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Integrated Undergraduate-Graduate (IUG) Degree Plans Information

This information is provided to clarify the enrollment expectations for Integrated Undergraduate-Graduate (IUG) degree plans (see Graduate Education Policy GCAC 210 Integrated Undergraduate-Graduate IUG Programs) and the implications for student financial aid. Specifically, this information should be utilized by IUG students and advisers to determine how a student should enroll in courses in order to remain in compliance with University and federal policy.

Definitions of Terms

    • Undergraduate courses: 100-400 level courses
    • Graduate courses: 500 and 800 level courses
  • Shared courses: 400, 500 and 800 level courses that will appear on both the undergraduate and graduate transcript (12 credit max).
  • Semester Reports: Forms submitted to Graduate Enrollment Services every semester listing enrollment and where (UGRD, GRAD and Shared) each course should count.
  • Academic Career: Distinguishes different academic levels of a student (e.g., undergraduate career, graduate career).

Semester Report Submission

  • Semester reports for graduating students must be submitted within the first two weeks of the graduating semester.
  • Semester reports will not be accepted after graduating with the undergraduate degree.  Undergraduate and graduate official transcripts cannot be altered after graduation.
  • Semester reports for students not graduating are due by the end of the current semester.
  • Graduate programs are responsible for submitting semester reports to Graduate Enrollment Services.

Appropriate Course Sequence for IUG students 

Students should be advised to fulfill basic undergraduate requirements first so that if, for some reason, they cannot continue in the integrated program they will be able to receive their undergraduate degree without a significant loss of time.  

Financial Aid Implications for IUG Students

Financial aid is awarded to students based on their particular academic career (e.g., undergraduate career or graduate career) and their credit load within that career. IUG students have two simultaneously active careers.  Students and advisers need to be aware of how an IUG student should enroll in courses and how it may impact their aid. The enrollment guidelines in this document are designed to ensure that students enroll in courses under their correct career so that the courses appear appropriately based on where the student is in the degree program and the type of aid the student is eligible to receive. This way, the University remains in compliance with federal and state aid regulations. Here is additional information on the various types of aid that will be impacted by how an IUG student enrolls:
  • The Federal Pell Grant is only awarded to undergraduate students and will be based on credits in the undergraduate career that count toward the undergraduate degree.
  • The Pennsylvania State Grant is only awarded to undergraduate students and will be based on credits in the undergraduate career that count toward the undergraduate degree.
  • Federal Direct Loans are based on the student’s academic career.  In order to be eligible for loans as an undergraduate or as a graduate the student must enroll in the necessary credit load in the corresponding career.  Credits on the graduate career cannot count toward credit load eligibility for undergraduate loans and vice versa.
  • Students who are considered undergraduate, and whose parents apply for a Federal Parent PLUS loan (which can be a significant value), who then are deemed graduate based on their course selection, will lose the full amount awarded through this loan program.
  • Students who are considered graduate, and who apply for a Federal Graduate PLUS loan (which can be a significant value), who then are deemed undergraduate based on their course selection, will lose the full amount awarded through this loan program.
  • Private alternative loans are based on the student’s academic career.  In order to be eligible for loans as an undergraduate or as a graduate the student must enroll in the necessary credit load in the corresponding career.  Credits on the graduate career cannot count toward credit load eligibility for undergraduate loans and vice versa.

Additional information concerning student aid can be found on the Penn State Student Aid website.  

Enrollment Guidelines for IUG students and advisers

  • For undergraduate courses that will only count toward the undergraduate degree (001-499): Register online using undergraduate enrollment appointment.
  • For undergraduate courses that will only count toward the graduate degree (400-499): Register online using graduate enrollment appointment.
  • For undergraduate courses that are shared and will count toward both degrees (400-499): Register online using undergraduate enrollment appointment.
  • For graduate courses that will only count toward the undergraduate degree (500 or 800 level): Register using Undergraduate Student to take 500 or 800-Level Course form. Do not register online.
  • For graduate courses that will only count toward the graduate degree (500 or 800 level): Register online using graduate enrollment appointment.
  • For graduate courses that are shared and will count toward both degrees (500 or 800 level): Register using Undergraduate Student to take 500 or 800-Level Course form. Do not register online.
  • DO NOT enroll in the same course on both the undergraduate and graduate enrollment appointments.

Quick Reference Chart: Enrollment Guidelines

Use the chart below as a quick reference guide to determine the mode of enrollment (as outlined above in, Enrollment Guidelines for IUG students and advisers).

Course Level Degree for which course is counting toward How to enroll in the course
Undergraduate (001-499) GRAD degree only Enroll in LP Student Center under GRAD enrollment appointment
UGRD degree only or; Both UGRD and GRAD degree Enroll in LP Student Center under UGRD enrollment appointment
Graduate (500 or 800) GRAD degree only Enroll in LP Student Center under GRAD enrollment appointment
UG degree only or; Both UGRD and GRAD degree No online enrollment.  Must submit the Undergraduate to take 500 or 800-Level Course Form

IUG/Joint Degree Career Swap Form

In the event that a student does not follow the appropriate sequence of courses and enrollment guidelines listed above and places a course on the wrong academic career, changes to the student’s aid amount or the student’s aid eligibility may occur. In order to adhere to the enrollment guidelines and switch the course to the correct career, students should use the IUG/Joint Degree Career Swap form. This form can have academic and financial consequences and therefore should only be used after the student consults with his/her adviser and Student Aid representative.  The Swap form cannot be used for prior semesters.

This page was generated on March 28, 2024 at 5:10 AM local time. This may not be the most recent version of this page. Check the Penn State Graduate School website for updates.