expand your opportunities
degree plus
What is Degree Plus?
Degree Plus allows eligible students earning an undergraduate degree outside the College of Liberal Arts (COLA) to complete a second undergraduate degree offered by COLA without needing to complete the COLA core requirements (excluding certain degree programs). Graduate with two degrees at the same time, and broaden your skills, interests, and career opportunities.
Degree Plus Requirements:
- You must be pursuing an undergraduate degree in a school, college, or division outside of the College of Liberal Arts (except for a few degrees that are excluded*).
- No more than 6 credit hours of courses completed for the College of Liberal Arts major may also be applied towards requirements of the student’s second major completed outside of the College of Liberal Arts.
- Both degrees must be completed at the same time.
- If you decide to not complete your first degree outside of the College of Liberal Arts, you must complete all the core College of Liberal Arts requirements.
- Students within COLA who have more than one COLA major or degree (and no majors in a school, college, or division outside COLA) are not eligible. Students completing two or more majors from the College of Liberal Arts must complete all college requirements.
- This option does not exclude the general education requirements; everyone must meet all Purdue University Fort Wayne general education requirements regardless of degree.
*Students pursuing the Bachelor of General Studies and the Bachelor of Science in Secondary Education are not eligible to participate in the Degree Plus Program.
Examples of Degree Plus combinations:
- B.S. with a major in biology + B.A. with a major in anthropology
- B.S. with major in data science + B.A. with a major in political science
- B.S. with a major in psychology + B.A. with a major in women's, gender, and sexuality studies
- B.S.B. with a major in marketing + B.A. with a major communication
- B.F.A. with a major in web design + B.A. with a major in English
- B.S. with a major in human services + B.A. with a major in sociology
- B.A. with a major in psychology + B.S. with a major in criminal justice
- B.S. with a major in human services + B.A. with a major in Spanish
Key Benefits:
- Expand your career prospects, especially in employment sectors which value expertise across different disciplines and versatility.
- Add skills that employers are looking for, including critical thinking, communication, and cultural understanding.
- Deepen knowledge and challenge yourself by exploring new areas of study.
Whether you're complementing your knowledge about technology with advanced writing skills or expanding your marketing credentials with a deeper understanding of communication, Degree Plus helps you create an education that's uniquely yours and suited to your particular goals.
How is a Dual Degree Different from a Double Major?
A double major means you study two fields within a single bachelor's degree. You'll graduate with one diploma that recognizes both majors—for example, anthropology and history. A dual degree (usually) allows you to earn two separate bachelor's degrees at the same time.
How do I Add a Degree Plus Major?
Interested in expanding your education with the Degree Plus program? The process is easier than you might think, and our advising team is here to help every step of the way.
Start by talking with your current academic advisor in your current degree program. They'll connect you with a COLA advisor who will help you build a Degree Plus plan tailored to your goals and introduce you to the College of Liberal Arts.
Still have questions? Email [email protected] for more information about Degree Plus.
Can you still do an internship or study abroad with Degree Plus?
Yes! Degree Plus is designed to complement your academic experience—not limit it. Many academic programs require an internship, and for those that don't, you can often complete one alongside your coursework, even if not required.
Many study abroad experiences provide academic credit that applies toward degree requirements. With early planning and guidance from academic and study abroad advisors, students can enjoy an international experience while staying on track for graduation.
Ready to make the most of your college experience?
Talk with your academic advisor about the Degree Plus Program today.
Whether you're a Liberal arts major or enrolled in another program, COLA advisors are ready to guide you through the process of adding a Degree Plus major. The Liberal Arts Advising Center is located at LA 05A on the lower level of the Liberal Arts building.