Substantive Change: Changes to Existing Programs
Prior HLC approval may be required for substantive changes to existing educational programs. This includes changes related to clock hours, credit hours, program content, customized pathways, method of delivery, length of term affecting allocation of credit, or the cancellation or suspension of a program.
Screening Form
Complete HLC’s Screening Form for Changes to Existing Programs if your institution is making changes to an existing program related to:
- Program content
- Method of delivery
- The number of clock or credit hours required for program completion
- Developing customized pathways or abbreviated or modified courses or programs
Note: Institutions that are currently on or recently removed from HLC sanction or Show-Cause Order, or that are under provisional certification, are subject to additional requirements and should complete this alternative screening form.
Types of Requests
Clock or Credit Hours
Program Content
According to the U.S. Department of Education, program content changes include changes to a program’s curriculum (measured by clock or credit hours), learning objectives, competencies, or required clinical experiences. This would include changes in the general education courses required for program completion and not merely the courses within the discipline, program or major.
Program Concentration or Specialization
A program concentration (or specialization, track or emphasis) involves less than half of the total hours in the program of which it is a part, with the remaining hours taken in common by all students in the program.
Customized Pathways or Modified or Abbreviated Courses or Programs
The following requirements apply to the development of customized pathways or abbreviated or modified courses or programs to accommodate a student’s existing knowledge (such as from employment or military service) and to close competency gaps between demonstrated prior knowledge and the full requirements of a particular course or program.