Pilot Degree Program

Proposal Process to Submit a NEW Pilot Degree Program 

Submit the New Pilot Degree Program form in Curriculog (instructions linked). A campus may implement a pilot program without first proposing it as a projection on the Campus Academic Plan; however, the campus must identify the pilot program in the next annual update of the Campus Academic Plan. 

Before the planned pilot program may be implemented, the campus must obtain a formal acknowledgment from the Chancellor’s Office. While the traditional proposal package and a full Chancellor’s Office review of the proposed curriculum, demand, and resources are not required, the system office is obligated to confirm that the planned pilot program appears to meet all applicable laws and policies.   

Pilot Operational Policy

  1. A pilot program is authorized to operate for five years.
  2. A campus may not offer more than two pilot programs at a time.
  3. During year four, if a campus decides to convert the pilot program to regular program status, the campus is required to convert the pilot program to regular status.
    1. Note: to request an extension of a pilot program prior to its end date, the campus must submit a formal memo to degrees@calstate.edu that includes:
      1. the purpose for extending the program;
      2. the proposed pilot program end term;
      3. and a statement acknowledging the extension will not negatively impact other campus pilot proposals.
  4. If no further action is taken by the end of the five years, no new students can be admitted to the pilot program. The campus is obliged to make appropriate arrangements for students already enrolled to complete the program (“teach-out”). 

Approval Process

  • Department Curriculum Committee (optional in Curriculog)
  • Department Chair
  • College Curriculum Committee/Associate Dean
  • Undergraduate Studies (UGS) Committee or Graduate Studies and Research (GS&R) Committee
  • Vice Provost for Undergraduate Education or Associate Dean for Graduate Studies
  • Provost
  • Chancellor's Office

Proposal Process to COVERT Pilot Programs to Regular Program Status 

Submit the Converting Pilot Programs to Regular Program Status form in Curriculog (instructions linked). 

Approval Process

  • Department Curriculum Committee (optional in Curriculog)
  • Department Chair
  • College Curriculum Committee/Associate Dean
  • Undergraduate Studies (UGS) Committee or Graduate Studies and Research (GS&R) Committee
  • Vice Provost for Undergraduate Education or Associate Dean for Graduate Studies
  • Provost
  • Chancellor's Office