Degrees and Programs
The College of Natural Sciences offers the following undergraduate degrees:
- Bachelor of Science and Arts, with majors in astronomy, biochemistry, biology, chemistry, computer science, human development and family sciences, human ecology, nutrition, mathematics, neuroscience, and physics.
- Bachelor of Science degrees in astronomy, biochemistry, biology, chemistry, computer science, environmental science, human development and family sciences, mathematics, medical laboratory science, neuroscience, nutrition, physics, public health, and textiles and apparel.
- Bachelor of Arts, Plan I, with majors in astronomy, chemistry, computer science, mathematics, and physics.
The Bachelor of Science and Arts degree offers a cross-disciplinary experience for students who want to combine a strong core science experience with coursework in areas such as business, communications, fine arts, and the liberal arts. Students choose a major comprised of 48 hours of science and mathematics. Students choose either a transcript-recognized minor outside of the sciences, 15 hours in a field of study outside of sciences, or an 18 to 24 hour transcript-recognized certificate. A full list of the minor and certificate programs offered at the University can be found in The University section of the Undergraduate Catalog.
The Bachelor of Science degrees provide deep exploration of science fields for students preparing for graduate science programs and careers as specialized scientists. The degrees contain between 80 to 90 hours of science and mathematics, and typically have multiple specialized options that reflect niche areas of study.
The Bachelor of Arts, Plan I, is shared with the College of Liberal Arts.
A student may not earn more than one Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Science and Arts, or Bachelor of Science in Environmental Science degree from the University. A student may earn only one undergraduate degree in a particular field of study from the College of Natural Sciences. A student who holds a Bachelor of Arts or a Bachelor of Science and Arts degree from the University may earn a second major designation in another field of study that will appear on the University transcript.
The title of a graduate's degree appears on his or her diploma, but the major does not. The degree, the major, the transcript-recognized certificate, and the minor appear on the graduate's University transcript.
A natural sciences student who wishes to add another major in the college must meet the criterion described in the Admission and Registration
section.
Applicability of Certain Courses
Physical Activity Courses
Physical activity (PED) courses and Kinesiology 119 may not be counted toward a degree in the College of Natural Sciences. However, they are counted as courses for which the student is enrolled, and the grades are included in the grade point average.
ROTC Courses
ROTC units are maintained on campus by the Departments of Air Force Science, Military Science, and Naval Science. Information about each program is available from the chair of the department.
Nine semester hours of designated University of Texas at Austin coursework in air force science, military science, or naval science may be counted toward any degree in the College of Natural Sciences.
Courses Taken on the Pass/Fail Basis
No more than 16 semester hours taken on the pass/fail basis may be counted toward the Bachelor of Arts, Plan I. No more than six semester hours taken on the pass/fail basis may be counted toward the Bachelor of Science and Arts degree and the Bachelor of Science degrees. In general, only electives may be taken on the pass/fail basis. Complete rules on registration on the pass/fail basis are given in the General Information Catalog .
Courses in a Single Field
For the Bachelor of Arts, Plan I, no more than 39 hours may be counted in any one field of study, including the major, unless major requirements state otherwise. Additionally, for the Bachelor of Arts, Plan I, no more than 39 hours may be counted in any one college or school other than the College of Liberal Arts or the College of Natural Sciences.
College Algebra
Algebra courses at the level of Mathematics 301 or the equivalent may not be counted toward a degree in the College of Natural Sciences.