Dual & Second Degrees

The workplace is a competitive landscape but with the ability to add a dual degree or second degree to your resume you will have no worries navigating your way to a great career.

The Dual Degree and Second Degree Programs allow students to complete two degree programs either together or consecutively.

Dual Degree

  • Students completing a degree in another Faculty or School at Queen's may apply to a Dual Degree program which is one degree from their own faculty (primary plan) completed concurrently with a BA, or BSC degree from the Faculty of Arts and Science (secondary plan). These programs combine a primary, full-time degree in the Smith School of Business, Faculty of Applied Science and Engineering, or the School of Nursing, with a degree program in the Faculty of Arts and Science.

List of Dual Degrees

Second Degree

  • Students who have a first degree in the Faculty of Arts and Science may apply to complete a Second Degree in the Faculty of Arts and Science.
  • Students registered in a degree program in Arts and Science may concurrently complete requirements for a second degree in Arts and Science, but cannot register in a second degree program until the first degree is conferred.
  • Students who have completed a degree in another Faculty or School at Queen's may apply to complete a Second Degree in the Faculty of Arts and Science.
  • Students with a degree from another accredited post-secondary institution may apply to complete a Second Degree at Queen's.

List of Second Degrees

Dual Degrees

Dual Degree programs allow Queen’s Commerce, Applied Science and Nursing students to complete an Arts and Science General Degree concurrently as they are working towards the completion of their primary degree in their home Faculty/School. As noted in the Dual Degree Regulations, Dual Degree students must meet the unit requirements of the Arts and Science degree Plan in which they are registered as well as those of their primary degree. Once a student is admitted into a Dual Degree, courses must be registered under the appropriate degree program and the appropriate fees paid. Arts and Science units completed prior to admission into a Dual Degree program will not be counted as Secondary units but can serve as Shared units.

Students must choose a Dual degree program/plan that is significantly different from their first degree program. If at least half of the required units in the Arts and Science program may be used in the primary degree program, the overlap is considered significant and the combination will not be approved. For example, a B.Sc. (Gen.) degree program requires 90.0 units, of which 48.0 are Plan units. If 24.0 or more of the 48.0 Plan units are required (or may be used) in the primary/first degree program, there is too much overlap for the Dual Degree combination to be approved. (Conditions in Academic Regulation 16 apply).

The Academic Viability Chart for students from other Faculties and Schools at Queen’s shows the Dual and Second Degree combinations that have been assessed and approved or disapproved to date.

How the Dual Degree Program Works

Each student’s Dual Degree Program consists of three types of units: shared, primary and secondary. The shared and secondary units together must add up to the total number of units required for a BA, or BSC degree and include all of the plan requirements.

Shared units are registered under the Primary degree

Students may count a maximum of 60.0 shared units towards both Degree Programs. Shared units include those normally acceptable for credit in the Faculty of Arts and Science. Shared units are registered under the Primary Program but count toward both degrees.

Primary units are registered under the primary degree

In addition to the shared units, students must complete further primary units to reach the minimum overall total required for the primary Degree Program. All class and degree requirements for the primary program must be completed according to the regulations of that Faculty or School.

Secondary units are registered under the Arts and Science Degree

In addition to the shared units, students must complete a further 30.0 secondary units to reach the minimum overall total required for the secondary, Arts and Science, Degree Program. They may not be transferred from another post-secondary institution or from the primary Faculty or School at Queen’s. Dual Degree students must register all secondary units with the Faculty of Arts and Science and pay the appropriate fees.

These 30.0 secondary units are assigned to the Faculty of Arts and Science at the point of registration (under a BA, or BSc degree plan) and must be from the Faculty of Arts and Science - meaning, no courses from BMED, GLPH, Commerce, Applied Science, Nursing or Law.

All class and degree requirements for the secondary program must be completed according to the regulations of the Faculty of Arts and Science.

What’s possible?

