Essentials of Educational Program Development

Developing an educational program at a college or university encompasses a broad spectrum of human and technical components. Wrapped into these essentials are numerous considerations, such as: demand for the program (including immediate and projected needs); student interest and participation; physical aspects (such as classrooms, laboratories, equipment, specialty libraries, etc.); and support from faculty, school administrators, and the community—particularly businesses and business leaders. The program being developed can be an entirely new program, a modification or upgrade of an existing program, a spinoff from an existing program, or a program that bridges (i.e., interfaces) with other disciplines. Below is a discussion of key essentials that need to be addressed.