Section 2.7.1: Program Length

Judgment of Compliance

Requirement

Narrative

McNeese State University is in compliance with Requirement 2.7.1.

The University offers eighty-three degree programs at the associate, baccalaureate, master's, and specialist levels, all of which are based upon semester credit hour completion. Each degree program, as indicated in the University's catalog and Inventory of Degree Programs, requires and meets the minimum number of semester hours required by SACS and the Louisiana Board of Regents BOR AA Policy 2.15 for the various degree levels. The semester credit hours required to complete an associate degree ranges from 63-73 credit hours; the baccalaureate degrees require 120-138 credit hours; the masters' degrees require the completion of 30-46 graduate credit hours; the Education Specialist degree and the Master of Fine Arts degrees require 60 graduate credit hours, thirty of which are beyond the Master’s degree.

Louisiana Board of Regents Academic Affairs Policy 2.15 policy stipulates minimum undergraduate curricular requirements as follows:

To provide for the uniform use of degree terminology, to promote uniform curricular requirements for similar programs, to effect the ready transfer of course credits earned throughout the State’s higher education system, and to facilitate the development of appropriate articulation agreements between systems and campuses, the Board of Regents establishes the following definitions for undergraduate certificates and degrees:

• Associate of Arts (AA) - An academic degree program (60 - 72 hours) with a significant general education core (27 hours), designed primarily to serve as preparatory education for transfer to a related baccalaureate program.

• Associate of Science (AS) - An academic degree program (60-72 hours) with a significant general education core (27 hours), designed primarily to serve as preparatory education for transfer to a related baccalaureate program.

• Associate (A) - An academic degree program (60-72 hours) with a significant general education core (27 hours), designed to prepare students for immediate employment or career entry, but which also may serve as preparatory education for transfer to a related baccalaureate program.

• Bachelor of Applied Science (BAS) - An applied/academic degree program (a minimum of 120 hours) with a limited general education core (33 hours), designed to prepare students for technical employment and generally not intended as preparation for further graduate study. The BAS routinely combines technical/general education gained in an AAS program with additional university requirements.

• Bachelor of Arts (BA) - An academic degree program (a minimum of 120 hours) with a significant general education core (39 hours). The BA degree emphasizes breadth and depth of study in a recognized academic discipline, may serve as a career entry degree, and should prepare a student for further graduate study. The BA degree is limited to four-year institutions.

• Bachelor of Science (BS) - An academic degree program (a minimum of 120 hours) with a significant general education core (39 hours). The BS degree emphasizes breadth and depth of study in a recognized academic discipline, may serve as a career entry degree, and should prepare a student for further graduate study.

• Bachelor (B) - An academic degree program (a minimum of 120 hours) with a significant general education core (39 hours), designed primarily as a first professional degree, but which also may serve as preparatory education for transfer to a related graduate program.

The University of Louisiana System Bylaws similarly stipulates minimum requirements for the associate, baccalaureate, masters, and specialist degrees, authorizing individual institutions to determine the required number of credit hours for completion of the undergraduate degree:

• Associate degree: (a) complete all required course work in the selected program; and (b) complete six hours of English composition and six hours of mathematics, including three hours of college algebra or the equivalent thereof.

• Baccalaureate degree: (a) 39-45 credit hours in general education. Of these, a minimum of six semester hours must be in English composition and three semester hours must be in college algebra in order to demonstrate competency. (b) Each institution will specify its own assortment of courses in the major required to complete the degrees it offers. The number of credit hours will vary by program and by institution. (c) Additional elective courses may be required to complete the college experience. Certain programs may have lists of courses from which students may choose to complement the

required courses in a major. (d) The total number of credit hours required for a baccalaureate degree varies by program and by institution, and is stipulated in the individual institutional catalogs.

• Master’s degree: “The minimum credit requirement for the master's degree shall be 30 semester hours of graduate work, not more than six of which may be allowed for the thesis and its completion. In optional programs not requiring a thesis, the standard course requirement shall not be less than 30 semester hours” (ULS Bylaws, Section XI).

• Individual institutions stipulate the number of credit hours required for graduate degrees beyond the Master’s degree. McNeese State University requires 30 semester hours beyond the Master’s degree to earn the Education Specialist and Master of Fine Arts degrees.

To ensure that all programs meet ULS Board of Supervisors’, Board of Regents’ and accreditation requirements, University procedure requires a systematic and periodic review for any curricular changes at both the undergraduate and graduate levels. Proposed degree programs and program modifications at the undergraduate level must follow a review/approval process. Beginning at the departmental level each fall semester, the review progresses through a college review panel, a university committee for undergraduate programs, the Graduate Council for graduate programs, and to the Academic Advisory Council before being forwarded to the Vice President of Academic Affairs for final approval. The Faculty/Staff Handbook details the process for evaluating and reviewing curricula:

323. Evaluation and Review of Curricular Offerings

General Guidelines:

At McNeese State University[,] guidelines for degree programs follow generally accepted higher education standards and University of Louisiana System and Board of Regents policies. One semester credit hour is assigned to each 750 minutes of meeting time per semester. Web based courses follow appropriate standards for awarding credit.

