Dual, Joint, and Collaborative Graduate Degree Programs

Three types of graduate degrees that can be earned in collaboration with other universities/colleges and may coincide with a degree from Virginia Tech. These programs include dual, joint and collaborative degrees.

The Dual Degree option, sometimes called a Double Degree, incudes two separate degrees from two universities. The student must complete two sets of degree requirements and complete two dissertations or theses; however, the coursework can be transferred between the universities. Approval to offer a dual degree involves college level approvals and submission to the Graduate School and review by the Commission on Graduate and Professional Studies & Policies (CGS&P). If the degrees already exist and the integrity and autonomy of each degree is maintained, no further internal review is needed. Current SACS policy requires substantive change procedures, and Virginia Tech requires review by Outreach and International Affairs and the Graduate School. This involves a MOU/MOA signed by officials from both institutions. If either of the the degree programs are new, then a full approval process is required.

The Joint Degree option includes one degree with one set of requirements and only one dissertation or thesis, and consists of a single diploma including the names of both universities. However, in order to include Virginia Tech’s name on the diploma, one third of the course offerings must be provided through Virginia Tech. Current SACS policy requires substantive change procedures, and Virginia Tech requires review by Outreach and International Affairs and the Graduate School. This involves a MOU/MOA signed by officials from both institutions. This model is currently in effect with the School of Biomedical Engineering and Sciences (SBES), which is a joint venture between Wake Forest University and Virginia Tech.  Approval for this type of degree is a very long process because of the legal requirements involved.

When the program is neither a joint nor a dual degree, it is termed a Collaborative Program. Collaborative Programs can include student and faculty exchanges and research collaborations, and coursework can be transferred between the universities, but Virginia Tech is not responsible for ensuring degrees from partner schools are provided, or for whether or not other universities will accept original dissertations or theses published for Virginia Tech. In Collaborative Programs, Virginia Tech is solely responsible for administering a Virginia Tech degree. Virginia Tech requires review by Outreach and International Affairs and the Graduate School. This involves a MOU/MOA signed by officials from both institutions.

In all situations, proposed degrees should be submitted to the Graduate School for inclusion on the Institutional Plan for Graduate Education (IPGE). Full proposals can be submitted after “pre-approval” and listing on the IPGE. In all cases, a MOU or MOA will be developed and signed by appropriate offices.