Forms and Procedures for New Degree Programs
UT System Degree Proposal Tracking
The UT System Office of Academic Affairs system for tracking proposals prior to submission to the THECB. (Proposal Tracking Archive)
THECB Degree Proposal Tracking
The Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board (THECB) Proposal Tracking System, which allows universities to view the progress of completed proposals undergoing THECB review.
Planning Notification
The Coordinating Board requires submission of planning notification for all new degree programs, regardless of level. UT System academic institutions should submit the planning notification for a new bachelor’s, master’s, doctoral, or professional degree program directly to the Coordinating Board.
New Bachelor's and Master's Degree Programs
To request approval for a new bachelor's or master's program, complete the appropriate Coordinating Board form, depending on whether the program curriculum consists of (a) less than 50% new content or (b) 50% or more new content. Submit the completed form through the Proposal Intake Form used by the UT System Office of Academic Affairs.
NOTE: Regents’ Rule 40307: Academic Program Approval Standards requires institutions to request approval of the Board of Regents for a substantive bachelor’s or master’s degree program for which the costs during the first five years of the program will be $2 million or more. In such a case, the UT System Office of Academic Affairs requires submission of the Coordinating Board form for programs in which the curriculum consists of 50% or more new content.
New Doctoral Programs
To request approval of a new doctoral program:
- Complete the appropriate THECB form.
- Submit proposals to the Office of Academic Affairs proposal intake.
Requests Requiring Board of Regents Approval
Requests that require Board of Regents approval are new doctoral or professional programs and bachelor’s and master’s programs, the costs of which will be at or above $2 million during the first five years. Requests must be submitted to the Office of Academic Affairs at least three and a half months before the Board of Regents meeting at which the institution wishes the item to be considered. OAA staff will make every effort to review the request in time for the next Board meeting.
| Board of Regents Meeting | Proposals Due No Later Than |
| November | August 1 |
| February | November 1 |
| May | February 1 |
| August | May 1 |
Regents' Rules related to academic programs include:
- Abandonment of Programs (31003)
- Academic Program Approval Standards (40307)
- Graduate Education (40311)
Related THECB guidelines and procedures are available via the link below.
