Double-Counting Credits

TYPE OF DEGREE DOUBLE-COUNTING POLICY
Two Master’s Degree No more than six credits may be double-counted, subject to the following conditions:

  • Credits for required courses (in either graduate program) may not be double-counted.
  • Both degrees are completed within the time allowed. See Enrollment Policies > Seven-Year Rule.
  • Written approval from the Graduate Division.
  • Written approval from the second graduate program, or in the case of concurrent degrees, from both graduate programs.
Master’s Degree and Doctorate (in distinct disciplines) No more than six credits may be double-counted, subject to the following conditions:

  • Credits for required courses (in either graduate program) may not be double-counted.
  • Both degrees are completed within the time allowed. See Enrollment Policies > Seven-Year Rule.
  • Written approval from the Graduate Division.
  • Written approval from the second graduate program, or in the case of concurrent degrees, from both graduate programs.
Master’s Degree En Route to Doctorate (in same discipline) Upon recommendation by the graduate program, a doctoral candidate may earn a master’s degree in the same discipline, upon completion of the master’s degree requirements or upon successful passing of the comprehensive exam. The degree may not be awarded retroactively. The candidate must file a Graduate Application for Degree by the appropriate deadline. See Enrollment Policies > Graduation.

If a student has earned a master’s degree in the same discipline from another university and/or University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa, the student will not be awarded another master’s degree.
Graduate Degree and Graduate Certificate Policy is at the discretion of each graduate program. If either program prohibits double-counting, the prohibition applies to the other program as well. Contact the programs for more information.
Two Graduate Certificates Double-counting is not allowed.
Official Dual Degrees Policy is specific to the dual degree programs at University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa. If no specific policy is in place, refer to the general policy for two master’s degrees.
Master’s Degree or Doctorate with JD (Law) or MD (Medicine) In general, no more than six credits from the professional degree may be counted toward the graduate degree, subject to the following conditions:

  • Credits for required courses (in either the graduate program or the professional program) may not be double-counted.
  • Written approval of the Graduate Division.
  • Written approval of the chair of the graduate program.

In the case where the graduate degree and the professional degree are being pursued concurrently at University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa, students are strongly advised to obtain approval from their professional program for the credits being double-counted.
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