This is an archived copy of the 2021-2022 catalog. To access the most recent version of the catalog, please visit http://catalog.uta.edu/.

Undergraduate Admissions

Office of Admissions

Application for Admission

New prospective students who wish to enroll at The University of Texas at Arlington must apply for admission. They should apply as early as possible. All application materials—signed application(or certified if online), appropriate application fee or fee waiver documentation, official copies of transcripts of all high school and all college work attempted, and official test scores when appropriate—should be submitted by the priority deadlines. Completed applications will be accepted after the priority deadlines until the ApplyTexas application closes approximately two weeks prior to the start of the term.  Adherence to the deadlines ensures careful evaluation of credentials resulting in an admission decision and notification of that decision to the student in time for orientation, academic advising, registration, and tuition/fee payment.

All documents, including official transcripts submitted to the Office of Admissions, become the property of the University and will not be returned to the student. Official transcripts must be currently dated with an issue date that closely corresponds to the date the admission application is submitted. Once transcripts from other institutions are received at UT Arlington we will not provide students with a copy of the transcript(s).  Students must contact the granting institution where the transcript was originally obtained.  offer of admittance to UT Arlington is only valid for the semester indicated on the admission application. Applicants wishing to be considered for a future semester other than the one identified on their first application must submit a new application. Although a new application must be completed, a second application fee will not be required if the application is being updated for the first time within the same academic year. If the second or subsequent admission application reflects a change in academic history, the student must provide the new official transcripts and test scores reflecting any new work completed since the first application was submitted. Once complete, the student's admission status will be re-evaluated. The application for admission can be found at www.ApplyTexas.org.

Priority Deadlines

Application Deadline Fall Semester Spring Semester & Winter Intersession Summer Semester & Summer Intersession
Freshman June 1 December 1 April 1
Transfer students June 1 December 1 April 1
Former students June 1 December 1 April 1
International students May 1 October 1 March 1
Transient students June 1 December 1 April 1

The above priority deadlines may not apply to some academic programs which are offered exclusively online. Please consult the specific web site of the online program you will be participating in for application deadline information.

Apply Texas Application

Pursuant to Section 51.762 and 51.763 of the Texas Education Code, the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board adopted a uniform undergraduate admission application called the Apply Texas Application. All undergraduate freshmen, transfer, former and transient students applying to a Texas public institution of higher education must use this form. It may be accessed and sent electronically via the Internet at www.applytexas.org.

Admission Application Fee

All new undergraduate applicants to UT Arlington must pay a non-refundable $75 application fee. The fee may be paid online using a credit card at the time the application is submitted.  Undergraduate Admissions supports a Fee Waiver program for qualifying students.  Please refer to our Admissions page for qualification information.  Fee waivers are not available for students applying to the Accelerated Online programs.  Admission decisions will not be made until after the application, application fee and all official academic credentials are received and reviewed. Applicants who are not admitted or who do not enroll on the basis of their original admission application may receive one free update within the same academic year upon completion of an update application.

International Students

All prospective students from countries other than the United States who are not immigrants and have not been granted permanent residency must submit:

  1. an International Student Application.
  2. the application processing fee of $60 U.S., which is not refundable.
  3. Entering freshmen must present completed official secondary school transcripts, diplomas, certificates and/or national test examination scores as appropriate for the educational systems in their country. In order to be considered for freshman admission you must have completed a secondary school series equivalent to that of United States high school graduation. Transcripts and exam marks should be attested as true copies of the originals by the school you attended. Notarized copies are not used for admission. If documents are written in a language other than English, complete and official English translations must be provided with the original language transcripts, exam records and diplomas. Official SAT I or ACT scores are required for entering freshmen with less than 24 semester hours of university level course work (equivalent to one year of full time study). The minimum required SAT I (old format) score for entering freshmen educated in a country other than the U.S. is 900. The minimum required SAT I (redesigned format) score for entering freshmen educated in a country other than the U.S. is 980. The minimum ACT score is 19. International Freshman applicants educated in the U.S. must meet U.S. freshman admission standards regarding high school class rank and SAT I or ACT scores. Scores must be sent directly to UT Arlington from the Testing Service in order to be considered official. Student score reports are not used for admission processing.
     
  4. International Transfer Students must submit official transcripts or mark-sheets of all college or university level course work showing subjects completed and grades (marks) earned. Transcripts and diplomas must be attested as true copies of the originals by the school you attended or UT Arlington. Notarized copies are not used for admission. If documents are written in a language other than English, complete and official English translations must be provided with the original language transcripts, exam records and diplomas.
  5. Official TOEFL scores are required from International students (entering freshman and transfer students) from non-native English speaking countries on the following visas: B, C, D, F, H-4 dependents of H-1C, H-2A, and H-2B visa holders, J, M, O-2, O-3, P, Q, S, TN, TD, TWOV. Applicants who have graduated from secondary schools or colleges in the following countries are exempt from the TOEFL: Anguilla, Antigua, Australia, Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Bermuda, British Virgin Islands, Canada (except Quebec), Cayman Islands, Dominica, Grenada, Grand Cayman, Guyana, Ireland, Jamaica, Liberia, Montserrat, New Zealand, Sierra Leone, St. Kitts and Nevis, St. Lucia, St. Vincent, Trinidad/Tobago, Turks and Caicos Islands, and United Kingdom.
    The TOEFL will be waived for those applicants:
    1. who have an SAT I verbal score of at least 480 or an ACT I English score of 19, or
    2. who have completed English Composition I and II with a grade of C or better, plus 24 additional transferable hours at a college or university located in the U.S.
      The minimum acceptable score on the TOEFL is 79 on the Internet-based test, 550 on the paper-based test and 213 on the computer-based test. The IELTS can be substituted for TOEFL scores. The minimum acceptable overall score of 6.5 is required for admission. Scores must be sent directly to UT Arlington from the Testing Service in order to be considered official. Student score reports are not used for admission processing.
  6. The applications of prospective students from countries other than the United States are reviewed on an individual basis, and admission decisions are based on the strength of the previous academic work, scores on the SAT if required, and the Test of English as a Foreign Language score. Academic background and curriculum are important considerations in decisions on admissibility.
  7. International students who plan to attend UT Arlington on an F-1 (student visa) and who wish to be issued an I-20 must present a copy of their passport, I-94 card and evidence of sufficient financial support while studying in this country. Please see the latest Financial Statement Form at UT Arlington's Web site at www.uta.edu/admissions for the most current estimate to be documented and types of acceptable documentation.
  8. International Students on any visa other than F-1 must present a copy of their passport and I-94 card.
  9. Prior to course registration each prospective International student must clear through the Office of International Education. In addition, International students on the following visas are required to attend an International Orientation before registering for classes: A-2, e-2, F-1 (including transfer students) H-4, J-1, J-2, L-2, O-3, R-2, TD.

