Academic Program Planning
The UNC System provides a structured process for proposing, reviewing, and updating academic degree programs. This website brings together the tools, timelines, and policies faculty and administrators need to move programs from concept to approval and through a change request.
What do you need to do?
Propose a new degree program
Plan and submit a new baccalaureate, master’s, or doctoral program.
Find existing degree programs
Learn more about approved UNC System programs.
Modify an existing degree program
Add online delivery, update a CIP code, rename a program, or discontinue an offering.
Use data to support planning
Access dashboards, workforce data, and peer comparisons to strengthen proposals.
Key Systems
Academic Program Inventory (API)
The Academic Program Inventory (API) is the official database of all approved UNC System degree programs and delivery methods. Access API
Program Request Portal (PREP)
The Program Request Portal (PREP) is the submission and tracking system for programs under review. Access PREP
Featured Tool
Insight Data Dashboard (NEW)
Access student demand, education premium, workforce alignment, peer comparisons, and earnings data to support program proposals. Access is managed by each institution. Contact your campus administrator to request access.
Academic Program Planning Policies
All academic program actions are governed by UNC System regulations and state law.
Academic Program Approval
The University of North Carolina Board of Governors has the statutory responsibility to authorize the establishment of new degree programs and the discontinuation of existing degree programs. UNC Regulation 400.1.1[R] governs the approval processes for all new baccalaureate, master’s and doctoral degree programs in the UNC System.
Tuition and Fee Authority
N.C.G.S. 116-143 requires the Board of Governors to set the tuition and fee rates at UNC System constituent institutions, consistent with the actions of the General Assembly.