1. (a) Each system shall ensure that one or more institutions of higher education under its control offer a competency-based baccalaureate degree program in accordance with this rule.

2. (b) At least one institution of higher education in each system shall offer a competency-based baccalaureate degree program in one of the following high-demand fields:

   1. (1) CIP 11 - Computer and Information Sciences and Support Services (e.g., computer science, data science, information security/cyber security);
   2. (2) CIP 51 - Health Professions and Related Programs (e.g., nursing, health services, health administration);
   3. (3) CIP 27 - Mathematics and Statistics;
   4. (4) CIP 30.70 Data Science, CIP 30.71 Data Analytics, or CIP 30.08 Mathematics and Computer Science, or;
   5. (5) Any other degree program approved by the Commissioner based on available data demonstrating the program leads to employment in a high-demand field.
3. (c) A competency-based baccalaureate degree program offered under this section is subject to the planning notification required by §2.113 of this subchapter (relating to Submission of Planning Notification), approval required under §2.114 of this subchapter (relating to Approval Required), and 2.4 of this chapter (relating to Approval Required).
4. (d) A competency-based baccalaureate degree program offered under this section is subject to the criteria for approval under §2.117 of this subchapter (relating to Criteria for New Baccalaureate and Master's Degrees).
5. (e) An institution may not charge more than the total tuition provided in chapter 13, subchapter G of this title (relating to Tuition and Fees) for a degree program offered under this section.
6. (f) This rule applies to each system beginning with the 2026 - 2027 academic year. A system that does not currently offer a competency-based degree in a high-demand field as set out in this section shall submit a planning notification for approval of a program not later than July 1, 2026.

Source Note:The provisions of this §2.118 adopted to be effective February 11, 2026, 51 TexReg 717.