Dual Degree Programs

Dual Degree Programs are those that allow students to share credits between two separate degree programs provided that the degrees are completed and conferred together. The programs described below have been formally approved to allow credits to be shared; the final award of shared credit is contingent upon completion of both programs. Students who wish to complete multiple degrees not listed below must complete the requirements of each degree as described elsewhere in this or other University of Connecticut catalogs.

The program descriptions below primarily describe the ways the programs share credits and how the dual requirements differ from the requirements of each program. For more detailed information about each degree program’s requirements, please refer to the program descriptions on the Graduate Catalog Degree Programs website.

Doctor of Dental Medicine (D.M.D.)/Biomedical Science (Ph.D.)

The goal of the dual Doctor of Dental Medicine D.M.D./Biomedical Science Ph.D. program is to train the next generation of clinician-scientists, who become scholars, researchers and teachers in academia. The dual degree program allows students to integrate the curricula of the dental and graduate schools. The PhD degree program is taken in Biomedical Science in one of the following areas of concentration: Cell Analysis and Modeling, Cell Biology, Genetics and Developmental Biology, Immunology, Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, Neuroscience, and Skeletal Biology and Regeneration.

Requirements: The requirements for the D.M.D. degree for dual degree students conform to the D.M.D. degree requirements laid out by the School of Dental Medicine. The requirements in the Biomedical Science Ph.D. program for dual degree students conform to The Graduate School requirements.

  • Specific course requirements for the Ph.D. in Biomedical Science are determined by the student’s advisory committee consistent with the minimum requirements of The Graduate School.
  • 15 credits of preclinical coursework in the D.M.D. can also be applied toward the credit requirements for the Biomedical Science Ph.D. program.
  • A student in the dual degree program must take MEDS 5310, Responsible Conduct in Research, unless the student’s advisory committee approves an equivalent course or training experience.
  • The Ph.D. in Biomedical Science does not have a related area or foreign language requirement.
  • Some students may be required to enroll in special courses to maintain their status at the School of Dental Medicine.

Juris Doctor (J.D.)/Business Administration (M.B.A.)

The dual Juris Doctor J.D./Business Administration M.B.A. degree allows highly motivated students to gain a competitive edge in law and business at an accelerated pace. The curriculum is designed for those whose career goals include domestic or international business, management, international finance or public service, as well as such specialized fields as tax accounting, investment management, corporate organization or the legal aspects of marketing.

The School of Law offers day and evening courses at its campus in the West End of Hartford, while the School of Business offers day and evening M.B.A courses at its Graduate Business Learning Center in downtown Hartford, as well as evening courses at the Stamford and Waterbury regional campuses.

Requirements: Students complete all requirements for the J.D. degree, including a Law School course in Legal Ethics and Responsibility, a clinic or field placement to satisfy the Law School’s practice based learning requirement, and an intensive, analytical paper to satisfy the Law School’s writing requirement. In addition, students must complete all of the required core courses for the M.B.A. The dual program allows up to 15 of the course credits taken as part of the J.D. to also count as elective credits for the M.B.A. In total, students must earn at least 74 credits from the Law School and 42 from the M.B.A. program at the School of Business.

Juris Doctor (J.D.)/Public Administration (M.P.A.)

The dual Juris Doctor J.D./Public Administration M.P.A. program provides education and training in the concepts, skills, and techniques of intergovernmental relations, public management, financial administration, and human resource management. The program prepares students for careers as executives, policy officials and administrators in federal, state, or local government and in nonprofit organizations.

Requirements: Students complete all requirements for the J.D. degree, including a Law School course in legal ethics, a clinic or field placement to satisfy the Law School’s practice-based learning requirement, and an intensive, analytical paper to satisfy the Law School’s writing requirement. In addition, students must complete the required core courses for the M.P.A. program including an internship. The dual program allows up to 12 of the course credits taken as part of the J.D. to also count as credits for the M.P.A. and allows up to 12 of the course credits taken as part of the M.P.A. to also count as credits for the J.D. In total, students must earn at least 74 credits from the Law School and 30 credits from the M.P.A. program.

Juris Doctor (J.D.)/Public Policy (M.P.P.)

