Frequently Asked Questions
In contrast to the double major, which awards a single diploma, students may receive a diploma for each of two majors by pursuing a double degree option. This option calls for a minimum of 30 semester credit hours of upper-division (3000/4000) courses beyond those for the degree with the greater credit requirements for a minimum of 81 upper-division semester credit hours. In addition, the student must satisfy all requirements for both majors. Those students interested in completing a double degree should meet with an advisor in each program. For honors information see How do I graduate with honors?
How many hours can I transfer from another school?
Although UT Dallas normally accepts credit from academic courses taken at other regionally accredited institutions in which a grade of 'C' (2.00 on a 4.00 scale) or higher has been earned, specific course and degree requirements must be met in order for these courses to be included in the student's degree plan.
While a student at UT Dallas, each candidate must complete at least 25 percent of the total semester credit hours required for a degree, 12 hours of which must be in advanced courses in the major subject. An additional requirement for the School of Management is that at least 50 percent of the total Business credit hours be taken at UT Dallas.
Students may not transfer to UT Dallas more than six of the final thirty hours required for their degree.
To ensure that credit earned elsewhere will be accepted, continuing UT Dallas students who wish to take courses elsewhere must complete an 'Off Campus Transfer Work Approval Form' in their advising office prior to registering for the course(s). Upon completion of approved courses an official transcript must be sent electronically or by mail to the Office of the Registrar.
How can I get certified to teach?
Students who wish to gain certification to teach in Texas schools may do so at UT Dallas. Students must first be admitted individually to the academic program of their choice. They must also seek admission to Teacher Education through the Teacher Development Center as early as possible.
Professional education courses, including student teaching, of at least 18 semester credit hours are prescribed to meet state certification regulations. Certification requirements may increase the number of semester hours normally required for graduation. Careful planning and utilization of electives for fulfillment of professional requirements may allow the student to avoid such an increase.
Teaching fields in which certification for Grades 8-12 may be earned are English Language Arts and Reading, Social Studies, Computer Science, History, Life Sciences, Physical Science, Science, Chemistry, and Mathematics. Teaching fields in which certification for Grades 4-8 may be earned are Science, Mathematics, Social Studies, English Language Arts and Reading, and Generalist 4-8. The Generalist Certificate is the only teaching field available at UT Dallas for Early Childhood (EC)-4 certification.
All students interested in Teacher Certification should consult the section on Teacher Education in the catalog, as well as the appropriate subject area.
What classes can I take at the community college?
Course work that is accepted for transfer credit is applicable toward satisfying requirements for a specific UT Dallas major according to the same criteria as those used for equivalent UT Dallas courses. Prospective transfer students from Dallas-area community colleges should refer to the UT Dallas Transfer Guides, available at the UT Dallas Office of Admissions, online, and at the community college academic advising offices to learn more about curricula appropriate to the various UT Dallas majors.
What is the fast track program?
A number of programs at UT Dallas offer an accelerated Fast Track option that allows students to take graduate-level classes while undergraduates. Specific admission requirements for Fast Track programs can be found within the descriptions of majors. Undergraduate students who have been admitted to Fast Track programs at UT Dallas leading to baccalaureate/master's degrees may, with the permission of the student's Undergraduate Associate Dean and graduate advisor, take a maximum of 15 specified semester credit hours of graduate work. The graduate hours may be used to complete the baccalaureate degree and also to satisfy requirements of the master's degree. The grade earned in the graduate coursework must be a 'B' (3.00) or better to be applied to the master's degree requirements.
Graduate programs at UT Dallas will accept admission to a Fast Track program as satisfying Graduate Record Exam (GRE) criteria for admission to the graduate program. The School of Management requires students to meet its graduate admission requirements including completion of the Graduate Management Admissions Test (GMAT) prior to receiving the baccalaureate degree.
The degree requirements of every major include the opportunity for elective courses, that is, courses exploring subjects not directly related to a student's major. The minimum number of elective hours is 18. Specific exceptions have been granted to Electrical Engineering and Accounting, where the minimum number is 12. Six of the elective hours for all majors are required to be selected from advanced electives, which are defined as upper-division courses, or lower-division courses that have prerequisites, and that are outside the major. All students are encouraged to use their electives to explore fields beyond their major.
Students should schedule an appointment to meet with their academic advisor to discuss which electives will be most beneficial to their particular degree plan and career goals.
The University of Texas at Dallas requires that all students complete a general education Core Curriculum of 42 semester credit hours that serves as a broad foundation for the undergraduate degree. These requirements must be met by every student pursuing a baccalaureate degree at UT Dallas, regardless of their major. Specific approved courses must be used to satisfy each Core requirement.
It is recommended that students complete the core prior to their junior year.
More information on UT Dallas' Core Curriculum may be found in the Undergraduate Catalog.
How can I count a course for both the core curriculum and my major?
Some of the core curriculum courses will count toward the major course requirements for some degrees. Students should schedule an appointment to meet with their academic advisor to plan the most beneficial course of study.
Are there upper-level equivalents to the core courses that I can take instead?
Students are encouraged to take the core curriculum courses as outlined in the Undergraduate Catalog for their major's degree plan. Upper-level equivalents do exist for some of the core courses. Academic advisors have the list of upper-level equivalents that is published each semester. Students should schedule an appointment to meet with their academic advisor to discuss substitutions.
How do I apply for graduation?
A student must complete an Application for Graduation with their academic advisor and submit the application to the Office of the Registrar by the posted deadline. The procedures and dealines for submitting this application are listed in the online Comet Calendar. Students are encouraged to apply for graduation prior to registering for the last semester. Students who apply after the posted deadline will be required to pay a non-refundable late fee. Completion of the graduation application is an acknowledgement that if meeting all degree requirements, the student will graduate at the end of the semester. Students cannot withdraw an Application for Graduation once it has been submitted.
this page last updated November 21, 2008
