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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 entirely 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 Degree Program Change Request form, available from the Registrar’s Form Index webpage, must be presented to both the student’s existing and new departments. 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.
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 approved interfield degree program are required to complete all requirements for the two degrees or fields. Within the first semester, either a Dual Degree Coursework Proposal form or an Interfield Coursework Proposal form (available on the Registrar’s Form Index webpage) should be completed to specify requirements which must be met to receive the degree(s). The appropriate courework proposal form must be filed in the Registrar’s Office.
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.
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.
Other Information. Dual degree policies, procedures, and forms are available on the Registrar’s webpages.
Interfield degrees refer to degree programs that span or combine two disciplines or fields. Only one degree is earned. Both primary and secondary fields will be recorded on the student’s transcript and other official documents.
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 respective programs is required for students wishing to be considered for an interfield degree. Students may apply directly to an interfield program before matriculating, or current students may transfer to an interfield program. Transfer applications will be limited to students who have completed no more than one semester at CGU.
Students with an Incomplete (I) or Grade Pending (GP) on their student record from CGU must resolve the ‘I’ or the ‘GP’ before applying to an interfield program. Students with an ‘Unsatisfactory’ (U) on their record from CGU cannot apply for an interfield program. Guidelines and the forms are available on the Registrar’s webpages.
Required Units. Generally, a minimum of 80 units are required for completion of a doctoral interfield; a minimum of 44-48 units are required for completion of a masters 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 program, the student in collaboration with the faculty advisors of both fields should complete an Interfield Coursework Proposal Form. 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 (see above for naming conventions);
- Courses to be taken, grouped within each discipline area;
- Subject areas and format for the qualifying examinations;
- Residency requirements;
- Foreign language and other research tools to be completed in the program.
Program proposals are subject to the approval of the faculty and deans of both fields, and must be submitted to the Transdisciplinary Studies Program Office for administrative approval and subsequently to the Registrar’s Office for processing.
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 Degree Regulations .
Other Information. Policies, procedures, and forms are available on the Registrar’s webpages.
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 webpages.
CGU offers the following joint doctoral programs
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