Students may apply for a General (BA/BSc) degree in one of the programs listed in the Available Dual Degree Options Chart below. Capacity to accept students in each degree Plan is allocated for one academic year at a time. If a degree Plan is not listed, it is not accepting applicants at this time. The Faculty of Arts and Science reserves the right to close (not accept students into) a particular degree Plan from one academic year to the next. If the general and departmental requirements are met, students are accepted on a first-come, first-served basis. That is, students who apply for the Fall Term are considered and may be accepted in advance of students who apply for the Winter and Summer Terms. If additional space is not available, the applicant will need to apply for the subsequent academic year should the degree Plan still be accepting Dual Degree students.

Students may access distance (on-line) or on-campus courses. For some programs, all degree requirements may be met with the completion of online courses.

How do students apply?

Students apply through Undergraduate Admission, Gordon Hall. Applicants must pay a $100 application fee and complete the application found at this link.

General Admission requirements for Dual Degree Students

Please note that Departmental Admission thresholds may exceed these general requirements (Admission Regulation 6.1).

To be eligible, students must meet all of the following criteria:

  1. have Full-Time status in their home Faculty or School;
  2. have completed the equivalent of at least 24.0 units (or 8 one-term courses, where a one-term course is equivalent to a typical 3.0 unit course in Arts and Science) in their home Faculty or School;
  3. have been in good academic standing in their home Faculty or School throughout their undergraduate Career at Queen's;
  4. have a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.60 (some programs may have additional requirements that exceed this minimum);
  5. apply to an Arts and Science degree program in a substantially different Plan from that in their primary Degree Program;
  6. satisfy departmental criteria for admission to the Plan; and
  7. must meet high school prerequisites for Science and Computing degrees. Prerequisites may be met by university courses.

NOTE: Extenuating circumstances will not be considered. Admission thresholds and decisions cannot be appealed.

Available Dual Degree Plans for students whose Primary Program is from another Faculty or School at Queen's.

Updates for the 2023-2024 academic calendar coming shortly.

All marks listed are on the Queen's marking scale. Visit our GPA Info webpage for more information about Queen's GPA.

Change of Dual Degree Combination

Students are admitted to specific Dual Degree program combinations. To change a secondary program or Plan a student must submit an application to Undergraduate Admission.

Dual Degree students who complete both degrees and subsequently wish to complete another degree in Arts and Science are then considered to be Second Degree students, and should follow the regulations described under Second Degrees on this page.

Withdrawal from a Dual Degree Program

Students admitted to a Dual Degree program who no longer wish to complete the program may inform Undergraduate Admission in writing of their intent to withdraw.

Dual Degree students who are required to withdraw from their primary degree program and who wish to continue studies in the Faculty of Arts and Science will need to apply for admission to Arts and Science through Undergraduate Admission and will be subject to the same Plan limitations as all transfer students (see Academic Regulation 5).

Second Degrees

The Second Degree Program allows the holder of an undergraduate degree from Queen’s or from another university to complete a second undergraduate degree in the Faculty of Arts and Science, either on-campus or through distance studies. 

Students must complete all course and degree requirements for the Second Degree program according to the Academic Regulations of the Faculty of Arts and Science. (See Academic Regulation 16 for degree requirements). 

In order to be considered for admission to a second degree program the desired Second Degree Plan must have capacity to accept students and the combination of the first and Second Degree Plans must be academically viable, meaning the two degree Plans are significantly different. 

Students must choose a Second degree program/plan that is significantly different from their first degree program. More than half of the units required for the program/plan may not be used (or accepted) in the first program/plan or the overlap is considered significant and the combination will not be approved. For example, a B.Sc. (Gen.) degree program requires 90.0 units, of which 48.0 are Plan units. If 24.0 or more of the 48.0 Plan units are required (or may be used) in the primary/first degree program, there is too much overlap for the Dual Degree combination to be approved. (Conditions in Academic Regulation 16 apply). 

The additional courses for the second degree must all be completed at Queen’s and registered under the Arts and Science degree program, regardless of whether the first degree is from Queen’s or from another post-secondary institution.

Students may not obtain a three-year General degree together with, after receiving, or after qualifying for four-year Honours degree of the same program type. For example, students may not obtain a B.A.(Gen.) degree after a B.A.(Hons) degree, a B.Cmp. (Gen.) degree after a B.Cmp.(Hons.) degree, or a B.Sc.(Gen.) degree after a B.Sc.(Hons.) degree.

