2.7.2: The institution offers degree programs that embody a coherent course of study that is compatible with its stated purpose and is based upon fields of study appropriate to higher education.   Narrative:  Degree programs at The University of Texas (UT) at Arlington are classified as postsecondary disciplines in the Texas Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP) [1], which is based on the designations provided by the United States Department of Education’s CIP taxonomy. [2] All degree programs are organized by discipline in the UT Arlington Active Program Inventory.  Coherent Programs:  The University assures the coherence and appropriateness of all degree programs in several ways. In compliance with Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board (THECB) Rules, Sections 5.45, [3] 5.46 [4] and 5.48, [5] all proposals for programs are up-to-date, consistent with current educational theory and within the existing role and mission of the institution. All UT Arlington degree programs are mission sensitive in that they are based on two of the main premises of the UT Arlington mission statement: (a) advancement of knowledge and (b) pursuit of excellence. [6] Degree proposals must provide a clear rationale for program need and must follow the University’s Standards for Bachelor’s and Master’s Degree Programs. [7] These standards ensure that programs are appropriate to the level of study and require all coursework to meet accreditation, licensure and certification requirements and to be consistent with other similar state and national programs.   Program Proposal Process:  Program proposals originate at the departmental level where faculty identify and determine need for new programs in their disciplinary areas. Faculty are responsible for creating coherent courses of study that are appropriate for higher education. New degree program proposals and proposals to amend existing programs must be reviewed and approved by both faculty committees and the appropriate administrative officials at the departmental, college/school and university levels. Program proposals are developed according Series 40307 (Academic Program Approval Standards) of the UT System Rules and Regulations of the Board of Regents [8] and Sections 5.45, [3] 5.46 [4] and 5.48 [5] of the THECB Rules. Final approval for all new degree programs and changes to existing programs resides with the THECB.   Program Review:   Existing degree programs undergo a rigorous program review every seven years. [9] UT Arlington’s Program Review Manual [10] helps guide the review process, which includes a self-study and a Program Review Team assessment that includes a site visit. Three weeks after the Program Review Team’s visit to the campus, the Team submits a formal report regarding its findings. [11] The department chair of the reviewed program then submits departmental feedback regarding the review to the Provost. [12] The Provost then submits her program recommendations to the President. [13] As evidenced by the example of recent program reviews, UT Arlington’s program review process evaluates programs with coherence and institutional mission in mind. [14] [15] [16] [17] [18] [19] [20] [21] [22] [23] As the Engineering Management [21] and Modern Languages [23]  program reviews illustrate, faculty course evaluations are often included in program reviews.   In cases where programs are accredited by external accreditation agencies, those accrediting reviews are accepted in lieu of a program review. [24] Programs accredited by external agencies are listed in the Table of Accredited Programs in the UT Arlington Fact Book. [25]  Core Curriculum:  A large component of undergraduate degree programs is the state-mandated core curriculum. To ensure that students receive a general education and an increased breadth of knowledge, THECB Rule 4.28 mandates all institutions within the UT System to use a core curriculum. [26] This coherent course of study consists of nine components: (a) 6 hours of English composition, (b) 3 hours of literature, (c) 3 hours of a liberal arts elective, (d) 6 hours of United States history, (e) 6 hours of political science, (f) 6 hours of mathematics (1301 or higher), (g) 8 hours of single lab natural sciences, (h) 3 hours of social/cultural studies and (i) 3 hours of fine arts. [27]  Degree Program Publication:  Degree programs, course descriptions and degree requirements are published in the paper and online versions of the Undergraduate [28] and Graduate [29] Catalogs. The Undergraduate Catalog Degree Program Requirements outlines: (a) degree plans, (b) minor fields of study, (c) competence in computer use and communication, (d) tuition for excess undergraduate hours and (e) residency requirements. [30] The Graduate Catalog Advanced Degree Requirements outlines: (a) degree plans and required hours, (b) programs of work, (c) residency, (d) supervising committee and (e) candidacy. [31] In compliance with THECB Rule 4.30, UT Arlington reevaluates the core curriculum every five years. [32]