Establishment of a Double Degree Program for Undergraduate Science Students

A Case Study of the Dual-Degree Program with Northern Arizona University

Abstract

The present study aims to establish a comprehensive framework for a "double degree program in science for undergraduates." In 2021, our university became the first national university in Japan to initiate an interactive DD program designed explicitly for science undergraduates. Given the significant time constraints of on-the-job training, the study implemented various solutions, such as degree completion through credit transfer, to facilitate long-term study abroad opportunities. By introducing a credit transfer method and developing the visualization of syllabus similarities during the DD program's construction phase, this study addresses study abroad issues while maintaining the degree program's professionalism and quality. The findings of this study have important implications for the future design and implementation of DD programs in undergraduate programs in science and related fields.