FR 4.4 Program length is appropriate for each of the institution’s educational programs. (Program length)
In Compliance
Shenandoah University offers Baccalaureate, Master’s, Doctoral, and First Professional degrees.
The requirements of both SACSCOC and the State Council of Higher Education for Virginia (SCHEV) guide minimum program length. Each degree program determines its specific length, which may exceed the published minimum requirement. Program length may also be determined by an external accrediting agency.
SACSCOC Core Requirement 2.7.1 Program Length, requires “at least 120 semester credit hours or the equivalent at the baccalaureate level; or at least 30 semester credit hours or the equivalent at the post-baccalaureate, graduate, or professional level.”
SCHEV requirements include:
- Baccalaureate Degree – A degree requires a minimum of 120 semester or 180 quarter hours.
- Master’s Degree – A Master’s degree shall require a minimum of 30 semester hours or 43 quarter hours beyond the Baccalaureate.
- Doctoral Degree – A Doctoral degree shall require a minimum of 60 semester hours or 90 quarter hours beyond the Baccalaureate in addition to the dissertation.
General University requirements are published in the Undergraduate and Graduate Catalogs, which specify the following:
- Baccalaureate Degree. “The minimum number of credit hours required for a baccalaureate degree is 120.”
- Master’s Degree. “The minimum number of semester credit hour required for a master degree is 30.”
- Doctoral Degree (including First Professional Doctor of Pharmacy). “The minimum number of credit hours for a doctoral degree is 90 semester hours, including an approved master’s degree.”
Shenandoah University also offers certificate programs at both the undergraduate and graduate level. These programs vary from 9-45 credits with requirements determined by the individual academic unit.
The Faculty Senate’s University Curriculum Committee (UCC) must approve program length of all new or revised programs. The UCC forwards its recommendation to the Vice President for Academic Affairs for final institutional approval. The ABA new program proposal documents the new program approval process for the recently approved MS in Applied Behavior Analysis program. All new degree programs are submitted to SCHEV for final approval.
The Required Credit Hours by Program spreadsheet (Table 4.4-1) lists the number of hours required for all undergraduate majors, graduate degree programs, and undergraduate and graduate certificate programs.
Supporting Documentation
SACSCOC CR 2.7.1
SCHEV Directions for preparing School Plan Report_rev.doc, p. 2
Shenandoah University, 2014-2015 Undergraduate Catalog, p. 38
Shenandoah University, 2014-2015 Graduate Catalog, p. 29
New Course Proposal Form
ABA new program proposal
Required Credit Hours by Program Table 4.4-1