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Office of Academic Programs: About Us

Program Review:

Upcoming Program Reviews: 10-year calendar

Existing Program Review

New Program Proposals

Archived Program Review Documentation

Interdisciplinary Programs and Initiatives:

Graduate School Interdisciplinary Programs

Network of Interdisciplinary Initiatives

Other:

Graduate School Council

Graduate School Memoranda

What is the difference between a degree option, pathway, or track?  Will these appear on students' transcripts?

Is the review procedure for all new programs and program options the same?  What steps are involved in the review process?

What timeline can we expect for the review and approval process of new programs?

How does the new program approval process relate to the approval process for new courses in that program?

When in the approval process can we advertise a program and admit new students?

Why have you implemented deadlines for submission of proposals?

Can we meet with someone from Academic Programs to discuss a proposal at the preliminary phases, before we have anything in writing?

Are you involved in the review of self-sustaining programs?

Is there any difference between a 'certificate' and a 'graduate certificate'?

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"What is the difference between a degree option, pathway, or track?  Will these appear on students' transcripts?"

Terms used include: option, pathway, track, concentration, area of emphasis, and specialization.  These are terms used by programs to describe distinct areas of study under one degree.  They are treated identically for the review/approval process.  In order for specific options/pathways/tracks to appear on students' transcripts, Graduate School review is needed.

"Is the review procedure for all new programs and program options the same?  What steps are involved in the review process?"

Each review is tailored to the proposed program.  For an overview of standard components for each type of proposal, see our Comparison Chart.

"What timeline can we expect for the review and approval process of new programs?"

The Office of Academic Programs will respond to proposals by the end of the quarter after our three application deadlines.  The response will include an expected timeline for review.  Since new degree or certificate programs need to be reviewed by the Office of Academic Programs, the Graduate School Council, Washington State Higher Education Coordinating Board, and the Board of Regents, the process can easily last up to a year from the time of submission.  New program options usually require administrative review only and thus can be completed much more quickly.

"How does the new program approval process relate to the approval process for new courses in that program?"

These are two independent processes.  New course proposals are approved by the appropriate College/School curriculum committee and then the UW Curriculum Committee.  In general, graduate courses for a new graduate program are not given final approval by the UW Curriculum Committee until the program has completed the review process.

"When in the approval process can we advertise a program and admit new students"

Students may not apply or be admitted to a program until final approval by the Board of Regents.  Prospective students may be notified of a new program "pending approval by the Board of Regents" after it has been approved by the Higher Education Coordinating Board.

"Why have you implemented deadlines for submission of proposals?"

Due to an increasing number of proposals received by the Graduate School, the Office of Academic Programs needs to be able to effectively manage its workload

"Can we meet with someone from Academic Programs to discuss a proposal at the preliminary phases, before we have anything in writing?"

We encourage you to contact the staff in Academic Programs with questions early in the process of program creation.  However, we ask that you wait to request a meeting with the Associate Dean until you have a draft of your proposal.

"Are you involved in the review of self-sustaining programs?"

The Graduate School is responsible for the academic oversight of all graduate degree programs at the three UW campuses.  We review proposals for all graduate programs, regardless of the funding model.  Programs that do not result in a graduate degree do not require Graduate School review.

"Is there any difference between a 'certificate' and a 'graduate certificate'?"

A "Graduate Certificate" is a graduate program that requires review by the Graduate School.  Graduate Certificates include a specific course of study and appear on students' transcripts.  Some programs offer "certificates" that are not transcripted and do not require Graduate School oversight.