Informal Concurrent Degree Programs

Students in these programs pursue two degrees from different departments simultaneously.  These programs have not been approved as formal concurrent programs, but students complete the same requirements as in the formal concurrent programs.

To earn two master's degrees, a student must complete two separate sets of minimum Graduate School degree requirements of 36 credits each for a total of 72 credits.  If a program requires more than 36 credits for the master's degree, a graduate student, with prior approval of both graduate programs, may apply a maximum of 12 credits beyond 36 earned in one program toward the master's degree in the second program.  Thus, the minimum number of additional credits for the second degree, with these 12 approved credits, is 24.  Up to 12 credits earned toward a Ph.D. degree may be counted toward a master's degree in another program with the approval of both degree-granting units.

More information about Informal Concurrent Degree programs is available at:

http://www.grad.washington.edu/stsv/gradpol2.htm

Students choosing the option must complete an Informal Concurrent Degree Application.

It is available at: http://www.grad.washington.edu/forms/concur.pdf

Graduate School Memorandum No. 35:  Concurrent Degree Programs contains additional information:

http://www.grad.washington.edu/Acad/gsmemos/gsmemo35.htm

How to petition the WS department for permission

The petitioner must provide the following materials to the Graduate Committee:

A written proposal that includes the following (see example in section 5):

• a description of the concurrent degree being sought and how it will benefit the Women Studies degree
• a detailed plan of study
• current academic standing
• a schedule of deadlines for turning in paperwork

A current copy of the student's informal transcript

A written letter/email of approval from the student's advisor or Committee Chair

A detailed plan of study that outlines the student's proposed coursework to the completion of both degrees. Color-coding this plan is strongly encouraged.