.25 Certificate Programs.

A. The following certificates are available to institutions in this State, as approved in accordance with COMAR 13B.02.02.10.

B. An institution may award:

(1) A lower division certificate for successful completion of at least 12 semester credit hours at the freshman or sophomore levels, or both.

(2) An upper division certificate for successful completion of at least 12 semester credit hours at the junior or senior levels, or both.

(3) A post-baccalaureate certificate for successful completion of at least 12 semester credit hours at the graduate or upper divisional level, the majority of which are at the master's or specialized postgraduate level.

(4) A post-master's certificate for successful completion of at least 12 semester credit hours of graduate study beyond the master's degree.

(5) A certificate of advanced study for successful completion of at least 30 semester credit hours of graduate study beyond the master's degree.

(6) A professional certificate for successful completion of the number of courses required by the appropriate national professional association.

C. Directed Technology Certificates.

(1) An institution may award a directed technology certificate for completion of a specialized learning program developed by the institution specifically for employer training needs at a closed site. A directed technology certificate is designed as a sequence of courses that meets specific training objectives. Its purpose is to dramatically shorten the start-up time for credit training programs and to provide a useful credentialing function for those desiring a formal award. The certificate may be awarded for successfully earning at least 12 semester credit hours, but no more than 24 semester credit hours.

(2) An institution shall provide a copy of the curriculum and evidence that:

(a) The curriculum for the certificate has been developed in consultation with a specific employer or employers to meet specific training needs;

(b) The curriculum has been reviewed by the appropriate curriculum approval bodies at the institution;

(c) A content specialist will be assigned to ensure high standards and maintain written documentation about the curriculum; and

(d) Financial resources are adequate to support the curriculum.

(3) The Secretary may grant approval to offer or may recommend offering of a directed technology certificate program for a period of 3 years and may renew the approval or recommendation after the third year on application by the institution.

(4) The president of the institution shall submit to the Secretary a letter of request that responds to the requirements of this regulation. The review of a program proposal for a directed technology certificate shall be processed and a decision made within 30 days after it is submitted to the Secretary.

D. New Certificate in Existing Degree Programs.

(1) A program proposal for a new certificate in an existing degree program may be made in a brief, one-page document that:

(a) Explains the centrality of the proposed certificate program to the mission of the institution;

(b) Provides evidence of the market demand for the proposed certificate program;

(c) Sets out the curriculum design; and

(d) Shows that adequate faculty resources exist for the proposed certificate program.

(2) Favorable action on a completed program proposal by the Secretary constitutes final program approval or endorsement.

(3) If the Secretary does not approve or recommend the program proposal, the Secretary shall provide a written explanation of the reasons.

(4) Following the Secretary's decision on a proposed certificate program, an institution may elect to:

(a) Revise a proposal to address the Secretary's reasons for disapproval or non-recommendation and submit the revised proposal for reconsideration; or

(b) Have the matter reviewed by the Commission in accordance with the appeal procedure in Regulation .27 of this chapter.