Proposing a New Academic Program
CourseLeaf Program Management is the system used by UTSA to route new degree program proposals and the necessary analyses and documentation needed for approval by both internal entities at UTSA and external entities.
For information regarding the overall approval process, see Academic Programs and Agreements.
For information on the three phases that a new program goes through in order to be approved, review and approval time frames, and information about promoting the program, see the New Programs from Start to Finish page.
Accelerated Degree Programs
Programs that involve Accelerated Degree Programs, such as a 4+1 or 3+2 should route through the Agreement Management process, unless it is a new degree program, then submit as a new degree program.
Graduate Programs and Certificates
All graduate programs (Certificates, Master’s and PhD’s) must be reviewed by the Graduate School prior to their proposal being entered in CourseLeaf.
Proposing a New Academic Program Job Aid
Degree Program
Effective June 1, 2023, all new degree programs will require a planning notification submitted to the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board (THECB). Doctoral and professional degrees must be submitted one year prior to submission of the full degree program proposal. Planning notifications will be submitted following approval of the pre-proposal at Academic Council and will be submitted by the Continuous Improvement & Accreditation staff. For more information, please contact academicprograms@utsa.edu.
To request approval for a new bachelor’s or master’s program, complete the appropriate Coordinating Board form depending on whether the program curriculum consists of less than 50% new content or more than 50% new content. To request approval of a new doctoral program, please contact the Graduate School.
Adding a degree program that is a significant departure from existing UTSA programs requires either SACSCOC notification (if there is 25-49% new course content) or SACSCOC approval (if there is 50-100% new course content) prior to implementation.
Download UTSA Instructions, Process, and Prospectus Template for SACSCOC Approval
Certificate
Institutions must notify the THECB no later than 90 days after the new certificate has started being offered regarding degree level and credit hours.
Adding a new certificate at the undergraduate or graduate level that is a significant departure from existing UTSA programs requires SACSCOC notification (if there is 25-49% new course content) or SACSCOC approval (if there is 50-100% new course content) prior to implementation.
Download UTSA Instructions, Process, and Prospectus Template for SACSCOC ApprovalMinor
Adding a minor does not require UT System, THECB, or SACSCOC approval.
