The purpose of the academic program proposal process is to ensure that when Emerson College begins a new academic program it has fully considered all of the aspects that will make that program successful. Additionally, this proposal process allows the College to assess how new programs are aligned with the current strategic plan and with the general direction of the College’s academic mission. Lastly, comprehensive vetting of all proposals from across offices allows for greater support.
Faculty members proposing a new accelerated program should meet with the Department Chair, School Dean, and Graduate Dean (if a graduate program) to discuss their preliminary ideas for the new program. They must also inform the Associate Provost for Academic Programs that they initiated the process of a new accelerated program.
Once faculty have been provided with the Chair, Dean and Graduate Dean’s verbal approval to move forward, then they should download and complete the information listed below. Use the Memo on New Program Development for guidance on filling-in the proposal information that follows.
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Proposal
During the proposal stage, faculty engage in robust discussions and planning with stakeholders in their department and school and from across campus, including the Provost's Office, Office of Academic Strategy and Analytics, and Office of Academic Assessment. After this iterative process is finished, the final draft of the new program proposal is submitted to the appropriate committees and administration leaders for approval.
Basic Program Information
- School:
- Department:
- Proposed Program Title:
- Degree Level/Type:
- Official Emphasis Areas (if applicable):
- Program Modality:
- Online component (if applicable):
- Program CIP Code:
- Expected Implementation Date:
- Expected Date of First Graduation:
- Proposal Author(s):
- Individual(s) responsible for success of the program (e.g. chair, dean):
Planning & Resources
Description & Purpose
Provide a short description of the program (no more than two pages), including a summary of the evolution of the concept, the major academic components, target market or audience, and the goals and objectives of the program.
Alignment with Goals
Describe how this program supports and aligns with department, school, and college goals and the College’s strategic plan.
Potential Duplication and/or Collaboration
If a similar program already exists, or has existed at the College, describe the potential duplication and the rationale for proposing a similar program. Describe efforts made to collaborate with similar programs. Please note if any existing programs will be combined, placed on inactive status, or deleted as a result of implementing this program. Please note that faculty must work with the Associate Provost for Academic Programs in order to complete this section.
Student Demand
Provide a summary of student demand for the program, including demographic data (if applicable). This can include looking at similar programs at peer institutions, conducting student surveys, etc. Provide estimates for 1) new students in the program for the first 5 years (both new first-time students and transfers) and 2) the total program enrollment in the first 5 years following program implementation. Please note that faculty must work with the Office of Academic Strategy and Analytics in order to complete this section.
Marketing Strategy
Provide a summary of existing discussions regarding how the college will attract new students.
Costs
Itemize any costs associated with the program. Include any new resources that will be needed as a result of starting this program (space, equipment, library resources, online course build costs, accreditation costs, etc.) and provide an explanation of each item. If additional faculty or staff will be needed to deliver and support the program, include the numbers of new and/or reallocated positions. If this is an online program, specify if this is a course lead model or if individual faculty will own the IP, and what these costs will be. Please indicate what are one-time or recurring expenses.
Faculty
List the faculty who have the expertise to deliver this program. If additional faculty will be needed to deliver the program, describe the number and type of new faculty positions being considered and the expertise needed. Describe any special requirements (degree status, training, etc.) for assignment of teaching for this program. Describe expectations for faculty involvement, including professional activities, special student contact, teaching/learning innovation, etc.
For Hybrid & Online Programs (if applicable)
Provide evidence that the academic unit has considered the unique nature of building and offering a program in an online modality. This can include but is not limited to: prior experience teaching or building online courses and programs, list of faculty already trained to teach online courses, planned or existing work with college resources, etc.
Curriculum and Career Information
Student Learning Outcomes
List student learning outcomes for the program and describe the process for assessing those learning outcomes. If a curricular map already exists, please include that. All student learning outcomes at the program level should be aligned with the College’s learning outcomes. Please note that faculty must work with the Office of Academic Assessment in order to complete this section.
Program Structure and Curriculum
Describe the set and sequence of courses and rationale for this structure. Include curriculum information below, highlighting any new courses to be developed or existing courses to be revised.
Student Preparation for Program
Describe the preparation recommended for students entering the program to ensure success. Describe any special admissions procedures or student qualifications required for this program.
Student Success
Describe any particular ways that the program plans to support students throughout their time in this program (e.g. mentoring, activities, events, specific resources, etc.).
Career Outcomes
Describe careers that students will be prepared for upon graduation from this program. Consider key qualities and competencies employers are looking for in graduates from this program and note any alignment with the program’s proposed curriculum. Please note that faculty must work with the Career Development Center in order to complete this section.
Approvals for a new major or masters
Note: If the program is a collaboration beyond one area, then approval from relevant curriculum committees, chairs, and deans is required.