Establish a New Option Process

The page concerns the creation of new degree options (also referred to as subprograms) only. There are separate pages for information about sub-options (concentrations, tracks, specializations, emphases, fields) and for elevating options.

New degree options do not require submission to the Academic Master Plan, as long as the degree they are an option for is approved and active. 

When developing a new degree, it's very important to keep in mind that this is often a multi-year process. There is a heavy dependence on reviews and approvals from internal É«ÖÐÉ« and external CSU/Accreditation sources. See the Curriculum Calendar page for details.

Departments or programs will need to obtain department and college approval before submitting a proposal.

    • This form from the CO requests a comprehensive assessment plan addressing all assessment elements in Sec 4B. Please review these .
    • a completed "".
  • completed Projected Roadmaps (XSLX) for the degree where applicable
    • bachelor’s program options please include a 4-year and a 2-year transfer projected roadmap
    • graduate-level options please include a full option completion roadmap

Digital copies of all proposal materials that were approved by the department and college are forwarded to the Vice Provost of Academic Programs and the Office of Academic Programs (catalog@csulb.edu). The proposal is reviewed by both offices and feedback is provided to the proposer. 

When details of the documents are finalized, the Academic Programs Office will move the proposal forward toward the É«ÖÐÉ« Academic Senate.

The proposal packet is shared with the É«ÖÐÉ« Academic Senate Chair. 

Upon their approval of the materials, the proposal will be shared with the Senate's Curriculum and Educational Policies Council (CEPC) and University Resource Council (URC) for review. Proposers will be invited to discuss their proposals with these councils, and potentially be asked to make updates to the content. 

Depending on any contention with the proposal, the final recommendation by these councils may be forwarded to the Academic Senate for further review, or receive approval from the Senate. 

Upon recommendation by the Academic Senate, the Vice Provost for Academic Programs seeks the President's approval.

With approval of the É«ÖÐÉ« President, the Academic Programs Office will compile the final version of the proposal packet and submit to the CSU Chancellor's Office Academic Programs team. 

Upon the Chancellor's Office approval, É«ÖÐÉ« will set an implementation date for the degree option. A policy statement will be distributed to campus administration, and the degree option will appear in the É«ÖÐÉ« Catalog during the appropriate year. The proposing department can begin working with the É«ÖÐÉ« Admissions Office on preparing for start of the degree option.