Guidelines to Propose New Graduate Degrees
(revised December 2006)                                                      

The Graduate School’s Office of Academic Programs coordinates the review of new graduate degree proposals.

**There are three deadlines for the submission of new program proposals to the Graduate School each year: November 1, February 1, and May 1**

Proposals submitted before the above deadlines will receive a written response by the end of that quarter from the Office of Academic Programs.  This response will include a description of necessary revisions to the proposal, an overview of the next steps in the review process, and a preliminary timeline for the review.  Reviews of new graduate programs are tailored to each individual proposal.  New degree programs require Graduate School review, including evaluation by external reviewers, followed by approval from the Graduate School Council.  Proposals are then forwarded to the HECB Committee on Higher Education, then to the full HECB, and finally to the UW Board of Regents for approval.  Program development should include a Planning Notification of Intent (Planning NOI).

In addition to the HECB guidelines, The Graduate School requires the following information be included in the program proposal:

• Provide exact degree title intended.
   
• Indicate academic quarter new program is targeted to begin and identify the appropriate tuition tier level.
   
• If the proposed program is replacing an existing degree, will current students be grandfathered into the new program or not?  If so, how will this be implemented?
   
• Confirmation that the proposed new graduate degree will be directed by a member of the Graduate Faculty, that core program faculty are graduate faculty members, and that courses are taught by instructors holding UW appointments.
   
• Identify an enrollment plan (number of students) for the next five years.
   
• If the proposed program is a doctoral degree, the proposal should include a masters degree.
   
• Identify the appropriate tuition tier level for the program or identify whether the program is fee-based.

In our experience the HECB emphasizes:

1)     Need for the program and student demand;

2)     Employment opportunities for graduates of the program within Washington State;

3)     Funding for the program, including whether it is sustainable over time.