Develop a New Degree Program

A Degree Program (in-person or online) is a curriculum leading to the award of a bachelor’s, master’s, professional, or doctoral degree. A listing of the university's approved degree programs is maintained by the Office of the Secretary of Higher Education.

Rutgers University relies on several guiding principles in the development of new academic programs. We encourage all to review this document prior to developing any program and reaching out to your Provost to discuss any potential overlap and opportunities for collaboration across the institution.

Online Programs
We are all committed to high-quality online programs, and we have expertise in the Office of University Online Education Services (UOES) who can assist you in meeting that goal. If units are proposing an online academic program, they are encouraged to reach out to UOES for consultation and guidance at questions@uoes.rutgers.edu. More detailed information about the different forms of modality can be found on the Academic Program and Organization Approvals FAQ webpage.

Key Steps and Required Approvals

1. Initial Approval by Chancellor-led Unit (CLU): The academic unit must first secure initial approval from their CLU. Contact your Provost's Office for guidance.
2. Notice of Intent (NOI): The proposing CLU completes an NOI, and it is sent to all CLUs via the NOI System.
3. Office for Teaching Evaluation and Assessment Research (OTEAR) Review: The Office for Teaching Evaluation and Assessment Research (OTEAR) provides guidance on the development and implementation of student learning outcomes assessment. Assessment plans for student learning outcomes (SLOs) and program evaluation, along with a copy of the draft program proposal, should be reviewed by OTEAR before submission as part of the new degree proposal for to the Office of Academic Planning. 
4. Complete and Submit the New Degree Program Proposal Form andAcademic Budget Template to the Office of Academic Planning. A job aid is available to assist with the completion of the budget template. Please note that the Academic Budget Template must be approved by the chief budget officer at each Chancellor-Led Unit as well as the Office of the Executive Vice President-Chief Financial Officer and University Treasurer prior to final submission.
5. External Consultant Review
6. Final Approval by CLU
7. University Level Review and Approval

   • Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs

   • President

   • Board of Governors Committee on Academic and Student Affairs (Action Item)

   • Board of Governors (Action Item)

   • Middle States Commission on Higher Education, if necessary

Upon final approval, the Office of Academic Planning staff will notify relevant institutional stakeholders of the outcome. Academic Planning will manage the registration of the degree program in the Office of the Secretary of Higher Education’s “Inventory of Program Offerings.”

Approval Timeline

Due to the complex nature of program development and the various steps in the approval process necessary for implementing a new degree program (in-person or online), obtaining final approval of a new degree program may take up to 18 months. Proposing units should plan accordingly.