What is the Incubator?

The Program Incubator supports the development of new programs. Initially, it will focus primarily on master’s programs, but may expand to include certificates, non-degree programs and other offerings. The purpose of the incubator is to encourage, support and incentivize the rapid creation and implementation of revenue-generating graduate programs that meet student and market needs.

Broadly, the Program Incubator is designed to:

  • Diversify and expand the university’s portfolio of revenue-generating graduate programs, especially interdisciplinary programs.
  • Provide an incentive for curricular experimentation.
  • Renew or re-invigorate existing master’s programs.
  • Identify new and emerging markets for graduate programming.

Functionally, the incubator will provide necessary assistance and support to successfully launch master’s programs. Programs in the incubator should demonstrate net-operating surpluses within a reasonable period (e.g., 1–3 years). To this end, incubator programs will need to reach new student audiences and respond to market needs and, as a result, will likely be interdisciplinary. Delivery formats of programs from the incubator will be responsive to market conditions and needs of prospective students (e.g., online or hybrid).  

The incubator will be managed by the Graduate School and will initially support new revenue-generating master’s programs. Expansion of the incubator concept to the creation of new, revenue-generating undergraduate and post baccalaureate programs may occur at a later date.