Elevate an Option to a Full Degree
Please review: CSU EO 1071 and EO 1071 FAQs (PDF)
The actions outlined in EO 1071 were enforced to ensure accurate reporting of degree-related data, a Chancellor’s Office approved degree program title, associated CSU degree code, Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP) code, and CIP definition need to reflect more than 50 percent of the required major core. Subprograms (options, concentrations, special emphases, and similar) need to represent less than 50 percent of the major requirements.
When the Chancellor approves a campus degree proposal, a specific set of curricular requirements is approved, and an appropriate related CIP code (with an associated curriculum definition) is assigned for reporting purposes. The codes assigned are used to track enrollments, degrees granted, retention, time-to-degree, and financial aid, among other data. Through Intersegmental Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS), these CSU data are submitted to the federal government.
When elevating an option to a full, stand-alone degree, it's very important to keep in mind that this is often a multi-year process heavily dependent on reviews and approvals from internal CSULB and external CSU/Accreditation sources. See the Timeline for Program Development page for details.
After consulting internally within a department and college - the proposal originator needs to complete the CSU Elevating Options Template (DOCX) (updated 4/7/22) and submit to the Academic Programs Office and the Vice Provost of Academic Programs (jody.cormack@csulb.edu) and the Office of Academic Programs (catalog@csulb.edu). This linked template has notes specific to CSULB within it.
Our teams will provide feedback, and once we reach a final draft, the proposal will be submitted to the CSU Chancellor's Office.
Elevation Process
The proposal originator secures all necessary reviews/approvals internally from their department and college.
Approved
The Dean's Office or a designee submits the following to the Vice Provost of Academic Programs (jody.cormack@csulb.edu) and the Office of Academic Programs (catalog@csulb.edu):
- a completed Elevating Options Template (DOCX)
- a coversheet for program progression (Docusign - Page 1)
- completed projected roadmaps for the degree where applicable (bachelor’s programs please include a 4-year AND 2-year transfer projected roadmap)
- submit a Substantive Change Form (DOC - with notes) to Sharlene Sayegh
- a letter of support from the college's dean in regards to the college's support of budgetary costs related to the program's elevation
Reviewed Feedback/Edits Approved
When everything is in order, the Vice Provost for Academic Programs forwards the proposal to the Academic Senate.
Submitted
The document is then passed on to the Curriculum and Educational Policies Council and the University Resource Council for review. Proposers will be invited to discuss their proposals with these councils. Upon recommendation by these councils, the proposed program must be reviewed and approved by the entire senate. Proposers are again invited to discuss their proposals.
Reviewed Feedback/Edits Approved
Upon recommendation by the Academic Senate, the Vice Provost for Academic Programs seeks the President's approval.
Concurrence
The proposing department then sends 5 paper copies and 1 electronic version of the proposal to the Vice Provost for Academic Programs for submission to the CSU Office of the Chancellor. Upon approval, the elevated option will appear in the CSULB Catalog for the next available academic year.
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CIP Code References
CIP Code Overview will help with references, how to read the code and provide the master table for listings (including STEM).