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A Degree is the title of the award conferred on students by a college, university, or professional school upon completion of a unified program of study (e.g., Associate of Science, Bachelor of Arts).
A Degree Program is any grouping of campus-approved courses and requirements (e.g., minimum GPA required, comprehensive examinations, English and Math proficiency) which, when satisfactorily completed by a student, will entitle him or her to a degree from a public institution of higher education.
The Degree Designation for each authorized program at public institutions of higher education is listed in the Board of Regents’ Inventory of Degree and Certificate Programs under the category “Degree Level.” The category “Degree Level” shall be changed in the Inventory to “Degree Designation.” Some professional programs require the name of the general subject area as part of the “Degree Designation” (e.g., Bachelor of Architecture, Master of Social Work, Juris Doctorate, Doctor of Medicine). A composite list of approved professional “Degree Designations” is available at the Board of Regents web site.
A Degree Subject Area is the primary discipline which constitutes the focus of a Degree Program. It is listed in the Board of Regents’ Inventory under the category “Degree Description/Option.” The category “Degree Description/Option” shall be changed in the Inventory to “Degree Subject Area.” When a student satisfactorily completes a Degree Program, s/he will be entitled to a degree in the appropriate subject area from a public institution of higher education (e.g., Biology, History, Visual Arts).
A Degree Title is the complete label of a Degree Program, consisting of a Degree Designation (e.g., Associate of Science) and the Degree Subject Area (e.g., Biology). It is listed in the Board of Regents’ Inventory under the categories “Degree Level” and “Degree Description/Option” (e.g., A.S. in Biology).
A Curriculum is a description of required and elective courses for a Degree Program.
A Major is that part of a Degree Program which consists of a specified group of courses in a particular discipline or field(s). The name of the “Major” is usually consistent with the Degree Subject Area. A “Major” usually consists of 25% or more of total hours required in an undergraduate curriculum. Establishment of a “Major” requires prior approval by the Board of Regents.
A Minor is that part of a Degree Program which consists of a specified group of courses in a particular discipline or field(s), consisting usually of 15% or more of total hours required in an undergraduate curriculum. “Minors” may be instituted by the affected system and campus without prior approval by the Board of Regents.
An Option is an alternative track of courses within a Major, accounting for at least 50% of the Major requirements. Establishment of an “Option” requires prior approval by the Board of Regents.
A Concentration is an alternative track of courses within a Major or Option, accounting for at least 30% of the Major requirements. “Concentrations” may be instituted by the affected system and campus without prior approval by the Board of Regents. |
