This is an archived copy of the 2020-22 catalog. To access the most recent version of the catalog, please visit http://catalog.utexas.edu/.

Minor and Certificate Programs

In the College of Natural Sciences, only one transcript-recognized minor or transcript-recognized certificate may be declared per major.

A student who wishes to pursue more than one transcript-recognized minor or transcript-recognized certificate per major must consult with his or her academic advisor to get permission from the College. When considering whether to grant an exception and allow pursuit of another transcript-recognized credential, the academic advisor will take into account the student's long-term education/professional goals and the student's ability to graduate within four years of entering the university.

Students admitted to transcript-recognized certificate and transcript-recognized minor programs must contact their academic advisors to have approved programs added to their degree audit profiles. This allows progress toward the programs to be tracked and ensures that certificates and minors are added to official transcripts upon graduation, if all requirements are met.

Minor

The transcript-recognized undergraduate academic minor must be completed in conjunction with an undergraduate degree at The University of Texas at Austin. For more information regarding the requirements for achieving a minor, including a comprehensive list of minors, please visit the Minor and Certificate Programs section of the Undergraduate Catalog.

Certificate Programs

Undergraduate certificate programs encourage students to explore academic areas that support and extend their degree plans. The following certificates require at least 18 semester hours of coursework, some of which may also be used to fulfill degree requirements. Undergraduates who complete the certificate requirements in conjunction with their degree requirements or within one year after earning the degree will receive a certificate and recognition on their University transcript. A maximum of nine hours in the certificate program may be taken after completion of the undergraduate degree. At least half of the required coursework in the certificate program must be completed in residence at the University.

Applied Statistical Modeling Certificate

The certificate in Applied Statistical Modeling equips undergraduate students with the tools necessary to understand how to apply statistics to their primary field of study. This certificate program is designed to complement diverse degree programs and to appeal to students across the University in engineering, science, economics, mathematics, and many other disciplines. Certificate students will complete one course in the mathematical foundations of statistics, a two-course sequence in applied statistics, and nine additional hours in statistics, machine learning, econometrics, and other relevant courses from the approved list below.

Admission to the certificate is by application only. Students may download an application from the Department of Statistics and Data Sciences webpage. Students seeking the certificate must also complete the prerequisite course Mathematics 408C408L408N408R, or 408S with a grade of at least C-.

The certificate consists of 18 hours. Students must receive a grade of at least C in each course applied toward the certificate and have a cumulative grade point average of at least 3.0 in the courses presented to fulfill the certificate. Courses that appear in multiple approved course lists may be used to satisfy only one requirement. Students must contact the Department of Statistics and Data Sciences in the semester in which they are completing the requirements and graduating.

RequirementsHours
Mathematical foundation of statistics3
Engineering Probability and Statistics
Probability and Random Processes
Probability I
Introduction to Probability and Statistics
Sequence in applied statistics6
Choose one of the following:
Economic Statistics
Introduction to Statistics
Statistical Analysis in Political Science
Applied Statistics
Statistics and Research Design
Introduction to Social Statistics
Elementary Business Statistics
Data Analysis for the Health Sciences
Statistics in Health Care
Statistics in Market Analysis
Biostatistics
And one of the following:
Introduction to Econometrics
Applied Regression and Time Series
Statistics and Modeling
Statistics and Modeling: Honors
Statistics and Modeling for Finance
Statistics and Modeling for Finance: Honors
Honors Statistics
Statistical Models for the Health and Behavioral Sciences
Statistical Methods
Special Topics in Statistics (Topic 1: Applied Regression Analysis)
Nine hours of coursework out of the following: 19
Advertising Research
Neural Networks
Artificial Intelligence
Introduction to Data Mining
Communication Research Methods
Introductory Game Theory
Advanced Econometrics
Data Science Principles
Computational Methods
Seismic Data Processing
Foundations of Epidemiology
Evaluation and Research Design
Measurement in Kinesiology
Special Topics in the Study of Language (Topic 15: Computational Semantics)
Probability Models with Actuarial Applications
Actuarial Statistical Estimates
Introduction to Stochastic Processes
Introduction to Mathematical Statistics
Introduction to Mathematical Statistics
Decision Analytics
Decision Analytics
Topics in Management Information Systems (Topic 11: Advanced Analytics Programming)
Topics in Management Information Systems (Topic 17: Predictive Analytics and Data Mining)
Epidemiology
Applied Reservoir Characterization
Advanced Statistics
Statistical Learning and Inference
Computational Biology and Bioinformatics
Advanced Multivariate Modeling
Special Topics in Statistics
Visualization and Data Analysis for Science and Engineering
Special Topics in Scientific Computation
Undergraduate Research
Topics in Statistics (Topic 5: Financial and Econometric Time Series Modeling)
Please Note:
Statistics and Data Sciences 358 (Topic 1: Applied Regression Analysis) may only be counted toward one requirement.
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1. Students are encouraged to select courses within their own majors or colleges as appropriate. The Statistics and Data Sciences courses listed are available to students in all majors.

