Graduate School: Joint Degrees

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Policy Number:
UW-1214
Responsible Office:
Graduate School

University Policy

Rationale/​Purpose:

This policy establishes the requirements for graduate students to earn a joint degree.

Definitions:
Academic Program
An area of study that leads to a degree/major, certificate, minor or named option.
Joint Degree
A degree comprised of two academic programs. A student completing a joint degree in the Graduate School writes one thesis or dissertation and receives one diploma.
Scope:

Graduate students pursuing joint Master's or PhD degrees in academic programs under the purview of the Graduate School.

Policy:
  1. To earn a joint degree, a graduate student must:
    1. Apply and be admitted to both academic programs.
    2. Submit a proposal prior to completing coursework and no later than the beginning of the second year of graduate study. The proposal must be approved by an associate dean in the Graduate School and by the respective programs. The proposal must include the following:
      1. Reason(s) for seeking a joint degree rather than following the traditional program/minor curriculum (for doctoral programs that require a minor) or double degree curriculum for master’s programs.
      2. A list of coursework necessary to satisfy each program’s requirements; two separate course lists are required.
      3. The degree requirements of each program, e.g., preliminary exam arrangements (one joint preliminary exam or two separate exams) for the doctoral degree, or a joint thesis for the master’s degree.
    3. Complete the specific degree requirements for each academic program as outlined in the proposal.
    4. Fulfill the Graduate School’s minimum graduate residence, degree, and coursework (50%) credit requirements for the graduate degree.
    5. Be recommended for the degree by the faculty co-chairs/advisors from each program and the program director from each program (approval signatures are required).
  2. Once a joint degree proposal has been reviewed and approved, all changes to the proposal must be submitted to the Graduate School for review.

 

Related UW-Madison Policies:
Related UW–Madison Documents, Web Pages, or Other Resources:

Policy Administration

Approval Authority:
Dean of the Graduate School
Policy Manager:
Director, Academic Services, Graduate School
Contact:
Degree Coordinator -- Elena Hsu, elena.hsu@wisc.edu, (608) 262-2433
Revised Dates:

06-30-2023

Retrieved:
05-07-2025 00:14:54