Dual Degree FAQ
Dual Degree FAQ
What is the dual degree program? The dual degree program is when a student receives both their bachelor's degree and master's degree within four (4) years of study at Cooper Union.
If you would like to take part in the dual degree program, you must fill out a notification form. This form is available from Beth Slack who will need to know the names of your undergraduate academic advisor, graduate thesis advisor and the chair of the department in which you are pursuing your master's degree. Please note that you should fill out only this form if you wish to be part of the dual degree program. DO NOT fill out the master's program application through admissions.
When do you fill out this form? This form should be submitted in the spring semester of your junior year. The notification form for students intending to graduate in spring of 2025 is due March 18, 2025.
Do I need to submit anything other than the form to take part in the program? Yes. Along with the completed form, you must submit a copy of your transcript, a degree audit completed with your adviser and a proposed thesis focus.
How many credits do I need to complete both my bachelor's and master's degrees? To earn a bachelor's degree, students must complete 135 credits. A master's degree is 30 additional 400-level credits, inclusive of 6 credits for the thesis.
Does it matter in what order I take the courses? YES. In order to maintain eligibility to receive federal financial aid as a full-time student, you must register for at least 12 credits towards your undergraduate degree every semester. Moreover, in order to meet the residence study requirement you must register for at least 12 credits towards your undergraduate degree during the academic year immediately preceding the granting of the degree (http://cooper.edu/
Can I do the non-thesis option as part of the Dual Degree program? No. You may only do the thesis option as part of the dual degree program.
Can I overload to complete the dual degree program? Yes, but students who need to overload courses during senior year must still meet all requirements for course overloads.
What happens if I don’t finish my thesis by the end of senior year? If the requirements for both degrees have not been attained by the end of the 8th semester, the dual degree program must be split into its constituent parts: BEng and MEng.
If a student wishes to pursue the MEng degree, they must apply through the Cooper admissions portal: The student will automatically be accepted into the program, but the application is necessary to create the graduate record and designate which courses will be transferred to the master’s record.
The student will register for the XXX-499A for the fall term and be responsible for tuition (less applicable scholarship) and fees.
The student will graduate when the MEng requirements are met. The student has up to four (4) terms to complete their research.
The student has the option of applying in a subsequent year.
Graduate coursework would be carried over for up to two(2) years (as if the student had taken up to a 2-year Leave of Absence).
