These guidelines provide an overview of the procedures and formats for most new degree program proposals. Depending on the nature of your program (e.g., the new degree proposed is currently an option), another format and/or additional information may be required. If you have any questions before beginning any paperwork please contact Curriculum Services.
Overview
A new degree program requires approval from both the campus community and the Chancellor's Office. The process is initiated with a Projection Proposal (formerly known as a Conceptual Abstract).
Projection Proposal
The projected degree should be an outgrowth of strategic planning.
The department or college initiating a new degree program should submit a projection proposal(opens in new window) that includes the following.
- Name of proposed degree (AA 86-09 (PDF) specifies the campus policy requiring breadth in curriculum and in program name -- avoid overspecialization).
- Department/College/University to offer degree
- Summary statements on questions of need and demand
- Relationship of program to mission of department and college
- Student demand for the program
- Demand for graduates (if a professional-occupational program)
- Level of resource support required
- Tentative sources of resource support
- Relation of program to the University Strategic Plan(opens in new window).
The submitting department may proceed with a proposal as soon as Academic Affairs has approved the projection.
Submission of Projection Proposals for the CSU Academic Master Plan
The campus submits a list of potential new degree programs to the Chancellor's Office twice a year for inclusion on the Trustees' Academic Master Plan. Programs are eligible for this list once support for the projection has been approved by the department, the college, Graduate Studies (if applicable), and the Provost. Although placing a degree program on the list satisfies a system-wide planning requirement, it does not directly affect the formal campus approval process and does not guarantee final approval.
Once the projection has been approved, a formal proposal is prepared by the department or program. If the proposal is recommended for approval at all stages of the campus review process it will be sent to the Chancellor's Office for review and approval.
Deadlines
May 31 for summer cycle
November 30 for winter cycle
New Degree Proposal
After the projection is approved by the Board of Trustees and added to the Academic Master Plan, a New Degree Proposal is completed and approved at campus level before being submitted to the Chancellor's Office for final approval.
This document is the property of Academic Affairs and maintained by Curriculum Services