Proposing New Degree Programs

The Coordinating Board requires submission of planning notification for the following types of degree programs:

• Doctoral and professional programs 
  
  UT System requires submission of a Preliminary Authority Request using the proposal intake form.
   
• Engineering programs (baccalaureate, master's) 
  
  Upon receipt of a new degree program proposal for engineering, the UT System Office of Academic Affairs will submit a planning notification to the THECB before completing the full proposal review. OAA will use the letter to the Executive Vice Chancellor accompanying the full proposal, and no other additional planning notification documentation is needed from the institutions (unless requested by OAA). 
   
• Any bachelor’s or master’s program for which new costs will be at or above $2 million during the first five years
  
  Upon receipt of a new degree program proposal at or above $2 million, the UT System Office of Academic Affairs will submit a planning notification to the THECB before completing the full proposal review. OAA will use the letter to the Executive Vice Chancellor accompanying the full proposal, and no other additional planning notification documentation is needed from the institutions (unless requested by OAA). 

New Certificate, Bachelor's, or Master's Degree Programs

Complete the appropriate THECB application form found on the Certificate Requests page. New certificate requests may be submitted directly to the THECB.

For new bachelor's and master's programs, complete both the Full Request Form and the Certification Form. Submit the completed form(s) to the Academic Affairs Proposal Intake Form for Office of Academic Affairs.

Creating degree programs using existing courses and resources: If a department would like to create a new degree program that does not require additional courses, faculty, or financial resources, you may submit the Certification Form only. It is recommended that campuses reach out to the Office of Academic Affairs prior to submitting these types of requests to determine what information will be needed about the proposed program.

New Doctoral Programs

To propose a new doctoral program:

1. Complete the THECB application form found on the New Program Requests page.
2. Complete the Budget Analysis Template, the Budget Analysis Narrative and the Doctoral Graduates Survey found below and include them in the application form.
   • Budget Analysis Template.
   • Budget Analysis Narrative.
   • Doctoral Graduates Survey - This questionnaire should be sent to institutions that offer the doctoral program you are proposing. The responses you receive regarding employment of Ph.D. graduates will assist you in your justification for the need of a new doctoral program at your institution.
3. Submit proposals to the Office of Academic Affairs proposal intake.

Requests Requiring Board of Regents Approval