Programs, Curricula & Courses (PCC) Manual
Introduction
Table of Contents
Programs
Departments
Approval Routes and Times
Centers and Institutes
College Contacts
The Design of Academic Programs
Curriculum Changes
Faculty Governance
Off-Campus and
Distance Learning
Minors
Bachelor's Degrees
Honors Programs
Master's Degrees
Doctoral Degrees
Certificates
Combined Bachelor's /
Master's Degrees
Dual Master's /
Doctoral Degrees
Credentials
Master and Graduate Certificate of Professional Studies
2008-09 Academic Planning and Programs Calendar (Please contact the Graduate School for information about spring Graduate PCC and Graduate Council meetings.)
Design of Academic Programs
Section V: Bachelor's Degrees
Institutional requirements are a minimum of 120 semester hours; the fulfillment of all general education program requirements; the final thirty hours of course work in residence; and a cumulative grade point average of 2.0. There may be additional College requirements, which must also be reflected in any proposal for a new or revised curriculum.
The presence of a structured and coherent program of study with clearly delineated program objectives and intended student learning outcome[s] must be evident. Required courses in the major should not be excessive and should be consistent with customary expectations for the type of degree proposed. It is important not to overload credits during the freshman year; too heavy a load during that year might substantially reduce students' chances for success. In particular:
A curriculum that requires more than 120 total credits will require careful justification.
All prerequisites should be included in the count of program requirements, including courses offered by other departments. There should be no "hidden" prerequisites.
Students should have the opportunity to take a reasonable number of free electives; fewer than 12 credits of free electives in a four-year program should be justified (e.g., by reference to similar programs elsewhere, or to accreditation requirements).
The course load for the freshman year should be reasonable. More than 16 credits in a semester should be justified.
The program should not include more than two lab or studio courses in a single semester.
General education courses should be scheduled for appropriate times. Ideally, under the CORE program, distributed studies courses should be completed by the end of the sophomore year and advanced studies in the junior year. Some minimal delays may be acceptable if necessitated by the program.
Variations from these guidelines - for example, low numbers of free electives - should be justified by statistics on similar programs at other universities, or by accreditation requirements. If appropriate, the curriculum of the proposed program should reflect the requirements of any accrediting or certifying body. Conformance with accreditation standards should be illustrated by reference to the certifying body's criteria.
Office of the Associate Provost for Academic Planning & Programs
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