Academic Viability Charts

The charts provided in the Academic Viability Section towards the end of this chapter provide information for known, academically viable, dual and second degree combinations. Please consult these charts to learn more about allowed and disallowed Plan combinations.

For Students whose first degree is from the Faculty of Arts and Science

How it works

Second Degree students whose first degree is from Queen’s may use up to a maximum of 60.0 transferable units from their first degree program toward their Second Degree program. When there are 60.0 transferable units from the first degree, a B.A.(Gen.), or B.Sc.(Gen.) degree requires a minimum of 30.0 additional units; a B.A.(Hons.) degree requires a minimum of 60.0 additional units; a B.Sc.(Hons.) degree requires a minimum of 60.0 additional units; a B.Mus degree requires a minimum of 66.0 additional units.

Degree Combinations

A three-year General degree after a four-year Honours degree 
With the completion of a minimum of 30.0 additional Queen’s units in a significantly different Plan from their Honours degree, students may obtain a General degree together with, after receiving, or after qualifying for a four-year Honours degree. The two degree programs must be different.

Two three-year General degrees 
With the completion of a minimum of 30.0 additional Queen’s units in a significantly different Plan from their first degree, students may obtain a BA degree together with, after receiving, or after qualifying for a BSC General degree or a BSC degree together with, after receiving, or after qualifying for a BA General degree. Students may not receive two BA degrees or two BSC degrees.

Two four-year Honours degrees 
With the completion of a minimum of 54.0 additional Queen’s units in a significantly different Plan from their first degree, students admitted to the Second Degree Program prior to the Fall Term 2017 may obtain a B.A.(Hons.) degree together with, after receiving, or after qualifying for a first four-year Honours degree. The first degree program may also be a B.A.(Hons.).

Students admitted to the Second Degree Program in the Fall Term 2017 and later must complete a Minimum of 60.0 additional Queen’s units in a significantly different Plan from their first degree to obtain a B.A. (Hons.) degree together with, after receiving, or after qualifying for a first four-year Honours degree. The first degree program may also be a B.A.(Hons).

With the completion of a minimum of 60.0 additional Queen’s units in a significantly different Plan from their first degree, students may obtain a B.Sc.(Hons.) or B.Cmp.(Hons.) degree together with, after receiving, or after qualifying for a first four-year Honours degree. The two degree programs may be the same.

In most cases students first complete the requirements and receive the degree for the program in which they are registered before applying for the Second Degree Program to complete the requirements for the second degree. However, students may also complete the requirements for both degrees before applying to graduate and receive both degrees at the same time.

Students in the Faculty of Arts and Science who have completed the requirements for two degree programs simultaneously are not required to apply for admission to the Second Degree Program. Such students may declare the second Program and Plan upon completion of all requirements and may receive both degrees together.

Second Degree – For students whose first degree is from another Academic Institution

Applicants in this category must have the equivalent of a minimum Queen's Cumulative GPA of 2.6 for most Plans to be considered for admission. In addition, they must also satisfy departmental criteria that may exceed these minimums. In all cases, admission to a Second Degree is only possible when the applicant's first degree is from an accredited post-secondary institution and in a substantially different Plan from the proposed Second Degree. Additionally, the Degree Plan requested must be accepting second degree students.

How it Works

Second Degree students whose first degree is from another post-secondary institution may use up to a maximum of 42.0 transferable units from the first degree toward a B.A.(Gen.), B.Cmp.(Gen.) or B.Sc.(Gen.) degree program, and up to a maximum of 57.0 transferable units from the first degree toward a B.A.(Hons.), B.Cmp.(Hons.), B.Sc.(Hons.) or B.Mus degree program. The additional units required will vary depending on the total number of units required for the second degree.

How to Apply to a Second Degree Program

Applicants may apply for a Summer or Fall term start. See the Queen's Undergraduate Admission page.

General Admission Requirements for Second Degrees

Applicants must meet the Faculty minimums and satisfy appropriate departmental criteria that may exceed these minimums. Enrolment limitations or lack of prerequisites may result in the denial of an admission.

Students must have graduated in good standing and satisfy departmental criteria.

