Information for Prospective Dual Degree Students

Students interested in pursuing dual degrees must seek concurrent admission to both units. Each has unique admissions criteria, deadlines, and requirements. View our current list of recognized dual degree programs with SMTD. If you are considering pursuing dual degrees, we encourage you to review this page first.

Questions, or looking to meet with an SMTD advisor? Please email [email protected].

On This Page

Answers

Who is eligible to pursue dual degrees?

Students in Good Academic Standing who have received approval from advisors in both schools in which they are interested may apply to pursue a dual degree. Students should review the dual degree application policies for each school to confirm their eligibility and time frame for applying for a dual degree. Please note that some schools, including the Ross School of Business, have a competitive admissions process. Students can plan for and work toward dual degree requirements in their first year and are typically eligible to declare a dual degree once they’ve completed their first year and have met the prerequisites for the major.

How many credits are required for a dual degree?

For students interested in pursuing dual degrees between SMTD and LSA, you must complete a minimum of 150 credits to finish both degrees. For other schools (Ross, the College of Engineering, etc.), we recommend that you check with that school to confirm if there is a minimum credit requirement for dual degree students.

What is the MDDP (Multiple Degree Dependent Program) form?

Once a student has been accepted into a second college, the student must complete the Undergraduate Dual Degree Approval Form and obtain a signature of approval from the authorized signers in each program.

What is your home school?

Once you have been accepted into a dual degree program, students must choose which school/college they want to designate as their home unit/home school. The student will register all of their classes under their home school, and will pay the tuition rate of the home school. The student is governed by the rules of that unit and the home unit maintains the primary academic record. The student may change their home unit designation only one time in their time as an undergraduate student.

How long does it take to complete dual degrees?

The time frame for completing dual degrees varies from student to student, and can depend on the number of credits and degree requirements that are completed prior to adding the second degree. Students also have the option to complete additional coursework during their Spring and/or Summer terms, or to stay on for one or two extra terms if additional time is needed. Preparing a customized course plan will help students answer this question given their particular circumstances. It is always important to meet with an advisor in both colleges to develop your academic plan together.

What do I need to do to graduate as a dual degree student?

All degree requirements for both programs must be completed. Both degrees must be earned concurrently (that is, conferred at the same time). Although students may finish all of their requirements for one of their degrees in an earlier term, neither degree will be granted until all requirements for both degrees have been satisfied.

Can I drop the MDDP?

A withdrawal from the MDDP (Multiple Degree Dependent Program) is possible at any time. Students must initiate a request through their home unit (home school).

What is the difference between a dual degree and a minor?

Minors are earned by completing only those requirements set forth specifically for that minor, whereas dual degree students must complete all degree requirements for both of their desired degrees. Dual degree requirements can include area distribution, writing requirements, quantitative reasoning, language, or race & ethnicity, as applicable.

RETURN TO TOP OF FAQs

Checklist

We recommend that you take the following steps while investigating a potential dual degree program.

V

Investigate the admissions process for adding a second degree. Compile a list of the academic requirements, courses, and/or application you will need to complete in order to apply to the second school.

V

Meet with an academic advisor and/or admissions counselor in the second school. If there is a specific major that you’re interested in (ex: an English major through the College of LSA), it may be beneficial to meet with the major-specific advisor as well.

V

Meet with an SMTD academic advisor to discuss how adding a second degree might impact your current SMTD degree.

V

Contact the Office of Financial Aid, and/or the SMTD Scholarship and Financial Aid Program Manager. Since adding a second degree can extend your time here at U-M, it’s important to confirm what financial aid and scholarships (if any) will be available for you to utilize.

Self-Reflection Questions

We encourage you to review these questions. It may be helpful to discuss these questions with an academic advisor, your SMTD instructor or faculty advisor, your family or loved ones, and/or anyone who financially supports your college career.

  • What are my personal, professional and educational goals? Would two degrees promote them, and if so, how?
  • Do I want to commit the extra time, effort and money needed to complete a second degree, knowing that most students take 4.5 to 5 years to complete dual degrees?
  • Will I be able to focus simultaneously on two degree programs?
  • Can I balance dual degree studies with other important commitments in my life such as practice time, extracurricular activities, internships and summer festivals, work, and personal commitments?
  • What kind of credentials will help me in the career in which I’m interested? Is it important to have a second degree, or is the intrinsic value of taking classes in an area of interest enough?
  • What are the pros and cons of pursuing dual degrees, versus adding a minor in my second area of interest?

RETURN TO TOP

Dual Degree Programs