Combined/Dual/Joint degrees all sound the same, but they aren't. This section will help explain the differences.
Combined Degree
COMBINED multi-level degree programs are made up of both a bachelor’s-level and a graduate-level program. Students in combined degree programs must complete the bachelor’s degree before they can officially become graduate students (and be coded as such in Banner, taking graduate-level only work). Combined degree students are allowed to double-count a specified amount of coursework, and may begin taking graduate-level coursework that will double-count before they complete their bachelor’s degree.
Dual Degree
DUAL grad-level degree programs allow students to simultaneously enroll in two graduate level programs. These programs may consist of two graduate level degree programs, or a degree program and a graduate certificate program. Students may complete the degrees/certificates in different terms. Depending upon the programs, some courses may double-count with pre-approval from the Department and the Dean. There are some approved dual degree programs. Others may be approved by the relevant programs and the CCAS Associate Dean on a case-by-case basis.
Joint Degrees
JOINT degrees programs consist of two degrees which must be simultaneously conferred only after all requirements for both degree programs have been met. In CCAS, the joint degrees are offered between our school and the Law School. Students may double-count a specified number of credits in these programs (referred to by the Law School as “cross credits”). The University maintains a list of officially approved joint degree programs
