Criteria used by states for review and approval of academic programs were investigated in 1983 based on a survey of boards of education of states belonging to the State Higher Education Executive Officers (SHEEO). The survey revealed an overall increase in state-level program review activity. While the general criteria for program review and approval were very similar from state to state, differences were found for specific indicators of each criterion and the weight given to each criterion. In general, the criteria related to the purposes of the review and the type of board. Typical general criteria included: quality, need/demand, relation to institutional mission, cost for new programs, and productivity for existing programs. The existing and/or potential duplication of a program was also frequently included as an evaluation criterion. There was increasing use of simple outcomes measures (e.g., information on program graduates, success on required professional examinations, entrance to graduate schools) in the review of existing programs. For the 50 states, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico, a chart indicates the authority of the state to recommend, approve, or discontinue programs by type of college/university. Maps also illustrate states where the board has program approval/review authority. (SW)