Current Students
Students who have been on Purdue’s campus for a semester or two often learn more about program offerings outside of their majors. Purdue offers the Degree Plus dual-degree pathway for students to expand their education and skills.
By waiving the CLA core curriculum, Degree Plus students can receive two degrees (one in CLA and another elsewhere) upon graduation without adding additional semesters to their university education.
Two types of current Purdue students opt for a Degree Plus dual-degree pathway: those who are liberal arts students and those who start in a non-liberal arts program.
Liberal arts students can sharpen their STEM skills by branching into another Purdue program, and non-liberal arts students can add a liberal arts program to round out their education and increase their job search opportunities.
NOTE: Upper classmen (some second-semester sophomores, juniors, and seniors) may still have to add semesters to their education.
What is the process for adding a Degree Plus major?
Navigating college to earn a single degree is challenging enough, let alone adding on a second academic program. Fortunately, our advising staff is eager and available to help. Whether you're a Liberal arts major or working through another Purdue program, CLA advisors are ready to guide you through the process of adding a Degree Plus major.
Liberal Arts Students
Speak with your CLA advisor as soon as possible. They can help design a plan of action for your specific degree combination and connect you with an advisor from your desired program.
Non- Liberal Arts Students
Speak with your program advisor as soon as possible. They will connect you with a CLA advisor ready to design a plan for your desired degree combination and introduce you to the Liberal Arts college at Purdue. Engineering students wishing to add a Liberal Arts degree program should contact their advisors as early in their program as possible.
If you have any other questions about Degree Plus, you can email claadvising@purdue.edu directly.
Do you still have to complete the University Core Curriculum?
Yes, all students are required to complete the University Core Curriculum. More information about the University Core Curriculum can be found here: https://www.purdue.edu/provost/students/s-initiatives/curriculum/coreCurriculum.html
How is Degree Plus different from a double major?
Degree Plus offers students the opportunity to complete an undergraduate Liberal Arts bachelor of arts degree program simultaneously with another undergraduate degree program. Students who are actively pursuing a major in both the Liberal Arts and another college/school will have the CLA core waived while maintaining progress toward completion of the non-CLA degree program. For many students, this makes the completion of two (or more) degrees more manageable.
Double majors complete two or more majors within a single academic division (or College). Degree Plus is designed for students pursuing a degree in a major outside of the College of Liberal Arts as well as a major within the College of Liberal Arts.
NOTE: Students in Liberal Arts who are pursuing majors only within CLA are still required to complete the Liberal Arts core.
Can you still do an internship or study abroad with Degree Plus?
Yes and yes! Some academic programs will require students to participate in an internship experience. For those that do not, however, students can pursue internships alongside their academic plan of study. We encourage Liberal Arts students to speak with their academic advisor and the staff in the Career Center regarding internship opportunities.
Students who study abroad often receive credit towards degree requirements. With careful planning alongside academic and study abroad advisors, students can certainly study abroad and remain on track for graduation.
What other circumstances should you discuss with your advisor?
- Do transfer credits count?
- Complete Liberal Arts degree before?
- Can classes count towards multiple requirements?
- Do I have to complete a Foreign Language?
- What if I decide I don't want to complete the major outside of Liberal Arts anymore?