Coursework Requirements
To be competitive for admission, freshman applicants must complete or be on track to complete certain high school coursework. (Yes, dual credit courses taken while in high school count.)
Language Arts (4 Credits Required)
- English I and II for Speakers of Other Languages (SOL) may be substituted for English I and II only for students with limited English proficiency; SOL courses may not be used to substitute for English III or IV.
- One of the four courses may be focused on writing, world literature, speech, communication applications or journalism.
Mathematics (4 Credits Strongly Recommended, 3 Credits Required)
- All courses should be at the level of Algebra I or higher; one course should be Algebra II (or a course equivalent or more advanced in content and rigor).
- Informal geometry and pre-algebra are below-achievement-level courses and may not be counted toward the mathematics requirement; they may be counted as electives (see below).
Science (4 Credits Strongly Recommended, 2 Credits Required)
- One course in biology, one course in physics and one course chemistry are suggested.
Social Studies (4 Credits Recommended, 3 Credits Required)
- Select from anthropology, area studies, ethnic studies, economics (with emphasis on the free enterprise system), geography, government (civics), philosophy, social science, psychology, sociology, Texas history, U.S. history, world history and work/study programs.
Foreign Language (2 Credits Required)
- Both credits should be related to the study of a single foreign language.
- For purposes of the requirement, American Sign Language and computer science are considered foreign languages.
Physical Education (1 Credit Recommended)
- Any general physical education course counts, as do the following: drill team, marching band, cheerleading, ROTC, athletics, dance, approved private programs, and certain career and technical education courses.
Fine Arts (1 Credit Recommended)
- Theatre arts, art, music or dance are strongly recommended.
Electives (6 Credits Recommended)
- Students are encouraged to take demanding coursework, going beyond the level required.
- Acceptable courses include vocational and other subjects.
Students who do not meet the required coursework may be instructed to submit additional information, or may be required to complete coursework related to their deficiency before enrolling to the university.
Uniform Admissions Policy
If you attend a public high school in Texas and believe you qualify for automatic admission, you must submit a transcript that indicates that you are pursuing or have completed the distinguished level of achievement under the Foundation High School Program (basic Foundation High School Program if not eligible for automatic admissions) as defined in the state's Uniform Admission Policy.
Private High School Students
If you attend a private high school in Texas (or a Department of Defense high school), have your school counselor fill out the Texas Private High School Certification form to claim an exemption to the policy.