  10. Prior to course registration each prospective International student must have a Tuberculosis screening and/or chest X-ray in order to enroll.  The University of Texas Board Of Regents has passed Regents Rule 50402, which now requires only F1, F2, J1 and J2 students who are currently enrolled, to have medical insurance compliant with the federal Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA). The UT Student Health Insurance Plan (UT-SHIP) meets these requirements. New students will have the opportunity to enroll in the UT-SHIP at international student orientation. The charge will be automatically added to your student MyMav account and paid when you pay your tuition and fees. The UT System has established criteria in which an international student can request a waiver from the UT-SHIP by providing alternate health insurance coverage. In order to be approved for a waiver, your alternate health coverage must meet or exceed the requirements as set in the System regulation and be PPACA compliant. Waivers must be submitted online and approved each semester to have the insurance charge removed from your student account.

Meningitis Requirement

As of Jan. 1, 2012, incoming Texas college students under 30 years old as of the first day of classes for the term in which they intend to enroll must be immunized against bacterial meningitis before they enroll in any Texas institution of higher education per SB 1107.  The law was subsequently updated for students entering the Spring 2014 to be under the age of 22 years old instead of 30.   Students transferring from another institution and students who are re-enrolling following a break of at least one fall or spring semester must be inoculated against the illness. Students who plan to audit a course also must comply with the law. Students enrolling in only online classes are exempt from the legislation.

It is imperative that students who plan to enroll at UT Arlington be vaccinated as soon as possible. Under the law, new college students must have received the vaccine within the past five years. Proof of inoculation is required 10 days before the start of the semester as the vaccine is considered effective several days after it is administered. Additionally, the vaccine must have been administered within the past five years.  Limited exemptions are specified in state law.  Upon acceptance to the university, the student will receive detailed information sent to their UT Arlington email address concerning compliance with the law.  Students enrolled in classes who must meet the requirement will be dropped from their classes the day prior to the first day of class if they have not completed the requirements as defined by the law.

Frequently asked questions regarding this requirement are available online at UT Arlington’s web site.

Major Classifications

All entering students will be classified either as undeclared majors, intended-majors or majors. All entering students who are not ready to declare a major will be admitted as undeclared majors.  Note:  Applications for students interested in the Architecture or Interior Design programs will only be accepted for the Fall semester.

All first-time freshman students and freshman transfer students will be advised by the University Advising Center in University College for their first year and then advised by departmental advisors thereafter.  Undeclared majors beyond the first year will continue be advised in the University Advising Center until they are ready to move into an intended major or major.

Transfer students will be advised by a departmental advisor for the intended major or major, unless admitted as an undeclared major and be advised by the University Advising Center.

Enrollment as a Non-Degree Student

A student who holds a bachelor's degree from an accredited institution, including The University of Texas at Arlington, may choose to apply for admission as a non-degree student in one of the undergraduate colleges or schools and is subject to the rules that apply to other undergraduates. Students may, with the approval of the director of admissions and the academic dean, change to degree-seeking status in an undergraduate college.

Consideration for the non-degree option is made by submitting an admission application, application fee and an official transcript showing the awarding of at least a bachelor's degree. Materials must be submitted by the deadline for undergraduate admission.

Admission to a Degree Program

Admission to the University's degree programs is determined by application to the academic unit offering the degree. Before being admitted to a degree program, students must fulfill all departmental and college requirements. Degree programs may require students to complete additional courses or hours in residence prior to applying for admission to the degree program. Until students are admitted into a degree program, students will remain on pre-major status.

Criminal Background Check

Some programs require a criminal background check as a condition of admission or program completion or licensure expectations concerning acceptable qualifications. Applicants should examine departmental requirements with care.

Academic Fresh Start

Section 51.931 of the Texas Education Code provides that a resident of Texas may apply for admission to the University as an undergraduate student without consideration of course credit or grades earned 10 or more years prior to the semester the applicant plans to enroll. To be admitted, the applicant must meet the admissions standards in effect at the time of application. Students admitted under the "fresh start" option may not receive credit for any course work taken 10 or more years prior to enrollment. The Academic Fresh Start provision does not affect Texas Success Initiative exemptions claimed on the basis of college credit earned prior to September 1989.

After enrollment, a message will be posted to the student's academic record at UT Arlington indicating admission has been granted through the Academic Fresh Start provision. Once this option has been claimed and the student has enrolled at any state institution, the provision cannot be reversed. An applicant may use the Academic Fresh Start provision only once at UT Arlington.

