Program Reviews - Non-accredited Programs

Academic program reviews at Middle Tennessee State University are designed to assess program quality and facilitate program improvement. The program review process is a regular, systematic review and evaluation of all academic programs not accredited by a THEC approved accrediting agency. These undergraduate and graduate programs are evaluated on a seven-year cyclic by an out-of-state consultant. The process is coordinated by the department chair in cooperation with the appropriate college and the Office of Institutional Effectiveness, Planning and Research. The provost's office participates in the review process and the subsequent follow up.

• Program Review Calendar 2020-21 through 2026-27

The evaluations, similar to accreditation reviews, are based on standards established by the Tennessee Board of Regents and the Tennessee Higher Education Commission.  The criteria for selecting a reviewer, and prior program reviews are available on the links below.

• Reports from previous program reviews are available through MTSU Access Only section of this website.
• Criteria for Selecting External Program Reviewers
• Click here to run custom reports that provide enrollment, degree, course data, and retention rates for your program's review

Undergraduate Program Review

For undergraduate programs, reviewers are asked to evaluate the presence of 31 quality standards on a review checklist and prepare a written assessment.

• Self-Study Guidelines
• Program Review Rubric
• Departmental Response Form
• Schedule for Program Review Activities
• Itinerary for Reviewer's Campus Visit
• Signature Form for UG Self-Study Reports
• Approval Form for UG Program Reviewers

Graduate Program Review

Graduate programs are measured against objective and qualitative standards established by the Tennessee Conference of Graduate Schools. The eight objective standards, which are either met or not met, include items primarily related to students’ learning experience. Qualitative standards include the students’ learning experience, graduate faculty quality, teaching-learning environment, and program evaluation. Reviewers are also required to submit a narrative report.

• Approval Form for Graduate Program Reviewers
• Program Review Rubric
• Departmental Response Form
• Schedule for Program Review Activities
• Itinerary for Reviewer's Campus Visit
• Signature Page for Graduate Self-Study Reports
• Self-Study Examples (Mathematics, MSPS without appendices)

If you have a question or feedback about the program reviews, please contact Chris Brewer at (615) 898-5197.