Dual Degree Programs

Overview

Dual degree programs at the University of Toronto comprise two existing, approved degree programs:

  1. one offered by the University of Toronto
  2. the other by an international peer institution

Dual degree programs allow students to study in two approved degree programs at the same time and complete the requirements of both. This provides a distinctive academic benefit to the student through academic enrichment, student mobility, academic acceleration, etc. Dual degree programs build on a strong academic rationale or synergy between the programs in the combination.

Each dual degree program is governed by a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) developed and signed by representatives of the University of Toronto and the international peer institution.

Please note that dual degree programs are not developed by, or at the request of, individual students. Dual degree programs are established through a proposal that has been initiated and developed at a Faculty or division and approved through governance. The University of Toronto currently offers 14 dual degree programs that involve a graduate program and one dual degree program that involves a second-entry undergraduate program.

Creating a New Dual Degree Program

A new dual degree program creates an approved pathway for students to complete two existing degree programs. As such, it is similar to a combined degree program (CDP) and, like a CDP, is considered a major modification under the University of Toronto Quality Assurance Process (UTQAP).

A proposal for a new dual degree program should be developed in close consultation with the Dean’s Office of the Faculty or division responsible for the existing University of Toronto program and the VPAP Office. This process assumes that:

  1. the two programs that will comprise the dual degree program already exist and have been approved by all institutional and external bodies as required;
  2. the dual degree program will not require the international peer institution to offer any program (in whole or in part) in Ontario.

Modifying a Dual Degree Program

Modifications to the University of Toronto degree program that is part of a dual degree program are handled through normal minor or major modification processes.

Modifications that could affect the progression of students in the dual degree program should be flagged prior to governance approval. The Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) for each dual degree program will outline how program changes that could affect the admission or progression of students in the dual degree program are communicated and addressed.

The MOA for each dual degree program will also outline how changes to the dual degree program admission or progression processes or requirements are developed and approved. Most academic changes to dual degree programs are minor modifications.

Reviewing a Dual Degree Program

The University of Toronto degree program that is part of the dual degree program is subject to cyclical review under the UTQAP. Dual degree programs are not separately subject to cyclical review because they represent only an approved pathway to complete two programs. The arrangements that support dual degree programs are reviewed prior to renewal of the Memorandum of Agreement (MOA). The timing of and provisions for review are outlined in the MOA.

Proposal Development

Help for Dean’s Offices

For advice on individual proposals and existing dual degree programs, contact Jennifer Francisco and Annette Knott in the VPAP Office.

For advice on international strategy and to find out more about existing relationships with international institutions, visit U of T International.

Help for Faculty Proponents & Program Administrators

Your first point of contact is your Dean’s Office. Your Dean’s Office will then contact the VPAP Office at an early stage to launch the parallel proposal and MOA development processes, or to discuss existing dual degree programs.

Advice on Other International Opportunities

If you are aware of other international opportunities that would be appropriate to include here, please email vp.academicprograms@utoronto.ca.

*Note: at this time the University of Toronto does not offer international joint degree programs (i.e., for-credit degree programs leading to a single parchment jointly conferred by the University of Toronto and an international partner institution).

Resources

Diagram: development and approval process for dual degree programs (PDF)
Template: major modification proposal for a dual degree program (Word)
University of Toronto Quality Assurance Process (UTQAP)

Contact

Jennifer Francisco
Coordinator, Academic Change
416.946.0094

Annette Knott
Coordinator, Academic Change
416.978.5794