Joint and Dual Degree Definitions

Joint Degree

A joint degree is a single academic degree jointly conferred by two or more accredited institutions, or two or more schools/colleges, within a single, accredited institution. Both institutions, or schools/colleges, would participate in the joint degree program.

Dual Degree

A dual degree program is an integrated program of study designed to result in students earning two distinct University degrees in parallel by completing the requirements of two full degree programs, typically over a period of time shorter than would otherwise be required to complete both programs sequentially. It requires the completion of all requirements for each degree, but allows students to count designated credits to fulfill the requirements for both degrees. Students must be accepted and meet the requirements for each degree and follow the rules for the transfer or use of credit from one program to the other. Dual degree programs are primarily designed for the degrees to be earned concurrently, however may be earned consecutively. When one of the degrees is a bachelor's degree, the degrees will normally be earned consecutively. Undergraduate degrees describe a full program of study, which includes the core, major requirements, and credit hour requirements.