individuals who possess both engineering and managerial skills. Apart from technical knowhow, they want to hire candidates who have the ability to manage complex business situations. 

In that case, students with dual degrees in B.Tech + MBA have an edge.  Since they save a year’s time, their job readiness is much higher as compared to those with regular degrees.

The Negatives

Dual degree is not meant for everyone. You need to have the passion for both disciplines to even consider going for such a programme. It also requires a lot of planning, co-ordination and hard work.

The combination of two disciplines means both will have their own set of difficult subjects that you may have to deal with at end of the day.

Taking up a dual degree course is no cakewalk. Therefore, you would need to find ways to keep yourself motivated when the going gets tough.

Career Prospects

In the age of technological advancements, a candidate with a background in engineering and MBA or engineering + Science can shine in any industry.

Engineering graduates usually get job opportunities in the technical section of companies. Since the dual degree combines it with an MBA or M. Sc, you can expect instant growth and take up senior roles like product managers, programme managers, senior associates etc.

Once you complete your B.Tech. + M.B.A or B. Tech + M. Sc integrated courses (and other related courses); you will find a large number of opportunities awaiting you, both in the public as well as private sector.

Is dual degree an option for you?

A combination of engineering and management education makes for a well-rounded professional and adds value to an individual’s profile by providing long and sustained career path. Therefore, inter-disciplinary programme can prove to be a great way to set up your career and you will also save a year in the process. However, just like any other career choice, it comes down to whether it fits your requirements or not. It may or may not work for you. But, if you feel you can pull it off, go for it!

Institutes offering B.Tech + MBA courses in India:

• Delhi Technological University (DTU), Delhi
• Narsee Monjee Institute of Management Studies (NMIMS), Mumbai
• Indian Institute of Technology (IIT)-Bombay
• Indian Institute of Technology (IIT)-Kharagpur
• Amity University, Noida
• KIIT University
• Christ University
• Jaipur National University