New Education Programs and Program Changes

The Department of Institutional Research, Policy, and Accreditation assists college officials navigate the process of education program and reviews necessary when beginning a new degree program or modifying existing programs, including the internal process established by Academic Affairs, the University of Arkansas president and Board of Trustees, the Arkansas Department of Higher Education and the Arkansas Higher Education Coordinating Board, and if necessary, the Higher Learning Commission and the U.S. Department of Education.

• Arkansas Department of Higher Education Guidelines
• Higher Learning Commission Guidelines

Program directors and college leaders who are embarking on the development and approval of a new degree program or making modifications to an existing program need to contact Kristen Sterba, Ph.D., early in the process for guidance at kmsterba@uams.edu or 501-296-1275. Program directors are encouraged to begin planning early since the approval process can vary from 6 -18 months.