Proposals to Create or Change Academic Programs (PCCAP)

Vanderbilt University and its faculty serve students through for-credit and non-credit academic engagements. The university provides a framework to differentiate:

  • For-credit engagements are referred to as programs, either degree-bearing programs (majors), sub-specialties (minors) or other credit-bearing programs (tracks or standalone certificates).
  • Non-credit engagements are referred to as offerings, and include lifelong learning and professional continuing education (e.g. MOOCs, micro-credentials).   

Faculty interested in creating, terminating, or significantly changing a for-credit program are required to submit a Proposal to Create or Change Academic Programs (PCCAP). To learn how, please contact us at oapraa@vanderbilt.edu to schedule an initial consultation.

For non-credit offerings, see below.

To view the comprehensive PCCAP process manual, click here.

Faculty should plan for the approvals process for new credit-bearing programs (majors, degrees) to take a year to complete if external approvals (Board of Trust or Accreditors) are required.

PCCAP for Credit-Bearing Programs

The PCCAP Process

The adaptive online form will guide submitters in documenting the necessary information to activate the approval process. Information regarding the three primary proposal types for credit-bearing programs is below.

  • New Program

    A program is defined as any offering of a coherent set of for-credit coursework that leads to a distinct academic award, such as a new major or credit-bearing certificate.

    If you are proposing a new minor, please refer to the Sub-Specialties section below and contact OAPRAA

    Generally, the new program proposal is for programs of study that are:

    • a new major or certificate (credit-bearing), or other uniquely bundled set of courses that is not currently listed in the catalog
    • a redesign of an existing program featuring greater than or equal to 50% new content and/or courses, and changes in program learning outcomes
    • a program of study offered at a new degree level (e.g., adding a master's degree in a subject currently taught at either the bachelor's or doctoral level)

    OAPRAA encourages faculty and other academic leaders interested in proposing a new program to consult with an OAPRAA team member to learn more about the review and approval process, as well as the institution's regulatory obligations regarding substantive change. Depending on the nature of the new program, it may require either notification to or approval from Vanderbilt's institutional accreditor (SACSCOC). If approval is required, there are specific deadlines for submissions which could extend the approval time to approximately one year. For more details on substantive changes, please visit the Institutional & Programmatic Accreditation page, or contact OAPRAA to request a consultation.

  • Change an Existing Program

    A program is defined as any offering of a coherent set of for-credit coursework that leads to a distinct academic award. A program can be a major or credit-bearing certificate.

    Changes to existing courses or to existing course content do not require PCCAP approval. However, changes to the structure of a program may require either notification to or approval by SACSCOC, and thus require PCCAP approval.

    The following are examples of changes that require PCCAP approval, but is not an exhaustive list:

    • modification to the number of credit hours or semesters/time period required for completion of the program
    • enhancing the program's curriculum by replacing some number (not greater than 50%, as this would be considered a new program) of existing courses with new ones
    • changing the teaching modality (e.g., from on campus to online)
    • starting a joint academic award with another institution
    • starting a for-credit certificate with an institution that is not accredited by SACSCOC

    Please consult with OAPRAA staff when considering changes to the structure or delivery of a program.

  • Terminate an Existing Program

    A program is any offering of a coherent set of for-credit coursework that leads to a distinct academic award. A program can be a major or credit-bearing certificate.

    Terminating an existing program occurs when a program ceases enrollment (not the point at which all enrolled students have graduated). This action requires notification to Vanderbilt's institutional accreditor. Programs cannot announce intentions to cease enrollment until this notification occurs, and Vanderbilt will be responsible for submitting a detailed teach-out plan to SACSCOC.

  • A proposal is required for:
    • adding new programs to Vanderbilt's academic portfolio 
    • changing the structure (e.g., curriculum, time to completion, degree requirements, etc.) of an existing program in Vanderbilt's academic portfolio, and 
    • Ceasing enrollment in programs (closures, temporary inactivations)
  • The PCCAP process can take place contemporaneously with school’s or college’s curriculum committee(s) processes.
  • Closing or proposing new minors and other specialties earned while enrolled in a program (sub-specialties) follow an expedited process described below.

The PCCAP Approvals Process

There are differing levels of approval required, depending on the proposal type; they are described in the PCCAP process document linked at the top of this page.

Note: The PCCAP process is not required for course-level changes (e.g., changing course descriptions, modifications to course content), or certain curriculum changes (e.g. changing the list of courses required in a program core, or updating program elective course options). To submit these types of change, please contact your college’s or school’s curriculum coordinator. Please contact OAPRAA if you are uncertain if a curriculum change will require PCCAP review.

PCCAP for Sub-Specialties

Vanderbilt defines a sub-specialty as a coherent set of for-credit coursework that may be completed along with a degree or major. These include minors, micro-credentials, concentrations, areas of focus, emphases, specializations, tracks, etc. Proposals to introduce a new sub-specialty or cease enrollment in an existing sub-specialty are captured in the PCCAP sub-specialties form, which has an expedited review and approval workflow as compared to that which is used to process activity related to credit-bearing programs (presented above).

To begin the process, please reach out to OAPRAA to schedule a brief consultation and to obtain access to the PCCAP sub-specialties form.

(note: this PCCAP form is in development and will be available soon — please connect with OAPRAA to discuss immediate needs).

Non-Credit Offerings (NCO)

A non-credit offering at Vanderbilt is defined as any certification, microcredential, MOOC or course that does not lead to a credit-bearing transcript and does not leverage any of Vanderbilt’s credit-bearing courses, programs, or sub-specialties. These non-credit offerings are designed to be flexible and responsive to the training needs of employers and emerging in-demand skills within the workforce.

The PCCAP process for non-credit offerings is expedited. If you are confident that your submission meets the non-credit offering criteria, please complete the non-credit offerings form.

If you have any questions about eligibility, please reach out to OAPRAA to schedule a brief consultation before proceeding.