Computational Science and Engineering Certificate

The Computational Science and Engineering Certificate program is sponsored by the Cockrell School of Engineering, the Jackson School of Geosciences, the College of Liberal Arts, and the College of Natural Sciences; it is administered by the Institute for Computational Engineering and Sciences (ICES). Information regarding the specific requirements of the Certificate can be found in the Cockrell School of Engineering's Minor and Certificates section of the Undergraduate Catalog.

The Elements of Computing Program Certificate

The Elements of Computing Program, administered by the Department of Computer Science, is designed to support computational work in disciplines other than computer science and to provide students with skills in the use of computer applications. Any non-computer science major may take any elements of computing course for which he or she meets the prerequisite. No application process is required.

To earn the Elements of Computing Certificate, students must complete 18 semester hours of coursework with a grade of at least C- in each course.

The following coursework is required:

RequirementsHours
C S 303EElements of Computers and Programming (or the equivalent)3
C S 313EElements of Software Design (or the equivalent)3
Four of the following courses:12
Topics in Computer Science for Nonmajors
Elements of Graphics and Visualization
Elements of Networking
Elements of Databases
Topics in Elements of Computing
Advanced Topics in Elements of Computing
Elements of Software Engineering I
Elements of Software Engineering II
Please Note:
With the approval of the certificate program faculty committee, up to two appropriate substitute courses may be counted toward the elective requirement. This includes courses that are transferred in from other universities and/or study abroad.

Evidence and Inquiry Certificate

The Evidence and Inquiry Certificate, pursued by students in the Polymathic Scholars Program and open by application to others, allows students to design an area of study shaped by questions that require evidence and methodologies outside their major. Students work with faculty to identify interests, map them onto academic disciplines at the University, and determine questions related to those interests that might be answerable by research that combines expertise from at least two disciplines. Students describe their area of study, identify primary questions, name two University of Texas at Austin faculty members with research experience relevant to their field, and justify the courses they would take in a written proposal that must be reviewed by three members of the program's faculty steering committee. Students complete an original research thesis in their final year. Those who plan to pursue the certificate must apply no later than the end of their third long semester. More information about the Evidence and Inquiry Certificate is available on the College of Natural Sciences website.

The certificate program requires 22 semester hours of coursework, including at least 11 hours completed in residence. Students must meet the following requirements:

RequirementsHours
UGS 303First-Year Signature Course3
NSC 109Topics in Natural Science (Topic 4: Polymathic Capstone Field Invention)1
Four additional courses, including at least six semester hours of upper-division coursework, from the student's approved evidence and inquiry area of study12
Senior Capstone Sequence6
Natural Sciences Topics (Topic 1: Polymathic Capstone Thesis Preparation Seminar)
Capstone Thesis Seminar

In the College of Natural Sciences, the Evidence and Inquiry Certificate may be used to complement any major. Some certificate courses will also fulfill degree requirements established by the student's major department and are given later in this section; however, some of the 22 hours required for the certificate may be in addition to the number of hours required for the degree.

Food and Society Certificate

Though food-related issues vary widely in focus, they are all linked by their complexity and are deeply interdisciplinary nature, each relating to topics of health and nutrition, genetics, politics, culture, the environment, economics, and business. Students will be able to appreciate the full range of these interdisciplinary ties and apply new perspectives to their primary academic majors and careers.

Students completing the certificate will be able to apply a more comprehensive understanding of the implications of their food-related actions and decisions; find better solutions to today's complex problems; formulate more effective public policy; become better informed and active citizens; and make healthier choices for themselves and their families.

No admission to the certificate is required. Students must contact the advising office in the School of Human Ecology to apply for the certificate the semester before the certificate requirements are met. The certificate consists of 18 hours, of which nine hours must be in upper-division coursework. Courses must be completed with minimum grades of at least C- unless the course is offered only on the pass/fail basis. Students also seeking the Bachelor of Science in Nutrition may count a maximum of six hours in nutrition toward the food and society certificate.

Some of the courses may contain prerequisites that are in addition to the coursework for the certificate.

RequirementsHours
Three hours of introductory nutrition chosen from the following:3
Fundamentals of Nutrition
Introduction to Nutritional Sciences
Introduction to Nutritional Sciences: Honors
Fifteen hours selected from a minimum of two themes chosen from table 1, 2 and 3 below. 115
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1. No more than nine hours in a single theme may be applied toward the certificate.

