Program Policies and Guidelines
- Edit an Existing Program
- Propose a New Minor
- Propose a New Cross-Disciplinary Studies Minor
- Propose a New Concentration
- Propose a New Specialization
- Propose a New Academic Graduate Certificate Program
- Propose a New Degree Program
- Discontinue a Degree Program
- Name Change to a Degree Program
- Substantive Degree Program Change
- Change a Degree Designation
Edit an Existing Program
To propose changes to an existing program, use the online Curriculum Management system.
- When making changes to a program's curriculum, be sure to address academic policy requirements for the program type:
- When making changes to a program’s curriculum which involve adding or removing courses, check to ensure there are no “hidden” prerequisites.
- A consultation memo is needed when making changes to a program’s curriculum which involve adding or removing courses offered by another department. Signed memos should be attached to the Edit Program proposal in the Curriculum Management system.
- The senior project is a capstone experience required for all baccalaureate degree programs; total units for senior project must be a minimum of 1 and a maximum of 6.
- There is a limit on the amount of Internship or Cooperative Education that may count toward the degree.
Propose a New Minor
To propose a new minor, use the online Curriculum Management system.
Be sure to consult Academic Policy for Minors.
Propose a New Cross-Disciplinary Studies Minor
To propose a new cross-disciplinary studies minor, use the online Curriculum Management system.
Be sure to consult Academic Policy for Cross-Disciplinary Studies Minors.
Propose a New Concentration
To propose a new concentration, use the online Curriculum Management system.
Be sure to consult Academic Policy for Concentrations.
Propose a New Specialization
To propose a new specialization, use the online Curriculum Management system.
Be sure to consult Academic Policy for Specializations.
Propose a New Academic Graduate Certificate Program
To propose a new academic graduate certificate program, use the online Curriculum Management system.
Be sure to consult Academic Policy for Graduate Certificate Programs.
Propose a New Degree Program
Proposing a new major degree program is quite complex, and is a lengthy process.
Please contact the Academic Programs and Planning Office for more information.
Discontinue a Degree Program
Please contact the Academic Programs and Planning Office for more information.
Name Change to a Degree Program
The nature of degree program name changes may vary considerably, from a change that is minor to one that is quite significant (virtually a new program). All degree name changes must be submitted to the Chancellor's Office for approval.
Be sure to consult Academic Policy for Change of Degree Title/Name or Code.
Substantive Degree Program Change
As defined by Cal Poly's accrediting agency, the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC), substantive changes include off-campus programs, distance learning programs, and an addition of a degree program at a level different from that previously offered by the university.
Please contact the Academic Programs and Planning Office for more information.
Change a Degree Designation
Please contact the Academic Programs and Planning Office for more information.