New Mexico Register / Volume XXXVII, Issue 12 / June 23, 2026

This is an amendment to 5.5.2 NMAC Sections 7 and 9 effective 6/23/2026.

5.5.2.7 DEFINITIONS:

A. “Department” means the New Mexico higher education department.

B. “Discontinued graduate program” means a program an institution has ceased offering.

[B.] C. “Dormant programs” means degree programs that have not admitted new students for a period of three consecutive years.

[C.] D. “Graduate program” or “program” means a sequence of courses, activities or experiences in an academic discipline or sub-discipline which leads to award of any degree in the academic discipline or sub-discipline beyond the baccalaureate degree, including a master's degree, doctoral degree, or professional degree in fields such as law, medicine or other professions.

[D.] E. “Institution” means a public research or comprehensive higher education institution, as defined in Article XII, Section 11 of the New Mexico constitution operating within and receiving financial support from the state of New Mexico.

[E.] F. “Institutional review” means the process by which an institution conducts internal evaluation and approval of new courses, programs or any other matter related to curriculum. The required review process may differ between institutions and is set by each individual institution.

[F.] G. “New graduate program” means one that differs from currently approved programs at the proposing institution, in terms of degree level or academic discipline or sub-discipline.

[G.] H. “Post-baccalaureate certificate” means a program of study that is designed to develop or enhance a focused area of expertise, provide specific skill training and to enhance employability.

[5.5.2.7 NMAC - Rp, 5.5.2.7 NMAC, 06/12/2018; A, 6/23/2026]

5.5.2.9 SUBJECT TO APPROVAL: The following actions require the approval of the department cabinet secretary and the New Mexico state board of finance:

A. Addition of a new graduate program.

B. Addition of a doctoral degree in an academic discipline or sub-discipline in which a master's degree is already awarded.

C. Addition of a master’s degree in an academic discipline or sub-discipline in which a doctoral degree is already awarded.

D. Addition or deletion of a program option, concentration or specialization that will result in a new degree level or academic discipline or sub-discipline. For example, the addition of a concentration or specialization in British literature to an existing master of arts in English would not be subject to 5.5.2 NMAC; however, the addition of an option of British literature in an English department that would result in a new master of arts in British literature would be subject to 5.5.2 NMAC.

[F.] E. Addition of a post-baccalaureate certificate that requires additional funding, faculty or facilities.

F. An institution shall be required to initiate and complete the full approval process for dormant programs.
G. An institution shall be required to complete the full approval process for discontinued programs that it seeks to reinstate.

[5.5.2.9 NMAC - Rp, 5.5.2.9 NMAC, 06/12/2018; A, 6/23/2026]