Students who wish to pursue a Second Degree in the B.MUS program must also meet specialized entry requirements, and the program must be accepting students to a second degree.

Updates for the 2023-2024 academic calendar coming shortly.

The chart below indicates the On-campus and Distance degree Plans with capacity to accept Second Degree applicants in the 2020-2021 academic year are listed below. If a degree Plan is not listed, it is at capacity and cannot accept Second Degree applicants. Students admitted to Distance Studies are limited to distance courses and distance degree Plans. Distance 3-year degrees may not upgrade their degree on campus. Distance 3-year General Degree Plans are in GREEN shading.

To inquire about specific admission requirements, contact Undergraduate Admission for on-campus admission and Continuing and Distance Studies for distance campus admission.

Academic Viability of Dual & Second Degree Combinations

Students must choose a Dual/Second degree program/plan that is significantly different from their first degree program. If at least half of the required units in the Arts and Science program may be used in the primary or first degree program, the overlap is considered significant and the combination will not be approved. For example, a B.Sc. (Gen.) degree program requires 90.0 units, of which 48.0 are Plan units. If 24.0 or more of the 48.0 Plan units are required (or may be used) in the primary/first degree program, there is too much overlap for the Dual (or Second) Degree combination to be approved. (Conditions in Academic Regulation 16 apply.)

The Academic Viability Charts below list the degree combinations that have been assessed to date for 2021-2022. If a combination of interest is not included in the charts below please book an academic advising appointment in the Faculty of Arts and Science to discuss the most up-to-date information regarding Dual or Second Degrees or to have a new combination assessed.

Due to space limitations not all allowed program/plan combinations in the charts below are available. To see which Arts and Science plans have capacity to accept students into Dual or Second Degree Plans see Available Dual Degree Plans in the DUAL DEGREES AT QUEEN’S section or Plans with capacity to accept Second Degree students in the SECOND DEGREE section depending on which type of degree you wish to pursue.

The first column, First Degree Program, in the viability charts lists the first degree Plan of the degree the student has or is about to complete. The second column, Allowed Programs and Plans, list dual/second degree combinations that have been assessed as academically viable because of the low degree of overlap between the first degree program and the specific Arts and Science Plan. The third column, Disallowed Programs and Plans, lists the dual/second degree combinations that are not academically viable due to significant overlap between the first degree program and the specific Faculty of Arts and Science Plan.

First degree is from another Faculty or School at Queen’s (DUAL or SECOND DEGREE)

First Degree is from School of Business

Primary Degree ProgramArts and Science Program and Plan Combinations
School of BusinessAllowed Program and PlansDisallowed Programs and Plans
CommerceBAH APEC 
BA ARTH 
BA CLST 
BA, BAH DEVS 
BA, BAH ECON 
BA FREN 
BA GNDS 
BA GEOL 
BA GPHY 
BA, BAH GRMN 
BA HIST 
BA ITLN 
BA JWST 
BA, BAH MATH 
BA MUSC 
BA PHIL 
BA RELS 
BA, BAH SOCY 
BA, BAH SPAN 
BA, BAH STAT 
BSC, BSCH STAT
 

First Degree is from the School of Nursing

Primary Degree ProgramArts and Science Program and Plan Combinations
School of NursingAllowed Programs and PlansDisallowed Programs and Plans
NursingBSC BIOL 
BSC, BSCH BCHM 
BA, BAH GNDS 
BA, BAH GPHY 
BA MUSC 
BA, BAH PHIL 
BA, BAH, BSCH PSYC 
BA, BAH SOCY 
BA, BAH CHEM
BA, BAH HLTH 
BSC, BSCH LISC

