Program Development
Faculty are the academic leaders in defining the curricula of the University and work closely with OIA to design programs that serve student needs and are both academically sound and fiscally viable.
Program development includes the academic conceptualization, processes associated with the development, review, and approval of formal new program proposals, as well as revisions to existing programs. Such programs include certificates, minors, concentrations, specializations, tracks, bachelor’s degrees, master’s degrees, professional degrees, or doctorates in any discipline.
New Program Development
UTRGV supports its colleges, schools, departments, and faculty in developing and implementing new programs that meet the needs of students and support the University’s mission and strategic plan. OIA is responsible for guiding new program development through the program proposal and University approval process to the program development process, addressing potential issues in program development. Additional information regarding the two phases can be found on the New Program Development Process document.
Program Development and Analysis Team
Prior to beginning the program proposal and University approval phase, new program ideas must be submitted to the Program Development and Analysis Team (PDAT) for review and endorsement.
Once the PDAT has endorsed the program idea, OIA will contact the program proposer to begin the program proposal and approval process.
General Process Overview
New programs must go through some or all of the following stages of approval. Not all of the stages will apply to every proposed program. Some stages proceed in chronological order, while some stages may be completed concurrently. Contact OIA to review which steps will be required.
- Internal Planning Steps for New Program Development
- Planning Notification
- 30-day Notification to Area Institutions
- Preparing and Submitting a Proposal to UTS and THECB
- Preparing and Submitting a Prospectus to SACSCOC
- Notifying/Seeking Approval from the Department of Education
- Implementation of the New Program
Board of Regents Approval
Programs requiring the Board of Regents (BOR) approval must submit requests to the UT System Office of Academic Affairs at least three and a half months before the BOR meeting. To comply with this timeline, completed proposals must be submitted to OIA two months prior to the BOR submission deadline. The curriculum must be approved by the Undergraduate Committee or Graduate Committee prior to the UT System deadline.
UT System - Proposing New Degree Programs