As an initial step, faculty in the representative departments should collaborate on the program mission and learning outcomes which will guide the curricular requirements as well as the organizational structure and governance of the program.

Initial questions to consider:

Who is the ideal student served by the program?
Would the new program be aligned with the mission of both departments?
What is the rationale for the program (e.g., interdisciplinary expertise, access, innovative learning, cost effectiveness, efficiency, employer demand, decreasing competition among Miami programs)?
Are there data that indicate that the program has a good chance of success?
What might be the resource and staffing implications of the program? Will there be any additional needs?
How might the two departments collaborate effectively to ensure the success of the program and equity among the faculty involved?

By thinking out these questions in advance and coming to a common understanding and set of goals, you better ensure a successful program.

It is also important to design the program so that it advances key metrics for program sustainability and student success:

Rigorous learning that can be defined and measured via assessment of student learning, research/writing assignments
Low DFW rates in gateway courses
Student satisfaction
Strong and consistent course enrollments
Persistence and timely completion of the program.

To ensure the sustainability and long-term success of the cross-departmental and cross-divisional programs, the departments should work together to streamline the curricular and credit hour requirements while advancing the learning outcomes and mission of the program.

The better the advance planning, the greater benefit the program will have on its students and the faculty from both units.