Designated Emphases – Proposal Guidelines A designated emphasis (DE) is an interdisciplinary specialization, such as a new method of inquiry or an important field of application, which is relevant to two or more existing doctoral degree programs. Faculty members who wish to offer a Designated Emphasis must form a Graduate Group to administer the program. DE policy DE proposal guidelines DE Graduate Group By-Laws Template Approval process (following preliminary review by Graduate Division): Campus: Graduate Council only