Substantive Change: New Educational Programs

Prior HLC approval or notification may be required for new educational programs. See HLC’s Glossary for the definition of educational program.

Note: Prior HLC approval or notification may also be required for changes to existing educational programs.

Marketing and Recruiting for New Programs

When prior HLC approval is required for a new educational program, 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.

Programs Offered Through Third-Party Arrangements

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.

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 for New Programs

Institutions planning to start a new educational program should complete the appropriate screening form to determine whether HLC notification or prior approval is required:

Types of Requests

The following information is provided for general guidance. Institutions planning a change related to their educational programs should contact their HLC staff liaison to confirm that prior HLC approval or notification is required.

Starting a Degree Program (Traditional Credit Format)

A degree program offered in a traditional credit format conforms with the minimum program lengths specified in HLC’s Assumed Practices: 120 semester credits for bachelor’s degree programs, 60 semester credits for associate’s degree programs, and 30 semester credits beyond a bachelor’s for master’s degree programs.

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 Reduced-Credit Bachelor’s Degree Program

A reduced-credit bachelor’s degree program requires less than the minimum program length of 120 semester credits that is specified in HLC’s Assumed Practices. For more information, see HLC’s guidelines on Evaluating Reduced-Credit Bachelor’s Degree Programs.

Prior HLC Approval Required

How to Apply

Submit the Reduced-Credit Bachelor’s Degree Program Application

Review Process

Change Visit

Review and Decision-Making Timeline

Approximately eight months from the submission of a complete application

Prior HLC Approval Required

How to Apply

Submit the Reduced-Credit Bachelor’s Degree Program Application

Review Process

Change Visit

Review and Decision-Making Timeline

Approximately eight months from the submission of a complete application

Starting a Certificate or Diploma Program

Prior HLC Approval Required

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).

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

Desk Review

Review and Decision-Making Timeline

Approximately three months from the submission of a complete application

HLC Notification Required

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.

How to Notify HLC

Complete the Certificate Program Screening Form.

Questions?

[email protected]