Degree Program

A graduate student’s degree plan consists of the courses listed for degree credit on the official degree plan form. To fulfill degree requirements, courses on the approved plan must be completed with a satisfactory grade. Any changes to an approved degree plan require a formal recommendation from the student’s academic advisor or graduate program coordinator, as well as approval from the chair of the major department and the Dean of the Graduate School.

Courses in which a student has received a final grade and that are designated for graduate credit on the approved degree plan cannot typically be removed from the plan. However, additional eligible courses may be added. Any exceptions to this policy must be approved by the advisory committee or graduate coordinator, the department chair or college dean, and the Dean of the Graduate School.

Graduate coursework applied toward a degree must be completed within six (6) years of the student’s initial enrollment in the program. Courses older than six years may not be applied toward degree requirements unless an exception is approved in accordance with Graduate School policy. This time limit applies to all coursework listed on the degree plan, including transfer credit and credit applied from another completed master’s degree.

Degree Major

All graduate degrees require a minimum of 18 semester credit hours in the student’s major field of study, except for the Master of Science in Interdisciplinary Studies. Some graduate programs may require up to 24 semester credit hours of undergraduate coursework in the discipline as a prerequisite. Students should refer to their program handbook for specific requirements and expectations.

To ensure adequate preparation and success, students are strongly encouraged to consult with a graduate program advisor. Each program establishes its own academic standards, and any exceptions must be approved by the graduate program coordinator or department chair.

Completing Two Master’s Degrees

Students may pursue two master’s degrees under one of the following options:

1. Concurrent Completion (Simultaneous Enrollment)

Students who elect to complete two master’s degrees concurrently must:

• Be formally admitted to both degree programs.
• Complete all degree requirements for both programs at the same time.
• Have both degrees conferred in the same semester.

Degrees pursued concurrently must be completed together and cannot be conferred in separate terms.

For commencement ceremonies:

• A student’s name may be listed under both degree programs in the commencement program.
• The student may participate in the ceremony (walk) under only one degree program.
• The student must notify the Graduate School in writing which program will serve as the primary program for commencement purposes.

2. Sequential Completion (One Degree Followed by Another)

Students may complete one master’s degree and have it officially conferred before beginning a second master’s degree. In this case:

• The first degree must be fully completed and conferred prior to enrollment in the second program.
• The student must meet all admission requirements for the second-degree program.
• Degree requirements for each program must be completed independently in accordance with catalog and program policies in effect at the time of admission.

Credit Applicability Between Two Master’s Degrees

When a student completes two master’s degrees, whether concurrently or sequentially, a maximum of 12 semester credit hours (SCH) from one master’s degree may be applied toward the requirements of the second degree. These shared credits:

• Must meet all academic and accreditation requirements of the receiving program.
• Must fall within the six‑year coursework limit at the time the second degree is completed.
• Are subject to approval by the graduate program coordinator, department chair, and the Dean of the Graduate School.

Students considering pursuit of two master’s degrees are strongly encouraged to consult with their graduate advisor and the Graduate School early in their academic planning to ensure compliance with institutional policies and degree requirements.