New Degree Program

Guidance for proposing new bachelor's and master's degree programs at San José State University.

For proposing Doctoral Programs, view the guidance document.
For proposing Joint Degree programs, view the guidance document.

Proposals for new programs can take up to 1.5 to 2 years to implement. As soon as you know your department is considering proposing a new degree, please notify the Curriculum Office and the College Dean.

In the CSU System, a Projected Degree Proposal and a New Degree Proposal are two different stages of creating a new academic degree program.

Projected Degree Proposal	New Degree Proposal
Stage 1 of the approval process	Stage 2 of the approval process
A brief concept proposal used to place the program on the campus Academic Master Plan (AMP)	A comprehensive implementation proposal for the actual degree
Describes the program idea, rationale, demand, workforce need, resource needs, and expected enrollment	Includes full curriculum, learning outcomes, assessment plan, faculty qualifications, budget, resources, and detailed program structure
Reviewed by campus administration and then the CSU Board of Trustees as part of academic planning.	Reviewed through campus governance and submitted to the CSU Chancellor's Office for final approval
Does not authorize the university to offer the degree	Approval is required before the university can enroll students in the degree program
One page projection template	New degree full proposal template with required documents

The two step submission process:

(1) Projection Proposal Submission

Submit the **New Degree Program. View Submit a Proposal in Curriculum for help in initiating the proposal.
- Attach a completed Projected Degree Proposal (template linked).
Once approved by the Deans/Provost, the projected degree proposal is submitted to the Campus Academic Master Plan for approval by the CSU Board of Trustees.

There are two submission cycles: Traditional (December) and Summer (May)

(2) Detailed Proposal Submission

Once the projection degree proposal is approved by the CSU Board of Trustees, the submitted *New Program Proposal will be routed back to you for submission of the detailed proposal.
- Attachments:
  1. A completed Degree Program Proposal (template linked- for bachelor's and master's only). Use the CSU New Degree Proposal Template_Faculty Checklist for guidance.
  2. Department Curriculum Committee Vote/Decision
  3. Advising Roadmap:
    - Include a undergraduate 2-year (if applicable per SB 1440) and undergraduate 4-year degree roadmaps. Blank Template for Ugrd 2-Year Roadmap [pdf], Blank Template for Ugrd 4-Year Roadmap [pdf]. View the Degree Roadmaps Required Units Checklist to help draft a new roadmap.
    - Graduate programs should also submit sample roadmaps.
  4. Comprehensive Assessment Plan (template linked)
  5. Curriculum Matrix (template linked)
  6. Course syllabi of new courses
  7. Special Session/Self Support proposals also require a budget: CSU CO’s Budget Template (template linked).
Once approved by campus, the full degree proposal is submitted to the Chancellor's Office for review and approval.

How New Degree Proposals Are Reviewed

Projected Degree Proposal → submitted for inclusion in the Academic Master Plan (AMP).
Board of Trustees approves the projection on the AMP.
New Degree Proposal → developed with complete curriculum and resource details.
Chancellor's Office approval → degree can be implemented and students enrolled.

CSU DEGREE PROGRAM PROPOSAL AND APPROVAL FLOWCHART [pdf]

While most programs are department-based, some are housed within a college. In these cases, it’s important to ensure:

- A clear plan for staffing and scheduling any courses not housed in a department, typically managed by an Associate Dean.
- Agreement from department chairs to allow program students to enroll in their courses, with confirmation of course availability.
- Support from the college Dean, ensuring resources for program administration.
- (E.g.,Interdisciplinary Studies (BA/BS), Business Minor, Medical Product Development Management MS)

Approval Steps

Department Curriculum Committee (optional in Curriculum)
Department Chair
College Curriculum Committee/Associate Dean
UGS Committee/ GS&R Committee
Curriculum and Research Committee
Undergraduate Education Approver/ Associate Dean for Graduate Studies
Provost
Chancellor's Office

[View full curriculum process Curriculum Review Process (linked)]

Approval Steps for College-Housed Programs

College Curriculum Committee/Associate Dean
UGS Committee/ GS&R Committee
Curriculum and Research Committee
Undergraduate Education Approver/ Associate Dean for Graduate Studies
Provost
Chancellor's Office

Next Steps

New program is incorporated into the draft academic catalog for next AY.
New Academic Plan Code(s) is created effective fall 2027.
CSU Degrees Database and CSU TMC databases are updated as needed.
An implementation memo is sent out to stakeholders.
Notification to campus community via Curriculum Updates Google Group.
The new program is available to continuing students to declare effective fall 2027.
The new program is open to NEW students through Cal State Apply:
- for summer 2027 IF Academic Plan Codes are created by October 1, 2026.
- for fall 2027 IF Academic Plan Codes are created by September 1, 2026.
- for spring 2027 IF Academic Plan Codes are created by July 1, 2026.
MyProgress and MyPlanner for undergraduate programs are built as soon as possible.

Search Engines

Use this search to find a community college that has an AA-T or AS-T for a program.
Search Degrees at the CSU using this link.