College of Arts & Sciences
Developing Concentrations in a Degree Program

 A&S departments and programs may review their degree programs to determine if a concentration is appropriate.  Please submit your proposal to the A&S Dean’s Office.  As you review your programs, keep in mind these points:

             A concentration is an area of focus that can only be earned within a bachelor’s degree program.

1.      To qualify as a concentration, as distinct from a major, at least 15 hours should be required, with specific core courses identified.

2.      All required courses must be offered within a two-year period.

3.      If two or more departments wish to share a concentration, both departments must agree on the requirements and to offer the courses within a two-year period. A concentration cannot also be a minor as minors are usually earned in a department other than the major.

4.      Proposals for concentrations are to be submitted to the dean for action by the A&S Central Committee.

5.      If approved, the Dean’s Office will inform the Vice-president for Academic Affairs, the Registrar, and the department.

6.      The department will then coordinate with the Registrar’s Office to facilitate recording of academic requirements.

 Some particulars to keep in mind as you develop the concentrations: 

1.      Concentrations do not need Trustee approval. However, when an existing degree program is eliminated in favor of a concentration, the Trustees must approve the elimination of the degree program.

2.      Concentrations will appear on the student’s online Career Academic Progress Planning (CAPP) document, but not on the transcript. Only the major and minor will appear on the transcript. 

3.      If your department already uses descriptors such as tracks, sequences, options, specializations, etc., that are already like concentrations, consider changing the descriptors to streamline the language that will appear in print in the UW Viewbook, UW Bulletin, department/program brochures, or any other publications or listings.

4.      Include the approved concentration on the department web pages.