An applied associate degree is limited to 60 SCH unless the institution determines that there is a compelling academic reason for requiring completion of additional semester credit hours for the degree (Texas Education Code, §61.05151). If the minimum number of semester credit hours required to complete a proposed applied associate program exceeds 60, the institution shall provide detailed documentation describing the compelling academic reason for the number of required hours, such as programmatic accreditation requirements, statutory requirements, or licensure/certification requirements that cannot be met without exceeding the 60-semester credit hour limit. Board Staff will review the documentation provided and make a determination to approve or deny a request to exceed the 60-semester credit hour limit.