  • Fresh Start must be requested at the time of application to UTA
  • If previously accepted to UTA without applying for Fresh Start, it may be requested during readmission to the University if one calendar year has lapsed since last enrollment
  • Students must demonstrate college readiness to enroll in courses subject to TSI standards
  • Students who have earned a bachelor’s degree are not eligible for Fresh Start at UTA
  • Courses removed by the Fresh Start program are not applicable to core curriculum requirements or course prerequisites
  • Credit and GPA earned prior to the student’s Fresh Start will not be used to evaluate admission to graduate or professional programs
  • All requests for Fresh Start should be made to the Office of Admissions by completing an Academic Fresh Start form

Orientation and Early Registration

Orientation and Early Registration is a program which includes placement testing, group sessions to prepare for the transition to UT Arlington, resources for academic success, and an introduction to social and extracurricular opportunities. A highlight of the program is early advising and registration.

Upon completion of the admission requirements and admittance to the University, students are sent information regarding orientation from the UT Arlington Division of Student Affairs. The orientation program is required for all first-time freshmen students.

For students starting UT Arlington in the fall semester, several orientation options are available. New freshman students may attend one of several one-and-a-half-day sessions offered in June, July and August. Students have the option to stay overnight in the residence halls. Parents of freshman students are invited to attend a separate but concurrent program. There are limited accommodations for parents or guests on campus. Transfer students are also required to attend a one-day program in July or August. All Orientation programs conducted during the summer include Academic Advising and Early Registration. For students starting in the other semesters, Orientation and Early Registration is offered prior to the start of the semester.  Please contact the UTA Division of Student Affairs for additional information regarding the orientation programs.

International Student Orientation

The New International Student Orientation provides new international students with information about immigration matters, health services and health insurance, registration procedures, academic rules and regulations, cultural adjustment, and Office of International Education programs and activities. Attendance at this orientation program is required for all non-immigrants who are new to UT Arlington, including transfer students. Orientations are offered on various days in the two weeks preceding each semester. Students are notified by letter of this New International Student Orientation at the time of notification of admission. The dates and details of orientation are included in this letter. Attendance at any other UT Arlington orientation does not substitute for attendance at the New International Student Orientation. Those who do not attend will not be allowed to register during regular registration and must attend a makeup orientation program before being allowed to register in late registration.

College Credit by Examination

The University of Texas at Arlington recognizes that many excellent students have gained academic achievement in certain subject areas prior to entering an institution of higher education. UT Arlington strongly encourages such superior attainment, recognizes it for academic purposes and permits students who have done such work to obtain course credit through examination. Students will be given the opportunity to receive credit by examination in courses within the regular curricular offerings of the University where proficiency may be practically and validly determined by examination.

UT Arlington uses several examination programs to assess the prior academic achievement of undergraduate students. The University awards credit for scores on certain tests from the College Board Advanced Placement Program (AP), the College Board College Level Examination Program (CLEP), the College Board SAT II: Subject Tests, the DANTES Subject Standardized Test (DSST), and the International Baccalaureate Program (IB). UT Arlington also offers advanced standing examinations prepared by departmental faculties.

The following policies govern the awarding of credit by examination by UT Arlington:

  • Credit by examination is available to undergraduate students with a completed application on file, currently enrolled students, and formerly enrolled students who meet eligibility requirements. Provided the student has neither passed nor failed that course at the University of Texas at Arlington (including a Z in English). Credit by examination will not be given for a course the student previously passed or failed, or received transfer credit at UT Arlington. Additional eligibility requirements for certain courses are listed in Assessment Services Credit by Examination brochure or on their Web site.

  • Prospective students may take examinations to establish their eligibility to receive credit, however, credit is awarded only to currently enrolled students or to former students who meet eligibility requirements. A prospective student may claim credit prior to enrollment but the credit will be posted as earned credit after Census day of the first enrolled semester.

  • Credit by examination may not be used for graduate credit and no such credit, graduate or undergraduate, may appear on graduate student transcripts.
  • Credit earned by examination satisfies degree requirements in the same way as credit earned by passing courses except it does not count as credit earned in residence. Credit by examination cannot be used to satisfy general degree requirements for: (a) 30 semester hours in residence, (b) at least 18 semester hours in residence of advanced course work (courses numbered 3000 and 4000), to include 12 hours of advanced course work in the major field. Credit by examination can be used to meet prerequisites for higher-level courses.
  • After the official Census Date, students may earn credit by examination for a course they are enrolled in only if the student drops the course with a W or upon written approval of the chair of the appropriate academic department. Once a grade is posted for the course the student may not petition for credit earned by exam.
  • Most academic departments award semester hours of credit, but no letter grades. In a few subjects, credit may be awarded with grades of A, B or C, depending on the level of test performance. For each course in which grades are assigned, students may choose to accept credit hours recorded either with the letter grade or as credit only. Accepting credit only will not affect a student's cumulative grade point average. After credit has been posted to the academic record, a student's choice, letter grade or credit only, cannot be changed.
  • To have credit reported to Office of Admissions, official test scores must be sent to Testing Services for credit by examination to be awarded. Students must complete a Petition to Record Credit by Examination at the Testing Services office. Credit by examination will be posted to a student's official record after the student has enrolled and completed one semester at UT Arlington. Unsuccessful attempts to earn credit by examination are not recorded on students' academic records.
  • Credit by examination on a transcript from another institution of higher education is considered transfer work and will transfer to UT Arlington, subject to the same conditions as corresponding resident course work from that institution. The Office of Admissions is responsible for evaluating all transfer work.

Further information regarding test dates, registration procedures and deadlines, fees, current eligibility criteria and petitioning to record credit may be obtained from the Testing Services Office .

