Changes to Existing Degree Programs
Definitions & Requirements
To learn about university governance review process requirements for changes to an existing degree program (e.g., modifications to specific courses and/or curriculum, changes to a program’s title or delivery format), contact the Office of the University Registrar (OUR). Changes to existing degree programs may also require review by SCHEV and/or the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC). The SCHEV compliance team works with OUR to advise and coordinate the SCHEV review process, if needed.
Examples of changes to existing degree program that require SCHEV review include:
- Changing the title of the degree program
- Changing the six-digit Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP) code designation used to classify the degree program
- Altering degree program requirements in a way that results in a fundamental change to the curriculum, purpose, focus, or identity of the program
- Increasing or decreasing degree program length (i.e., total credit hours) by more than three credits from what was originally approved
- Changing the degree program’s core courses in a way that results in a fundamental change to the curriculum
- Modifying the degree program’s delivery format (e.g., adding online delivery in addition to face-to-face delivery, adding online delivery and eliminating face-to-face delivery)
- Initiating a degree program merger that combines more than one degree program to create a new degree program
- Initiating a discontinuation to end admission into and delivery of a degree program
For guidance on SACSCOC requirements for changes to existing degree programs, contact Virginia Tech’s SACSCOC accreditation team.
Review Process & Timeline
The process for changes to an existing degree program depends on the specific change being proposed. However, it is realistic to expect at least one year from the start of a change to an existing degree program to its final SCHEV decision. For estimates on SACSCOC review timelines, contact Virginia Tech’s SACSCOC accreditation team. Changes, including discontinuing a degree program, should not be implemented until they have received approval.
Step |
Notes |
|---|---|
| Proposal development | The SCHEV proposal document for a change to an existing degree program should be completed prior to submission to the 15-day review process; proposal development typically lasts 3-12 months, depending on proposal complexity |
| Academic governance review | Process dependent on the nature of the proposal; contact OUR for more information |
| Review by SCHEV | SCHEV accepts change to degree program proposals for review in July and March:
|
Review by SACSCOC |
Process dependent on the nature of the proposal; contact Virginia Tech’s SACSCOC accreditation team for more information |
Resources
The documents prepared to propose changes to a degree program depend on the requested change. To receive sample documents, or request assistance in the creation of the SCHEV proposal for a degree program change, contact us.