Multiple Degrees & Double Major at Master’s Level

Policy Owner: Office of Graduate Programs

Policy Purpose

This policy establishes guidelines and academic requirements for master's‑level students seeking to earn multiple master's degrees or to complete a double major within a master's degree at Florida Institute of Technology (Florida Tech).

Policy Scope

This policy applies to all students enrolled in master's degree programs at Florida Tech, regardless of location or instructional modality.

Policy Statement

Florida Tech recognizes that master's level students may wish to pursue advanced study in multiple academic disciplines. The University therefore permits students, subject to appropriate academic approval, to earn additional master's degrees or to complete a double major within a master's degree. All such academic pursuits must maintain graduate-level rigor, ensure sufficient distinct academic content, and comply with institutional and program-specific requirements.

Definitions

Multiple Master's Degrees: An additional master's degree is a graduate degree with a different official degree title from any master's degree previously awarded by Florida Tech, as recorded on the student's transcript. An additional master's degree results in the awarding of a separate graduate degree along with a separate diploma. This definition applies whether the degree is awarded concurrently with or subsequent to a prior master's degree.

Double Major at the Master's Level: A double major is the completion of two distinct academic majors, concentrations, or specializations at the master's level under a single degree designation (e.g., M.S. or M.B.A.), resulting in one degree and one diploma. Both majors are recorded on the student's transcript and are completed concurrently as part of a single degree program.

Regular Graduate Coursework: Graduate courses excluding thesis, dissertation, graduate capstone, graduate research, graduate independent study, and graduate final program examination courses.

Procedures/Guidelines

1. Requirements for Multiple Master's Degrees

   An additional master's degree results in the awarding of a separate graduate degree along with a separate diploma.

   To earn an additional master's degree, the student must:

   • fulfill all applicable graduate policies and all academic and program requirements of the academic unit offering the degree, and
   • complete all degree requirements specific to each master's program, including thesis, final program examination, and capstone if applicable.

   With the approval of the academic unit head, up to nine (9) credit hours of regular graduate coursework previously completed at Florida Tech and applied toward a master's degree may be applied toward the requirements of an additional master's degree(s). The academic unit head or program chair determines, on a course-by-course basis, whether such coursework may be applied, based on the comparability of course content and learning outcomes and the need to ensure sufficient distinct academic content for each degree.

   Prior to admission to an additional master's program, the student must have an approved program plan, including any coursework proposed for application from a prior master's degree, authorized by the academic unit head or program chair of the receiving program.

   Two master's degrees may be earned concurrently within the same term. Additional master's degrees may be earned at different times.

2. Requirements for Double Major at the Master's Level

   A double major at the master's level is awarded as part of a single degree and results in one diploma listing the degree designation.

   To earn a double major, the student must:

   • be actively matriculated in a master's degree program,
   • obtain approval from the academic unit head, and
   • fulfill all academic and program requirements for both majors, including thesis, final program examination, and capstone if applicable.

   Common courses that are required for both majors may be counted toward each major and do not need to be taken more than once; however, all remaining academic and program requirements for each major must be satisfied.

Responsibilities

Office of Graduate Programs:

• Implements and administers this policy in accordance with standards recommended by the Graduate Council and approved by the Provost.
• Monitors compliance with the policy and conducts a review at least annually.
• Communicates policy requirements and ensures their consistent reinforcement.
• Evaluates and determines requests for policy exceptions on a case-by-case basis.
• Maintains and oversees graduate student academic records in conjunction with the Office of the Registrar.

Academic Units:

• Advise students on the academic feasibility and requirements of multiple master's degrees or double majors.
• Evaluate and approve shared or applied coursework in accordance with this policy.
• Monitor student academic progress and compliance.

Students:

• Consult with academic advisors and academic unit heads to plan coursework appropriately.
• Obtain required approvals prior to enrollment in an additional master's degree program or declaring double major at the master's level.
• Submit required program plans and documentation by designated deadlines.
• Ensure completion of all academic requirements for each degree or major pursued.
• Maintain good academic standing.
• Comply with all university and academic policies.

Office of the Registrar:

• Processes program approvals and maintain accurate academic records.
• Verifies completion of graduation requirements.
• Records degrees and majors on transcripts and diplomas.

Compliance Reference

SACSCOC Standards:

• Standard 9.2: Program Length
• Standard 9.7: Program Requirements