Certificates and Degrees Completed Simultaneously

Some students may wish to pursue more than one graduate certificate and degree simultaneously, either certificate and degree or dual degrees. Such programs of study are called dual programs and represent an elective activity of the student rather than a program planned by the faculty. Such programs are not offered as a matter of general practice, but rather to meet the unique needs of specific students who wish to receive training in two fields. Each program has its own certificate or degree requirements, and some programs may not permit students to pursue simultaneous degrees.

Each of the two programs is considered to be a full and complete program; neither is to be considered as supplementary or minor in scope. Each certificate and/or degree received at the conclusion of the program will be considered to be the same degree or certificate as that received by a student who completed only one program.

Creation of Advisory Committee

The student should consult with the advisors of each program and undertake the creation of an advisory committee, consisting of one academic advisor from each program. This committee will assist the student in planning a sequence of courses that provides adequate training in each field and that meets the requirements
of each program.

Reduction of Credit Totals Resulting from Overlapping Core Courses

In general, the pursuit of cooperative, simultaneous programs will involve the completion of all the requirements of each program and thus will normally require more credits than the completion of either program singly. However, certain circumstances may result in a situation in which the total number of credits taken is less than the sum of the requirements of both programs.

One such situation results from identical core course requirements for each program or from core course requirements that are sufficiently close in content to justify the taking of only one. Such overlapping core courses will reduce the total number of hours the student must take by the number of credits of the course that is used to satisfy both programs’ requirements. Some elective courses may also count towards both programs with the approval of both program directors. In all cases, the student's program must be approved by the program directors. Students may apply up to six (6) credits total towards multiple certificate and degree programs. If an internship is designed to meet both programs’ requirements, students are eligible for a reduction in minimum credits to degree, corresponding to the number of credits earned via the internship course. Both Program Directors are required to approve an agreement to pursue two simultaneous degree programs with up to six shared credits. This arrangement must be communicated to the Registrar’s Office after the student has completed the required courses.

The description of cooperative, simultaneous certificate procedures is intended for students who are able to pursue two programs simultaneously. Ordinarily, degrees taken in sequence are not eligible for the reduction of credits from overlapping courses taken as a part of the earlier program.