Graduate Degrees: Joint Degrees
A joint degree program (JDP) is a specified combination of degree programs or degree types in which a student is enrolled in two graduate degree programs concurrently. JDPs are developed and proposed by the relevant academic units with agreement of the deans of the schools affected.
An approved JDP includes a set of agreements between the participating programs and schools about matters such as admissions, advising, curricula, and tuition. In a JDP, a specified number of units may be double-counted toward the minimum University residency requirements for both degrees, reducing the total number of residency units required to complete both degrees. Students pursuing a joint degree that includes a Ph.D. may not also count a Stanford master’s degree or transfer units towards residency for the Ph.D. degree. Application deadlines for each program or degree apply. Students must be admitted to the JDP no later than the study list deadline of the term prior to the term of expected degree conferral. In a JDP, both degrees are conferred concurrently since the units required for each degree are linked to the completion of both degrees. The sole exception is the J.D. degree which may be awarded prior to the second degree.
The following joint degree programs, permitting students to complete requirements for two degrees with a reduced number of total residency units, are offered:
- Juris Doctor with a Master of Arts in Economics, Education, History, Public Policy, or the Division of International Comparative and Area Studies: African Studies, East Asian Studies, International Policy, Latin American Studies, and Russian, East European and Eurasian Studies (J.D./M.A.)
- Juris Doctor with a Master of Science in Bioengineering, Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Environment and Resources, Health Research and Policy, or Management Science and Engineering (J.D./M.S.)
- Juris Doctor with a Master of Public Policy (J.D./M.P.P)
- Juris Doctor with a Doctor of Philosophy in Bioengineering, Communication, Computer Science, Economics, English, Environment and Resources, History, Management Science and Engineering, Neuroscience, Philosophy, Political Science, Psychology, or Sociology and with the Graduate School of Business Ph.D. program (J.D./Ph.D.)
- Juris Doctor with a Master of Business Administration (J.D./M.B.A.)
- Master of Business Administration with a Master of Arts in Education (M.B.A./M.A.)
- Master of Business Administration with a Master of Science in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, and Environment and Resources (M.B.A./M.S.)
- Master of Business Administration with a Master of Public Policy (M.B.A./M.P.P.)
- Master of Arts in Education or International Policy with a Master of Public Policy (M.A./M.P.P.)
- Master of Science in Management Science and Engineering with a Master of Public Policy (M.S./M.P.P.)
- Doctor of Philosophy in Economics, Education, Psychology, Sociology, or Structural Biology with a Master of Public Policy (Ph.D./M.P.P.)
- Juris Doctor with a Doctor of Medicine (J.D./M.D.)
- Master of Public Policy with a Doctor of Medicine (M.P.P./M.D.)
Specific requirements for the joint degree programs are available from the participating departments and schools and at Registrar's website.
Creation of additional joint degree programs that are combinations of J.D./M.A., J.D./M.S., and Ph.D./M.P.P. degrees have been authorized by the Faculty Senate. New JDPs from among these combinations may double-count up to 45 units towards residency requirements. JDPs from these combinations are proposed by the coordinating programs and schools. Once approvals from the chairs of the programs and deans of the relevant schools are obtained, approval on behalf of the Committee on Graduate Studies is granted by the Office of the Vice Provost for Graduate Education, and final approval is granted by the Office of the University Registrar.
JDPs combining the J.D. and Ph.D. degrees that allow up to the 54-unit reduction of the residency requirement for both degrees separately, following the model of previously approved joint J.D./Ph.D.s listed above, can be approved by the Office of the Vice Provost for Graduate Education and final approval is granted by the Office of the University Registrar.
JDPs combining other degree types or programs may be proposed, but require review by the Faculty Senate Committee on Graduate Studies and must be approved by the Faculty Senate.