The time to complete the combined degree pathways is accelerated because of “double-counted” courses. Students complete the “double-counted” courses at the higher degree level (or the equivalent degree level if students are pursuing a master’s and master’s combined degree pathway). This preserves the rigor of the higher-level coursework. In addition to restricting enrollment in combined degree completion pathways based on academic merit, LMU limits the total number of "double-counted" credits for each pathway, ensuring that no combined degree pathway falls far short of 150 total credit hours for an undergraduate-graduate pathway or 60 total credit hours for a graduate-graduate pathway.
For combined degree completion pathways with “double-counted” credits, faculty/program coordinators complete LMU’s Transfer Credit Approval Form to accept transfer credit hours in the lower (or equivalent for master’s-master’s pathway) degree program after students complete the appropriate courses in the higher degree program. This ensures all LMU students complete the minimum required credit hours to earn degrees at all approved levels.