Analysis of Academic Program Review from U.S. Higher Education Institutions: Implementation and Implications for Vietnamese HEIs

Abstract

Assessing the effectiveness and quality of academic programs in higher education is a fundamental task to ensure the long-term viability of a university. This responsibility falls primarily on administrative bodies such as the Ministry of Education and Training and higher education accreditation agencies. This qualitative study examines the handbooks for academic program review from ten US universities, representing various institutional types. These include three research universities (two public and one private not-for-profit), three master's universities (two public and one private not-for-profit), and four bachelor's universities (two public and two private not-for-profit), as classified by the Carnegie Classification system. The thematic analysis of these handbooks reveals three key components: Comprehensive process and procedure, resources to support the implementation of academic program review, and peer evaluation. Recommendations are proposed for Vietnamese higher education institutions to adapt and integrate these practices effectively, thereby enhancing the internal quality assurance of academic programs.