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The Graduate School

New Subplan Process

A subplan refers to specific subcategories of a plan that will determine a specified curriculum. New Subplan types include:

ABMs 
Concentrations 
PSMs 

Prior to submitting a proposal to create a new subplan, all proposers MUST consult with the Graduate School.

Contact the Graduate School 

Accelerated Bachelors/Master’s (ABM)

The Accelerated Bachelors/Master’s (ABM) degree program allows exceptional undergraduate students at NC State an opportunity to complete the requirements for both the Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees at an accelerated pace. These undergraduate students may double count up to 12 credits and obtain a non-thesis Master’s degree in the same field within 12 months of completing the Bachelor’s degree, or obtain a thesis-based Master’s degree in the same field within 18 months of completing the Bachelor’s degree.

This degree program also provides an opportunity for the Directors of Graduate Programs at NC State to recruit rising juniors in their major to their graduate programs. However, permission to pursue an ABM degree program does not guarantee admission to the Graduate School. Admission is contingent on meeting eligibility requirements at the time of entering the graduate program. More information is available in Section 3.12 of the NC State Graduate Handbook.

Groups and faculty considering the initiation of a new ABM program are urged to contact us at grad-curriculum@ncsu.edu for an initial consultation. We will provide guidance regarding the preparation of the necessary materials, discuss budget expectations and routing processes. This initial step is essential to the timely completion of the review process.

In order to establish an ABM program, the same department or program that awards the Bachelor’s degree must sponsor the Master’s degree. This does not preclude Master’s degrees in interdisciplinary graduate programs in which the sponsoring department participates, or acceptance of the student into a closely related field if the department granting the graduate degree recommends admission to the Graduate School. This information may be provided in a separate document uploaded under “Correspondence Documentation” or added to the “Program Description” or “Statement of Justification” accordingly.

Submit a form through CIM Programs and be sure to attach the ABM Proposal under the respective section.

CIM Programs 

A sample of the ABM form will appear as shown below:

New Concentration

A concentration is referred by the graduate school as an official subplan by which will be chosen by the student to specialize in a specific subject area of their Masters/Doctoral degree program that will be printed on their transcript as an official record.

Groups and faculty considering the initiation of a new concentration are urged to contact us at grad-curriculum@ncsu.edu for an initial orientation. We will provide guidance regarding the preparation of the necessary materials, discuss budget expectations and routing processes. This initial step is essential to the timely completion of the review process.

Departments/programs wishing to create a new concentration within an existing graduate degree program must submit a form through CIM For Programs with the following details:

  • Objectives: describe the educational objectives of the concentration.
  • Justification: include how the proposed concentration differs from the existing concentration(s) (if any) and why its creation is needed.
  • Enrollment: include the enrollment history for the current program. Project the enrollment in the proposed concentration and in the existing degree program for four years; explain the basis for the projections.
  • Other programs: explain the relationship of the program to other programs currently offered at NC State, including consultation with appropriate departments/programs (as necessary).
  • Concentration Requirements: list the following:
    • total hours required
    • courses by title and number
    • description of any proposed new courses (simultaneous submission of course actions in CIM for new courses is desired)
    • description of any consultation that has occurred for any required courses offered in other programs
  • Faculty: state whether the faculty who will be directly involved in the proposed concentration are generally the same as for the existing degree program. If the faculty list is different, or if new faculty are to be added, list them along with faculty rank and program/department.
  • Budget: provide estimates of any additional costs required to implement the concentration and identify the proposed sources of the additional required funds. This should include any additional facilities or equipment.
  • Administration: describe how the proposed concentration will be administered. This will generally be the same as the existing degree program.

Submit a form through CIM Programs and be sure to attach the New Concentration Proposal under the respective section.

CIM Programs 

A sample of the CIM form will appear as shown below:

Professional Science Master (PSM)

To gain the designation of “Professional Science Master” (PSM), an existing Master program must be officially affiliated with the National Professional Science Master Association, see https://www.professionalsciencemasters.org/.

Programs interested in gaining (or renewing) this designation should contact the Graduate School.