Placement Examinations

Certain departments offer (or require of) the student an exemption from taking courses based on departmental placement examinations. Such exemption does not grant credit for the course but permits the student to enroll in the next course in the subject area.

Modern Language Placement Examination

The Modern Language Department recommends that students who are native speakers, have high school credit, or equivalent knowledge of French, German or Spanish language take a placement exam prior to enrolling in certain lower-division language courses. Modern Language placements tests are the CLEP French, German, or Spanish Language exams and may be taken in an attempt to earn credit by examination. Students have the option to choose credit with letter grade or credit without letter grade for credit earned depending on level of test performance.

Texas Residency for Tuition Purposes

The Office of Admissions determines Texas residency status for all new and continuing UT Arlington students.  A review of responses on the admission application is conducted by the residency determination official in accordance with Title 19, Chapter 21, Subchapter B of the Texas Administrative Code.

When incomplete, insufficient or conflicting information is presented on the admission application, the student will be sent a Core Residency Questionnaire. This should be completed and returned to the Office of Admissions (Box 19114, Arlington, TX 76019-0114) with the appropriate supporting documentation prior to registration. After the Core Residency Questionnaire has been reviewed, the student will receive a written response of the residency determination from the Office of Admissions.

Report of Medical History

A Report of Medical History form will be sent to students when they are accepted to the university.

First-time students: Prior to registration, a first-time student must submit a Report of Medical History to UT Arlington Health Services. It is the responsibility of the student to complete the health form and mail it to UT Arlington Health Services at least two weeks prior to registration. A Report of Medical History form will be sent to students when they are accepted for admission.

Students who are from countries other than the United States and who are not immigrants or have not been granted permanent residency: All students who are from countries other than the United States and who are not immigrants or have not been granted permanent residency must submit to UT Arlington Health Services an International Health Card issued within the past year. The International Health Card must note that the student has tested negative for tuberculosis. Once the card has been presented, the student will be cleared to register for classes. Students who do not present this card will not be permitted to enroll in classes.

International students: In addition to the International Health Card requirement, all international students must be tested by a U.S. medical facility for tuberculosis prior to the 25th class day. Failure to receive clearance from a U.S. medical facility will result in the removal from classes. Testing is available at UT Arlington Health Services.

First-time Non-U.S. Citizen/Non-Permanent Resident and Intensive English students: The University of Texas at Arlington requires all entering Non-U.S. Citizen/Non-Permanent Resident and Intensive English students to:

  • Have a Tuberculosis screening and/or chest X-ray performed at UT Arlington Health Services upon arrival to the University for classes. TB screening or chest X-ray will be performed even if the student has been vaccinated with BCG (vaccine for TB usually administered to children and effective for 8-10 years-not widely used in the U.S.).
  • Ensure that all documentation is complete and submitted to UT Arlington Health Services by the 25th class day or the student will be dropped from classes without reinstatement privileges. Students dropped from classes due to non-compliance will not be eligible for a refund of tuition or fees.

For the complete text of the UT Arlington policy concerning Tuberculosis screening, please visit UT Arlington Health Services.

Freshman Admission Overview

A freshman applicant to The University of Texas at Arlington must have graduated from an accredited high school or is on track to graduate from high school prior to enrollment at UT Arlington. Applicants must submit an application for admission, an application fee, an official high school transcript indicating rank-in-class and official scores on the Scholastic Assessment Test (SAT) or the American College Test (ACT). Applicants ranked in the Top 25% of their class are not required to submit official SAT or ACT scores, however are encouraged to do so to be eligible for scholarship opportunities.Students enrolled in dual credit courses at a college while in high school are encouraged to submit an official college transcript. If an admission offer is made prior to high school graduation, a second official transcript that identifies the graduation date and final class rank will be required prior to the first day of classes.

All applications for admission from prospective freshmen are reviewed individually. Decisions are based on factors that predict academic success: rank-in-class; and scores on standardized admission tests at the freshman level.

Applicants who meet the minimum SAT/ACT requirements listed in this section or who graduated in the top 25 percent of their class from an accredited high school are guaranteed admission. Those who have a different pattern of rank and test scores will be considered on an individual basis and may be asked to submit additional information such as recommendations from teachers and counselors and/or a writing sample or an interview. Applicants who do not meet unconditional criteria will also be evaluated on the following factors:

  • the socioeconomic background of the applicant
  • whether the applicant would be the first generation of the applicant's family to attend or graduate from an institution of higher education
  • whether the applicant has bilingual proficiency
  • the applicant's responsibilities while attending school, including whether the applicant has been employed, whether the applicant has helped to raise children, or other similar factors
  • the applicant's region of residence
  • whether the applicant is a resident of a rural or urban area or a resident of a central city or suburban area in the state
  • the applicant's involvement in community activities
  • the applicant's extracurricular activities
  • the applicant's commitment to a particular field of study

In addition to current university requirements for admission, Texas Education Code, Sections 51.803, 51.804, 51.804(2) require applicants to also have either:

  1. successfully completed the Texas curriculum requirements for the Foundation High School Program or its equivalent; OR
  2. satisfied ACT's College Readiness Benchmarks on the ACT assessment applicable to the applicant (minimum 18 on the English, 22 on Math, 21 on Reading, and 24 on Science) OR earned on the SAT assessment a score of at least 1,500 (Critical Reading + Math + Writing) out of 2,400 or the equivalent.

If the applicant does not meet admission requirements after individual review, admission may be deferred pending completion of a minimum of 24 transferable credit hours at another college with a grade point average of at least a 2.25. Students with at least a 2.0 but less than a 2.25 overall GPA are encouraged to apply and may be considered on a space available basis.

