Sec. 13b.02.03.10. Adequacy of Curriculum Design, Program Modality, and Related Learning Outcomes

A. A program shall be established and overseen by qualified faculty.

B. Faculty members in relevant disciplines in collaboration with other appropriate institutional personnel shall participate in the design of courses.

C. The presence of a structured and coherent program of study with clearly delineated program objectives and intended student learning outcomes shall be evident.

D. A program shall result in learning outcomes appropriate to the rigor and breadth of the program.

E. An institution shall provide for assessment of, and shall document, student achievement of learning outcomes in a program.

F. Required courses in the program may not be excessive and shall be consistent with customary expectations for the type of certificate or degree proposed.

G. The program modality shall be appropriate to meet a program's objectives.

H. Advertising, recruiting, and admissions materials shall clearly and accurately represent the program and the services available.

I. A program shall provide students with clear, complete, and timely information on the curriculum, course and degree requirements, nature of faculty/student interaction, assumptions about technology competence and skills, technical equipment requirements, learning management system, availability of academic support services and financial aid resources, and costs and payment policies.

J. The general education courses shall be distributed in a manner consistent with COMAR 13B.02.02.16.E and F.

K. Accreditation Requirements; Conditional Approval.

(1) If a professional shall graduate from a program with specialized accreditation, certification, or approval to practice in the State, the program shall meet all appropriate accreditation, certification, or approval standards.

(2) The Secretary may grant conditional approval for a program that fails to meet the standards specified in §D(1) of this regulation if the institution begins the process of securing appropriate accreditation, certification, or approval.

(3) Except as provided in §D(4) of this regulation, the Secretary’s conditional approval shall be revoked if an institution fails to secure appropriate accreditation, certification, or approval for the program within a time frame consistent with the relevant approval process.

(4) The Secretary may extend conditional approval if the institution has made substantial progress in securing appropriate accreditation, certification, or approval for the program.

L. If an institution contracts for instructional services in the State, to be provided by another institution or a non-collegiate organization, these services shall be based on a written contract that provides for institutional control over the quality of the curriculum, instructional staffing, instructional support services, and the integrity of enrollment policies.