New Program Creation Process
When developing a new program, it's very important to keep in mind that this is often a multi-year process. There is a heavy dependence on reviews and approvals from internal CSULB and external CSU/Accreditation sources. See the Curriculum Calendar page for details.
The process is outlined as follows:
New Degree Programs require notification for the Academic Master Plan in advance of starting the process.
Please reach out and include the Academic Master Plan (AMP) Prospectus Proposal (information found under the AMP accordion band) to the Vice Provost of Academic Programs and the Office of Academic Programs.
Departments or programs will need to obtain department and college approval before submitting a proposal.
Please prepare and submit the following items to the Academic Programs office:
- the program proposal in template format (DOCX)
- This form from the CO requests a comprehensive assessment plan addressing all assessment elements in Sec 4B. Please review these assessment plan and assessment matrix examples (DOCX).
- Submit a Substantive Change Form (DOC - with notes) to Sharlene Sayegh.
- WSCUC review of new degrees is required. Read additional information on substantive change forms.
- a completed "URC Proposal for New Program, Degree or Certificate (DOCX)".
- completed Projected Roadmaps (XLSX) for the degree where applicable (bachelor’s programs please include a 4-year AND 2-year transfer projected roadmap)
Digital copies of all proposal materials that were approved by the department and college are forwarded to the Vice Provost of Academic Programs and the Office of Academic Programs (catalog@csulb.edu). The proposal is reviewed by both offices and feedback is provided to the proposer.
When details of the document are finalized, the Academic Programs Office will move the proposal forward toward the CSULB Academic Senate.
The proposal packet is shared with the CSULB Academic Senate Chair.
Upon their approval of the materials, the proposal will be shared with the Senate's Curriculum and Educational Policies Council (CEPC) and University Resource Council (URC) for review. Proposers will be invited to discuss their proposals with these councils, and potentially be asked to make updates to the content. Upon final recommendation by these councils, the proposed program must be reviewed and approved by the CSULB Academic Senate. Proposers are again invited to discuss their proposals.
Upon recommendation by the Academic Senate, the Vice Provost for Academic Programs seeks the President's approval.
With approval of the CSULB President, the Academic Programs Office will compile the final version of the proposal packet and submit to the CSU Chancellor's Office Academic Programs team.
Upon the Chancellor's Office approval, CSULB will set an implementation date for the program. A policy statement will be distributed to campus administration, and the program will appear in the CSULB Catalog during the appropriate year. The proposing department can begin working with the CSULB Admissions Office on preparing for start of the degree.
