Establish a New Option - Process

The page concerns new Options only. There are separate pages for information about sub-options (concentrations, tracks, specializations, emphases, fields) and for elevating options.

Proposal Packet

Departments or programs will need to obtain department, college, and university approval for the proposal. The CSU Chancellor's Office does need to confirm the implementation of a new option.

In advance of filling out this form, it would be helpful to prepare the following for submission, as both are required for submission:

The new option process is outlined as follows:

Originator submits proposal that was approved by the department and college to the Vice Provost of Academic Programs (jody.cormack@csulb.edu) and the Office of Academic Programs (catalog@csulb.edu).

 Proposed

Proposal is reviewed and feedback is provided to originator.
Upon approval, the Vice Provost of Academic Programs forward the proposal to the Academic Senate.

 Approved

The document is provided on to the Curriculum and Educational Policies Council (CEPC) and the University Resource Council (URC) for review.

Proposers will be invited to discuss their proposals with these councils. After approval from the URC, the CEPC approval will finalize the creation of the new option. (Note, this process is effective Fall 2023. Submissions prior to this semester will go through full Senate approval.)

 After CEPC Approval

The Vice Provost for Academic Programs informs the Provost and CSULB President and submits notice of the new option to the CSU Chancellor's Office.

 Upon Chancellor's Office confirmation, new options are added to the next CSULB Catalog (or during the appropriate effective year).

 

 

 

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Please use the current version of the CSU's Degree Program Proposal Template (DOC).

CSULB Tips for Completing the CSU Degree Program Proposal Template

  • When asked for the full and exact degree designation and title: if this is a request to change a current program, as in "Elevation of an Option or Concentration to a Full Degree Program," list the Current Degree Designation and Title, followed by the Proposed Degree Designation and Title.
  • When asked for a statement from the appropriate campus administrative authority that the addition of this program supports the campus mission and will not impede the successful operation and growth of existing academic programs: the proposal should include a statement from the dean and then the appropriate administrator in the Office of the Provost cover letter will serve as endorsement.
  • WASC approval is needed for a Substantive Change: e.g., when 50% or more of a degree program will be offered via distance learning technology or at a site more than 25 miles from the home campus. Another example is for a structural change: when we want to offer a new degree program (such as the Ed.D.) at a level we have never offered before. Joint doctorates must also go through this process.
  • When asked for "Proposed Classification of Instructional Programs and CSU Degree Program Code (Note: this is optional)": The CSU Office of the Chancellor is offering the department the opportunity to select the best-suited codes for reporting purposes, both internally (CSU Degree Program Code) and on a national level (CIP Code). The CSU Degree Program Codes are already paired with a CIP code as referenced on the Program Code chart accessed in the template, but if you are not satisfied with the choices available on that chart, you may be able to be more specific with the CIP code. If you select a new CIP code, the CSU Office of the Chancellor will assign an appropriate Program Code to go with it. If you choose not to select codes, then it will be done for you at the CSU Office of the Chancellor. If you need assistance with either code list, contact the Office of Academic Programs and Articulation (AS 124, x. 5-8221).
  • Under the heading "Existing Support Resources for the Proposed Degree Major Program": For all proposed undergraduate degree programs, a minimum of three full-time faculty members with the appropriate terminal degree should be on the program staff. A CV is not needed.