Current minimum freshman admissions requirements:

Rank in High School Graduating Class Minimum Acceptable SAT Score Minimum Acceptable ACT Score
Top 25% No minimum score. No minimum score.
Second quarter 1130 22
Third quarter Individual review Individual review
Fourth quarter Individual review Individual review
No class rank Individual review Individual review
Minimum SAT scores are based on the highest Critical Reading score added to the highest Math score.
Engineering: For full-major status, applicants to the College of Engineering are required to present the following minimum test scores in addition to meeting other criteria specified in the College of Engineering section of this catalog: 1200 28
Prospective engineering majors who meet general university requirements for admission, but not the above listed test scores, will be reviewed and considered on the basis of individual merits by the College of Engineering for admission as pre-majors.

Meeting the above minimum university admissions requirements does not guarantee admission.

An applicant is entitled to automatic admission if the applicant meets the minimum requirements and is a child of certain public servants who were killed or sustained a fatal injury in the line of duty.(Section 51.803(e), Texas Education Code.

Entrance Examination

Freshman applicants for admission must take the Scholastic Assessment Test (SAT) or the American College Test (ACT). The SAT is given nationally in October, November, December, January, April, May and June. Any student graduating from high school in 2006 or later, must also submit the writing score from the new SAT or the writing score from the ACT. Students taking the ACT should make sure they sign up for the writing exam since it is an optional component of the regular ACT. Test applications and a sample test bulletin can be obtained from the Educational Testing Service, College Board ATP, CN 6200, Princeton, N.J. 08541-6200 or online at www.collegeboard.com/student/testing/sat/about.html. The ACT is given nationally in October, December, February, March and June. Test applications and a sample test bulletin can be obtained from American College Testing Program, P.O. Box 414, Iowa City, Iowa 52243 or online at www.actstudent.org. Test applications can also be obtained from a local high school or from the Office of Testing Services at UT Arlington. Applications will not be accepted later than one month prior to the test date. The applicant should complete one of the examinations at least three months prior to the start of the semester for which admission is sought. Test scores are only considered official if they are received directly from the testing service or are included on an official transcript and are less than five years old.

Students age 25 or older as of the first day of classes for the term they wish to enroll are not required to submit SAT or ACT scores. Their admission will be determined by individual approval.

High School Preparation

It is recommended that students complete the college preparatory program of study offered by their high schools. For purposes of admission as a freshman to the University, passing the General Educational Development Test (GED) is not considered to be the equivalent of graduating from high school. An applicant with a GED certification may be eligible for admission under the Individual Approval clause explained later in this section of the catalog.

In order for majors in architecture, engineering, biology, biochemistry, chemistry, mathematics, and physics, and B.S. candidates in geology and psychology to start their mathematics sequence with analytic geometry, applicants should have at least 3 1/2 units of high school mathematics. Those who made low scores on the mathematics part of the SAT or the ACT examination are required to take, without credit toward a degree, the necessary mathematics courses prerequisite to taking analytic geometry.

Honors Academy Dual Credit Program

Honors Academy Dual Credit Program is designed for high school students who wish to earn college credit at UT Arlington while still attending high school. It is possible for students in some school districts to earn high school credit for their university course work. Students should contact their school district or one of the UTA dual credit programs for further information.

The Honors Academy Dual Credit Program offers on-campus and a limited number of online courses.

High School students can participate in UTA Dual Credit Programs by demonstrating college readiness through one of the following:

  • Rank in the top 20% of your current class, or
  • PSAT score of at least 480 on Evidenced-based reading and writing, and 530 on Math, or
  • PLAN composite score of at least 23, or
  • 3.5 unweighted grade point average (4.0 scale), or
  • SAT score of at least 1070 in combined Critical Reading + Math (test taken prior to March 2016) or SAT score of at least 1140 in combined Evidence-based Reading + Math (redesigned test taken after March 2016), or
  • ACT composite score of at least 23.

Additionally, students must satisfy the Texas Success Initiative requirement for college readiness (TSI) by achieving the minimum passing standards on the TSI Assessment Test or equivalent.
Equivalent methods to satisfy the TSI requirement include:

  • Achieving an SAT score of at least 1070 in Critical Reading and Math (with a minimum score of 500 in Critical Reading and 500 in Math) if taken prior to March 2016, or
  • An SAT score of 480 in Evidenced-based Reading and 530 in Math on the Redesigned SAT taken after March 2016; or
  • An ACT composite score of at least 23 with scores of at least 19 in both Math and English.
  • STAAR math score of at least 4000 for the Final Level II Score for Algebra II I exempts from the math requirement. STAAR English/language arts score of at least 2000 for the Final Level II Score for English III exempts from the reading and writing requirements.

Visit the UT Arlington TSI page for more information.

Students admitted into a dual credit program will be enrolled in regular University courses and will receive credit for the course work completed at the end of the semester.

A permanent academic record will be established for each student enrolled under a Dual Credit Program.

Granting of dual credit is subject to the policies of each independent school district under the guidelines of the Texas Education Agency.

Dual Credit Admission

To apply for the Honors Academy Dual Credit Program students must submit the following:

  • Online Apply Texas One Application  www.uta.edu/dualcredit
  • Application Fee: $60.00
  • Official high school transcript (including any scores for admission/TSI)
  • UT Arlington Dual Credit Admissions Agreement
  • Course Selection form

Cost

The cost to participate in the Honors Academy Dual Credit Program is $50 per semester hour. Books and Parking are extra. Some courses have additional equipment and/or lab fees.  Distance education courses are an additional $37.50 fee.

Upon completion of high school, an Honors Academy student who wishes to continue enrolling at UT Arlington must complete an Update Application for Admission and submit an official final high school transcript.

