Substantive Change: New Academic Programs
Prior HLC approval or notification may be required for new academic programs. When prior approval is required, institutions may take steps designed to make their constituents, including prospective students, aware that an application for a new program "has been submitted to the accreditor and is pending HLC approval." Institutions may not take any other steps to actively recruit or enroll students into the prospective program until HLC has issued formal approval of the program in an official Action Letter.
Note: Prior HLC approval or notification may also be required for changes to existing academic programs.
Programs Offered Through Contractual Arrangements
If an institution is partnering with a third-party entity to offer a program, it might also need to notify HLC about or apply for prior approval of a contractual arrangement.
Programs Offered Through Consortial Arrangements
If an institution plans to offer a new program through a consortial arrangement, the institution may be required to notify HLC about or apply for prior approval for that program. This is the case even if the new program is offered solely through the consortial arrangement. See Types of Requests below to determine whether approval is required.
Screening Forms
Institutions planning to start a new program should complete HLC's screening form for new degree programs or new certificate or diploma programs.
Types of Requests
The following information is provided for general guidance. Institutions planning a change related to their academic programs should contact their HLC staff liaison to confirm that prior HLC approval or notification is required.
Starting a Certificate or Diploma Program
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Starting a Degree Program
Prior HLC Approval Required
How to Apply
Submit the Program Application
Please note:
- If an institution plans to request approval for a third program at a new degree or credential level, it must also submit a request to change its Mission or Student Body . The institution may submit this request before or in conjunction with its request to add the third program.
- For two-year institutions seeking to offer the baccalaureate degree, please review HLC's related guidelines.
Review Process
Review and Decision-Making Timeline
Approximately eight months from submission of complete application
Contact HLC
Complete the New Degree Program Screening Form. HLC staff will review the information provided and notify the institution as to whether prior HLC approval of the proposed program is required.
Prior approval may be required if the proposed program:
- Is a significant departure from programs previously included in the institution's accreditation.
- Is outside the institution's existing HLC stipulations (available in the institution's Institutional Status and Requirements Report).
- Requires the allocation of substantial financial investment or resources.
If Prior Approval Is Required
Submit the Program Application . HLC will determine the appropriate process for review based on the type and complexity of the request.
If Notification Is Required
Update the institution's degree program information in the next Institutional Update.
Starting a Certificate or Diploma Program
Institutions should complete the Certificate Program Screening Form for each new certificate or diploma program.
The following requirements apply if 50% or more of the program’s courses were developed specifically for the new program and not derived from courses in an existing degree program(s).
Prior HLC Approval Required
How to Apply
Complete the Certificate Program Screening Form and follow the application instructions provided by the form.
Important: HLC will charge an institution a single substantive change fee for every 10 certificate program applications it submits at the same time.
Review Process
Review and Decision-Making Timeline
Approximately three months from submission of online application form
A certificate or diploma program is a subset of an existing degree program if 50 percent or more of its courses were derived from courses in the existing program.
HLC Notification Required
How to Notify HLC
Completion of the Certificate Program Screening Form constitutes notification.
Questions?
Contact HLC at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Review HLC's Glossary for definitions of terms related to substantive change.
