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4.2 The institution maintains a curriculum that is directly related and appropriate to the purpose and goals of the institution and the diplomas, certificates or degrees awarded.

NARRATIVE/JUSTIFICATION FOR JUDGMENT OF COMPLIANCE

The University maintains a curriculum that is directly related and appropriate to the purpose and goals of the institution and the diplomas, certificates or degrees awarded.

The Institutional Mission and Table of Programs frame the degree programs offered by the University. All degree programs must respond to the Institutional Mission and the needs of students in the service area. The Institutional Mission and Table of Programs are reviewed within the University every four years and submitted for approval by The Texas A&M University System and the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board. Through the approved Mission and Table of Programs, the University is authorized to offer baccalaureate, masters and select doctoral degrees.

As part of the four-year review, the University also evaluates currency and relevance of all degree programs in the inventory. Academic program assessment ensures systematic review and revision of all degrees through a process of continuous assessment of learning outcomes.

Undergraduate programs:
Requirements for each undergraduate program are listed in the University Catalog. Total semester hours for the degree are noted and may differ by discipline. Program requirements include the core curriculum with majors, minors, or other required courses differing by degree. Undergraduates must have been in residence for two full semesters (or 30 semester hours) and must complete 45 semester hours at the junior/senior level for the degree. All information for baccalaureate degrees is found in the Catalog 2004-2005, Academic Regulations - Undergraduate. Faculty develop program proposals which go through an approval process by curriculum committees at the department, college and University levels.(Curriculum Committee Minutes) After approval by the Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs and the University President, degree programs are forwarded to The Texas A&M University System Board of Regents and then to the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board. Some degree proposals may require additional approvals by state or national accrediting bodies. Changes in existing degree programs follow the same internal procedure and may only need final approval by the Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs before implementation.

Graduate Programs
All graduate programs must also be in compliance with the Institutional Mission and Table of Programs. The University offers 25 masters and one doctoral program. Rules covering completion requirements are listed in the Catalog 2004-2005, Academic Regulations-Graduate. Degree requirements cover hours for degree, residency, grade point average, oral and written exams, thesis and time period for completion of the degree. The process for program development of graduate degrees is the same as that for undergraduate degrees.

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