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Joint Degree Programs

Overview

A Joint Degree Program (JDP) is a specified combination of degree programs or degree types in which a student is enrolled in two graduate degree programs concurrently. JDPs are developed and proposed by the relevant academic units, with agreement of the deans of the schools affected.

The JDP indicates an approved set of agreements between the participating programs and schools about matters such as admissions, advising, curricula, and tuition. In a JDP, a specified number of units may be double-counted toward the minimum University residency requirements for both degrees. Application deadlines of each program or degree apply. Students must be admitted to the JDP no later than the study list deadline of the term prior to the term of expected degree conferral. In a JDP, both degrees are conferred concurrently since the units required for each degree are linked to the completion of both degrees. The sole exception is the JD degree, which may be awarded prior to the second degree.

Joint degree programs consisting of the JD/MA, the JD/MS, the JD/MPP, MA/MPP, MS/MPP, or the PhD/MPP, and which allow up to 45 quarter units to be double-counted toward residency requirements, upon approval by the cognizant departments or programs and Schools, require approval by the Office of the University Registrar. JDPs other than these above-mentioned degree combinations, upon approval by the cognizant departments or programs and Schools, must be approved by the Faculty Senate, after review by the Committee on Graduate Studies (C-GS).

Joint Degree Program Proposals

In order to propose a new joint degree program, a Joint Degree Proposal Form must be completed by faculty in the two departments, programs and/or schools, in consultation with relevant school Deans and VPGE. The Dean of the school of the "lead department" submits form to the Office of the University Registrar for approval or transmittal to C-GS. The completed form should be submitted to the Office of the University Registrar. The form should be used for the following three purposes:

  1. To propose a new joint degree program (JDP) for pre-approved degree combinations in which up to 45 units can be double-counted toward residency requirements. The Faculty Senate has pre-approved these degree combinations: JD/MA, JD/MS, JD/MPP, and PhD/MPP. These JDP proposals require review and approval from the Office of the University Registrar, once all relevant signatures are obtained.
    Proposal Deadline: the first day of one quarter prior to the creation of the JDP.
  2. To propose a new joint degree program for joint degree combinations that have not been pre-approved by the Faculty Senate. After review by the Office of the University Registrar, the proposal will be reviewed by C-GS and must be approved by the Faculty Senate.
    Proposal Deadline: the first day of two quarters prior to the creation of the JDP.
  3. To have a previously approved JDP reviewed at C-GS (usually the three-year review).

JDP Review Process

All JDP combinations that have not been pre-approved by the Faculty Senate will be reviewed by C-GS three years after their inception. All JDPs that have been pre-approved by the Faculty Senate will be reviewed at C-GS in an annual statistical report.

JDP Approved Program Proposals

Faculty may view approved Joint Degree Program Proposals. Additional proposals will be added as available.