Admission to the Dual Credit Program does not guarantee acceptance to the university following high school graduation.

FERPA

Once the student attains the age of 18 or attends an institution of higher education, regardless of age, FERPA rights transfer from the parent to the student. Under FERPA, parents have no inherent rights of access to their students' education records. 

Additional details are available at the FERPA website (http://www.uta.edu/records/about/ferpa.php).

Contact Information

UT Arlington Honors Academy Dual Credit Program
Box 19222
Arlington, TX  76019-0222

817-272-7215

Individual Approval

Graduation from an accredited high school is a prerequisite for admission to the University for most individuals. However, freshmen with the following educational profiles may be considered for admission under certain circumstances and will be automatically reviewed by Admissions officials:

  • Graduates from unaccredited high schools
  • Graduates from home schools
  • Graduates with a General Educational Development (GED) certificate
  • Students who are high school graduates and are age 25 or older. These students are not required to submit ACT or SAT scores.
  • Texas residents age 21 or older who did not graduate from high school but scored at least 1090 on the SAT or 22 on the ACT.

Applicants should submit an admission application, application fee or fee waiver documentation, official transcripts of all high school grades completed from all unaccredited or home schools, official transcripts of all partially completed grades from accredited high schools, GED test scores if applicable, and official SAT or ACT test scores. Admission will be based on the freshman criteria stated in the Freshman Admission section of this catalog with emphasis placed on each individual's academic preparation and readiness to begin a college-level curriculum. Applicants with exceptional circumstances are encouraged to discuss their educational plans with an admission counselor.

Individuals age 25 or older who have graduated from an accredited high school may be considered for admission without taking the SAT or the ACT. Such students may, however, be ineligible for federal student aid under the "Ability to Benefit" rules. An individual admitted under this waiver will be required to enroll as an undeclared major until 30 semester hours have been successfully completed. An application for admission, an official copy of the high school transcript, official transcripts of all attempted college work and the application fee will be required for admission consideration. The testing waiver does not apply to international students who must submit the results of the SAT and TOEFL for admission purposes.

An applicant seeking admission under the Individual Approval provisions who has any course credit from previous college enrollment must meet the University transfer requirements for all college work attempted. Passing the General Educational Development (GED) Test is not recognized by UT Arlington as being equivalent to graduation from an accredited high school.

Admission appeal

Students denied admission may appeal the decision by sending a letter of written appeal addressed to the Admissions Appeal Committee, The University of Texas at Arlington, Box 19111, Arlington, TX 76019. In the letter, students should provide the committee with the reason(s) they feel they should be admitted to the university and provide any additional information not provided at time of application including letters of recommendation, new transcripts, and new test scores. Students can expect a decision from the committee within two weeks from its receipt of the appeal.

Transfer Admission Overview

Prospective students who have graduated from high school or earned a GED, earned college level credit following high school graduation or earning a GED, and attempted college-level courses beyond 24 hours are considered transfer students. An applicant who is not eligible to continue at another institution for academic or disciplinary reasons is not eligible for admission to The University of Texas at Arlington. Applicants, whether a new or former student, who have attended another collegiate institution may not disregard any part of their academic record except as permitted under the "fresh start" option described in this section. Applicants who fail to list all previously attended institutions on their application for admission are subject to disciplinary action, including expulsion, and possible loss of credit for subsequent work taken at the University.

All college-level courses except those determined to be developmental or pre-college-level courses are used to compute a transfer grade point average. Grades earned in every course attempted are part of this calculation with the exception of 10 hours of repeated courses. In the case of repeated courses, the second course attempt is counted and the first forgiven even if the second attempt is a withdrawal. Subsequent attempts after the second time a course is taken are counted toward the grade point average calculated for transfer admission. To be considered for admission, transfer applicants must have a minimum 2.25 GPA on all previous college work. Students with at least a 2.0 but less than a 2.25 overall GPA are encouraged to apply and may be considered on a space available basis.

Freshman Transfers

(less than 24 college hours completed)

Applicants who meet the transfer student definition above and who have completed fewer than 24 hours of transferable credit must have a grade point average of at least 2.25 to be admitted. In addition, they must meet the admission requirements for entering freshmen at UT Arlington. Freshman transfer students must submit: 1) an official score report from a national administration of the SAT I or ACT, 2) an official high school transcript showing graduation and rank-in-class, 3) a completed undergraduate application form, 4) official transcripts of all college work attempted, and 5) the application fee or fee waiver documentation. Students taking college classes while still in high school will be considered freshmen instead of transfer students.

Transfers With Sophomore or Higher Classification

(24 or more college hours completed)

Applicants who meet the transfer student definition above and who have completed 24 or more hours of transferable credit must have at least a 2.25 grade point average to be admitted. Students taking college classes while still in high school will be considered freshmen instead of transfer students.

Prospective transfer students who have completed 24 or more transferable credit hours must submit: 1) an undergraduate application for admission, 2) an official transcript from each accredited college or community college attended, and 3) the application fee or fee waiver documentation.

Transfers With Degrees

An applicant who has received a degree from another accredited senior college or university will be admitted as a degreed undergraduate. Acceptance into specific academic programs will be subject to the criteria set by each academic department. Applicants seeking a second baccalaureate degree must submit an application for admission, application fee, and an official transcript from each college attended as an undergraduate student to the Office of Admissions. The applicant should submit required credentials for admission by the priority deadline date. Non-degree seeking applicants must submit an application for admission, application fee, and an official transcript from the degree-granting institution. An applicant who wishes to take graduate course work before gaining admission to the Graduate School should contact the Office of Admissions and the graduate advisor in the appropriate academic department.

