A. Definition
A joint degree program enables a student to earn two degrees with fewer total units of credit than pursuing each degree program separately. The two disciplines being combined should enjoy intellectual synergies, so that the joint degree student acquires knowledge and skills substantially equivalent to a student who takes the programs separately. If such synergies are not present, then reductions in total requirements could reduce the quality of one or both degrees, and therefore the joint degree proposal would be unlikely to be approved.
The program requirements below make joint degrees different from a dual degree program, in which a student independently chooses to pursue two individual degrees simultaneously.
B. Proposal Requirements
Two academic units that wish to offer a joint degree program must submit a formal proposal for review by the Graduate College. The proposal must include the same elements as a proposal for a new degree program, including the justification for the program, and budgetary and staff implications. The proposal must address the division of tuition revenues and handling of tuition waivers between colleges in which the separate programs are offered. The proposal should explain how students will be advised and evaluated.
C. Program Requirements
- A student who wishes to enter a joint degree program must be admitted separately to each program as a joint degree student.
- Both degrees are awarded simultaneously upon completion of all requirements.
- The joint degree program may share up to 12 credit hours of coursework, but the sum of credit hours for both degrees should not be less than the sum of both degrees less the 12 shared credit hours, unless otherwise approved.
- For all joint degree programs combining a bachelor’s degree and master’s degree the minimum number of hours required for students is 140 discrete credit hours. This assumes the minimum hours for the bachelor’s degree is 120 hours and the minimum hours for the graduate degree is 32 hours, with 12 hours shared by both degrees at the advanced level (400- or 500-level courses).
D. Approval
A joint degree program that combines existing degrees does not require approval beyond the Graduate College and the Office of the Provost; however, joint degree programs must be reported to the Board of Trustees and submitted as part of the university’s annual listing to the Illinois Board of Higher Education.