A Process for Screening and Authorizing Joint and Double Degree Programs (2013)

With the current focus on strategic internationalization and institutional partnerships, joint and double degree programs are becoming increasingly attractive to higher education institutions around the world. However, these programs also are more complex to implement than most traditional degree programs. Being prepared to properly assess and evaluate their merits is important and will support successful implementation and sustainability.

This IIE briefing paper, written by Arnaud Chevallier, the associate vice provost for academic affairs and graduate studies at Rice University, describes a process for evaluating potential new joint and double degree programs, recently developed by Rice University. The paper also summarizes the lessons learned as Rice University developed this screening process, and includes an extensive list of questions that need to be addressed related to rationale, curriculum, partner institutions, students and academic standards, learning, faculty and courses, resources, administration and program governance, degree requirements, program launch, risks and liabilities, and program evaluation.