The dual Juris Doctor J.D./Public Policy M.P.P. program provides students with advanced training in policy formation, policy analysis, data management, and advanced quantitative and statistical decision making techniques. The program prepares students for careers as policy analysts, policy officials and administrators, research associates, program analysts, and finance/budget analysts in government, corporate, and nonprofit settings.

Requirements: Students complete all requirements for the J.D. degree, including a Law School course in legal ethics, a clinic or field placement to satisfy the Law School’s practice-based learning requirement, and an intensive, analytical paper to satisfy the Law School’s writing requirement. In addition, students must complete the required core courses for the M.P.P. program including an internship. The dual program allows up to 12 of the course credits taken as part of the J.D. to also count as credits for the M.P.P. and allows up to 12 of the course credits taken as part of the M.P.P. to also count as credits for the J.D. In total, students must earn at least 74 credits from the Law School and 30 credits from the M.P.P. program.

Business Administration (M.B.A.)/Latina/o and Latin American Studies (M.A.)

The dual Business Administration M.B.A./M.A. in Latina/o and Latin American Studies program is offered in partnership with UConn’s El Instituto for students interested in management in multi-national organizations. El Instituto offers day and evening courses at its campus in Storrs. The School of Business offers day and evening M.B.A. courses at its Graduate Business Learning Center in downtown Hartford, as well as evening courses at the Stamford and Waterbury regional campuses as well as online courses.

Requirements: This dual degree program consists of 72 credits of coursework distributed between Business Administration (42 credits) and Latina/o and Latin American Studies (30 credits). Students must complete all requirements for the M.A. degree and must demonstrate proficiency sufficient to participate in scholarly conversations and research in one language of the region related to their program of study (other than English). Students must also complete all of the required core courses for the M.B.A.

Business Administration (M.B.A.)/Engineering (M.Eng.)

The increased need for engineers with both technical and management background has led to a partnership between UConn’s School of Engineering and School of Business that will allow students to simultaneously earn a Master of Business Administration (M.B.A.) and a Master of Engineering (M.Eng.) degree.

Requirements: The standard M.Eng program is 30 credits and the standard M.B.A. program is 57 credits. Students in the dual M.B.A./M.Eng. program are exempt from 15 credits of electives in the M.B.A. curriculum, bringing the total number of credits to 72 (30 in M.Eng. and 42 for the M.B.A.).

Students are required to complete all of the requirements for the M.Eng. degree. In addition, they are required to take a minimum of 42 credits in the M.B.A. program. These credits must include the core courses required for the M.B.A. program. The dual program allows up to 15 of the course credits taken as part of the M.Eng. to also count as elective credits for the M.B.A.

Business Administration (M.B.A.)/Business Analytics and Project Management (M.S.)

The dual Business Administration M.B.A./M.S. in Business Analytics and Project Management (BAPM) program is designed to provide BAPM students with a grounding in strategic business planning, cost analysis and control, investment planning, operations management, effective selection of products and marketing, and an understanding of industry and competitive analysis.

The M.S. degree is offered at the School of Business in Hartford or Stamford. Dual degree students may take their M.B.A. courses at the M.B.A. programs offered in Hartford, Stamford, or Waterbury.

Requirements: The dual M.B.A./M.S. in BAPM degree program requires 79 credits: a minimum of 42 credits in the M.B.A. program (including successful completion of all M.B.A. core courses) and 37 credits in the M.S. BAPM program. The dual program allows up to 15 of the course credits taken as part of the M.S. BAPM to also count as elective credits for the M.B.A.

Separate applications must be filed for each of the two degree programs.

Business Administration (M.B.A.)/Financial Risk Management (M.S.)

The dual Business Administration M.B.A./M.S. in Financial Risk Management (FRM) program is designed to provide FRM students with a grounding in strategic business planning, cost analysis and control, investment planning, operations management, effective selection of products and marketing, and an understanding of industry and competitive analysis.

The M.S. degree is offered at the School of Business in Hartford or Stamford. Dual degree students may take their M.B.A. courses at the M.B.A. programs offered in Hartford, Stamford, or Waterbury.

Requirements: The dual M.B.A./M.S. FRM degree program requires 75-78 credits. Students must take the required 33-36 credits in the M.S. FRM program. In addition, they must complete a minimum of 42 credits for the M.B.A. program, including all of the required core courses for the M.B.A. The dual program allows up to 15 of the course credits taken as part of the M.S. FRM to also count as elective credits for the MBA.

