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 Tennessee Higher Education Commission (THEC) approved accrediting agency. These undergraduate and graduate programs are evaluated on a five-year cycle 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 Higher Education Commission (THEC). 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 Rubric, Forms, & Timeline

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

• Timeline for 2026-27 Program Reviews
• Baccalaureate Rubric (final)
• Self-study Guidelines
• Signature Page to submit Self-Study report
• Criteria for External Program Reviewers
• Signature Page to submit External Reviewer & CV
• Itinerary Example for Reviewer’s Campus Visit
• Departmental Response Form

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.

• Timeline for 2026-27 Grad Program Reviews
• Graduate Program Rubric (final)
• Self-Study Guidelines
• Self-Study Examples (Mathematics, MSPS without appendices)
• Signature page to submit Grad Self-study report
• Criteria for External Program Reviewers
• Signature Page to submit External Reviewer & CV (Graduate Council)
• Itinerary Example for Reviewer’s Campus Visit
• Departmental Response Form

If you have a question or feedback about the program reviews, please contact Rachel Helms at (615) 494-7740.