BUFFALO STATE UNIVERSITY
DIRECTORY OF POLICY STATEMENTS
Category: Academic Affairs
Policy No.: F:01:03
Date Established: (to be determined)
Responsible Office: Registrar’s Office / Vice Provost for Academic Affairs
Date Posted to Directory: (to be determined)
This policy sets forth the academic and administrative requirements for students who wish to complete two distinct baccalaureate degrees at Buffalo State University, whether concurrently or sequentially. It consolidates and replaces the legacy DOPS policy I:01:03 and provides a single reference for advisors, department chairs, and students.
Buffalo State University permits qualified students to earn no more than two baccalaureate degrees (e.g., B.A. and B.S.) either simultaneously or subsequently, subject to the following conditions:
Minimum Total Credits – 150: A combined minimum of 150 semester credit hours is required for the conferral of two baccalaureate degrees.
Additional Coursework – 30 Credits: At least 30 of the 150 credits must be coursework not counted toward the first degree.
Upper‑Division Requirement – 15 Credits: Of the 30 additional credits, at least 15 must be upper‑division (300/400‑level) in the discipline of the second degree.
Distinct Academic Programs: Each degree must represent a different major curriculum as defined in the Undergraduate Catalog. (A single major with two concentrations does not qualify for dual degrees.)
Shared Core and SUNY Gen Ed: General‑education and SUNY General Education Framework requirements completed for the first degree may apply to the second, unless a program mandates specific core courses.
GPA Standards: Students must meet the minimum overall and major GPA standards in effect for each degree at the time of conferral.
Time to Completion: All degree requirements must be completed within ten years of the first matriculation unless an extension is granted by the Vice Provost for Academic Affairs.
The policy applies equally to transfer and native students. Exceptions to these requirements are granted only by written approval of the Vice Provost for Academic Affairs upon recommendation of both department chairs and the Registrar.
The Vice Provost for Academic Affairs has overall responsibility for this policy. The Registrar’s Office ensures compliance through degree audits in Degree Works and certifies eligibility prior to graduation.
An annual audit report summarizing the number of dual‑degree students and average additional credits earned will be submitted to the Academic Affairs Council.
| Term | Definition |
|---|---|
| Dual Baccalaureate Degrees | The completion and conferral of two separate baccalaureate degrees (e.g., B.S. in Biology and B.A. in Psychology). |
| Upper‑Division Credits | Coursework numbered 300–499 that is typically taken in the junior or senior year. |
| Distinct Major | A curricular program leading to a degree with learning outcomes and requirements that differ from another major as listed in the Undergraduate Catalog. |
| Step | Student Action | University Office | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Meet with academic advisors for both intended degrees to map out remaining requirements | Department Advisors | Should occur as early as possible, ideally before completing 90 credits |
| 2 | Complete and submit Dual Degree Application Form (DD‑1) | Registrar’s Office | Requires signatures from both department chairs |
| 3 | Registrar creates dual‑degree record in the student information system and updates Degree Works audits | Registrar’s Office | Confirmation emailed to student and advisors |
| 4 | Complete all required coursework, maintain required GPA | Student | Ongoing |
| 5 | Apply for graduation for each degree via Banner Self‑Service | Student | Students must file two separate graduation applications |
| 6 | Registrar conducts final audit; degrees conferred upon verification | Registrar’s Office | Denials for deficiencies are sent with corrective instructions |
Appeals of procedural decisions follow Policy D: Admission Decisions – Reconsideration & Appeals for admission‑related matters and Policy I:17:02 – Academic Grievance for academic matters.
Students: Understand and fulfill all requirements for both degrees and submit forms by stated deadlines.
Department Chairs/Advisors: Verify program requirements and approve degree plans.
Registrar: Maintain records, perform audits, and certify completion.
Vice Provost for Academic Affairs: Grant exceptions and ensure policy integrity.
Undergraduate Catalog (current edition)
E. Alternative Credit & Transfer Evaluation (Policy E:04:01)
SUNY General Education Framework
Degree Works User Guide
Registrar’s Office
Moot Hall 210
1300 Elmwood Avenue
Buffalo, NY 14222
Phone: (716) 878‑4811
Email: regofc@buffalostate.edu
Website: https://registrar.buffalostate.edu
| Date | Action |
|---|---|
| July 2025 | Draft created, incorporating and superseding legacy DOPS I:01:03. |
To be completed upon Cabinet approval.
