Double Degrees
The double degree is the concurrent awarding of two different baccalaureate degree types (BA, BS, BFA, MusB). If a student completes two majors within one degree type, they will be awarded one degree with two majors, not two degrees, regardless of how many credits they earn.
Students pursuing two majors in two different degree types are expected to have the full range of skills, competencies, and experience as students graduating from each of the programs individually. Thus, students must meet all requirements for each major. In no circumstance may the coursework in the second degree be fewer than 30 credit hours. For a double degree, a minimum of 150 credits or 30 credits beyond the full requirements of the first degree must be earned, whichever is greater. Because the two degrees must be in significantly different fields of study, 300- and 400-level courses taken as requirements for one major in one degree cannot also be counted as part of the required courses for the other major in the other degree, including required elective credits. In the rare circumstance when a single course taken for the first degree program is a stipulated requirement in the second degree program, a course substitution may be approved by petition from the undergraduate program directors of both programs. Students wishing to pursue two degrees should do careful planning early in their academic career with the guidance of both programs to assure that the plan of study meets the criteria noted here.
For double degrees, four criteria must be met:
- Degree types must be different (BA, BS, MusB, BFA);
- No overlap in upper-division courses (unless explicitly approved by petition);
- A minimum of 30 credits accrued beyond the first degree requirements or 150 credits total, whichever is greater; and
- All requirements for both programs are fully completed.