7.7.1 General Provisions for a Joint Degree

Joint degree programs are expected to be designed and operated in conformity with the Standards of Accreditation and relevant policies of each respective institution’s accrediting body (WASC/ACSCU for NPS). A partnering institution within the United States must be accredited by a U.S. Department of Education-approved accrediting agency. An international partnering institution must substantially meet the standards of WASC accreditation, as determined by the Academic Council.

All joint degree programs must have a clear written agreement between NPS and the partnering institution that outlines the plan to offer, monitor, and assess the joint degree program.

Considerations for developing a joint degree program include:

• The program should be consistent with NPS and the partnering institution’s mission and educational objectives.
• The degree awarded should represent a coherent course of study that is in keeping with the quality of other degree programs offered by NPS and the partnering institution.
• A near-equal or greater proportion of the course credits awarded toward the joint degree shall be earned in courses offered by NPS and taught by NPS faculty.
• Sound practices are employed for the award of credit at each institution.
• Appropriate program level, course content, and standards are established and periodically evaluated at each partnering institution.
• Appropriate student learning outcomes, expectations for student achievement, and means to assess student achievement are established.
• Sufficient and qualified faculty and staff are available to execute the agreed on instructional and administrative responsibilities at each partnering institution.
• Provisions for institutional quality assurance processes, including program review, are agreed on and applied.

The program must be approved by the faculty and administration of both institutions in keeping with their usual decision-making processes.