Stackable degrees are designed for students to earn multiple credentials in a defined field of study, typically a master’s degree and one or two graduate certificates. This model allows multiple points of entry into a discipline and provides the flexibility to earn credentials over time. Some stackable degrees require that students earn a graduate certificate as part of the program while others do not; there is an option to use electives in place of a graduate certificate in these programs. Refer to the Bulletin for additional information about Stackable Degree requirements.
Students pursuing a stackable degree must be admitted to each of the relevant programs. If you are unsure if you are admitted to each program, check your Student Profile in myPSU (Primary and Secondary Curricula) or contact your department or the Graduate DARS Coordinator (graddars@pdx.edu). If you need to add admission to a graduate certificate, you will need to submit a GO-19 form.
Students must apply for graduation for the master’s degree and each graduate certificate separately.
As of fall 2026, the following stackable degrees are available.
MS in Applied Data Science for Business
One graduate certificate required, choose from:
- Business Intelligence and Analytics
- Enterprise Analytics
- Health and Clinical Informatics (offered at OHSU)
- Human Resource Analytics (only for students admitted to this program before fall 2024)
- Business Blockchain (moratorium fall 2024)
PSM in Applied Geoscience
Two graduate certificates required, choose from:
- Engineering Geology
- Environmental Geology
- Hydro-Geology
PSM in Environmental Science and Management
Two graduate certificates required, choose one from each list:
List A
- Hydrology
- Geographic Information Systems
- Engineering Geology
- Environmental Geology
- Hydro-Geology
List B
- Sustainability (moratorium spring 2025)
- Conflict Resolution (moratorium summer 2025)
- Sustainable Food Systems
- Environmental and Resource Economics
- Emergency Management and Community Resilience
MS in Finance
Option for a stackable degree with one of the programs below OR electives only in place of a graduate certificate:
- Enterprise Analytics
- Real Estate Investment and Finance
Master of Public Administration
Option for a stackable degree with one of the programs below OR electives only in place of a graduate certificate:
- Local Government Administration
- Nonprofit Leadership
- Program Evaluation and Policy Analysis