Q&A With Dr. Ben Wolden: Which Dual Degree Is Right for You?

 

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Ben Wolden, DPT, PhD, serves as Director of Dual Degree & Certificate Programs and an Associate Professor in the University of Jamestown’s PhD in Clinical Research program. Before joining the PhD program, he spent more than six years on the faculty of UJ’s Doctor of Physical Therapy program in Fargo. Today, he teaches in UJ’s core PhD curriculum and leads the Health Professions Education Certificate track. 

We asked Dr. Wolden why UJ is expanding its dual degree offerings, what students can gain from earning two complementary degrees and how to choose the right pathway. 

Q: Why is UJ expanding its dual degree offerings? 

A: UJ is expanding its dual degree offerings to meet the evolving needs of today’s students and workforce. As careers become increasingly dynamic, employers are seeking professionals who combine expertise in their field with strong leadership, business and decision-making skills. 

Dual degree programs allow students to develop those complementary skill sets while earning multiple advanced credentials through a streamlined pathway. Whether they are traditional students preparing to enter the workforce or working professionals looking to advance their careers, UJ’s dual degree offerings provide an opportunity to stand out in a competitive job market. 

Q: What are the benefits of earning a dual degree? 

A: A dual degree gives students the opportunity to broaden their knowledge, expand their professional skills and earn complementary credentials through a more efficient educational pathway. Students gain exposure to multiple disciplines and perspectives that can help them become more well-rounded leaders and decision-makers. 

From a career standpoint, a dual degree can distinguish graduates in industries where expertise in both a specialized field and areas such as business, leadership or organizational management is highly valued. Employers are looking for professionals who bring diverse skills, think strategically and can adapt to evolving challenges. 

A dual degree demonstrates both versatility and a commitment to professional growth. It’s an investment in yourself that can create new opportunities for advancement, leadership and long-term career success. 

Q: How should someone decide which dual degree is right for them? 

A: Start with where you want to go professionally. A dual degree should be intentional. The question isn’t simply, “Which two degrees can I earn?” It’s “Which combination of knowledge and skills will help me reach my goals?” 

UJ offers several dual degree pathways spanning clinical research, business, leadership, medical sciences, digital medicine and physical therapy. Each is designed with different professional goals in mind. 

Q: Who might benefit from combining a PhD in Clinical Research with an MBA? 

A: The Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) + Master of Business Administration (MBA) is a strong fit for professionals who want to pair research in their field with business and organizational leadership skills. 

This combination prepares graduates to lead organizations, manage strategy, evaluate financial decisions and drive innovation while maintaining deep subject-matter expertise. It can be especially valuable for those interested in executive leadership, entrepreneurship, consulting or senior administrative roles. 

Q: What about professionals interested in leading people and organizations? 

A: The PhD + Master of Arts in Leadership (MAL) combines advanced research and analytical skills with a focus on leading teams, managing change and building organizational culture. 

It can be particularly valuable for professionals in education, healthcare, nonprofit, faith-based or corporate settings who want to influence people and organizations at a strategic level. 

Q: How does the PhD + MS in Medical Sciences combination fit? 

A: The PhD + Master of Science in Medical Sciences (MSMS) is designed for healthcare professionals, educators, researchers and others who want to deepen their scientific and clinical knowledge. 

The combination provides a strong foundation in medical science while developing advanced research, critical-thinking and leadership skills. Graduates are positioned for opportunities in clinical research, healthcare leadership, higher education and healthcare administration. 

Q: What if someone is interested in AI, data and the future of healthcare? 

A: The PhD + Master of Science in Digital Medicine (MSDM) combines doctoral-level research and leadership with specialized knowledge in computational pathology, digital health technologies, data analytics and AI-enabled healthcare solutions. 

It’s designed for healthcare professionals, researchers, laboratory leaders, data scientists and others interested in the intersection of medicine and technology. Students gain skills to leverage emerging technologies in areas such as diagnostics, patient outcomes, healthcare operations, medical research and precision medicine. 

For professionals who want to lead innovation or digital transformation in healthcare, this combination brings together two rapidly evolving areas of expertise. 

Q: You came to this role from UJ’s Physical Therapy program. What opportunities do you see in combining the PhD with a DPT? 

A: The PhD + Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) is a natural fit for physical therapists who see their careers extending beyond clinical practice into leadership, research, education or healthcare administration. 

The DPT provides advanced clinical expertise, while the PhD strengthens research capabilities, evidence-based decision-making and organizational leadership skills. Together, the degrees can prepare professionals to shape the future of physical therapy through teaching, scholarship, program leadership and healthcare system improvement. 

Q: How about the DPT + MBA dual programming? 

A: This dual degree combines the technical knowledge gained through the DPT degree with expertise in business strategy, finance, operations, marketing, and organizational leadership through the MBA. Graduates gain the ability to deliver high-quality patient care, lead teams, manage healthcare organizations, evaluate business opportunities, and drive innovation in an increasingly complex healthcare environment. The combination is ideal for physical therapists or physical therapist students seeking leadership positions within healthcare systems, rehabilitation organizations, private practice ownership, consulting, or healthcare administration.  

Q: Who is the MBA + MAL combination designed for? 

A: The MBA + MAL combines the practical business knowledge of an MBA with the people-centered leadership focus of the MAL. 

Students develop expertise in strategy, finance and operations while strengthening skills in communication, team leadership, organizational development and change management. It’s a strong option for current and aspiring managers, supervisors, entrepreneurs and other professionals who want both business acumen and leadership effectiveness. 

Q: What does the dual degree experience look like for students? 

For students already pursuing an advanced degree at UJ, the ability to apply eligible coursework toward a second credential can make continuing their education a natural next step. 

Ahmed Shoieb, a member of UJ’s inaugural PhD in Clinical Research graduating class, is continuing his education through the PhD/MBA dual degree pathway. Here’s what he had to say:

“Pursuing the dual PhD/MBA allows me to combine years of practical business experience with clinical research. Leveraging my PhD electives toward MBA credits made total sense both financially and time-wise, allowing me to formalize my business background under world-class faculty. The strong synergy between both programs equips me with the technical leadership needed to translate research into real-world applications.” 

For fellow PhD graduate Kayode Ahmed, pursuing the MBA provides another perspective for putting research into practice. 

“For me, choosing the dual PhD/MBA at the University of Jamestown was about gaining more than one lens on clinical research and clinical trial management — one that could see both the evidence and the strategy behind it. My rigorous PhD training at UJ honed how I approach clinical questions, data, and robust research design, while my MBA is building the leadership and strategic thinking to carry those insights from the page into practice.” 

Ahmed added that the combination reflects his goal of making research “not just rigorous, but useful” — research that is translational, accessible to patients, shapes decisions and creates lasting impact in healthcare. 

Q: What would you say to someone wondering whether a dual degree is worth it? 

A: Think about the long term. Your career will evolve, and the skills you need ten or twenty years from now may look different from the skills you need today. 

A dual degree gives you a broader foundation to draw from as your responsibilities and opportunities change. The key is finding two areas of expertise that work together and support where you want your career to go next. 

Find Your Dual Degree Pathway 

Your next degree doesn’t have to prepare you for just one next step. A dual degree can help you build complementary expertise, expand your career opportunities and earn two advanced credentials through a more efficient pathway. 

Ready to see what’s possible?
Explore UJ’s dual degree options and connect with our admissions team to find the combination that fits your goals. We’ll help you understand eligible credits, map your pathway and take the next step toward enrollment.