The University of Arizona

Dual Degree Processing Information

Dual degrees refer to a formal, approved program for students to earn two degrees simultaneously. Dual degrees allow flexibility and encourage interdisciplinary work.  Since both degrees already exist, the approval process is minimal. The minimum requirements for dual degrees are:

  1. Students must apply to and be accepted into both programs (two application fees will be required),
  2. Students must meet all the requirements for both degrees, and
  3. A minimum of 50% of credit hours must be unique to each degree and cannot be used for dual credit.*

Programs wishing to establish dual degrees should submit a short proposal to Dianne Horgan, dhorgan@email.arizona.edu, 621-3120, at the Graduate College outlining the rationale, and showing a sample curriculum that would meet the above criteria. If one of the degrees requires differential tuition, the proposal must address how fees would be accessed. Both programs and their deans must approve the dual degrees. Approved programs will be listed in the catalog. 

As opposed to formal dual degree programs, any student may request to earn two graduate degrees if the majors are substantially different. The Graduate College must approve such requests. Less double-counting of credits is allowed than in formal dual degree programs. 

For assistance please contact: Dianne Horgan, dhorgan@email.arizona.edu, 621-3120.

*Thus a student earning two masters, each of which requires 30 hours, could earn both degrees with a minimum of 45 credit hours, assuming the overlapping 15 credit hours were accepted by both programs. Each master’s would have to have at least 15 unique credit hours and could have 15 overlapping credit hours. 

For two programs with different number of required hours, the student would be required to take the total credits for the ‘big’ degree plus half of the total for the ‘little’ degree. Thus for two degrees, one requiring 30 hours and one 48, the Graduate College would require a minimum of 48 plus half of 30, or 63 credit hours. This allows for 50% unique for each degree: 15 + 24 plus sufficient overlapping credits to satisfy the ‘big’ degree (48-24=24) for a total of 15 unique+24 unique +24 overlapping credits= 63 credit hours.