Develop a New Academic Program
All new degrees and stand-alone certificates require approval from the Indiana Commission for Higher Education (ICHE). Area certificates are approved through IU-internal processes.
Quick Links
Required actions and documentation:
- Contact University Academic Planning (approval@iu.edu) for any assistance with contingent approvals and processes.
- For all online degrees, notify IU Online using their Initial Request Form (IRF).
- Notice of approval from the campus Chief Academic Officer must be included with all proposals.
- ICHE Degree Proposal Form (NOTE: New Form, effective November 2025.)
- For all new baccalaureate degrees, an articulation plan must be included. Please use the Course Articulation Planning for New Baccalaureate Degrees forms and guidance at the above ICHE degree proposal page.
- APPEAR entry: New Degree
- Approval pathway: ALC → BOT (meeting action) → ICHE (meeting action)
Required actions and documentation:
- Contact University Academic Planning (approval@iu.edu) for any assistance with contingent approvals and processes.
- For all online certificates, notify IU Online using their Initial Request Form (IRF).
- Notice of approval from the campus Chief Academic Officer must be included with all proposals.
- ICHE New Certificate Proposal Form (NOTE: New Form, effective November 2025.)
- Additional information may be required of certificates for which the campus is proposing financial aid eligibility.
- APPEAR entry: New Certificate
- Approval pathway: ALC → BOT (meeting action) → ICHE (meeting action)
Required actions and documentation:
- Contact University Academic Planning (approval@iu.edu) for any assistance with contingent approvals and processes.
- For all online certificates, notify IU Online using their Initial Request Form (IRF).
- Notice of approval from the campus Chief Academic Officer must be included with all proposals.
- IU Certificate Proposal Form.
- Additional information may be required of certificates for which the campus is proposing financial aid eligibility.
- APPEAR entry: New Certificate
- Approval pathway: ALC → ICHE (Routine Staff Action)
Required actions and documentation:
- Contact University Academic Planning (approval@iu.edu) for any assistance with contingent approvals and processes.
- For all online certificates, notify IU Online using their Initial Request Form (IRF).
- Notice of approval from the campus Chief Academic Officer must be included with all proposals.
- IU Certificate Proposal Form.
- APPEAR entry: New Certificate
- Please label as "Area Certificate" in the APPEAR document description or program title fields.
- Approval pathway: ALC (approval)
- Alternative Credentials at IU (Microcredentials)
- Credit forPrior Learning (CPL)
What is an Alternative Credential?
- Alternative Credentials, or Microcredentials, are learning activities for which there is an associated assessment of learning and a clear indication that a learner has met or exceeded certain specific expectations, outcomes, or competencies.
- For additional information and detail, please refer to the IU Framework for Microcredentials, Digital Badges, and other Alternative Credentials.
Approval Documentation
- Proposal for for Alternative Credentials
[Please note that, while this specific form is not required, it provides an example of content that will assist in the development and approval at the campus level, and the notification to the ALC.] - Non-assessed activities and digital badges do not require approval or notification beyond that which is established by the campus.
APPEAR entry: New Minor
- Please label as "Alternative Credential" or " Microcredential" in the APPEAR document description or program title fields.
- Approval pathway: ALC (notification only)
Contact
Contact University Academic Planning at approval@iu.edu if you have any questions.