Separate applications must be filed for each of the two degree programs.

Business Administration (M.B.A.)/Human Resource Management (M.S.)

The dual Business Administration M.B.A./M.S. Human Resource Management (HRM) program is designed to provide HRM students with a grounding in strategic business planning, cost analysis and control, investment planning, operations management, effective selection of products and marketing, and an understanding of industry and competitive analysis.

The M.S. degree in Human Resource Management is offered at the School of Business in Hartford and online. Dual degree students may take their M.B.A. courses at the M.B.A. programs offered in Hartford, Stamford, or Waterbury.

Requirements: The dual M.B.A./M.S. HRM degree program requires 75 credits. Students must take the required 33 credits in the M.S. HRM program. In addition, they must complete a minimum of 42 credits for the M.B.A. program, including all of the required core courses for the M.B.A. The dual program allows up to 15 of the course credits taken as part of the M.S. HRM to also count as elective credits for the M.B.A.

Separate applications must be filed for each of the two degree programs.

Business Administration (M.B.A.)/Nursing (M.S.)

The dual Business Administration M.B.A./M.S. in Nursing program is designed to prepare individuals for entrepreneurial and managerial careers in advanced practice nursing.

The School of Nursing offers online courses as well as day and evening courses at its campus in Storrs. The School of Business offers day and evening M.B.A. courses at its Graduate Business Learning Center in downtown Hartford, as well as evening courses at the Stamford and Waterbury regional campuses.

Requirements: Students in the dual degree M.B.A./M.S. in Nursing program are required to complete 44-48 credits (depending on the track) for the M.S. in Nursing and a minimum of 42 credits for the M.B.A. Students must complete all requirements for the M.S. degree. In addition, students must complete all of the required core courses for the M.B.A. The dual program allows up to 15 of the course credits taken as part of the M.S. to also count as elective credits for the M.B.A.

Business Administration (M.B.A.)/Social Work (M.S.W.)

The dual Business Administration M.B.A./Social Work M.S.W. program is designed to prepare individuals for managerial careers in social work in both the private and the public sectors.

The School of Social Work offers day and evening courses at its campus in the Hartford, while the School of Business offers day and evening M.B.A. courses at its Graduate Business Learning Center in downtown Hartford, as well as evening courses at the Stamford and Waterbury regional campuses.

Requirements: Students in the dual degree M.B.A./M.S.W. program must complete all of the requirements for the M.S.W. degree. In addition, they must complete all of the required core courses for the M.B.A. The dual program allows up to 15 of the course credits taken as part of the M.S.W. to also count as elective credits for the M.B.A. Students must take a minimum of 42 credits in the M.B.A. program.

Business Administration (M.B.A.)/Pharmacy (Pharm.D.)

The dual Pharmacy Pharm.D./Business Administration M.B.A. program is offered to highly motivated students who seek to combine pharmacy education with business managerial knowledge and skills. The program is designed to provide students with a grounding in strategic business planning, cost analysis and control, investment planning, health care systems and operation management, effective selection of products and marketing, and an understanding of industry and competitive analysis.

The School of Pharmacy offers day and evening courses at its campus in Storrs, while the School of Business offers day and evening M.B.A. courses at its Graduate Business Learning Center in downtown Hartford, as well as evening courses at the Stamford and Waterbury regional campuses.

Requirements: Dual degree Pharm.D./M.B.A. students complete the first two years of study in the School of Pharmacy. Students enroll in the M.B.A. program for the third year, and then return to the School of Pharmacy for the last two years of the Pharm.D. program, which consists of both pharmacy and business courses.

Students in the dual degree program must complete all of the requirements for the Pharm.D. degree. In addition, they must complete all of the required core courses for the M.B.A. The dual program allows up to 15 of the course credits taken as part of the Pharm.D. to also count as elective credits for the M.B..A. Students must take a minimum of 42 credits in the M.B.A. program.

Business Administration (M.B.A.)/Biomedical Science (Ph.D.)

The combined Ph.D. in Biomedical Science/Business Administration M.B.A. program is designed to provide selected Ph.D. students with a thorough grounding in contemporary business by blending and balancing technical rigor, management theory, practical application and individualized concentrations.

