Purpose

The purpose of this policy is to clarify the obtainment guidelines of second and additional graduate degrees, as well as second majors.

Scope

This policy applies to all graduate students.

Policy

Second Master’s Degree

A student who has previously earned a master’s degree or a graduate-level credit bearing certificate from Lindenwood and desires another master’s degree type may transfer a maximum of nine hours of credit from the first degree into the second degree if the credit is applicable. All other requirements for the second degree, including the thesis, must be completed. If the student is seeking a major leading to a degree type not previously earned at Lindenwood University, the major will be added to the student’s transcript and a new diploma will be received listing the degree and major earned.

Second Master’s Major

 A student who would like to pursue any additional master’s degree type beyond completing a second master’s degree will have to complete all degree requirements including the total earned hours for the degree program.

Additional Master’s Degrees

 A student who has previously earned a Graduate-Level Credit-Bearing Certificate from Lindenwood and desires to earn a Master’s degree in the same discipline may “stack” or apply all credits from the certificate into the degree if the credit is applicable. All other requirements for the degree, including the thesis, must be completed. Any credits earned from another institution would be subject to the “Transferring Credit” procedures in the Graduate Catalog. If the student pursues additional Master’s degrees, the policies for “Second Master’s Degree”, “Second Master’s Major” and “Additional Master’s Degrees” will apply.