PRP 3627 - Second Baccalaureate Degree

Document History

 
1. RATIONALE FOR POLICY
As per PASSHE Procedures and Standards #2018-34 “determination of requirements for simultaneous completion of more than one degree or more than one major is a local university policy decision” the policy clarifies how students may obtain more than one simultaneous baccalaureate degree from Bloomsburg University. A student may choose to have a double major and earn a single degree or a student may elect to simultaneously complete more than one degree. This policy applies when a student wishes to earn two degrees simultaneously. This policy also articulates procedures for students wishing to return after completing their first baccalaureate degree to pursue a successive second baccalaureate degree.
 
2. KEYWORDS/DEFINITIONS
Dual Simultaneous Degree: More than one degree is earned to include the associated number of diplomas.
Double Major: More than one major is earned to include the associated number of degrees, but one diploma is awarded.
Simultaneous or Concurrent: Completion of requirements during continuous enrollment.
Successive or Sequential: Completion of requirements for a subsequent degree after a prior degree has been awarded/granted.
Second degree: Pursuing a second undergraduate degree after completing a first degree at a regionally-accredited institution. A student completing a second degree at Bloomsburg University is awarded a diploma from Bloomsburg University regardless of whether the second degree is in the same or different degree area as the first degree (i.e., B.A., B.S., B.S. Ed., etc.).
 
BACKGROUND INFORMATION

Prior to this policy students were able to double major. These students would only receive a single degree from Bloomsburg University unless they completed a dual degree program which required the completion of an additional 30 credits to receive the additional second diploma. This policy changes that requirement. Current baccalaureate degree seeking students may now complete a second baccalaureate (undergraduate) degree simultaneously without necessarily having to complete more than the required 120 credits as long as they fulfill the policy requirements detailed below. Post-baccalaureate degree students returning for an additional baccalaureate degree(s) need to complete a minimum of an additional 30 credits regardless of the number of earned credits of the first degree and compete the degree requirements in effect at the time of matriculation for each additional baccalaureate degree (Per PASSHE Procedures and Standards #2018-34).

3. POLICY

1. Dual Simultaneous Degree Students
A student seeking to complete two academic degree programs concurrently at Bloomsburg University is subject to the requirements and restrictions below:
a. As early as possible, the student should meet with their assigned advisors and the chairpersons in both majors to determine the programs of study and pathway to pursue completion of both degrees.
b. Students must declare both degrees as their program of study through the registrar.
c. All requirements for the curriculum of each major/degree must be satisfied to receive both degrees, including all prerequisites, corequisites, specified general education requirements, and major requirements.
d. A course required in both degree programs does not have to be repeated for the second degree.
e. Upon successful completion the student will receive two diplomas and the transcript will note the completion of both degrees.
f. The total requirements for completing two degrees may exceed 120 credit hours.
g. All first baccalaureate degree students will take at least 30 of their last 60 credits from the degree-granting university under Board of Governors Procedures/Standards 2016-24 – Graduation Residency Requirements.
h. All first baccalaureate students will take at least 50% of credits required for the major (including required cognate courses) from a state system university under Board of Governors Procedures/Standards 2016-24-Graduation Residency Requirements.

2. Second Degree Post-Baccalaureate Students
Post-baccalaureate degree students returning for an additional baccalaureate degree(s) may earn a second baccalaureate successively by completing the following requirements:
a. Complete a minimum of an additional 30 credits regardless of the number of earned credits of the first degree.
b. Complete the degree requirements in effect at the time of matriculation for each additional baccalaureate degree.
c. Complete a minimum of 30 credits towards the second degree requirements at Bloomsburg University.
d. Students pursuing a second baccalaureate degree do not need to satisfy the general education program as the student would have satisfied a general education program as part of the first baccalaureate degree.

Other Notes for Second Baccalaureate Degree Seeking Students:
a. Under no circumstances will a student be granted a BA and a BS degree in the same major. (For instance: a BA in Physics and a BS in Physics).
b. Students may be granted two distinctive degrees in the same degree area (for instance: a BA in Languages and Cultures and a BA in English).
c. Students cannot be granted two degrees in academic degree programs with the same discipline content (such as BSBA Specialization in Marketing and BSBA Professional Sales and Marketing).
d. Completing multiple tracks of study within a single major does not count as completing a dual degree. (For instance: Completing both the Interpersonal Communication and the Organizational Communication tracks will result in the granting of a single BA in Communication Studies or completing both the Management and Finance tracks will results in the granting of a single BSBA).
e. For graduation honors criteria- Refer to PRP 3640-Academic Distinction.