Credit Evaluation

The Office of Admissions completes an evaluation of transfer credit for all admitted degree-seeking students. This evaluation does not constitute approval of the credit for use toward a degree. Decisions on which transferred courses satisfy degree requirements are solely within the jurisdiction of a student's academic department. Policies governing the evaluation of transfer credit include the following:

  • Transfer credit is generally awarded for academic course credit earned from regionally accredited institutions or from institutions that are candidates for regional accreditation if the course credit was earned during the candidacy period.
  • Occupational or some workforce courses from junior/community colleges, developmental courses, and courses classified as below freshman level by the sending institution are not transferable and will not count toward a degree.

  • Workforce courses that are agreed upon in articulation agreements between accredited institutions of higher education and UT Arlington are transferable.  In addition, where workforce courses support a degree program, the Dean of the college may approve those courses.  Courses earned as part of an Associate of Applied Science program from a regionally accredited school are accepted, with some limitations, for the Bachelor of Science in University Studies degrees.

  • Junior/community college courses transfer as lower-division (freshman or sophomore) credit. Undergraduate courses from senior colleges transfer at the same level, lower- or upper-division, as they were taken.
  • Graduate level course work may be transferred as upper-division credit at the written request of the student. Any graduate courses transferred in as upper-division undergraduate work will not be eligible for use at a later date in the graduate school.
  • No limit is placed on the total amount of course credit accepted in transfer from either junior or senior institutions. However, use of transfer credit toward a degree may be limited by the student's academic department.
  • Credit-by-examination earned at other institutions is treated as transfer credit only if the sending institution posts such credit on the student's transcript with regular catalog course numbers and with a grade of at least C, with the symbol CR, or with a similar designation representing credit earned without letter grade.

  • Evaluation of military transcripts that include ACE, AARTS, DD214, SMART, CCAF and the Defense Language Institute are evaluated for all admitted students. Eligible former members of the armed forces admitted as an undergraduate or readmitted as an undergraduate (after having withdrawn to perform military service) will be given course credit for all physical education courses the institution requires for an undergraduate degree and for additional semester credit hours, not to exceed 12,  to satisfy any elective course requirements for the student’s degree program for courses outside the student’s major or minor.  To be eligible, the student must have graduated from a public or private high school accredited by a generally recognized accrediting organization or from a high school operated by the US Department of Defense and is an honorably discharged former member of the armed forces of the United States who completed at least two years of service in the armed forces or discharged because of a disability per Texas Education Code, Section 51.3042.  The University of Texas at Arlington will determine whether to award lower division academic course credit after a student is admitted to the university and has submitted the any of the following to the Office of Admissions:

A.  An official ACE military transcript that describes the substance of the training completed by the student and verifies the student's   successful completion of that training, as well as the recommended ACE credit to be awarded.

B.  An official high school transcript from an accredited public or private high school or high school operated by the U.S. Department of Defense indicating the student's official graduation.

C.  The student's DD214 indicating that the student was honorably discharged AND completed at least two (2) years of military service OR was discharged because of disability.

  • Credit in which a grade of D was earned is not transferable and will not count toward a degree.
  • Grade Point Averages earned at other institutions are not transferred to UT Arlington.
  • Transfer credit evaluations.
  1. University course numbers may be modified in transfer credit evaluations to reflect differences in the number of credit hours. For example, if a course has 4 hours from the sending institution such as Mathematics “College Algebra,” the course will be brought in as MATHTRAN 1000, since UT Arlington’s “College Algebra” is a three-hour course.
  2. Courses taught at other institutions often have no direct UT Arlington equivalents, but may be accepted in transfer. If such a course is in a discipline offered at the University, credit without a specific course number is awarded in the appropriate academic department. General elective credit may be awarded if no equivalent department exists at the University; use of elective credit toward a degree may be restricted by the student's academic department.
  3. Courses taught at other institutions that are determined to be developmental are not accepted as transfer credit. Transfer credit of English courses taught at institutions in non-native English-speaking countries may be restricted or not accepted.

Transfer of Lower Division Course Credit

UT Arlington operates in accordance with Section 61.821, et seq., of the Texas Education Code. This statute recognizes that all lower division academic courses are fully transferable among public institutions and count toward the same degree at any public college or university in Texas. As such, any Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board approved core or field of study curricula are fully transferable to equivalent UT Arlington academic programs with the following stipulations:

  • No institution shall be required to accept in transfer more credit hours in a major than the number set out in the applicable Coordinating Board-approved Transfer Curriculum for that major, as prescribed by the current issue of the Coordinating Board's guide, Transfer of Credit Policies and Curricula.
  • In any major for which there is not a Coordinating Board-approved Transfer Curriculum, no institution shall be required to accept in transfer more lower division course credit in the major applicable to a baccalaureate degree than the institution allows their non-transfer students in that major.
  • The university will only accept grades of C or higher in transfer credit.
  • No university shall be required to accept in transfer or toward a degree more than sixty-six (66) semester credit hours of academic credits earned by a student in a community college. Universities, however, may choose to accept additional credit hours.

UT Arlington is also a participant in the Texas Common Course Numbering System (TCCNS), a voluntary, co-operative effort among 136 Texas community colleges and universities to facilitate transfer of freshman and sophomore level general academic coursework.   In alignment with Texas Education Code, Section 61.830, TCCNS provides a shared, uniform set of course designations for students and their advisors to use in determining both course equivalency and degree applicability of transfer credit on a statewide basis. When students transfer between two participating TCCNS institutions, a course taken at the sending institution transfers as the course carrying the same TCCNS designation at the receiving institution. For additional information, visit https://www.tccns.org/.

