Degree Program Collaborations
The development, revision, and approval of academic plans is guided by University policy. This includes the development or revision of formal affiliation agreements codified by Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs). Most University of Minnesota agreements are established and maintained at the collegiate or campus level but also require a commitment at the University level to adhere to University academic standards, policy, and processes associated with awarding a University of Minnesota degree.
For the Twin Cities campus, the Office of the Executive Vice President and Provost reviews formal academic degree plan partnership/collaboration agreements with the following:
- external colleges and universities (domestic and international);
- state or governmental agencies;
- non-profit/non-governmental organizations;
- corporate partners; or
- any type of international entity
These types of agreements include academic degree program partnerships where a University of Minnesota degree will be granted. This does not include MOUs or agreements involving items like: individual student exchange, research, dissertation work, or clinical opportunities and experiences.
Please consult the Office of the EVPP (Erin Slattengren, [email protected]) in the early stages of development to ensure adherence to University education and student life policies and accreditation considerations, including the Higher Learning Commission standards if applicable.
Other units to consult in the development of degree program partnerships:
- It is important that the Office of the General Counsel is also consulted in the formation or alteration of MOUs to ensure that the University appropriately enters into an agreement it can uphold: https://www.ogc.umn.edu/
- For international agreements, the University's Global Programs and Strategy Alliance office provides partnership agreement guidance at: https://global.umn.edu/partnerships/establishing
Internal University of Minnesota collaborations between colleges, schools, and campuses should follow the regular guidance for adding, changing, and discontinuing academic degree plans.
Integrated Degree Program (IDP)
Integrated degree programs bridge undergraduate and master’s degrees at the University of Minnesota, offering eligible University undergraduates the opportunity to transition to a master’s degree and complete both degrees in a shortened amount of time. These programs are also commonly referred to in the higher education community as 4+1 programs, early-admission pathways, combined degrees, Bachelor-Plus-Master’s, or accelerated degrees. Integrated degree programs encourage the retention of our best and brightest students through an accelerated path. At the same time, the integrity of the undergraduate and graduate degrees must be sustained intentionally.
For more information about IDPs please visit the Curricular Hub