New Concentration or Minor
What are Concentrations and Minors?
University Definition of Concentration
A concentration is a prescribed pathway through a major, which allows for emphasis on a particular segment of the discipline. Not all majors have formal concentrations. Some majors with formal concentrations require students to select a concentration whereas others do not.
From the CSU Office of the Chancellor: To ensure the integrity of degree programs, each approved degree title is to be associated with only one set of curricular requirements. Requirements in addition to the core curriculum may be achieved through use of a subprogram (an option, concentration, or special emphasis), as noted in . The program core shall represent the majority of required units so that the program's major core curriculum and associated student learning outcomes related to the core can be achieved by all enrolled students, regardless of subprogram pursued.
(See for more information on Executive Order 1071).
University Definition of Minor
Process for New Concentrations
- Log into
- Select the New Proposal Icon,
- Select the "Programs" Tab
- Select "Program - Concentration - NEW"
- Select the "Start Proposal" icon to begin your proposal
Any new course proposals required for the new concentration or minor program must be submitted with the program proposal (or prior to the submission of the proposal) in order for the proposal to continue on to the Senate committees’ review/approval process. Please visit our New Course Request webpage for more information.
- Department Chair (if not the originator)
- Consultation (Newly approved curriculum reviewed by all Department Chairs and Associate Deans. Colleges/Departments have five working days to review proposals and submit any comments within Curriculog.) If no consultation is requested, proposal proceeds to next step.
- Dean and/or Associate Dean
- College Curriculum Committee (proposal may require additional Dean/Associate Dean review if significant changes are made at this step)
- Academic Programs and Services (Technical and Articulation Officer Review, and Director, Associate Dean or Dean approval depending on proposal)
- Committee on Academic Planning and Resources (CAPR)
- Committee on Instruction and Curriculum (CIC)
- Executive Committee of the Academic Senate (ExCom)
- Academic Senate
- University President
- CSU Office of the Chancellor, if proposing new concentration
- University Curriculum Coordinator facilitates the completion of the proposal and addition into the catalog
Process for New Minors
- Log into
- Select the New Proposal Icon,
- Select the "Programs" Tab
- Select "Program - Minor - NEW"
- Select the "Start Proposal" icon to begin your proposal
Any new course proposals required for the new concentration or minor program must be submitted with the program proposal (or prior to the submission of the proposal) in order for the proposal to continue on to the Senate committees’ review/approval process. Please visit our New Course Request webpage for more information.
- Department Chair (if not the originator)
- Consultation (Newly approved curriculum reviewed by all Department Chairs and Associate Deans. Colleges/Departments have five working days to review proposals and submit any comments within Curriculog.) If no consultation is requested, proposal proceeds to next step.
- Dean and/or Associate Dean
- College Curriculum Committee (proposal may require additional Dean/Associate Dean review if significant changes are made at this step)
- Dean's Office Approval
- Academic Programs and Services (Technical Review, and Director, Associate Dean or Dean approval depending on proposal)
- Committee on Academic Planning and Resources (CAPR)
- Committee on Instruction and Curriculum (CIC)
- Executive Committee of the Academic Senate (ExCom)
- Academic Senate
- University President
- WASC Substantive Screening
- CSU Chancellor's Office
- University Curriculum Coordinator facilitates the completion of the proposal and addition into the catalog
Semester Catalog Curriculum Deadlines
New concentrations and minor Programs can only take effect in Fall Semester. Academic Programs and Services deadlines are outlined in the . However, college deadlines are set earlier, so please check with your College Curriculum Coordinator for college-specific curriculum submission deadlines.