Apr 26, 2024  
2020-2021 Policy and Procedures 
    
2020-2021 Policy and Procedures

Program Length Policy


Summary

The faculty through the Department, the Dean, the Curriculum Committee, the Academic Council, the Vice President for Academic Affairs, the President’s Cabinet and the Board of Trusteesdetermine the length and the establishment of new programs for associate degree programs, baccalaureate degree programs and master’s degree programs. The length and establishment of new programs will all have to meet the minimum applicable accrediting agencies standards and best practices.

Definitions

Academic Program length and establishment: The requirement for determining length and the establishment of new programs at Shaw University reflects the generally accepted means of determining academic credit required for degrees in higher education.

Scope

This policy and related procedures apply to all associate degree programs, baccalaureate degree programs, and master’s degree programs (all academic programs).Purpose Statement

The purpose of this statement is to assure that all academic programs at Shaw University comply with the applicable accrediting agencies standards and best practices; the policy is a guideline for determiningthe length and the establishment of new programs..

Policy Statement

Shaw University’s associate degree program length, baccalaureate-level program length, professional degree program length and master’s degree program length will have to meet the minimum standard according to best practices and/or the established accrediting body’s program length. The associate degree program length is established at the minimum of 60 semester credit hours. The baccalaureate-level program length require a minimum of 120 semester credit hours, and all graduate -level programs require a minimum of 45 semester credit hours (Master of Science in Curriculum and Instruction, 45 semester credit hours; Master of Religious Education, 66 semester credit hours; and the Master of Divinity, 90 semester credit hours). All academic programs must meet the approved standards ofits accrediting body and/or best practices.

Procedure

The procedure to establish new programs at Shaw University is initiated at the faculty level. It is then vetted to the departmental level for program review; to the Dean for approval;to the Curriculum Committee and/or Graduate Council for approval; to the Academic Council for approval; to the Vice President for Academic Affairs for approval; to the President’s Cabinet for approval; and finally to the Board of Trustees for approval.

Assessment & Review

Responsible Office: Office of the Registrar

Approval Date: March 31, 2011

Effecetive: Spring 2011

Review Period: 10 year review period


 

Academic Affairs