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 below Academic Affairs & Quality (AA&Q) Committee’s ‘Mission and Responsibilities’ document (approved by the Committee June 30, 2025 for final Commission consideration at the July 24, 2025 Commission meeting).
- Academic Degree Program Proposal 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)
NOTE: Certificates of 13 or more credit hours must use this application packet. State institutions may add certificates of 12 credit hours or fewer through Routine Staff Action.
- Appendix 8 (must be included with all proposed baccalaureate degrees):
All new academic program proposals and requests should be submitted through the CHEDSS program request portal. Detailed submission instructions are available in the CHEDSS 2.0-Based Change Requests for Existing Academic Programs and Submission of New Academic Program Proposals.
Institutional representatives should email API@che.in.gov with any questions.
(Updated May 29, 2026)
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
MEMO - Preliminary Analysis of Under-Threshold Degree Programs, FY22, FY23, FY24 and Collaboratively Developing a 'Mutual Consensus List' (07/25/25)
Uploaded July 31, 2025
MEMO – Requesting Approval to Continue Under-Threshold Degree Programs (10/6/25)
Uploaded October 8, 2025
Degree Program Review Final Recommendations
Uploaded April 1, 2026 (Technical Correction - April 2, 2026)