Best practice: How to establish a concurrent Master's degree proposal

Concurrent programs are a way for units to link two graduate programs that may not otherwise be connected, offering students the opportunity to earn two degrees in a shorter amount of time. Concurrent programs are a way for units to link two graduate programs that may not otherwise be connected, offering students the opportunity to earn two degrees in a shorter amount of time.

Download the PDF: How to Establish a Concurrent Master's Degree Proposal

When establishing concurrent master's programs, consider: 

  • Programs should be complimentary, enhancing the qualities of both programs. 
  • There should be enough flexibility in the curriculum to allow sharing of hours. 
  • A maximum of 20 percent of the minimum total credit hours for the completion of both degrees may be shared between the plans of study. 
  • Applications will need to be open for the same terms. For example: Both applicants need to be open in the fall term to accept students in the fall term.
  • Students must meet the admission and degree requirements for the Graduate College and both graduate programs. 
  • Delivery matters. Both degrees need to be either ground immersion or digital immersion. 
  • Units will need to specify which degree program will be the primary to handle the supplemental application and fees. 
  • Students must complete the requirements approved for their catalog year. If the curriculum requirements of the degrees are updated, new students will be required to follow the requirements based on the effective term. 
  • Both academic units should discuss how advising procedures will be managed and maintained
  • Graduate credit transferred from another institution may be applied toward only one degree program.
  • Culminating experiences (e.g. capstone courses, theses, applied projects) and comprehensive examinations cannot be shared between concurrent degree programs.
  • The six year maximum time limit for completing degree requirements and graduation apply to each concurrent degree individually.

What's a master's concurrent program? 

The master’s concurrent program is designed to allow graduate students the opportunity to pursue separate master’s degrees at the same time. 

The program allows students the opportunity to share credits between two programs and may lead to completion of both degrees in less than three years.

Concurrent Degree Forms

To establish a concurrent degree program, academic units must use the Proposal to Establish a Master’s Concurrent Program template. This form is found on the Graduate Curriculum Development section of the Graduate College website, under Graduate Academic Program Development Forms > Request to Establish a Master’s Concurrent Program.

If units want to amend an existing concurrent combination, they must use the Concurrent Program Addendum template (graduate.asu.edu/resources-faculty-and-staff/graduatecurriculum-development/graduate-academic-programdevelopment-forms).

Once the proposal is signed by both colleges, it is submitted to curriculumplanning@asu.edu for Graduate College review and approval.

Questions can be submitted to grad-gps@asu.edu.

Download the PDF: How to Establish a Concurrent Master's Degree Proposal