Guidelines for New Program Maps

1. Please review the courses in your programs and compare with other programs in your designated area of study.
   • What commonalities exist in terms of student learning outcomes and/or existing courses?
   • To what extent might a common first semester of coursework be devised for all of the programs within your area of study? Has a preferred sequence of courses been identified?
2. Is there any unnecessary duplication of courses across the programs within the Area of Study?
   • Are there gaps or missing courses to help students develop the competencies and SLO required?
   • Are there electives that have a commonality and can serve as default on multiple programs in your area of study?
3. There must be at least 15 SCH difference in terms of required course work before a program “specialization” may constitute a separate associate degree. Further, there should be a limited number of “specializations” prior to the associate degree award. Specializations of less than 15 SCH may still be listed in the Catalog and posted on student’s transcripts and diplomas.
   • Can some specializations be offered more properly as an advanced certificate post-degree as opposed to pre-degree?
4. All programs should have transfer options that provide students with opportunities for maximal transfer of credits.
   • What are the baccalaureate transfer options for your program? Please ensure inclusion of local options (Texas State, UT-Austin, St. Edward’s, Concordia, Huston-Tillotson, as well as other “good” options – universities noted for the program, on-line options, reasonable cost options, etc.)
   • How many semester credit hours (SCH) in your program will transfer and count toward the baccalaureate MAJOR requirements at the receiving university?
5. All certificates should be articulated with a degree. If a certificate doesn’t lead to a degree, then it probably should be offered instead via Continuing Education.
6. AAS programs could and should be articulated with BAAS or BAT options.
   • Do opportunities exist for a 3+1 agreement with universities for AAS students?

Create a program map for a new award

1. Develop the new award plan to be included in your proposal packet documentation for the Curriculum & Programs Committee meeting agenda binder by following the above established guidelines.
2. After the new award plan has been approved through the Curriculum & Programs Committee (and any other approvals as needed), it will first be entered into the Curriculum Management System (CMS) and then into the Ellucian Colleague degree audit system. The corresponding program map is automatically generated based on the award plan information entered into both these systems. The new program map will be available via the catalog award plan pages in CMS and the corresponding Areas of Study program page. It will also be accessible via Areas of Study Advising page.
3. Notification is sent to the requester that the approved program map has been added to CMS and the new program map is available online.
4. The requester should proof the updated program map available in CMS and provide feedback, if needed, to Georgia Branch via email: [email protected].