Requirements: Students in this dual degree program must complete all of the requirements for the Ph.D. in Biomedical Sciences. In addition, they must complete the core courses required of the M.B.A. program. The M.B.A. program will accept 12 credits from the Ph.D. in Biomedical Science program as M.B.A. program electives. (Therefore, the dual degree students will be required to complete 45 credits out of the 57 credit M.B.A. program). The Ph.D. in Biomedical Science program will accept a varying number of credits from the M.B.A. program as electives. The number of credits will be determined by each student’s advisory committee and the Director of the Area of Concentration, but will not exceed 12 credits. Dual degree students must have received the equivalent of a “B” in each course that they wish to transfer between the Ph.D. in Biomedical Science program and the M.B.A. program. This exchange of credits is only available to dual degree students. The M.B.A. program will not accept credits from graduates of the Ph.D. in Biomedical Science program nor will the Ph.D. in Biomedical Science program accept credits from the School of Business for graduates of the M.B.A. program.

The University of Connecticut’s Graduate School requires that the dual Ph.D. in Biomedical Science/M.B.A. program be completed within eight years.

Doctor of Medicine (M.D.)/Business Administration (M.B.A)

The dual Doctor of Medicine M.D./Business Administration M.B.A. program is designed to provide medical students with a grounding in strategic business planning, cost analysis and control, investment planning, health care systems and operation management, effective selection of products and marketing, and an understanding of industry and competitive analysis. These are requirements of physicians who manage large health care organizations or even small practices.

Requirements: Students in the dual degree program must satisfy all of the requirements for the M.D. degree, as set by the School of Medicine. In addition, they are required to take a minimum of 42 credits in the M.B.A. program. These credits must include the core courses required for the M.B.A. program. The dual program allows up to 15 of the course credits taken as part of the M.D. to also count as elective credits for the M.B.A.

Some students may be required to enroll in special courses to maintain their status at the School of Medicine.

Doctor of Medicine (M.D.)/Clinical and Translational Research (M.S.)

UConn Health offers a dual degree program leading to an M.D. and a Master of Science in Clinical and Translational Research. The M.S. degree program in Clinical and Translational Research is administered by the Connecticut Convergence Institute for Translation in Regenerative Engineering at the University of Connecticut. The program stresses clinical research methods and a research practicum to prepare students for doing independent research.

Requirements

The Dual degree program conforms to all UConn Graduate School requirements. Students enrolled in the UConn School of Medicine who apply to and are accepted to the dual program are eligible for a six-credit load reduction toward the M.S. in Clinical and Translational Research degree in recognition of coursework completed in the Stage 1 curriculum. Additional credits required for the M.S. in Clinical and Translational Research degree include nine credits of core course work, nine research practicum credits and at least six credits of elective course work approved by the M.S. in Clinical and Translational Research Executive Committee. Students may take an independent study (CLTR 5099) in place of an elective. For most dual degree students, all credits required for the M.S. degree will be completed during their fourth year at UConn (after the first three years of medical school).

The Scholarship and Discovery course capstone project required for the M.D. degree will be waived for students enrolled in the Dual M.D./M.S. in Clinical and Translational Research program. Instead, dual M.D./M.S. in Clinical and Translational Research students will complete their capstone projects as part of the M.S. curriculum. To fulfill the requirements of the capstone project (nine credits of research), students must submit a manuscript in journal format, a grant proposal, and also give an oral presentation followed by questions and evaluation by program faculty consistent with the format of a thesis defense.

The M.S. program is a Plan B (non-thesis) program. Students are required to complete a final examination, which entails the oral defense of a grant application and a manuscript. Final examination materials (grant application and manuscript) must be submitted to the M.S. in Clinical and Translational Research Administrative Office at least three weeks prior to the student’s final exam.

Elective Courses: Students choose from a list of approved courses. Although not required, students are encouraged to enroll in CLTR 5360. Examples of approved electives are: CLTR 5360; MEDS 5308, 5310, 6447; PUBH 5404, 5405, 5436, 5475, 5501, and 5504. Students may request permission from the M.S. in Clinical and Translational Research Executive Committee to enroll in an elective that is not on the list of approved courses.