1. Academic programs at the associate degree level contain 60-72 credit hours with at least 28 credit hours of general education core requirements.

2. Academic programs at the baccalaureate level must have a minimum of 120 credit hours with 40 credit hours of general education core requirements.

3. Academic programs at the graduate level must have a minimum of 30 graduate credit hours.

4. Undergraduate academic programs must include a senior capstone course designed to measure students’ competency in their major field.

5. Academic programs seeking to offer 50% or more of the course work via distance learning must obtain prior approval from the Board of Regents and Commission on Colleges.

6. Use of the terms major, minor, concentration, etc. must be in accord with Board of Regents requirements.

New Programs Undergraduate and Graduate

Proposals for new degree programs are discussed with the Vice President of Academic Affairs. During initial discussions, questions about the program’s fit in the institution’s mission, the demand and/or need for the program, the resources required to offer the program, the admission requirements, the potential for completers, and other relevant factors are considered.

Letters of Intent for new programs proceed through the departmental committee, college committee, University Curriculum Committee or Graduate Council, and Academic Advisory Council for campus approval. Once approved at the campus level, the Letter of Intent is submitted to the University of Louisiana System for approval. Once approved [by] ULS[,] it is forwarded to the Board of Regents for review and approval. If approved [by] the Board of Regents, a Degree Program Proposal is submitted within the allotted timeline. Once approved by the Regents[,] the program is included in the University Catalog and electronic registration system.

Proposals for new concentrations within existing degree programs do not require board approval. Relevant factors for new concentrations are discussed with the Vice President of Academic Affairs before being submitted to the University Curriculum Committee.

Curricula Revisions

Curricula revisions originate at the faculty level and are usually based on program assessment and evaluation data compiled for the Master Plan process. Regular review and evaluation of curricula offerings and programs begin each spring as faculty and administrators review program outcomes assessment data for inclusion in the Master Plan. In some cases, curricula revisions are necessary to comply with accreditation or professional agency criteria. The process is as follows:

1. Program coordinator or faculty identify needed changes and discuss at the departmental level.

2. When approved by the department head, the proposals are submitted to the dean for discussion at the college level. This step may include review by a college committee or review with the department head and dean.

3. When approved by the dean, the materials are sent to the appropriate university-wide curriculum committee. Undergraduate materials are reviewed by the University Curriculum Committee (UCC). Graduate program materials are reviewed by the Graduate Council.

4. When approve by the UCC or the Graduate Council, the materials are presented to the Academic Advisory Council for review.

5. Proposals then approved by the Vice President of Academic Affairs and forwarded to the Registrar for inclusion in the University Catalog and electronic registration system.

The primary responsibility of the University Curriculum Committee is to review curriculum changes, including revisions, additions, and deletions. Committee responsibilities are delineated in the Faculty/Staff Handbook:

[The University Curriculum Committee] is [r]esponsible for reviewing proposals for course additions including distance learning, deletions or changes in curricula, and making recommendations to the Academic Advisory Council through the Vice President [of] Academic Affairs. The University Curriculum Committee is composed of a representative from Distance Learning, a faculty representative from each academic college, and from Library and two representatives from General and Basic Studies, from Faculty Senate, and from SGA. This committee reports to the Vice President of Academic Affairs (Faculty/Staff Handbook, Section 642).

Once curriculum decisions have passed the University Curriculum Committee, they are then approved by the Academic Advisory Council. Its constituency and duties are defined as follows:

Membership on the Council shall consist of the Provost & Vice President [of] Academic Affairs (Chairman); Dean, College of Business; Dean, Burton College of Education; Dean, College of Engineering and Technology; Dean, College of Liberal Arts; Dean, College of Nursing; Dean, College of Science; Dean, Graduate School; Director of the Library; Registrar; Director, Media Services; Dean, Enrollment Management; and President of the Faculty Senate. All members have voting privileges. The Academic Advisory Council addresses issues affecting academics (Faculty/Staff Handbook, Section 601).

Issues relating to graduate curricula are addressed within the Graduate Council. The Graduate Council is composed of a graduate faculty representative from each college, the Graduate School Dean, the Vice-President of Academic Affairs (ex-offico), and a graduate student appointed by the Graduate Council. The Graduate Council is responsible for reviewing proposed changes to graduate curricula offerings and programs. Faculty/Staff Handbook iterates the purpose of the Graduate Council, one of which is to approve graduate curriculum:

[The Graduate Council is] [r]esponsible for serving as a policy-recommending body and reviewing proposed changes to graduate curricula offerings and programs (Faculty/Staff Handbook, Section 619).

