Proposed topic for final paper: The benefits of double-degree programs

Summary of journal articles:

1. Double Degrees: Double the Trouble or Twice the Return?Author(s): Author(s): A. Wendy Russell, Sara Dolnicar and Marina AyoubSource: Higher Education, Vol. 55, No. 5 (May, 2008), pp. 575-591Published by: SpringerStable URL: http://www.jstor.org/stable/29735205Accessed: 18-10-2015 05:49 UTC

This article is a case study pertaining to the benefits of double degrees for students to be provided with a broad education, mix of knowledge and skills, and options as to their desired career track. However, the paper also presents problems with the double degree programs due to administration, lack of support, and the absence of “learning communities”. Double degrees have a potential to contribute to transdiciplinary education that is often neglected.

2. Doubts and Dilemmas with Double Degree ProgramsCitation: KNIGHT, Jane (2011). “Doubts and Dilemmas with Double Degree Programs”. In: “Globalisation and Internationalisation of Higher Education” [online monograph]. Revista de Universidad y Sociedad del Conocimiento (RUSC). Vol. 8, No 2, pp. 297-312. UOC. [Accessed: 18/10/15]. http://rusc.uoc.edu/ojs/index.php/rusc/article/view/v8n2-knight/v8n2-knight-eng

This article discusses the different views and perceptions concerning double degree programs. The mixed reactions stem from the broad range of possibilities that can be attained by these double degree programs. Also discussed in the article are the diversity of the program models, the mix of the new and the traditional providers, the uncertainty as to quality assurance and qualifications recognition, and lastly, the ethics involved in these double degree programs.

3. Stakeholder View Congruence on Cross-Border Graduate Double Degree Program Implementation in Japan, Australia and the United StatesAuthor: Diana Yefanova

This research tries to find out the effect of stakeholders in the success or failure of double degree programs. Universities all over the world are increasingly responding to pressure to enter new education markets abroad and to establish strategic partnerships. However, due to multiple academic, administrative, and recruitment challenges, double degree programs often fail to attract significant student numbers.

4. Joint Degree Program: The Perspective of EmployersAuthor(s): Tatjana Bilevičienė and Gintarė Paražinskaitė

This research discusses the need and importance of joint degree programs in universities and analyzes the demand of joint degree programs from the perspective of employers. Universities are facing threats of finding new ways to raise the quality of education and to raise the interest of employers to choose graduates from these universities.

5. Hybrid Studies and Double DegreesAuthor: AnonymousForeign Policy; Jul/Aug 2010; 180; ProQuest Centralpg. G15

This article gives a background of the leading schools in the United States which offer double degree programs.