Online Program Approval

The Online Program Approval process applies to all programs (both new and existing) that will be offered more than 50% online. The Provost approves online programs at UNT upon recommendation from the CLEAR Steering Committee. This process is detailed in UNT Policy 06.030 Review and Approval of Online Courses and Programs.

New programs require approximately 18 months for institutional and Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board (THECB) approval, and existing programs require about nine months for approval.

Online courses for both new and existing programs may be developed while program approval is in process, and you are encouraged to work with CLEAR as early as possible to ensure that your courses are ready for delivery upon program approval.

Online Program Approval Process

  1. Prepare a program proposal with the consultation of the CLEAR staff, your department chair, and your dean. As of Fall 2017, the forms linked below replace the following forms: VPAA-182, Request for UNT Planning Authority Form, Online CLEAR Program Proposal Form, and University Accreditation’s usage of the THECB Long Form. More information and budget form resources can be found here. Send your completed proposal to Terri Day.
  2. The documents will be submitted to the CLEAR Steering Committee for review and recommendation. You may be asked to attend an upcoming CLEAR Steering Committee meeting and/or proposal may be reviewed electronically.

  3. The Steering Committee will make a recommendation to the Provost concerning the appropriateness of the proposed program for online delivery. After the program is approved by the Provost, the department chair and dean will be notified. The Office of the Provost is responsible for coordinating with the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) and THECB to fulfill notification and/or additional approval requirements.