First Degree is from the Faculty of Applied Science

Primary Degree ProgramArts and Science Program and Plan Combinations (Plans that have been assessed)
Faculty of Engineering and Applied ScienceAllowed Programs and PlansDisallowed Programs and Plans
Chemical EngineeringBA, BAH ARTH 
BSCH BCHM 
BSCH BIOL 
BA, BAH CLST 
BA, BAH DEVS 
BA, BAH ECON 
BA, BAH ENGL 
BSCH ENSC 
BA ENVS 
BSC, BSCH GPHY 
BSCH GEOL 
BA, BAH GMST 
BA HIST 
BSC KINE 
BSCH MAJ MATH 
BSCH STAT 
BA, BAH MUSC 
BA, BAH PSYC 
BA, BSC BIOL
BA, BSC, BSCH CHEM 
BSC BCHM 
BA, BSC MATH 
BSC, BSCH LISC 
BA, BSC STAT
Civil EngineeringBA, BAH ARTH 
BSC, BSCH BIOL 
BSC, BSCH CHEM 
BA, BAH CLST 
BA, BAH DEVS 
BA, BAH ECON 
BSCH ENSC 
BA GPHY 
BA GMST 
BA HIST 
BSC, BSCH LISC 
BSCH MATH 
BA MUSC 
BA PHIL 
BA, BSC BSCH PHYS 
BCMPH SODE 
BSCH STAT
BA, BSC MATH 
BA, BSC STAT
Computer Engineering 
(CMP1 or CMP2 Option)
BSC, BSCH BCHM 
BSC, BSCH CHEM 
BCMPH COGS 
BA, BAH DEVS 
BA, BAH ECON 
BSC, BSCH ENSC 
BSC, BSCH GEOL 
BSC, BSCH GPHY 
BA GRMN 
BA HIST 
BA LING 
BSC, BSCH LISC 
BSCH MATH 
BA MUSC 
BSCH PHYS

BA, BCMP COMP 
BA, PHYS

BA, MATH 
BCMPH COMP 
BCMPH CSCI 
BSC MATH 
BSC PHYS 
BSCH MED PHYS

Electrical EngineeringBSC, BSCH BCHM 
BA, BSC, BSCH BIOL 
BA, BAH DEVS 
BA, BAH ECON 
BA GMST 
BA MUSC 
BSCH PHYS
BA, BCMP COMP 
BCMPH COMP 
BA, BSC MATH 
BSC PHYS 
BA, BSC STAT
Engineering ChemistryBSCH BCHM 
BA GMST 
BA BIOL 
BA DEVS 
BAH DRAM 
BSCH MATH 
BA MUSC 
BA PHIL 
BA, BAH POLS
BSC BCHM 
BSC, BSCH CHEM 
BSC, BSCH LISC 
BA, BSC MATH 
BSC BIOL
Engineering PhysicsBAH APEC 
BA, BAH DEVS 
BA ECON 
BSC GEOL 
BA GMST 
BA HIST 
BA, BAH MUSC 
BA, BAH PHIL 
BA LANG
BA, BSC MATH 
BA, BSC, BSCH PHYS 
BA, BSC STAT
Engineering Physics 
(Computing Option)
BAH APEC 
BA, BAH DEVS 
BA GMST
BA, BCMP, BCMPH COMP
Engineering Physics 
(Electrical Option)
BSC CHEM 
BA, BAH DEVS
 
Engineering Physics 
(Mechanical Option)
BSC CHEM 
BA, BAH DEVS
 
Geological EngineeringBSC, BSCH BIOL 
BA, BAH DEVS 
BA, BAH ECON 
BA, BSCH ENSC 
BA MUSC 
BSCH MATH 
BSCH PHYS 
BA, BSC PHYS (*not with Geophysics Option)
BSC GEOL 
BSCH GEOL
Mathematics and EngineeringBSCH ASPH 
BA, BAH CLST 
BA, BAH DEVS 
BA, BAH ECON 
BA FILM 
BA, BAH FREN 
BA, BAH GMST 
BA HIST 
BA MUSC 
BA, BAH PHIL 
BA PHYS 
BA, BSC, BSCH PHYS (*except with Applied Mech Sub Plan) 
BA, BAH LANG
BCMP COMP 
BA, BAH MATH 
BSC, BSCH MATH
Mathematics and Engineering 
(Computing and Communications Option)
BA, BAH DEVSBA COMP 
BCMP COMP 
BCMPH COMP
Mathematics and Engineering 
(Mechanical Option)
BA, BAH DEVSBA, BSC PHYS 
BCH COMA
Mathematics and Engineering 
(Robotics Option)
  
