2.7.1: The institution offers one or more degree programs based on at least 60 semester credit hours or the equivalent at the associate level; at least 120 semester credit hours or the equivalent at the baccalaureate level; or at least 30 semester credit hours or the equivalent at the post-baccalaureate, graduate or professional level. The institution provides a written justification and rationale for program equivalency.   Narrative:  All degree programs at The University of Texas (UT) at Arlington meet or exceed the minimum semester credit hours cited in the core requirement. University guidelines for program proposals stipulate that a minimum of 120 semester credit hours are required for a bachelor’s degree and a minimum of 30 for a graduate degree. No academic units other than the semester credit hour are accepted. Evidence that UT Arlington follows these stipulation can be found in the undergraduate [1] and graduate [2] program length tables.  UT Arlington offers 81 baccalaureate, 73 master’s and 35 doctoral degree programs. UT Arlington does not offer associate degrees. All degree programs, including semester credit hour minimums, follow Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board (THECB) degree guidelines outlined in the THECB’s Universities Division’s Policies and Procedures Manual. [3] The THECB approves all degree programs by using the uniform methods outlined in the aforementioned manual. All UT Arlington degree programs are also consistent with the institution’s mission of promoting lifelong learning. [4]   New degree program proposals and proposals to amend existing programs must be reviewed and approved by faculty curriculum committees and the appropriate administrative officials at the departmental, college/school and university levels. Program proposals normally originate at the departmental level, where faculty identify and determine need for new programs in their disciplinary areas. Proposals are then developed according to Series 40307 (Academic Program Approval Standards) of the Rules and Regulations of the University of Texas (UT) System Board of Regents [5] and Sections 5.45, [6] 5.46 [7] and 5.48 [8] of the THECB. All proposals for new programs and for changes to existing programs then follow a prescribed, academic level-dependent, process for discussion and approval. All UT Arlington degree program proposals have been approved by the UT Arlington Provost, UT System Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs and the THECB.  Undergraduate Programs:   All baccalaureate degree programs require a minimum of 120 semester credit hours.  Individual degree specifications, including required credit hours, are listed by each individual program in the Undergraduate Catalog. [9] An example of degree program specifications for UT Arlington’s BS in Accounting is provided. [10] A table listing UT Arlington’s approved baccalaureate degree programs is published in the Fact Book under Authorized Degree Programs. [11]  Graduate Programs: All graduate degree programs require a minimum of 30 semester credit hours. Specific program requirements may be found in the Graduate Catalog, [12] and a table listing endorsed graduate degree programs is published in the Fact Book under Authorized Degree Programs. [11] An example of degree program specifications for UT Arlington’s MS in Accounting is provided. [13]  Program Equivalency:  Evidence of program equivalency can be seen in program reviews and accreditations from discipline-related entities. To ensure program equivalency, all UT Arlington degree programs undergo an extensive program review every seven years as specified by the institution’s Handbook of Operating Procedures [14] and the UT Arlington Program Review Manual. [15] Program reviews are conducted by teams comprised of internal (from UT Arlington but outside the college/school of the program under review) and external reviewers. These teams focus on the evaluation of the program and the degrees offered. Undergraduate and graduate academic programs that are subject to review by external accreditation organizations are exempt from UT Arlington’s academic program review process. UT Arlington’s Fact Book lists the institution’s accredited programs. [16]   UT Arlington’s Transfer Equivalency Guide [17] helps undergraduate students determine what courses are transferable to UTA as direct course equivalencies. UT Arlington’s response to SACS Comprehensive Standard 3.4.4 outlines UT Arlington’s undergraduate and graduate transfer credit policies. [18]