Catalog Eligibility for Texas Community College Transfers

A student transferring from an accredited public community college in Texas has the same choice of catalog, designating degree requirements, that would have been possible if the student's dates of attendance at the University had been the same as the dates of attendance at the community college. However, the student's choice of major may affect whether or not transferable course work may be counted toward a degree.

Resolution of Transfer Disputes

If the University refuses to accept lower-division credit earned at another Texas public institution of higher education, students and the institution where the credit was earned will be given written notice that the transfer credit was denied. If the denial of transfer credit is contested, the University will attempt to resolve the issue with the student and the sending institution according to applicable rules and guidelines of the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board. If the dispute is not resolved to the student’s satisfaction or to the satisfaction of the sending institution within 45 days of the initial notification, the University will notify the Coordinating Board of the denial of the transfer credit and the reason for the denial. The Coordinating Board will resolve the dispute and notify all involved parties of its findings. For more information contact the Office of Admissions at 817-272-6287.

Former and Continuing Students

A student who has attended UT Arlington previously, but has not been enrolled for one calendar year must reapply for admission by submitting an application for admission and application fee to the Office of Admissions.  Continuing students, those who have been officially enrolled at UT Arlington during the calendar year, do not need to reapply for admission.

If a former student has attended another college or university since last enrolling at UT Arlington, the student must submit official transcripts from all institutions attended. Academic performance in such work may be factored into the enrollment/eligibility process. Former students on academic probation or suspension upon resigning from UT Arlington may be required to obtain special permission to re-enroll from the academic dean's office of their intended major or from the University Advising Center.

Any student who withdraws from the University to perform active military service (not including Texas National Guard training exercises) will not have to reapply for admission, but will be readmitted upon a request made within one year of being released from active military services and may be eligible for the same financial assistance provided before the student's withdrawal. This right to readmission is afforded under Section 51.9242, Texas Education Code.

Applicants cannot be re-admitted without required credentials. Former international students seeking readmission must refer to the catalog requirements for international students.

Transient Admission Overview

Undergraduate students who are pursuing degrees at other colleges and universities during the long session (fall and spring semesters) and wish to continue their studies at the University for one semester may be admitted to some undergraduate programs as transient students. Individuals who wish to enroll as a transient student must submit an admission application, application fee and official transcript from their home campus. Admittance requires good academic standing from the home institution. Transient students will be classified as non-degree seeking students and therefore are not eligible for Financial Aid through UT Arlington. Transient students may not enroll in two consecutive semesters at UT Arlington. A transient student who wishes to be admitted to the University on a regular basis must apply for admission in accordance with the procedures, criteria and deadlines governing transfer admission. All transcripts from previously attended institutions must be submitted.  Students who attend the University as transient students and then are admitted on a regular basis are immediately subject to the University's academic regulations as well as the rules of the Texas Success Initiative (see section below). In particular, such students will be placed on scholastic probation upon enrollment if their grade point average for work undertaken as a transient student at the University is below 2.0. All transient students are classified as non-degree seeking and therefore not eligible for Financial Aid.

Texas Success Initiative Overview

All new entering UT Arlington undergraduate degree-seeking students must meet the requirements of the Texas Success Initiative (TSI). (Texas Education Code, Section 51.3062 and 19 Texas Administrative Code §4.51, et seq.)

The Texas Success Initiative has been developed by the state legislature to ensure student success at institutions of higher education. The two major steps of the program are (1) assessment of each student's academic skills in reading, writing, and math before enrolling and, (2) advisement into appropriate developmental coursework for any academic skills that need improvement. Under the Texas Success Initiative, all new incoming students must take the TSI Assessment test unless the student is exempt.

You are exempt if you:

  • took the SAT I less than 5 years ago and and scored: 1) at least 480 on the Evidence-Based Reading and Writing portion and 2) 530 on the math portion (There is no combined score.)
  • took the ACT less than 5 years ago and made a qualifying score of 23 composite, with 19 English and 19 math.
  • took the STAAR EOC exams less than 5 years ago and made a qualifying English III score of 4000+ and Algebra II score of 4000+.
  • took the TAKS test less than 5 years ago and made a qualifying score of 2200 on the math subsection and/or 2200 on the English Language Arts subsection, with a score of at least 3 on the writing subsection.
  • have a bachelor's or associate degree from an institution of higher education.
  • are serving on active duty as a member of the armed forces of the United States, the Texas National Guard, or as a member of a reserve component of the armed forces of the United States and have been serving for at least three years preceding enrollment.
  • were honorably discharged, retired or released from active duty on or after August 1, 1990 as a member of the armed forces of the United States, the Texas National Guard, or as a member of a reserve component of the armed forces of the United States.
  • a student who has previously attended any institution and has been determined to have met readiness standards by that institution.
  • a student who is enrolled in a certificate program of one year or less (Level-One certificates, 42 or fewer semester credit hours or the equivalent) at a public junior college, a public technical institute, or a public state college.
  • are a non-degree seeking or non-certificate-seeking student.

Taking the TSI Assessment

UT Arlington requires incoming students who are not exempt to take the TSI Assessment Exam. The UT Arlington Testing Services office offers the opportunity for students to take this exam.

If you took the TSI Assessment and did not have the scores sent to UT Arlington, please contact Testing Services.

If you attended a Texas public college for dual credit while you were in high school or are transferring from a Texas public college, your test scores should be listed on the transcript you submit to UT Arlington. It is your responsibility to ask your community college to send an official transcript to the UT Arlington Office of Admissions.

If you do not pass a section of the TSI Assessment, you are required to enroll in developmental coursework for the failed areas. You should speak with your advisor to ensure that you are enrolled in the right courses.