Template for Proposals to Develop New Distance-Delivered Graduate Engineering Education Offerings
This template outlines the information requested for each proposal. You may either insert the requested
information directly into this form or use the outline as a guiding structure for your separately
constructed proposal.
________________________________________________________
Title of Proposed Program:
Key Contact Person:
________________________________________________________
I.
Program Goals
What will success of this program look like?
II.
Target Student Population
Describe the students (disciplines, academic and work background, locations, etc.) you hope will enroll in
this program
III.
Key Learning Objectives
What can enrolling students expect to achieve as a result of their studies in the program?
IV.
Department/Program Support
Note the extent to which the department or program has committed itself to the program’s success
through actions to date and/or commitment to future support.
V.
Proposal Selection Criteria
Briefly state the extent to which information is known
A. Evidence of Market Demand
Describe any quantitative or anecdotal evidence speaking to the need for the proposed
program. This will be explored in detail as part of the Feasibility Study.
B. Faculty Commitment
Describe extent to which faculty are committed to assisting in the development of the
program and teaching courses
C. Willingness to adapt curriculum and format to target students
The target students may differ from students currently served by the department in their
learning goals, experience, needs for student support services, etc. Confirm
department’s interest and willingness to adapt curriculum and format to student needs
as discovered in the Feasibility Study.
D. Strategic value
What are the strategic advantages to the department and College for implementing the
proposed program? E.g., what synergies exist with current and planned research,
instruction, outreach, etc?
E. Effective use of Resources
Describe how requested resources will be used. Attach supporting budget per Item VII.
VI.
Work Plan
Confirm your intention to lead or contribute to each of the following elements of the Feasibility Study for
your proposed program. Note department staffing for the effort and any recommendations you may
have to increase the effectiveness of the Feasibility Study effort. As part of its assistance, EPD will
provide funded proposal teams with templates and/or examples to help guide completion of work plan
elements.
A. Definition of Program Concept. Develop a clear statement of the program’s goals; i.e., what
does success look like from the perspectives of the Department, the College of Engineering, and
program graduates? Describe the target student population (location, disciplines, current and
projected job functions, required/desired years of professional experience, etc.).
To be prepared by Department, with support by EPD.
B. Market Analysis. Market test proposed degree and draft curriculum. Develop a profile of the
intended market to ascertain potential sources of candidates, their funding sources, and the
viability of the market over time. Assess current and projected competition. What are unique
strengths of program relative to needs and competitors? Assess availability of employer support
for tuition.
To be prepared by EPD, with support from Department.
C. Academic Plan. Identify program learning goals and competencies students can expect to gain
from the program. Identify courses that comprise the program’s curriculum. For each course
identify key learning objectives and instructional strategies. Address how current on-campus
courses, or resources from those courses, could be adapted to fit the new degree program.
To be prepared by Department, with support from EPD.
D. Faculty Plan. Identify faculty committed to work as part of program development team, and/or
willing to teach proposed courses. Identify unresolved needs for instructors and possible ways
to address needs using UW faculty, faculty from other universities, and/or adjunct instructors.
To be prepared by Department, with support from EPD.
E. Business Plan. Develop budget for subsequent phases of program development. Develop
budget for at least first three years of program launch, projecting enrollment, revenue, and
costs. Identify any sources of funding, if any, beyond tuition revenue.
To be prepared by EPD, with support from Department.
F. Recommendations. Based on the results of the feasibility analyses, prepare recommendations
addressing:
o Whether the proposed degree program warrants further funding and development
o Next steps, proposed schedule and funding for detailed planning and implementation
To be prepared jointly by EPD and Department
VII.
Budget
Attach a budget, using the attached Excel file, showing proposed use of funds. Indicate personnel,
associated % of monthly salary, corresponding dollar amount of salary support, related fringes, and any
direct costs.