UMass Boston

Departments wishing to create a new program or make substantial changes to an existing program must specify the following details in their program description:

Program Requirements

1. Courses:

• The number of courses required for fulfilling the program and any course level restrictions (e.g. limits on 100-, 200-, 300-level courses):
  • For MAJORS:
    • The number of courses cannot be less than 10 or more than 12
    • No more than 3 courses can be at the 100 level
    • A minimum of 5 courses need to be at or above the 300 level
    • For MINORS:
      • The number of courses cannot be less than 5 or more than 7
      • No more than 2 courses can be at the 100 level
      • A minimum of 2 courses need to be at or above the 300 level
    • The capstone requirement (for majors only)
    • The number of credits that can be accepted as internship, independent study, and/or honors (typically these range between 9-12 credits for a major and 3-6 credits for a minor)

2. GPA

• The minimum GPA required for graduation from the program
• The minimum grade allowed for specific courses in the program, if any

3. Pass/Fail

• The number of courses that can be taken as pass/fail
• Which courses are allowed to be taken pass/fail, if any

4. Transfer Credits

• The number of transfer courses allowed to count toward the program (between 3 and 6)
• Which major requirements transfer credits will be allowed to fulfill
• Residency requirements, if any

For new programs

In addition, proposals for new programs should explain the following in their program description:

1. Structure

• How will the program be structured?
  • What courses are required and what courses are electives?
  • What other requirements must students meet to complete the program?
• What new courses (if any) are necessary to launch the program?
• What other policies will govern the program?
  • How many courses can be transferred in for credit?
  • How many courses may double-count towards multiple programs of study?
  • How many courses can be taken pass/fail and which?
  • What is the minimum GPA required to graduate, if any?
  • What is the minimum grade allowed for specific courses, if any?

2. Administration

• How will the proposed program be governed? Who will direct the program?
• How will the program manage advising?

Proposals for new programs should also include a rationale that explains the following:

1. Justification

• What evidence is there of a demand/need for this program?
• Why is this new program being proposed as a PhD, master’s degree, major, minor, track/concentration, or certificate?
• How does the proposed program compare with similar programs at peer institutions?
• How is the new program distinct from related programs that already exist at UMB and/or how will the new program interact with existing related programs?
• What is the educational value of the new program? How will it benefit students?
• What are the benefits of the new program for faculty, the university and/or the community?    
• When will the new program be available for enrollment and what is the anticipated enrollment for the first few years?

2. Resources

• What additional resources are required for this program, including faculty, classroom space, and material resources?
• What is the anticipated yearly budget for the program (explained with reference to the attached budget form)?

Is there sufficient faculty expertise to cover this coursework? If not, what new hires are required?