(a) All proposed associate degree programs must meet the criteria set out in this subchapter, in addition to the general criteria in subchapter A, §2.5 of this chapter.(b) Board staff shall ensure that each institution certifies and provides required evidence that a proposed academic associate degree meets the criteria in subchapter A, §2.5, of this chapter.(c) If the program does not follow a Board-approved field of study curriculum or a Board-approved statewide articulation transfer curriculum, the institution has or will initiate a process to establish transfer of credit articulation agreements for the program with senior-level institutions.(d) The institution shall certify that the proposed program complies with all applicable provisions contained in divisions of this subchapter and subchapter A.