New programs, significant program modifications, or requests for exceptions to Board policy must continue through for University of Louisiana System and Board of Regents for review/approval.

Documentation of curriculum changes are reflected in minutes of the AAC, which are maintained in the Office of the Vice President of Academic Affairs, (link to AAC minutes) in minutes from the Graduate Council, which are maintained in the Office of the Graduate Dean, and in minutes of the UCC, (link to UCC minutes or actions) which are maintained in the Office of Institutional Effectiveness.

Nursing and Radiologic Technology programs permit credit by licensure. Documents attesting to accreditation by professional agencies have been provided as justification for awarding of credit through licensure. Other students may earn credit by examination and through military experience; however, since all degree programs, including Nursing and Radiologic Technology, are based on semester credit hours, no written justification and rationale for program equivalency is necessary.

Credit Examinations

The 2006-07 McNeese State University Catalog notes that “[s]ome students with special training or experience may have acquired knowledge that could be gained from certain college courses. Some departments may offer such students credit examinations and give those students college credit for the courses provided the equivalent of a “C” or better is scored on the examinations” (51). The Catalog lists the procedures necessary in order for students to earn credit by exam. The list below indicates the examinations available for students desiring this option:

• College Entrance Examination Board Advanced Placement Program (CEEB);

• Special departmental placement examinations for beginning freshman.

• ACT scores. Students whose English ACT score is at least 28 and whose composite score is also 28 may be granted credit for English 101. Students whose English ACT score is at least 32 and combined English and composite scores are at least 60 will receive credit for English 101 and 102. Students whose English ACT score is at least 26, but lower than 28, may elect to take English 102 as their first English. After completion of English 102 with a grade of “C” or better, they will receive credit for English 101 (Catalog, 52-53).

• Student's classroom performance at an advanced level.

• ETS Tests in algebra and trigonometry.

• Special departmental proficiency examinations for students with special training and experience.

• College Level Examination Program (CLEP).

Credit for Licensure

Two programs at the University award credit for professional licensure: Nursing and Radiologic Technology. The Catalog notes that “[g]raduates from a Louisiana or an out-of-state associate degree in nursing or practical (vocational) nursing program who are currently licensed in good standing to practice in Louisiana may be eligible for advanced standing in the Associate Degree-Nursing or Bachelor’s Degree-Nursing programs” (53). The Bachelor and Master’s degrees of Science in Nursing Program are accredited by the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission (NLNAC). The programs are also approved by the Louisiana State Board of Nursing. The Associate degree in Nursing is also approved by the Louisiana State Board of Nursing.

Students enrolled in the Radiologic Technology program may also be awarded credit for licensure. The Catalog notes that the Radiologic Technology “curriculum provides an opportunity for Registered Technologists to be added into the baccalaureate degree program. Technologists registered by the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists will be awarded 60 credit hours to be applied to the professional curriculum” (193). The program is accredited by the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology. On completion of the program, the student will be eligible to receive the Bachelor of Science degree.

Credit for Advanced Placement, Correspondence, and Extension Work

The University recognizes that in addition to demonstrating knowledge and mastery of skills through testing credit may be earned in other ways as well. University policy permits a maximum of forty-five semester hours of non-traditional credit, such as extension credit, correspondence credit, military credit, advanced placement credit, credit by examination, and CLEP credit, may be used toward a bachelor’s degree; a maximum of twenty-four hours of non-traditional credit may be counted toward an associate degree (Catalog, 53-54).

Additional credit may be given for military experience as well. Students requesting evaluation of military experience are instructed to complete the military transcript request form found on the McNeese Registrar’s website and submit for evaluation. The Catalog identifies the conditions under which credit may be earned for time spent in the military:

A student who has completed four or more months of honorable, federal, continuous active duty may be granted up to two hours in personal fitness and conditioning and two hours in first aid. Additional credit may be given for experience in military occupations and completion of military training as recommended by the American Council on Education in the Guide to the Evaluation of Educational Experience in the Armed Services. The DD form 214 and other acceptable documents, including military training transcripts, must be submitted to verify successful completion of the courses. Credit is awarded only in areas currently offered within the University and will not duplicate credit already earned by the student. Any credit awarded is placed on a student’s transcript after one semester of attendance at McNeese. (Catalog, 54)

Supporting Evidence

Louisiana Board of Regents Inventory of Approved Degree and Certificate Programs

McNeese State University Catalog

Academic Advisory Council

University Curriculum Committee

Graduate Council

Louisiana Board of Regents Minutes

Graduate Council Minutes

Forms used to change Curricula, including Course Changes and Deletions

Louisiana Board of Regents Academic Affairs Policy 2.15 Definition of Undergraduate Certificates and Degrees

Inventory of Degree Programs

Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology-Letter dated June 14, 2000, awarding accreditation to Radiologic Technology program for eight years.

Sample Degree Plans