Maryland Higher Education Commission

Off-Campus Program

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 occur at a location other than the principal location of the institution, then approval from the Maryland Higher Education Commission is required. 

Steps

• An institution completes a proposal using guidelines in accordance with State regulations (see COMAR Title 13B.02.03 (PDF) for the full set of regulations).
   
• An institution submits the proposal to Secretary of Higher Education
   
  • Electronic Submissions (Preferred)
  • Hard Copy Submissions
     
• The Commission staff will perform a preliminary review of the proposal to ensure its completeness and adherence to regulations.
   
• The Secretary informs all institutions and segments of the proposal, triggering a 30-day comment period. The program is added to the website of academic programs currently under review.
   
• If no objections are received within 30 days, then the final decision is rendered within 30 days after the review/comment period.
   

Guidelines for Submission

• Cover letter addressed to Secretary of Higher Education from chief academic officer requesting approval/endorsement of the institution to offer specific academic programs at an off-campus location
   
• Guidelines (Excluding USM Institutions) (PDF) and Academic Proposal Form (Excluding USM Institutions) (PDF)
   
• Guidelines for USM Institutions (PDF) and Academic Proposal Form for USM Institutions (PDF)
   
• Title of the program and degree or certificate to be awarded
   
• Resource requirements and the source of funds to support the programs for first 2 years
   
• The need and demand for the program
   
• Similarities and differences in degree to be awarded in comparison to others offered within the same geographical region
   
• Description of the method of instructional delivery
   
• Description of academic oversight, quality control, and student services
   
• Library resources
   
• Access to academic services
   
• Faculty Resources
   
• See COMAR Title 13B.02.03 (PDF) for the full set of regulations