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Claremont Graduate University offers students an opportunity to establish graduate expertise in two related fields at the same time by undertaking multiple degrees or an interfield. Note that the terms “dual degrees” (two degrees) and “interfield” (two programs, one degree) apply only to enrollments enitirely at CGU.
Programs are also offered in collaboration with other institutions and are called “joint programs.”
The following qualifications apply to all dual and interfield programs.
Admissions Approval. The addition of any program to a student’s enrollment requires the approval of the admissions committee of the new program. A Change of Degree form, available from the registrar’s Change of Degree webpage, must be presented to the new department. Departments reserve the right to require additional information from the applicant, including new test scores and letters of recommendation specific to the field being added.
Transfer Credit. Transfer credit policies apply. Limitations apply to transferring credit for multiple programs, including the total number of units which can be transferred into CGU. Coursework previously accepted from an external institution for one degree program may not be transferred again for another CGU degree, although the total units of a completed degree at CGU may, with limitations, be applied toward another degree from CGU. See the Transfer Credit Limitations sections specific to dual degrees and interfields. Guidelines and forms are available from the registrar’s Transfer Credit webpage.
Crediting Units for Degree Completion. Units earned at CGU may be used toward completion of requirements in no more than two degrees. Other restrictions may apply.
Degree Completion Requirements. Students enrolled in multiple degrees or in an interfield are required to complete all requirements for the two degrees or fields. Within the first semester, a Coursework Proposal Form should be completed to specify requirements which must be met to receive the degree(s). The Coursework Proposal Form must be filed in the registrar’s office. Guidelines and the form are available from the registrar’s Change of Degree webpage.
The term dual degree means that the student is enrolled in two CGU degree programs simultaneously. Generally, two master’s degree programs are involved; however, students may also consider a master’s and a doctoral program combination. Students are assigned advisors in each program and must complete the requirements for each degree. Upon graduation, students receive two diplomas, one for each degree. Simultaneous completion of the two degrees is not required except for international students, who must comply with federal immigration requirements on degree completion.
Customized Programs. While formal degree programs exist, students may seek to design an individual program to meet their academic and professional goals. All programs are subject to the approval of both departments and the University’s Academic Standards Committee. To ensure compliance with CGU policies and procedures regarding dual degrees, students should work closely with both of the academic departments involved.
Application. Dual degree programs require the approval of the faculty and deans of the two departments or programs. And although not required, students should declare their interest in pursuing a dual degree program prior to completing their first year or first 16 units at CGU. Students who have completed one semester at CGU and who wish to pursue a dual degree should use the Change of Degree form to initiate the application process. Guidelines and the form are available from the registrar’s Change of Degree webpage.
Required Units. Units for each degree are specified in the program sections for the applicable degree.
Transfer Credit Limits. Transfer credit policies apply with the following limitations or exclusions.
- No more than 12 semester units may be transferred for students pursuing a master’s/doctoral program combination.
- No units may be transferred into dual master’s programs.
Degree Requirements. Students must complete the requirements for each of the two degrees. Up to 35% of the CGU units required for one degree may be used, if applicable, towards the second degree. Completion of a Coursework Proposal Form, developed by the student and the advisors involved, must be approved by both programs and filed with the registrar’s office. Guidelines and the form are available from the registrar’s Change of Degree webpage.
Other Information. Dual degree policies, procedures, and forms are available on the registrar’s Change of Degree webpage.
The term is interfield is used to refer to a doctoral degree program that spans or combines two disciplines or fields. Only one degree is earned. In collaboration with their departments, students should designate the primary area of the interfield, which becomes the first field listed in the title of the doctoral degree on the diploma.
The naming policy for interfield degrees is to combine the exact titles of the two existing degrees with “and.” For example, an interfield degree between the PhD in Information Systems & Technology and the PhD in Political Science where Information Systems & Technology is the primary field would be titled: PhD in Information Systems & Technology and Political Science. The one exception to this policy is an interfield degree between the International Studies and Politics & Government departments; in this case the interfield degree title is PhD in Political Science and International Politics.
Application. The approval of the faculty and deans of the two programs is required for students wishing to be considered for an interfield degree. Students who have completed one semester at CGU and who wish to pursue an interfield degree should use the Change of Degree form to initiate the application process. Guidelines and the form are available on the registrar’s Change of Degree webpage.
Required Units. Generally, a minimum of 80 units are required for completion of an interfield.
Transfer Credit Limits. Transfer credit policies apply, including doctoral degree limits.
Degree Requirements. Prior to end of the student’s first semester in an interfield, a Coursework Proposal Form should be completed by the student in collaboration with the faculty advisors of both fields. This form acts as the contract for the interfield and defines specific program details and requirements to be completed by the student.
- Specific title of the interfield degree, reflecting the academic focus of the program–one being secondary to a primary field
- Courses to be taken, grouped within each discipline area - Up to 35% of the CGU units required for one field may be used, if applicable, towards the second field
- Subject areas for the qualifying examinations
- Residency requirements
- Foreign language and other research tools to be completed in the program
- Operating procedures of one academic field to be utilized in determining qualifying examination procedures, the dissertation committee, and other measures for a student’s progress toward the degree. The operating procedures should be consistent with those of the academic field in which the majority of work will be completed.
Program proposals are subject to the approval of the faculty and deans of both fields concerned, and must be submitted to the registrar’s office for administrative approval and processing. Significant deviations in examination or program design require approval of the relevant departments, their faculty and deans, and may require approval of the Provost.
Guidelines and the form are available from the registrar’s Change of Degree webpage.
Earning Master’s Degrees. Interfield doctoral students may receive a master’s degree in one but not both fields. Refer to the section on Master’s Along the Way .
Other Information. Policies, procedures, and forms are available on the registrar’s Change of Degree website.
Claremont Graduate University offers a number of joint doctoral programs through collaborations with other institutions. Students enrolled in joint programs are responsible for complying with all policies and procedures of the two institutions involved.
- At CGU, a continuous student status is required, with the student enrolled in one of the two institutions each term.
- During the student’s graduation semester, enrollment is required at both institutions.
- The joint doctoral student is responsible for advising each institution of any changes to student status at either institution. Changes to student status include leaves of absence and withdrawals.
- Graduation requirements of both institutions apply.
Additional information is available on the registar’s Joint Programs webpage.
CGU offers the following joint doctoral programs
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