The adoption, use, and refinement of an operational model for comparing academic programs and evaluating their needs in 200 postsecondary institutions of all types are discussed. The study was conducted in 1975-76 of all 5,375 degree programs in Pennsylvania. To aid in using the model, the following areas are reviewed: (1) the data items included in the study; (2) the indices and their values for sample degree programs; (3) the specific resources available to the institutions that were studied; and (4) recommendations. In addition to descriptors of the academic degree program and the institution in which it was located, data items were derived from 44 questions sent to the institutions. The eight indices concern: geographic coexistence or geographic program duplication; program similarity; graduate production; availability; student demand for the program; student demand for location; institutional need for the program; and a manpower code. Recommendations came from three sources: the technical report, a policy statement, and the staff of the State Board of Higher Education. Suggestions for replication of the study of degree programs are offered. (SW)