Requirement Number 2.7.2: The institution offers degree programs that embody a coherent course of study that is compatible with its stated purpose and is based upon fields of study appropriate to higher education.

Full Compliance

Georgia Southern University offers degree programs that embody coherent courses of study compatible with our mission. These programs are based upon fields of study appropriate to higher education. All programs undergo rigorous review at the time they are proposed. The Undergraduate Committee and Graduate Committee, standing committees of the Faculty Senate composed of faculty representatives of all Colleges and the Library, monitor program approvals and changes based on such criteria as institutional mission and appropriateness to higher education. Undergraduate Committee minutes are cataloged at http://students.georgiasouthern.edu/registrar/regadmin/ugc/index2.html, and Graduate Committee minutes are also available at http://students.georgiasouthern.edu/registrar/regadmin/grad_committee/. Faculty Senate must approve all Undergraduate Committee and Graduate Committee actions, followed by approval of the Provost/Vice President for Academic Affairs and of the President.

The Board of Regents must also approve all degree programs. New degrees and majors must conform to BOR procedures and documentation outlined at http://www.usg.edu/admin/accaff/handbook/section2/2.03/2.03.02.phtml. Proposals are reviewed by Board staff members before presentation to the Education Committee of the Board and subsequently to the full Board for approval.

Following approval and implementation, three factors ensure that programs continue to adhere to this principle. All degree programs and majors are reviewed in the fourth year at the instance of the Board of Regents as mentioned in the Academic Affairs Handbook at http://www.usg.edu/admin/acadaff/handbook/section2/2.03/2.03.02.phtml. The University also carries out comprehensive program reviews so that each program is reviewed once every seven years as required by the Board of Regents (policy at http://www.usg.edu/admin/acadaff/handbook/section2/2.03/2.03.05.phtml). Finally, many programs have successfully sought accreditations by discipline-based organizations by meeting high standards for collegiate-level programs. These programs are listed at http://academics.georgiasouthern.edu/provost/instruction/accredlist.html.