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Academic Program Review evaluates MSU Denver’s educational programs offered in a consistent, thorough way for the purpose of assessing the academic quality, efficiency, and accountability of the programs. Program reviews operate within the context of state accountability systems and the process assists the University in maintaining accreditation with the Higher Learning Commission.
For the purpose of Academic Program Review, the definition of a program is an academic group with a set credit bearing curriculum as defined by industry standards and managed by institutional accreditation.
Altogether, MSU Denver students may choose from more than 200 academic options, including concentrations within majors, the individualized degree program, and teacher preparation in early childhood, elementary, K-12, secondary, or special education.
Academic Program Review encompasses undergraduate and graduate program options offered by the University.
Academic Program Review Schedule 2025-2032
View Schedule
View Schedule
View Schedule (Accessible)
View Schedule (Accessible)
2025-26 Programs Under Review
Documents and Forms
Academic Program Review Guidelines Manual 2025-26
Academic Program Review Guidelines Manual 2025-26
APR Guidelines Manual 2025-26 (Accessible)
Academic Program Review Guidelines Manual 2025-26 (Accessible)
Program Self-Study Narrative Template
Program Self-Study Narrative Template
External Site Reviewer Request Form
External Site Reviewer Approval Request Form
External Reviewer Agreement Form
External Reviewer Agreement Form
Meet the 2025-2026 Academic Program Review Committee
View Committee MembersFrequently Asked Questions
Programs are reviewed on a seven-year cycle. The review process begins at the start of the Fall semester and concludes by the end of the following Spring semester.
Summer/Early Fall:
- Development of a self-study narrative by the program chair.
- Analysis of data collected cross-departmentally.
Fall:
- A site visit from an external reviewer.
- Meetings involving faculty, chairs, deans, and other stakeholders.
Spring:
- Preparation of a findings report by the Academic Program Review Committee (APRC).
- A final review meeting to discuss outcomes with university leadership.
- Preparation of an executive summary presented to the university’s Board of Trustees at the June meeting.
Over the six-year interim between each program review, programs participate in a cyclical program improvement process over six years, divided into three two-year cycles (A, B, and C). During this period, programs set goals and objectives, with chairs tracking progress on a semesterly basis. This ongoing assessment informs the next comprehensive review.
Program chairs/directors should:
- Familiarize themselves with the APR guidelines and timelines.
- Encourage faculty to update Watermark by the end of the Spring semester preceding the review.
- Assemble relevant data and documentation for the self-study.
- Engage faculty in reflective discussions about program strengths and areas for improvement.
- Coordinate with the APR staff and external reviewers for the site visit.
- Develop a plan to address recommendations from the findings report.
To see the files for your programs, please visit the APR Records and Reporting SharePoint.
Yes. All academic programs are reviewed on a permanent seven-year schedule to ensure consistency.
Specialized accreditation cycles for programs at MSU Denver range from 5-10 years. Since programs participate in the interim 2-Year Program Progress Reporting process in the 6 years between full reviews, this doesn’t allow programs to remain on a permanent schedule following the established APR process.
Questions? Need Help?
Contact Academic Program Review
Location:
Jordan Student Success Building, Office 330
Phone: 303-615-1900
Email: [email protected]
Lou Moss, MA, PMP
Director of Academic Program Review
[email protected]
Corinne Landry
Program Review Coordinator
[email protected]