Maryland Higher Education Commission

Academic Program Proposals
From Degree-Granting Institutions Authorized to
Operate in the State of Maryland

New Degree Programs

      A new degree program:

• establishes instruction leading to a formal award in a subject area in which the award is not presently authorized, 
   
• establishes an instructional program in a subject area which will offer a degree at a different degree level than presently authorized,
   
• establishes a new major by combining course work from two or more existing degree programs, or
   
• establishes a degree that is of a different type than that presently authorized.

Substantial Expansion/Major Modification to Existing Programs includes:

• a new area of concentration within an existing program
   
• a new program title within an approved program.

Certificate Programs

• Directed Technology Certificate is a specialized learning program designed for community colleges intended to meet specific employer training needs.  It requires the completion of at least 12 credits but no more than 24 credits.
   
• New Certificate Programs may or may not be part of an existing degree area.  These programs are distinctly different from directed technology certificates and fall into several categories: Lower-Division Certificates, Upper-Division Certificates, Post-Baccalaureate Certificates, Certificates of Advanced Study, and Professional Certificates.  Use this link for information on the differences between the certificates and the guidelines for proposing a new certificate program.

Off-Campus Programs

• When more than one-third of the required course work in a major field of study leading to a certificate or any undergraduate or graduate degree program occurs at a location other than the principal location of the institution, then approval from the Maryland Higher Education Commission is required.