The following shall be the presumptive policy of the collective Graduate Programs at Northwest Nazarene University with regard to the application of credit hours in the event of the award of multiple graduate degrees to any student.

When determining the satisfaction of credit hour requirements for any graduate degree awarded at Northwest Nazarene University, no more than one-third (33.33%) of the credit hour requirements for such graduate degree may be satisfied by credit hours earned and applied pursuant to satisfaction of requirements for any other graduate degree or degrees.

This statement of policy is intended to establish a presumptive norm that will be applicable in the absence of any alternative determination; it is the specific intent of this statement of policy that variations in and exceptions to this policy may occur with the approval of the Graduate and Continuing Studies Council. The Council may, and it is contemplated that it will, grant deviations and exceptions from this presumptive policy based upon the specific pedagogical content, needs and circumstances of any particular degree. In the course of evaluating such deviations or exceptions from this presumptive policy, the Council shall consider and take into account (1) whether the credits are earned at NNU or another institution, (2) whether the respective graduate degree programs are specifically designed and intended to function together in a manner that renders this presumptive policy immaterial, (3) relevant treatment of credits by sister institutions or competing programs in similar or competitive programs or situations, and (4) policy or opinion of the regional accreditors, and (5) such other considerations as the Council deems relevant.