Doctor of Medicine (M.D.)/Biomedical Science (Ph.D.)

The Doctor of Medicine M.D./Biomedical Science Ph.D. program trains students to be physician-scientists who will become scholars, researchers and teachers in academia. The dual degree program allows students to integrate the curricula of the medical and graduate school. The Ph.D. degree program is taken in Biomedical Science in one of the following areas of concentration: Cell Analysis and Modeling, Cell Biology, Genetics and Developmental Biology, Immunology, Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, Neuroscience, and Skeletal Biology and Regeneration.

Requirements: The requirements for the M.D. degree for M.D./Ph.D. students are set by the School of Medicine. The requirements in the Biomedical Science Ph.D. program for dual degree students conform to The Graduate School requirements. Specific course requirements for the Ph.D. in Biomedical Science are determined by the student’s advisory committee consistent with the minimum requirements of The Graduate School.

  • A student may list up to 15 credits of GRAD 6932 (Directed Studies for M.D./Ph.D. Students) on their Plan of Study.
  • A student in the dual degree program must take MEDS 5310, Responsible Conduct in Research, unless the student’s advisory committee approves an equivalent course or training experience.
  • The Ph.D. in Biomedical Science does not have a related area or foreign language requirement.

Public Health (M.P.H.)/Doctor of Dental Medicine (D.M.D.)

The Department of Public Health Sciences offers an interdisciplinary dual degree program leading to a Doctor of Dental Medicine (D.M.D.) and Master of Public Health (M.P.H.). Students admitted to the UConn School of Dental Medicine who complete requirements for the UConn Certificate on Social Determinants of Health and Disparities (SDH&D) receive a 12-credit load reduction and are required to complete an additional 36 credits consisting of six required courses, three to five electives on topical areas of student interest and an Integrative Learning Experience consisting of either nine credits of GRAD 5950 or three credits of PUBH 5499. Students must maintain a cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 3.0. Grades below “B” in any foundational course or “C+” in any elective represent academic deficiencies that require a remediation plan approved by a student’s major advisor and Program Director.

Required M.P.H./D.M.D Courses: In addition to the requirements for completion of the D.M.D., students are required to take the following courses: PUBH 5403, 5404, 5405, 5406, 5407, and 5431.

Public Health (M.P.H.)/Juris Doctor (J.D.)

The Department of Public Health Sciences offers an interdisciplinary dual degree program leading to a Juris Doctor (J.D.) and Master of Public Health (M.P.H.). Students admitted to the UConn School of Law, upon successfully completing coursework on topics of health law, ethics and/or social policy, receive a 12-credit load reduction and are required to complete an additional 36 credits consisting of eight required courses, three to five electives on topical areas of student interest and an Integrative Learning Experience consisting of either nine credits of GRAD 5950 or three credits of PUBH 5499. Student must maintain a cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 3.0. Grades below “B” in any foundational course or “C+” in any elective represent academic deficiencies that require a remediation plan approved by a student’s major advisor and Program Director.

Required M.P.H./J.D Courses: In addition to the requirements for completion of the J.D., students are required to take the following courses: PUBH 5403, 5404, 5405, 5406, 5407, 5408, 5409, and 5431.

Public Health (M.P.H.)/Doctor of Medicine (M.D.)

The Department of Public Health Sciences offers an interdisciplinary dual degree program leading to a Doctor of Medicine (M.D.) and Master of Public Health (M.P.H.). Students admitted to the UConn School of Medicine who complete requirements for the UConn Certificate on Social Determinants of Health and Disparities (SDH&D) receive a 12-credit load reduction and are required to complete an additional 36 credits consisting of six required courses, three to five electives on topical areas of student interest and an Integrative Learning Experience consisting of either nine credits of GRAD 5950 or three credits of PUBH 5499. Student must maintain a cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 3.0. Grades below “B” in any foundational course or “C+” in any elective represent academic deficiencies that require a remediation plan approved by a student’s major advisor and Program Director.

Required M.P.H./M.D. Courses: In addition to the requirements for completion of the M.D., students are required to take the following courses: PUBH 5403, 5404, 5405, 5406, 5407, and 5431.

Public Health (M.P.H.)/Social Work (M.S.W.)

