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THECB approves multiple new doctoral tracks, degree requests and rule package
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Summary
The board approved a slate of program approvals (new PhD and DNP programs at multiple institutions, including Tarleton State, TAMU‑Corpus Christi, UT Arlington, UT San Antonio, UNT Health and West Texas A&M), a substantive change at UTHealth Houston, and adopted multiple rule amendments; approvals were by voice vote.
The Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board approved a series of program requests and adopted a suite of rule changes at its April 2026 meeting.
Program approvals (all approved by voice vote): UTHealth Houston: substantive change to add a BSN‑to‑DNP leadership and administration track; Tarleton State University: PhD in Integrative Biosciences (in‑person, Stephenville, launching 2026); Texas A&M University‑Corpus Christi: PhD in Engineering (Corpus Christi, four dissertation concentrations and industry internships); University of Texas at Arlington: part‑time, 100% online Doctor of Social Work (DSW); University of Texas at San Antonio: PhD in Aerospace Engineering (San Antonio, leveraging SWRI and a Mach‑7 wind tunnel); University of North Texas Health Science Center: PhD in Pharmaceutical Sciences (first in the DFW metroplex); West Texas A&M University: Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) focused on rural practice (Panhandle region).
Board staff presented each proposal under Texas Administrative Code §2.5 (general criteria for program approval), reviewed program need, financing plans and faculty and resource considerations, and recommended approval to the commissioner. Institutional representatives described workforce alignment, internship partnerships and program structure during Q&A. The board adopted each request by voice vote when motions were called.
Rule adoptions: the board also adopted a package of rule changes affecting transfer reporting (Chapter 4 Subchapter B), degree and course planning (new Chapter 4 Subchapter U), preceptorship grants, behavioral health innovation grants, FAST disbursement methodology, and Texas grant program amendments to support portability and special eligibility provisions. Staff said most rule changes implemented legislative directives from the recent session and reflected negotiated rulemaking and stakeholder input.
Where motions and approvals were taken by voice vote, the transcript records the motion and the statement "motion passes" but does not include roll‑call tallies. The board did not withhold approval on the presented items and moved on to the next agenda items after each voice vote.
