Degree Determination

In some instances it may be difficult to determine whether a proposed program change is of sufficient magnitude to be classed as a new degree. It is recommended you reach out to the University Curriculum and Institutional Liaison (UCIL) Office early in your program redevelopment for guidance.

The UCIL Office, in conjunction with the AVPA, will decide whether the program changes warrant a Determination of a New Degree Program by the Ministry. Should we need to submit a Determination of a New Degree we will need to provide:

• evidence of the institution’s internal approval for the new option or proposed change;
• the program structure (e.g. number of credit hours);
• an outline of the curriculum (indicating which courses already exist at the institution and which courses will be new or changed);
• the proposed calendar description of the courses;
• how the courses and curriculum will be integrated to contribute to the intended goals of the program; and,
• the institution’s rationale and details of the proposed change in regards to the established criteria and/or relevant operational guidelines.

The board will, within 45 days, determine whether the change is of sufficient magnitude to be classed as a new degree. The change must not be implemented until the board has made its determination and, if deemed a new program, until the degree program review has been successfully completed and ministerial approval granted. In all cases, the board reserves the right to determine whether a review is required.