Academic Degree Programs

Indiana public colleges and universities must obtain approval from the Indiana Commission for Higher Education to offer a new academic program. The checklist of criteria as well as approval policies and procedures are addressed in the Academic Affairs & Quality (AA&Q) Committee’s ‘Roles and Responsibilities’ document (approved by the Committee June 30, 2025 for final Commission consideration at the July 24, 2025 Commission meeting):

• Academic Degree Program Submission Document:
  • AA&Q Mission and Responsibilities (PDF)
  • Academic Degree Program Application Packet (WORD and PDF)
  • Certain Credit-Bearing Certificate Programs Application Packet (WORD and PDF)


• Appendix 8 (must be included with all proposed baccalaureate degrees):
  • Course Articulation Planning for New Baccalaureate Degrees
  • Articulation Planning Cover and Signature Page
  • Articulation Types and Definitions (Reference Document)

(Updated June 30, 2025)

Other Reference Documents:

Degree Award Level Definitions

House Enrolled Act 1001-2025

After July 1, 2025, state educational institutions must seek approval from the Commission to continue an under-threshold degree program. These are degree programs in which the rolling three-year average of graduates was under the corresponding statutory threshold for that degree type, e.g., 15 graduates for a bachelor’s degree and 10 graduates for an associate degree.

Approval to Continue Under-Threshold Degree Programs: Initial Guidance and FAQs
Updated June 13, 2025