This webpage provides resources, guidelines, and support for the development of academic programs and direction on institutional governance, regulatory requirements, and accreditor responsibilities affecting program development or the operations associated with existing programs.
REQUIRED APPROVALS FOR CURRICULAR CHANGES
Approvals Required for Curricular Changes (Chart) This chart provides the required review process for the most common curricular changes to academic programs.
There are several types of curricular proposals that may be proposed. The approval process is dependent upon the type of curricular proposal being proposed. Please contact the Assistant Director for Program Development (ADAPD) to determine the category of the curricular proposal you are making.
Proposals for New Minors or Modification of Minors
Proposals for new minors or modification of existing minors should complete the Minor Proposal Form that was approved by the Senate in 2024. The form is to be completed by proposers of new minors prior to review by Loyola governance. If you have questions regarding the creation and process for proposing new minors or the modification of a minor, please contact the Associate Provost.
New Academic Program Proposal Form and Guidelines
The ADAPD will work with proposers of new academic programs to develop their proposal. Proposers will provide committees with the information relevant to the committee's charge and complete documents required by external reviewers such as the Maryland Higher Education Commission (MHEC) as part of the program proposal development process. This includes MHEC's A-P Guidelines for Proposing New Academic Programs. Please contact the ADAPD for any questions you have regarding curricular changes and new program proposals.
PROGRAM DEVELOPMENT
Program Process
The first thing a proposer with an idea for a new academic program should do is discuss their idea with their department chair and their associate dean.
New academic programs should be supported by their dean and have been placed on the academic program proposal pipeline prior to formal development with the ADAPD.
Program Development Process (Form and Instructions) This form and instructions provides the development process for writing the program proposal in conjunction with the program development specialist.
Program Approval Workflow This document provides the workflow for new programs and substantial curricular changes to existing programs.
Proposal Timeline (Chart) This chart provides a general guideline for the time required from development to implementation of a new academic program or substantial modification to existing academic program.
The Assessment of Student Learning webpage provides resources for proposers including the Committee for the Assessment of Student Learning's (CASL) tools and guides for assessment planning.
REQUIRED EXTERNAL REVIEW FOR ACADEMIC PROGRAM CHANGES
In developing academic programs or the offering of existing programs at non-Evergreen locations, Loyola University Maryland has a relationship with three external bodies: the Maryland High Education Commission (MHEC), the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE), and the U.S. Department of Education. Each of these agencies has distinct, separate, and explicit roles and functions, albeit with some overlap in certain areas of collective or mutual interest.
As a general principle, those curricular or programmatic proposals that require review by MHEC require consideration by Loyola governance. This includes new degree or certificate program proposals or the substantial modification of an existing degree or certificate program. Below is a description and definition of programs and modifications that require consideration by Loyola governance and those annotated with an asterisk also requires MHEC review.
Common Curricular Proposals Requiring Review
The Program Development and Approval Guidelines provide additional guidance specific to each of the proposal types that require Loyola governance consideration and includes a proposal template that addresses the regulatory requirements of most MHEC reviews. Additional guidance is available from the Assistant Director for Program Development (ADAPD).
A New Degree or Certification
Substantial Modification
Proposed curricular change to an existing degree, minor, or certificate program that affects more than 33% of the program's course work.
Modality Change
A change to the modality of the program whether to a new or previously approved program. If a program was approved to offer the program in only one modality (either in-person or via distance education) and is proposing to offer the program in another modality, it requires internal and external review. A program is considered taught in a distance education (online) format where 100% of the credits or courses associated with the program are available and marketed as able to be completed online. A distance education program may include in-person field placements.
Establishing a New Area of Concentration
Establishing a new area of concentration within an existing program (for example, an institution offers a program in psychology and wishes to add a new area of concentration in employee assistance training, or an institution offers a program in mental health and wishes to offer a new area of concentration in addiction counseling); Code of Maryland Regulations (COMAR) 13B.02.03.02B defines area of concentration. 'Area of concentration' means a sequential arrangement of courses within a program that:
- At the bachelor's level is at least 24 semester credit hours;
- At the master's level is at least 12 semester credit hours above the bachelor's degree; and
- At the doctoral level is at least 18 semester credit hours above the master's degree.
Title Change of a Program or Major
Title changes of a program or major requires appropriate review (see Curricular Proposal Process chart) and notifications to relevant curriculum committees.
Development of a Minor
The requirements for minors range from 5-7 courses. Minors typically require 6 three credit courses. Any proposed minor requiring few than six or more than seven courses should provide written justification.
Establishment of a Specialization
An institutional award of less than 12 credits (typically 9 -11 credits). Requires review and notification of relevant curricular bodies.
CIP Code Change
Changes to the Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP) code requires appropriate review. A CIP code is a six-digit numerical identifier used the U.S. Department of Education to facilitate the organization, collection, and reporting of fields of study and program completions.
Off-Campus Program
One-third or more of an existing program is available at a site other than the Evergreen campus.
NOTE: ALL off-campus instructional sites require approval from Middles States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE) and the U.S. Department of Education.
Development of an Articulation Agreement