Adding New Programs the Right Way

New programs fuel growth and serve unmet needs.

Start by asking: why this program, for whom, why now?

Align with mission and existing strengths.

Validate demand through employer and competitor scans.

Confirm any state‑specific hour or course rules.

Draft program outcomes tied to real competencies.

Build a coherent course sequence and prerequisites.

Budget faculty, labs, software, and library resources.

Plan a realistic break‑even enrollment curve.

Identify a qualified program director early.

Recruit faculty with matching credentials and experience.

Gather clinical or externship partners if required.

Prepare state approval forms for program additions.

Some states require market need studies—be ready.

Notify your accreditor—this may be substantive change.

Provide syllabi, outcomes, and assessment plans.

Show resource sufficiency and student support.

For regulated fields, secure board approvals first.

Nursing, teaching, and trades often have extra steps.

Build a program assessment plan from day one.

Include capstones, exams, or portfolio checkpoints.

Set internship and employer feedback loops.

Publish transparent admissions and progression policies.

Update catalog, website, and disclosures consistently.

Launch a targeted marketing campaign by program.

Use alumni mentors and employer spotlights.

Offer info sessions with faculty Q&A.

Track inquiries, apps, yield, and early attrition.

Tweak schedules and supports based on data.

Remember to prepare your Profit and Loss Analysis.

Investors need clear unit economics per program.

Keep faculty‑student ratios within standards.

Document faculty credentials thoroughly for audits.

Maintain labs, software, and libraries current.

Hold advisory board meetings and keep minutes.

Publish outcomes as cohorts graduate.

Seek programmatic accreditation if you haven’t already received it.

An accreditation consultant can pace approvals.

Scale what works; sunset what doesn’t.

Be transparent with students at every step.

Ready to add high‑demand programs?

We’ll help you design, approve, and launch.

Faster, cleaner, fully compliant additions are possible.

Expert Education Consultants gets your new programs over the line. Call me today to schedule your consultation. I’ve been helping clients for over a decade, and I look forward to helping you. Call (925)208-9037 or email sandra@experteduconsult.com

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