New Degree Program

Guidance for proposing new bachelor's and master's degree programs at San José State University. 

For proposing Doctoral Programs, view the . 
For proposing Joint Degree programs, view the . 

Proposals for new programs can take up to 1.5 to 2 years to implement. As soon as you know your department is considering proposing a new degree, please notify the Curriculum Office and the College Dean. 

This is a two step process: 

(1) Projection Proposal Submission:
  • Submit the **New Degree Program. View for help in initiating the proposal.  
    • Attach a completed (template linked).
  • Once approved by the Deans/Provost, the proposed degree is submitted to the Campus Academic Master Plan for approval by the CSU Board of Trustees. There are two submission cycles: Winter and Summer. 
(2) Detailed Proposal Submission:
  • Once the projection is approved, the submitted *New Program Proposal will be routed back to you for submission of the detailed proposal.
    • Templates & Reference Materials: 
      1. A completed (template linked- for bachelor's and master's only). Use the for guidance.
      2. Department Curriculum Committee Vote/Decision
      3. Advising Roadmap:
      4. (template linked)
      5. (template linked)
      6. Course syllabi of new courses
      7. Special Session/Self Support proposals also require a budget: CSU CO’s  (template linked).
  • Once approved by campus, the full degree proposal is submitted to the Chancellor's Office for review and approval. 

How New Degree Proposals Are Reviewed

New degree proposals typically require department, college, university, and CSU approval.

While most programs are department-based, some are housed within a college. In these cases, it’s important to ensure:

    • A clear plan for staffing and scheduling any courses not housed in a department, typically managed by an Associate Dean.
    • Agreement from department chairs to allow program students to enroll in their courses, with confirmation of course availability.
    • Support from the college Dean, ensuring resources for program administration.
    • (E.g.,Interdisciplinary Studies (BA/BS), Business Minor, Medical Product Development Management MS)
Approval Steps
  1. Department Curriculum Committee (optional in Curriculum)
  2. Department Chair
  3. College Curriculum Committee/Associate Dean
  4. UGS Committee/ GS&R Committee
  5. Curriculum and Research Committee
  6. Dean for Undergraduate Education/ Associate Dean for Graduate Studies
  7. Provost
  8. Chancellor's Office

[View full curriculum process  (linked)]

Approval Steps for College-Housed Programs 
  1. College Curriculum Committee/Associate Dean
  2. Undergraduate Studies (UGS) or Graduate Studies & Research (GS&R) Committee
  3. Curriculum & Research Committee
  4. Dean for Undergraduate Education or Associate Dean for Graduate Studies
  5. Provost
  6. Chancellor's Office 
Next Steps 
  • New program is incorporated into the draft academic catalog for next AY.
  • New Academic Plan Code(s) is created effective fall 2027.
  • CSU Degrees Database and CSU TMC databases are updated as needed.
  • An implementation memo is sent out to stakeholders.
  • Notification to campus community via Curriculum Updates Google Group.
  • The new program is available to continuing students to declare effective fall 2027.
  • The new program is open to NEW students through Cal State Apply:
    • for summer 2027 IF Academic Plan Codes are created by October 1, 2026. 
    •  for fall 2027 IF Academic Plan Codes are created by September 1, 2026. 
    • for spring 2027 IF Academic Plan Codes are created by July 1, 2026. 
  • MyProgress and MyPlanner for undergraduate programs are built as soon as possible. 

 

Search Engines

  • Use  to find a community college that has an AA-T or AS-T for a program.
  • Search Degrees at the CSU using .