Before the Commission may evaluate the readiness of an out-of-State institution to operate in Maryland or award new degrees in the State, including the offering of an instructional program or a degree level not previously approved, the institution shall present evidence demonstrating the educational need to establish operations, offer programs, and award the degrees in question in the State. The evidence required by §A of this regulation shall include: The degree to be awarded; The area of specialization; The purpose or objective of the program or course of study to be offered; Specific academic content of the program or course of study; The quality of the proposed program in comparison to existing programs; An analysis of the market for the program; and The State's equal educational opportunity obligations under State and federal law. In addition, the out-of-State institution shall demonstrate that the proposed program, for which the institution is making application: Meets a critical and compelling regional or Statewide need; and Is consistent with the Maryland State Plan for Postsecondary Education. The out-of-State institution shall clearly state the demand and need for a program, for which the institution is making application, in terms of meeting present and future needs of the region and the State in general. Two kinds of need may be identified: Societal needs, including the tradition of liberal arts education, which provides immeasurable returns to the State in part by instilling in citizens a capacity for advanced learning and individual and societal benefits regardless of workforce or market demand considerations; and Occupational needs relative to meeting workforce requirements or upgrading vocational or technical skills. Market Demand Data. The out-of-State institution shall present data projecting market demand and the availability of openings in the job market to be served by the new program for which the institution is making application. The type of information submitted will vary, depending on the program, but may include workforce and employment projections prepared by the federal and State governments as well as professional and trade associations. With the exception of programs in the liberal arts, recently collected, existing, or new market surveys shall be used which clearly provide quantifiable and reliable data from prospective employers on the educational and training needs, and the anticipated number of vacancies, expected over the next 5 years. In assessing demand for a new program, for which the institution is making application, an institution shall also present data showing the current supply of graduates in that program area in the State and region.