Cornell University

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Graduate SchoolAboutGovernance and StructureGraduate Program Registration

Graduate Program Registration

All new graduate degrees, and any changes to existing degrees, at Cornell University must undergo a thorough university review and approval process to ensure that they are meeting rigorous academic standards, are administratively robust, competitive, and able to attract quality students.

Although the process is different for research and course-based degrees, as outlined below, both require a review step by the Graduate School. Research degree proposals are reviewed by the General Committee of the Graduate School, and course-based Master’s degrees are reviewed by the Course-based Graduate Degree Review Committee.

University Review Process for Research-based Degrees

  1. Reach out to IRP for overall process guidance.
  2. Secure graduate field faculty support: Provide results of a faculty vote in a letter from the director of graduate studies and appropriate letters of support from contributing or adjacent programs, schools, or colleges.
  3. Submit to the Enrollment Compliance and Design Office for approval.
  4. Submit to the General Committee of the Graduate School for approval, overseen by the associate dean for academics.
  5. Submit to the Provost’s Council for approval.
  6. For existing degrees: a brief summary of all academic programmatic changes are included in a report for the Board of Trustees. For new degrees: proposals are submitted for a vote.
  7. Submit to SUNY/NYSED for approval (if required).

IRP (Kristin Walker; walker@cornell.edu) will help coordinate Steps 5, 6, and 7.

University Review Process for Course-based Degrees 

  1. Reach out to IRP for overall process guidance.
  2. College Level: Secure results of a faculty vote and approval letter from the dean.
  3. Submit to Enrollment Compliance and Design Office for approval.
  4. Submit to the Course-based Graduate Degree Review Committee for approval, overseen by the associate dean for academics.
  5. If multiple colleges administer the program, submit the proposal to the Faculty Senate/Committee on Academic Programs and Policies.
  6. Submit to the Provost’s Council.
  7. For existing degrees: a brief summary of all academic programmatic changes are included in a report for the Board of Trustees. For new degrees: proposals are submitted for a vote.
  8. Submit to SUNY/NYSED for approval (if required).

IRP (Kristin Walker; walker@cornell.edu) will help coordinate Steps 5, 6, 7, and 8.