New Dual Degree Programs
A dual degree program is one in which students are enrolled for two different degrees awarded by the University. Typically, some courses in a dual degree program are counted toward the completion of both degrees. A dual degree program is different from a joint degree program which is offered jointly with another university or college.
Every new dual degree program requires the approval of both of the Schools in which the students will study, the concurrence of the other schools and several central University approvals, including the University Senate if either of the degrees is at the post-baccalaureate level. It may also require the approval of the University Trustees if at least one of the Schools proposing the program has not already been authorized to award one of the degrees the students will receive.
The Vice Provost sends the proposal to the deans of the other schools of the University to determine if the new program will conflict with, or adversely affect, one they already offer or intend to offer. If a dean raises questions about the new program, further consideration of the proposal is suspended until this is resolved.
Once the proposal has the necessary University approvals, it must be registered by the New York State Education Department (NYSED) and may need the approval of the Middle States Commission on Higher Education if its creation alters the University's accredited status.
The forms that should be completed depend upon whether the two parts of the dual degree program have already been independently registered and whether students who successfully complete it will be awarded a doctoral degree. There are four possibilities:
1) If both portions of the program have already been independently registered with NYSED, its sponsors should complete the forms, Change or Adapt a Registered Program and Proposal for a New Dual Degree or Joint Degree Program
2) If NYSED has not previously registered both and the new portion is at the doctoral level, the school should contact the Office of the Vice Provost at 854-2254 or email Raquel Munoz at rm271@columbia.edu since NYSED is currently redesigning its forms for doctoral programs;
3) If the State has not previously registered both and the new portion leads to a master's degree, the appropriate forms are Application for Registration of a new Graduate Program and Proposal for a New Dual Degree or Joint Degree Program.
4) If the State has not previously registered both and the new portion leads to a bachelor's degree, the appropriate forms are Application for Registration of a new Undergraduate Program and Proposal for a New Dual Degree or Joint Degree Program.
Five years after a new program has begun to admit students, the Education Committee of the University Senate conducts a further evaluation to assess its effectiveness in meeting its intended goals. The Vice Provost for Academic Administration informs a program when it is up for review and ask it to complete a questionnaire which is available by downloading the 5-Year Review Questionnaire. The Vice Provost submits the completed questionnaire to a standing 5th-Year Review Subcommittee of the Education Committee which assesses the program's effectiveness and recommends to the full committee whether the program's approval should be affirmed. The chair of the Education Committee informs the program of the final outcome of its assessment. This review normally represents the last evaluation of a new program. However, a program may need to seek additional approvals if it materially changes its structure or purpose.