Elevate an Option to a Full Degree
The goal of a degree elevation is to transform a degree subprogram (at ÀóÖ¦ÊÓƵ, these are official degree "Options") to a standalone degree. For example, a Bachelor of Arts in Wizardry, Option in Alchemy, could propose to elevate to a standalone Bachelor of Arts in Alchemy.
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 ÀóÖ¦ÊÓƵ and external CSU/Accreditation sources. See the Timeline for Program Development page for details.
The process is outlined as follows:
Departments or programs will need to obtain department and college approval before submitting a proposal.
This packet includes:
- a completed
- a completed which can be submitted to Sharlene Sayegh.
- WSCUC review of new degrees is required. Read additional information on substantive change forms.
- WSCUC review of new degrees is required. Read additional information on substantive change forms.
- a completed ")".
- a completed budget document (template is currently being reviewed and finalized by the CSU Chancellor's Office - these will be required for both state-supported and self-supported budgets) - contact catalog@csulb.edu for the current template in progress.
- a completed for the degree where applicable (bachelor’s programs please include a 4-year AND 2-year transfer projected roadmap)
- as applicable, be sure to include the current GE pattern, student graduate progression milestones, and any other relevant information that can aid a student's path toward their degree
Digital copies of all proposal materials that were approved by the department and college are forwarded to the Vice Provost for Academic Programs, the WSCUC ALO and Director of Institutional Assessment, and the Academic Programs Team (group email link). The proposal is reviewed by all 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 ÀóÖ¦ÊÓƵ Academic Senate.
The proposal packet is shared with the ÀóÖ¦ÊÓƵ 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 elevation must be reviewed and approved by the ÀóÖ¦ÊÓƵ 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 ÀóÖ¦ÊÓƵ 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, ÀóÖ¦ÊÓƵ will set an implementation date for the program elevation. A policy statement will be distributed to campus administration, and the program will appear in the ÀóÖ¦ÊÓƵ Catalog during the appropriate year.
