Michigan Tech supports graduate students who wish to earn an additional master's degree alongside their primary graduate studies or after completing a previous degree. For example, a student earning a master's in engineering might also pursue a business degree, or a PhD student could add a master's in a related field. Our policy allows you to double-count a portion of eligible credits from your primary degree toward a secondary master's degree, helping you achieve your academic goals more efficiently.
This policy applies to both current Michigan Tech graduate students and former Michigan Tech graduate students returning to the University to pursue an additional master's degree.
Sharing courses between two degrees
If you wish to pursue an additional master's degree, you must:
- Satisfy all requirements for your primary degree (PhD or master’s).
- Apply to the graduate program from which you would like to earn the additional master's degree. (Admission is not automatic and is at the discretion of the program.)
- Ask your graduate program director to complete the Additional Master’s Course form for each course that will count toward the two degrees.
Credit requirements
The credits double-counted and applied to the additional master's degree must meet the following criteria:
- Earned at Michigan Tech.
- Up to one-third of the required coursework credits may be double-counted. Please note
that credit allowances may vary based on the specific degree option (e.g., coursework,
thesis, or report).
- Example 1: A master’s degree with the coursework option requires 30 credits. Up to 10 credits may be double-counted.
- Example 2: A master’s degree with the thesis option requires 20 coursework credits and 10 research credits. Up to six (6) credits may be double-counted.
- Approved by the graduate program. Graduate programs will not allow students to double-count credits if it could negatively impact their education. Program approval is indicated by completing the Additional Master’s Course form for each course that will count toward the two degrees.
- Must be graded coursework credits (research and practicum credits are not eligible).
Official Policy Information
The policies governing graduate programs at Michigan Tech are approved by the University Senate. This webpage provides a simplified overview for your convenience. For complete and official details, please refer to the following policies:
- University Senate Policy 410.1
For further advice and more information, please talk to your Graduate Program Director or contact the Graduate School.