Program Overview

Concurrent Degree Program

Overview of the Concurrent Degree Program

The Concurrent Degree Program allows students to pursue two master's degrees simultaneously, offering significant savings in course load and tuition. This program enables students to gain a deeper, collaborative understanding of different topics by using knowledge from both paths of study.

Benefits of the Concurrent Degree Program

• Save time and money by completing two master's degrees with a reduced course load and tuition.
• Each program may accept up to 20% of its total required credits for the degree from the other degree program.
• Pursuing two degrees at the same time is typically faster than pursuing them separately.

Requirements for the Concurrent Degree Program

• The second degree must be part of a well-balanced, unified, and complete program of study related to the student's initial degree and/or support related career goals.
• At least 12 credits must be taken in the initial master's degree program prior to applying for admission.
• The student must be admitted to the concurrent degree program prior to completing 80% of credits and prior to the final semester in the initial degree.
• The J. Jeffrey and Ann Marie Fox Graduate School requires a minimum GPA of 3.2 in courses taken as a graduate student at Penn State for admission to a concurrent program.

Information for International Students

• International students who pursue a concurrent degree will require an updated I-20 and a second major added to their document and appropriate CIP code. If graduation dates change, then the Office of International Student and Scholar Advising may require an updated bank statement providing proof of funds for an extended time (to complete second degree).
• For international students interested in OPT, employment must be tied to the most recent degree earned and conferred. International students who are currently enrolled in a non-STEM eligible program may wish to pursue a STEM-eligible degree on a concurrent basis. If the second degree earned is STEM-eligible, students can apply for a 24-month extension for OPT.