Section 2: Core Requirement 2.7.2

The institution offers degree programs that embody a coherent course of study that is compatible with its stated mission and is based upon fields of study appropriate to higher education.

Statement of Compliance: Dyersburg State Community College is in compliance with Core Requirement 2.7.2.

Requirements for degree programs, including composition and sequence of courses, are compatible with Dyersburg State Community College’s (DSCC) mission and scope [Ref 1] and are based upon fields of study appropriate to higher education. DSCC anticipates and responds to the educational needs of individuals through strategic planning. Programs are compatible with the educational and career goals of the individuals in the DSCC service area. For the student who plans to transfer to a four-year college or university, DSCC offers programs leading to majors in the university parallel Associate of Arts and the Associate of Science degrees. Several concentrations, which enable the student to individualize a program to meet the specific requirements of a baccalaureate major, are available in each of these degrees under the university parallel major [Ref 2].

Equally appropriate to DSCC’s mission is the offering of the Associate of Applied Science degree [Ref 3] in occupational programs in the areas of Business Related Technology, Communications and Information Technology, Early Childhood Education, Health Information Technology, Justice Services, Manufacturing Systems Technology and Nursing. In these programs, as well as in the academic and technical certificate programs [Ref 4], students develop specialized knowledge and competencies in the chosen major or certificate.

To ensure that DSCC’s degree and certificate programs are coherent, mission-compatible, and appropriate to higher education, requirements for degree programs are subject to a strict approval process. Programs are first developed by faculty at the academic division level in response to a stated need. Advisory committees composed of community individuals who have knowledge and experience in their professions [Ref 5] provide resources and expertise to ensure the need for and appropriateness for a new certificate or terminal degree (Associate of Applied Science) program.

Requests for new degree and certificate programs are reviewed at the institutional level and in accordance with TBR Policy 2:01:00:00 [Ref 6] and THEC Academic Policy A1.1 – Academic Proposals [Ref 7]. Serving as the College’s curriculum committee, the Instructional Council [Ref 8] acts in an advisory role to the Vice President for the College and the President. The final approval for all program content, however, rests with the President.

Once the President approves program proposals, they are submitted to TBR for approval in accordance with TBR Policy 2:01:01:00 [Ref 9] and TBR Guideline A-010 [Ref 10]. The Academic Affairs Division [Ref 11] of the Tennessee Higher Education Commission (THEC) [Ref 12] also conducts a review.

Only approved changes are included in the annual college catalog and student handbook and on the Web site and in the academic inventory.

Once implemented, degree and certificate programs periodically undergo accreditation review [Ref 13] or an academic audit [Ref 14] or external peer review [Ref 15] according to a pre-approved review cycle [Ref 16].