Describe fully the precise purpose of the proposed program. Describe the relationship between the new program and existing programs, with assurances that it will not strain existing resources, either financial or academic. Note whether the proposed program will replace any existing program or programs.

a. Submit a justification as to why the proposed program is needed in terms of the clientele and area it will serve. If appropriate, describe need in terms of the State as a whole. Explain why the need is not now being met by other institutions. Describe and document how the need was measured.

b. Specify the number of students (currently enrolled at the institution, at other institutions, or from other sources) who have requested that this program be established or the other reasons that led the institution to develop the proposal.

c. Note other institutions in the same region offering similar programs and indicate whether they have been consulted on the potential effect upon such programs.

d. Indicate, if the program is career or professionally oriented, the potential employers of persons trained in the discipline or disciplines who have requested establishment of the program, and their specific employment needs.

Describe provisions by the institution for periodic review of the academic quality and effectiveness of its programs, including evidence of student achievement, accomplishments of graduates, faculty performance, and other bases for decision-making, as required by the Regulations of the Commissioner of Education.

a. Estimate the first-year, itemized cost of the proposed program. Indicate how much of each item will be absorbed in current budgets and how much will be newly appropriated monies.

b. Estimate the annual cost and anticipated income of the program for the five years following its first year. Explain the rationale for your estimates. Again, indicate how much will be an existing expense and how much will be a new expense.

Specify a budgetary commitment that states sources of revenue as well as outlays, to insure that the students admitted will have the opportunity to complete the program.

Describe the student body to be served, admissions standards and selection procedures, plans for the recruitment and retention of students from historically underrepresented groups, and provisions for students' academic supervision and counseling during their affiliation with the institution.

Submit the curriculum for the program and an outline for each required course, to include the topics to be covered and requirements for completing the course. Include the number of terms necessary to qualify for the degree.

Note: According to the State Education Department, the master's degree must require either a comprehensive examination, appropriate special project, or thesis. Describe how this requirement is met.

Specify staffing for the proposed program, with curricula vitae that include the highest degrees and the fields in which they were conferred, current position, educational experience, and scholarly contributions and recognition. If faculty have not been recruited, specify the number of new positions to be established and ranks. Indicate which faculty members are likely to teach each course in the curriculum.

Describe the amount and source of funding for additional staff requirements.

Describe support for special costs, such as financial aid for students, beyond those of the undergraduate programs.

Describe past efforts and future potential for cooperation with other institutions in the proposed program area.

Provide evidence that the proposed program is consistent with the relevant standards of the Rules of the Board of Regents and the Regulations of the Commissioner of Education.