1004.03  Program approval.--

(1)  The State Board of Education shall establish criteria for the approval of new programs at state universities, which criteria include, but are not limited to, the following:

(a)  New programs may not be approved unless the same objectives cannot be met through use of educational technology.

(b)  Unnecessary duplication of programs offered by public and independent institutions shall be avoided.

(c)  Cooperative programs, particularly within regions, should be encouraged.

(d)  New programs shall be approved only if they are consistent with the state master plans adopted by the State Board of Education.

(e)  A new graduate-level program may be approved if:

1.  The university has taken into account the offerings of its counterparts, including institutions in other sectors, particularly at the regional level.

2.  The addition of the program will not alter the emphasis on undergraduate education.

3.  The regional need and demand for the graduate program was addressed and the community needs are obvious.

(2)  The State Board of Education shall establish criteria for the approval of new programs at community colleges, which criteria include, but are not limited to, the following:

(a)  New programs may not be approved unless the same objectives cannot be met through use of educational technology.

(b)  Unnecessary duplication of programs offered by independent institutions shall be avoided.

(c)  Cooperative programs, particularly within regions, should be encouraged.

(d)  New programs may be approved only if they are consistent with the state master plan adopted by the State Board of Education.

(3)  New colleges, schools, or functional equivalents of any program leading to a degree that is offered as a credential for a specific license granted under the Florida Statutes or the State Constitution shall not be established without the specific approval of the Legislature.