PROPOSAL 16-09
(This
Proposal Supersedes Proposal 14-99)
“DOUBLE MAJORS AT MICHIGAN TECH ”
(Voting
Units: Academic)
Background
Proposal
14-99 established the University Policy on Double Majors. Under the language contained in that policy,
students may earn double majors with no regard for the degree (i.e. Bachelor of
Science [BS] or Bachelor of Arts [BA]) under which the major is offered. Thus, a student's diploma and degree record
may read, for example, "Bachelor
of Science in Mathematical Sciences with an additional Major in Liberal
Arts." The problem with this and
similar possible examples is that Michigan Technological University does not
offer a BS in Liberal Arts, nor is it allowed to offer that degree by the State
of Michigan; Michigan Technological University only offers a Major in Liberal
Arts under the BA degree.
To
avoid such problems, this proposal clarifies the Double Major Policy,
superseding in its entirety Proposal 14-99.
Also, in keeping with efforts to maintain consistency in wording between
university policy and the University Catalog, this proposal will be
incorporated verbatim in the Undergraduate Catalog.
Proposal
n A single Michigan Tech bachelor's
degree with two majors is granted when all requirements of both majors are
satisfied at the same time. A student who completes a double major will be
awarded one diploma listing both majors, for example, "Bachelor of Science
in Mechanical Engineering with an Additional Major in Mathematics".
n The double major is distinctly
different from the second degree. Majoring in two subjects does not require
additional credit hours beyond departmental requirements and only a single
degree is granted. Double majors work best for degree programs with similar
curricular structures. When two majors have very different requirements
necessitating the completion of 32 or more "additional" credits,
students should consider a second degree program that results in the awarding
of two distinct baccalaureate degrees and diplomas.
n A student pursuing a double major
will designate one as the primary major.
Students planning to earn a double major should declare both majors and
begin planning their course work as early as possible. Advisors must be
identified in the departments of both majors in order to assure that the degree
requirements of both are met.
n Students may
only earn an additional major if that major is offered under the same degree
type (Bachelor of Science or Bachelor of Arts) as the primary major. If
the degree types for the majors are different then the student must pursue a
second degree.
n If a single department offers two
distinct majors, it is possible to complete a double major within that
department by fulfilling the requirements for both majors. However, student may
not earn a double concentration or option within a single major.
n In the event that both majors
require a senior project, a student may petition both departments to accept one
project for both majors prior to beginning the senior project.
n Students who have previously been awarded a degree cannot have the double major designation added to their transcript.
Introduced to Senate: 01 April 2009