# COMAR Title 13B — Maryland Higher Education Commission

## Subtitle 02 — Academic Regulations

### Chapter 03 — Academic Programs — Degree-Granting Institutions

#### Regulation .09 Duplication of the Proposed Program.

*COMAR 13B.02.03.09*

A. The elimination of unreasonable program duplication is a high priority. Ordinarily, proposed programs in undergraduate core programs consisting of basic liberal arts and sciences disciplines are not considered unnecessarily duplicative. Unreasonable duplication is a more specific concern in vocational/technical, occupational, graduate, and professional programs which meet special manpower needs. The issue of how a proposed program meets an institution's local and State area needs shall be addressed.

B. Evidence demonstrating that a proposed program is not duplicative of similar offerings in the State shall be submitted by the institution. At a minimum, this evidence shall be substantiated on the basis that the proposed program to be offered is not unreasonably duplicative of existing programs in a specific geographically proximate location in the State.

C. Determination of Duplication.

  (1) In determining whether a program is unreasonably duplicative, the Secretary shall consider:

    (a) The degree to be awarded;

    (b) The area of specialization;

    (c) The purpose or objectives of the program to be offered;

    (d) The specific academic content of the program;

    (e) Evidence of equivalent competencies of the proposed program in comparison to existing programs; and

    (f) An analysis of the market demand for the program.

  (2) The analysis shall include an examination of factors, including:

    (a) Role and mission;

    (b) Accessibility;

    (c) Alternative means of educational delivery including distance education;

    (d) Analysis of enrollment characteristics;

    (e) Residency requirements;

    (f) Admission requirements; and

    (g) Educational justification for the dual operation of programs broadly similar to unique or high-demand programs at HBIs.