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Policy on a Student Seeking to Enroll in Two Graduate Programs Simultaneously

Occasionally, a student seeks to enroll in two graduate programs simultaneously (either within the same college or between two colleges). If a joint program between the two graduate programs involved has not been approved, the student should initially seek to be formally admitted to only one program. This will ensure that (a) the relevant offices on campus (e.g., Registrar and Bursar) can process the student’s materials without confusion and (b) the student is advised appropriately during his/her course of studies. Upon completion of the first graduate program, the student may seek to be admitted into the second graduate program. The student is not formally admitted into both programs simultaneously.

At the same time, this policy is not meant to discourage a student from seeking interdisciplinary experience. With the appropriate approvals from the two programs involved, the student may be able to enroll in courses in the second program while formally registered in the primary program. Moreover, with the approval of the programs, some credits earned in one of the programs may be applied toward the second degree following the formal policies of the relevant programs and colleges. (For example, in the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, up to a maximum of four courses [12 credits] in one graduate program may be applied toward the required credits in a second program pending the approval of the second program.) Finally, to avoid any confusion, it is advisable that the student be formally notified by the second program concerning which particular courses are being accepted toward the second degree and which additional courses will be required.


Approved by VPAA
November 13, 2006