New Curricula


When instituting new or substantially revised curricula, member institutions are required to submit documentation to the Commission in order to remain in compliance with Part II., Article I., Section 3., of the NAST Rules of Practice and Procedure. This includes the addition of programs and degrees to be reviewed and listed by NAST at a degree or credential level other than the curricular level(s) included in the institution’s current accreditation.

The Association also offers the opportunity for member institutions to receive an optional consultative review of new curricula by the Commission prior to submission of an official request for Plan Approval.

The Commission does not ordinarily send visitors to examine a new curriculum, but may request that the theatre executive concerned meet with them to discuss the program in detail. However, an on-site evaluation is strongly recommended as part of the Plan Approval process when an institution plans to offer a theatre degree at a new level (associate, baccalaureate, initial master’s, terminal  master’s, or doctorate) for the first time.

Plan Approval

Plan Approval is required after institutional approval and before students are admitted into a new degree program. The application for Plan Approval includes information concerning the structure of the new curriculum as well as data concerning the faculty, library, equipment, and/or resources necessary for its support.

When a degree has received Plan Approval, the program is listed in the NAST Directory List in italics.

Final Approval for Listing

Final Approval for Listing is granted when the Commission has reviewed an application including validations of the plan-approved curriculum through transcript evidence. Three transcripts must be provided for each undergraduate curriculum or non-degree-granting program. Two transcripts are submitted for each graduate program. The format for submitting transcripts consistent with Plan Approval documentation may be found in the document Policies and Procedures for Reviews of New Curricula (provided below).

When the curriculum has received Final Approval for Listing, the program is listed in the NAST Directory List in regular type.

Application Procedures for Plan Approval & Final Approval for Listing

Please review the application procedures below in their entirety prior to submitting an application for Plan Approval or Final Approval for Listing.

Frequently Asked Questions: New Curricula

When must a program be submitted for Plan Approval?

Plan Approval is required after institutional approval and before students are admitted into a new curricular program. The application for Plan Approval includes information concerning the structure of the new curriculum as well as data concerning the faculty, library, equipment, and/or resources necessary for support.

When must a program be submitted for Final Approval for Listing?

Final Approval for Listing is required when transcript evidence for the Plan Approved program is available. Two transcripts for graduate programs and/or three transcripts for baccalaureate and non-degree-granting programs are required.

Will an application for Plan Approval negatively impact our application for accreditation?

No. The Commission differentiates between what is being offered and what is planned, and reviews this information in two separate categories.

Can we apply for Plan Approval/Final Approval for Listing during an application for accreditation or reaccreditation?

Yes. The self-study process encourages this. For more information, see the Procedures for Institutions.