Applied Mechanical EngineeringBSC, BSCH BCHM 
BSCH CHEM 
BA CLST 
BA, BAH DEVS 
BA, BAH ECON 
BA, BSC, BSCH GEOL 
BSC, BSCH LISC 
BA MUSC 
BSCH PHYS
BSC BIOL 
BSC CHEM 
BA, BSC MATH 
BA, BSC PHYS
Mining EngineeringBSCH CHEM 
BA CLST 
BA, BAH DEVS 
BA ECON 
BSC GEOL 
BA MUSC 
BA, BSC PHYS
BA, BSC CHEM

First degree is from the Faculty of Health Sciences

Primary Degree ProgramArts and Science Program and Plan Combinations
Faculty of Health SciencesAllowed Program and PlansDisallowed Programs and Plans
BHSc BSc Life Sciences

Academic Viability Charts - First degree is Arts and Science at Queen's or another Academic Institution 

First degree is a BA or BAH

First Degree ProgramAllowed Programs and PlansDisallowed Programs and Plans
BA Art HistoryBFAH Fine Art 
BAH Art HistoryBFAH Fine Art 
BA BiologyBA Environmental Studies 
BAH Computing and the Creative Arts BA, BCP, BCH Computing
BAH SociologyBAH Music 
BAH EnglishBAH Classics 
BA MathematicsBSC GeologyBA/BSC Statistics
BAH PsychologyBAH Sociology 
BAH Linguistics
 
BA Health Studies BSC Life Sciences
BA SOCYBAH ECON 
BAH GNDS
 

First Degree is a BSC or BSCH

First Degree ProgramAllowed Programs and PlansDisallowed Programs and Plans
BSC, BSCH BiochemistryBA MathematicsBA, BSHC Biology 
BA Mathematics 
BSCH Life Sciences
BSCH BiologyBSCH Geography 
BSCH Mathematics
BSCH Biochemistry 
BA Environmental Science 
BSCH SSP EGPY 
BSCH Life Sciences 
BSCH SSP Mathematics (if supporting program is Biology)
BSCH SSP Environmental Science and Life Sciences BA Geography
BSCH Environmental ScienceBSCH Geology 
BSCH GeographyBA Economics 
BSCH GeologyBSCH Environmental Science 
BSCH KINEBA PSYC 
BSC Life SciencesBA PhysicsBA Biology 
BSCH Biochemistry
BSCH Life SciencesBAH Psychology 
BSCH Mathematics
BA, BSCH Psychology
BSCH MathBSC AstrophysicsBA/BSC Statistics
BSCH PhysicsBSCH MathematicsBA Mathematics
BSCH PsychologyBAH LinguisticsBA Health

First Degree is a BCMP, BCMPH

First Degree ProgramAllowed Programs and PlansDisallowed Programs and Plans
BCMPH ComputingBA MathematicsBA Computing and Information Science
BCMPH Computer Science BA Computing and Information Science 
BA Mathematics 
BSC Mathematics 
BA Statistics 
BSC Statistics
BCMPH Biomedical ComputingBSHC MathematicsBA, BSC Biology 
BSCH Life Sciences

First degree is a BFA, BFAH, or BMUS

First Degree ProgramAllowed Programs and PlansDisallowed Programs and Plans
BFA Fine ArtBAH Art HistoryBA Art History
BFAH Fine Art BA, BAH Art History

Accelerated & Combined Programs

Add depth and focus to your degree through one of our innovative programs in less time than traditional timelines – a true competitive advantage.

Geography and Urban & Regional Planning (Accelerated BA / BSc + MPL)

Combine your undergraduate degree and your master’s degree in this 4+1 option. It’s a fast-track to your profession in urban and regional planning in less time. A competitive advantage for geography students wanting to work in urban planning, GIS, transportation, environmental studies, social planning, government and consultation. A natural, practical fit.

Graduate Diploma in Business

This program is designed for you - for any Queen’s graduate of non-business programs. Complete a yearlong program in only 4 months beginning in May. A perfect way to round out your Arts and Science Degree in a short period of time. Credits earned for this diploma also represent a credit toward a Queen’s MBA degree; as well as many are eligible for credit in other Queen’s School of Business Master’s degree programs.