I talked to my academic advisor today, and he actually doesn’t know, because he hasn’t seen it be attempted before. I entered this program in 2018, so I graduate under those requirements, and massive changes are coming to degree requirements in 2020. To cut a long explanation short, the new degree requirements will most likely far better reflect what I want out of this program than the 2018 requirements. Since I haven’t done non-core stuff yet (and this core stuff isn’t going away under 2020 rules), and since I’m in two masters programs, I want to go take coursework in my other program until the new requirements come out, then come back, voluntarily relinquish the grandfather clause that lets me use 2018 degree requirements, and complete the program under 2020 rules.
I can’t formally ask university administration about this until the new requirements release, but is this generally a thing students can do?
You may want to read carefully the degree requirements for your program to see if there is some fine print that specifically covers the situation.
You also want to check on the availability of courses that may be unique to the old and new requirements, since those unique to the old requirements may stop being offered.
Sounds logical. In the dual degree masters programs I am familar with, you take classes in one area for a year and then come back to the other one later. The main issue is whether you will get to elect the new requirements - you seem to think you will have a choice.
You need to check carefully with your school. If you get an approval to do what you suggest I would be sure to get it in writing from someone at a high level at your college.
Typically any re-vamps to the graduation requirements are made for the class of 20XX and later. I don’t expect that current students will be given the chance to pick and choose which set of requirements they prefer. But it doesn’t hurt to ask.
I’m actually a half time student in two separate masters programs that are in the same college at the same university, but not part of an official dual degree program.
I know that, under university rules, I would complete my degree under 2018 degree requirements. My situation, where using the 2020 requirements would be in my best interest, is unusual. So, I’m wondering whether I can have a choice if there’s a good rationale for switching to the 2020 requirements, and if I can fulfill them all.