UNC Charlotte Academic Procedure: External Dual Degree and Joint Degree Establishment

I. Executive Summary

These procedures serve to ensure the integrity of the curriculum as set forth by the faculty through a formal process for the creation and awarding of dual degrees and joint degrees (including certificates) between the University of North Carolina at Charlotte and other institutions.

II. Definitions

Dual Degree: UNC Policy Manual 400.1.1.[R] defines a Dual Degree program as one that involves two academic units, either at the same institution or at different institutions, including non-UNC institutions, in a formal agreement to offer two degrees as part of a program of study that will result in a student being awarded both degrees (two diplomas).  While such programs offer the advantage that some coursework may count for each degree, the requirements for each of the two degrees in a Dual Degree program must be substantially equivalent to the requirements for a student taking only one of the degrees.  For example, a juris doctorate and an MBA could be linked in a Dual Degree program. While SACSCOC must approve dual degree arrangements, these arrangements are considered by the UNC System Office as articulation agreements among existing degree programs and do not require additional approval by the UNC System Office or the Board.  

In a Dual Degree program, students are admitted to both institutions and to both degree programs, and must complete the requirements for an existing degree at UNC Charlotte. Dual degree programs may count some course work for each degree; however, the requirements for each of the two degrees must be substantially equivalent to the requirements for a student taking only one of the degrees. For graduate programs, one-third of the credits must be taken at UNC Charlotte; for undergraduate programs, 25% of credits must be taken at UNC Charlotte.

Joint Degree:  UNC Policy Manual 400.1.1.[R] defines a Joint Degree as a program that results in the awarding of a single joint degree by two or more UNC constituent institutions or by a UNC constituent institution and non UNC educational institution.  Joint degree programs must be approved through the regular institutional processes and have the approval of the chancellor of each participating UNC institution before submission to the UNC System Office for review and presentation to the board for approval.   

Each student who will receive a Joint Degree must be approved by each UNC institution whose name will appear on the diploma using the institutional process for certifying a student to receive a degree.

III. Procedure Statement

The establishment of any dual or joint degree between UNC Charlotte and another institution must include an Approval to Offer Dual or Joint Degree Partnership form and follow the process outlined below. No advertising or recruiting associated with the dual or joint degree program should occur until the dual or joint degree is approved on campus and by the University of North Carolina System Office, as needed. Formal written approval from SACSCOC is required before implementation of the program.

Once an agreement between the institutions is established, the parties shall engage in a comprehensive review of the agreement at least once every three years, with the first three year period commencing on the effective date of the agreement.

Students participating in a coordinated dual or joint degree program will be subject to all applicable UNC Charlotte policies and regulations.

Process for Proposing a Dual or Joint Degree

  1. Complete the Approval to Offer Dual or Joint Degree Partnership form
  2. Seek approval through on-campus course and curriculum review procedures:
    • For Joint Degrees: Follow Campus Procedures for Review and Approval to Plan and Establish Programs. In addition, UNC System Regulation 400.1.1 [R] requires that proposals for joint degrees include the following:
      • Admission process;
      • Registration and enrollment process for students;
      • Committee process for graduate students;
      • Plan for charging and distributing tuition and fees;
      • Management of transcripts and permanent records;Participation in graduation; and
      • Design of diploma.
    • For Dual Degrees: Complete and Launch New Program (for Dual Degrees) within Curriculog
  3. Prepare a draft SACSCOC notification memo and/or prospectus six months prior to proposed implementation, in consultation with SACSCOC liaison.
  4. For dual degrees programs, prepare the appropriate agreement, and ensure review and approval by the Office of Academic Affairs, Legal Affairs, and (for international agreements only) the Office of International Programs:
  5. For Joint Degrees Only: Upon UNC System Office and Board of Governors approval in accordance with process for planning and establishing new degree programs, send final, signed copies of the Agreement and any corresponding SACSCOC documentation to the Office of Academic Affairs, Office of Assessment and Accreditation, and Office of the Registrar.

IV. Procedure Contact(s)

V. History

  • Established: June 11, 2014
  • Revised: March 29, 2019 [Memorandum of Agreement form changed to Approval to Offer Dual or Joint Degree Partnership form]
  • Revised: May 7, 2019 [Updated process to include Curriculog]
  • Revised: August 1, 2024

VI. Prior Versions

VII. Related Policies, Procedures, and Resources

VIII. Frequently Asked Questions

  • Where is this procedure referenced?
    The procedure is published on the Academic Policies & Procedures webpage of the Provost website.