The Department of Public Health Sciences offers an interdisciplinary dual degree program leading to a Master of Social Work (M.S.W.) and Master of Public Health (M.P.H.). Students admitted to the UConn School of Social Work, upon successfully completing coursework on topics of human and social service delivery, receive a 12-credit load reduction and are required to complete an additional 36 credits consisting of six required courses, three to five electives on topical areas of student interest  and an Integrative Learning Experience consisting of either nine credits of GRAD 5950 or three credits of PUBH 5499. Student must maintain a cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 3.0. Grades below “B” in any foundational course or “C+” in any elective represent academic deficiencies that require a remediation plan approved by a student’s major advisor and Program Director.

Required M.P.H./M.S.W Courses: In addition to the requirements for completion of the M.S.W., students are required to take the following courses: PUBH 5403, 5404, 5406, 5407, 5408, and 5409.

Public Health (M.P.H.)/Pharmacy (Pharm.D.)

The Department of Public Health Sciences offers an interdisciplinary dual degree program leading to a Doctor of Pharmacy (Pharm.D.) and Master of Public Health (M.P.H.). Students admitted to the UConn School of Pharmacy, upon successfully completing coursework on topics of health and health care delivery, receive a 12-credit load reduction and are required to complete 36 credits consisting of eight required courses, one to three electives on topical areas of student interest and an Integrative Learning Experience consisting of either nine credits of GRAD 5950 or three credits of PUBH 5499. Student must maintain a cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 3.0. Grades below “B” in any foundational course or “C+” in any elective represent academic deficiencies that require a remediation plan approved by a student’s major advisor and Program Director.

Required M.P.H./Pharm.D. Courses: In addition to the requirements for completion of the Pharm.D., students are required to take the following courses: PUBH 5403, 5404, 5405, 5406, 5407, 5408, 5409, and 5431.

Social Work (M.S.W.)/Juris Doctor (J.D.)

In cooperation with the UConn School of Social Work, the School of Law offers student the opportunity to earn a dual degree of Juris Doctor J.D./Social Work M.S.W. The J.D./M.S.W. degree is designed for students who are interested in the social impact of the legal system upon individuals. Students pursue this degree to prepare for careers in fields such as public interest law, mental health law, elder law, women’s rights, penology, juvenile advocacy, human services administration, community organizing and public policy and planning. The dual degree program is highly individualistic in nature in order to provide each student with the best possible combination of these two disciplines. Students in the dual degree program may obtain both degrees in four years, compared with five years, if both degrees were pursued separately.

Requirements: Study is generally begun at the School of Law, where during the first year students will complete a minimum of 33 credits of required curriculum study. During the second year, students will complete a minimum of six social work courses, their first year field placement and a minimum of two law courses. Year three will consist of a minimum of three social work courses, their second field placement, a law school clinical experience (which coordinated in combination with the School of Social Work, can apply toward the second year field placement requirement of 560 hours), and six courses at the School of Law. During year four, students will take all remaining credits. Additionally, all students must comply with the rules regarding credit load limitations. Without prior approval from the Associate Dean of the Law School, full time students may not exceed 16 credits and part time students may not exceed 12 credits per semester. Permission may be granted by the Law School for 17 credits. The limit per semester at the School of Social Work is 17 credits.

Transfer Agreement

The J.D. degree program requires completion of 86 credits (including all required first-year courses, Legal Profession (LAW 7565), completing intensive, analytical paper(s) which satisfies a writing requirement, and course work which satisfies the Practice Based Learning requirement). The M.S.W. degree program requires completion of 60 credits (including Social Work foundation, concentration courses in the student’s selected concentration, two field placements, electives and research). The School of Law will accept 12 credits from among a student’s advanced M.S.W. courses for transfer. The School of Social Work will accept nine elective credits of non-clinical work earned at the School of Law; this is achieved by reducing the number of required credits for the program.

Law Courses Acceptable for Transfer to the M.S.W. Program

  • Administrative Law
  • Children and the Law
  • Center for Children’s Advocacy
  • Elder Law
  • Employment Discrimination Law
  • Family Law
  • Law and Medicine
  • Mental Health Law
  • Street Law

M.S.W. Courses Acceptable for Transfer to the J.D. Program

The School of Law will accept 12 credits the student’s MSW program.