Please note: The new program process has changed. Statements of Interest are accepted twice per academic year. The next submission intake will start on October 9th and close on November 13th.
What is a new program
A new program is any program that has substantially different program requirements and substantially different learning outcomes from those of any existing approved programs offered by the University of Waterloo.
Types of new programs include:
- Bachelor’s degree (e.g., BA, BSc)
- Major in an existing Bachelor's degree (e.g., Bachelor of Science in Zoology)
- Master’s or Doctoral degree (e.g., MA, MSc, PhD)
- Graduate Diploma (GDip)
- Concurrent (Type 2) – completed concurrently with graduate degree, requires additional academic units, usually interdisciplinary
- Direct-entry (Type 3) – a stand-alone, direct-entry program aimed at post-degree or non-degree students
*Graduate collaborative programs, undergraduate diplomas, minors, options and specializations are considered major modifications and do not require approval through the new program process.
For general questions on new programs, contact Tawnessa Carter, Quality Enhancement Coordinator.
New program workshops
The AQuE office offers a New Programs Workshop twice per year. The next workshop is October 8, 1 p.m.- 2 p.m. Registration is required.
In these workshops you will:
- Understand the approval process of new programs and the related timeline;
- Distinguish between standard and expedited approvals;
- Become familiar with key documents required and their main components;
- Gain insight on how to prepare for the approval of a new program successfully;
- Identify key contacts that can assist you in the process.