Dual Degrees Overview

Purpose

The goal of the dual degrees is to maximize learning, minimize course and content overlap, and provide students with a means to earn two degrees as efficiently as possible while maintaining the integrity and high standards of each degree. The programs are designed to be completed in three academic years.

Requirements

For all dual degrees:

• Students must apply to and be admitted to each graduate program separately and abide by all program requirements. So it's best that individuals identify their interest in a dual degree program prior to applying to UNC. In some cases, a student might enter one program and learn of, or gain interest in, the dual degree program during the first year. In such cases, he or she would apply for admission into the other program, informing the registrar and the coordinator in both programs at the time of application.
• University regulations require that students enroll in only one program in any given semester. So once the student is admitted into both programs independently (and thus, in effect, admitted into the dual degree program), one of the admissions must be deferred for a semester or year, depending upon the overall plan. However, he or she may still take courses in the other school or department during that period.
• Applicants must confer with the dual degree coordinators for both programs to arrange for deferred admission and to plan appropriate and efficient courses of study.
• Students may “double count” up to 20 percent of credits across degrees. For SILS students this means they can apply three courses (nine credits) from the other degree toward their MSIS or MSLS degree while also counting these credits toward the other degree.

The dual degrees information flier provides an overview of dual degree programs. For more information, contact SILS at 919/962-8366 or info@ils.unc.edu.