Academic Program Proposal Submission Guide
For Degree-Granting Institutions Authorized in Maryland
Submission Process
Institutions must submit proposal in accordance with State regulations outlined in COMAR
13B.02.03
- Email proposals to: acadprop.mhec@maryland.gov
- Submission dates: 1st and 15th of each month
- if the date falls on a weekend or holiday, submit the next business day.
- Information on required fees can be found in the fee schedule provided in COMAR 13B.02.03.02-1
- Review the Proposal Process Flow Chart and Guidance below to determine the appropriate submission type.
New Academic Programs, Degrees, and Certificates
Submit when proposing to:
- Establish a program/award not currently authorized
- Offer an existing subject at a new degree level or type
- Combine coursework into a new major
- Launch at a Regional Higher Education Center (RHEC)
Required Documents:
Cooperative Programs
- Must be planned jointly by participating institutions
- Submit identical proposals through each institution's internal process
- Include a signed Memorandum of Understanding (MOU)
Substantial Modifications (Curricular)
Submit when proposing to:
Change>>50% of major coursework
Establish or substantially revise an Area of Concentration (AoC)
Offer an existing program at a new location (off-campus/RHEC)
Required Documents:Note: If changes are required by an accreditor, licensing board, or other state or national entity that governs academic
program elements, submit a notification only.
Articulation Agreements
Per COMAR 13B.02.03.19 all proposals from public senior higher education institutions for new bachelor's degree programs, substantial modifications to existing bachelor's degree programs, or substantial modifications to existing associate's degree programs shall include:
(a) A proposed articulation agreement with at least one community college/public senior higher education institution; or
(b) Justification for why an articulation agreement is not feasible or applicable
Non-Substantial Modifications
For minor changes, submit the following as appropriate:
Curricular Adjustments:
Modality Change:
Program Title Change:
CIP/HEGIS Code Change:
Discontinuation/Suspension:
Program Reactivation:
- If within 3 years:
- If > 3 years:
- Full New Program Proposal
Health Manpower Designation:
Statewide Designation:
- Non-Substantial Modification Cover Sheet
- Letter of Notification with Justification from the President or Chief Academic Officer
- Proposal which includes information on:
- Maximization of student access to programs;
- The ability of the college to accommodate additional students;
- The need for additional students to sustain the programs;
- The unit cost of the program;
- Uniqueness of the program; and
- Current labor market demand for graduates of the program in the region
Closed Site Approvals
Submit:
Distance Education Programs
Programs offered via distance education must:
- Have internal approval to offer programs online
- Clearly identify modality as distance education
- Address C-Rac Guidelines
For questions, contact: acadprop.mhec@maryland.gov