1. Nutrition and Health

RequirementsHours
NTR 218
NTR 118L
Assessment of Nutritional Status
and Assessment of Nutritional Status Laboratory
3
NTR 307Introductory Food Science3
NTR 315Nutrition through the Life Cycle3
NTR 330Nutrition Education and Counseling3
NTR 321International Nutrition: The Developing World3
NTR 334Foodservice Systems Management3
NTR 353Field Experience in International Nutrition3
NTR 365Selected Topics in Nutritional Sciences (Topic 4: Obesity and Metabolic Health)3
SOC 308SIntroduction to Health and Society3
N 309Global Health3

2. ​Culture and History

RequirementsHours
NTR 316Culture and Food3
AMS 370Seminar in American Culture (Topic 26: American Food)3
ANT 307Culture and Communication3
C C 340Advanced Topics in Classical Archaeology (Topic 6: Food, Health, and Culture in the Ancient Mediterranean)3
C C 348Topics in Ancient Civilization (Topic 14: Ancient Greek Medicine)3

3. Politics, Economics, and Environment

RequirementsHours
NTR 331International Nutrition: Social and Environmental Policies3
NTR 332Community Nutrition3
GRG 331KNature, Society, and Adaptation3
GRG 344KGlobal Food, Farming, and Hunger3
GRG 339KEnvironment, Development, and Food Production3
GOV 370IThe Politics of Food in America3
MNS 308Humans and a Changing Ocean3
MNS 367KHuman Exploration and Exploitation of the Sea3

Forensic Science Certificate

The Forensic Science Certificate provides an interdisciplinary perspective for students interested in careers in forensic science.

Students seeking employment in forensic science laboratories upon graduation are encouraged to select biology and chemistry courses. Some of these courses may require introductory biology and chemistry courses as prerequisites.

Students must apply online for admission to the certificate through the university-wide portal for transcript-recognized certificates as soon as they decide to pursue the certificate. The certificate consists of 18 hours, including six upper-division hours, with grades of at least C-:

RequirementsHours
ANT 301Biological Anthropology3
NSC 309Topics in Natural Science (Topic 6: Introduction to Forensic Science)3
Six hours chosen from any of the following courses relevant to forensic science:6
Criminalistics:
Introduction to the Study of Society
Criminology
Sociology of Criminal Justice
Social Psychology and the Law
Behavioral Science:
Introduction to Psychology
Biopsychology
Social Psychology
Abnormal Psychology
Pharmacology:
Principles of Drug Action
Forensic Science:
Anatomy and Biology of the Human Skeleton
Six hours chosen from any of the following areas: 6
Anatomy and Physiology:
Primate Anatomy
Human Systems Physiology
Human Microscopic and Gross Anatomy
Comparative Animal Physiology
Human Systems Physiology Laboratory
Experimental Physiology
Chemistry:
Fundamentals of Biochemistry
Organic Chemistry Laboratory
Organic Chemistry I
Organic Chemistry II
Fundamentals of Analytical Chemistry
Genetics and Microbiology:
Human Variation
Anthropological Genetics
Genetics
Laboratory Experience in Genetics
Human Genetics
General Microbiology Laboratory
General Microbiology
Statistics and Computation (One course chosen from the following):
Principles of Computational Biology
Elementary Statistical Methods
Data Analysis for the Health Sciences
Statistics in Health Care
Statistics in Market Analysis
Biostatistics
Additional coursework from the criminalistics, behavioral science and forensic science sections above. 1
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1. A course may not count toward both six-hour requirements above

Marine Science Certificate

The Marine Science transcript-recognized certificate enables students to explore the field of marine science. The certificate provides a foundation of basic competency in the fundamentals of marine science, along with specialized upper-division coursework in aquatic science. The knowledge of aquatic science that students gain through the certificate will help them to be competitive for employment or graduate study in this field.

The certificate consists of a minimum of 19 hours with grades of at least C-. Most of the courses in the certificate contain prerequisites of one year of general biology and one year of general chemistry.

Marine and Freshwater Biology and Marine and Freshwater Science majors are not eligible to earn the certificate. Environmental Science majors may count no more than nine hours of degree requirements toward the Marine Science certificate.

RequirementsHours
MNS 310Fundamentals of Marine Science3
MNS 320Marine Ecology3
MNS 120LLaboratory Studies in Marine Ecology1
Three hours chosen from: 3
Introductory Biology I
Introductory Biology II
Advanced Introduction to Genetics: Honors
Principles of Chemistry I
Principles of Chemistry I: Honors
Principles of Chemistry II
Principles of Chemistry II: Honors
Nine hours from the following, including at least six hours at the Marine Science Institute in Port Aransas, Texas:9
Limnology and Oceanography
Principles of Marine Science: Laboratory Studies
Principles of Marine Science: Laboratory Studies
Principles of Marine Science: Undergraduate Seminar
Principles of Marine Science: Undergraduate Seminar
Principles of Marine Science: Special Topics
Principles of Marine Science: Special Topics
Training Cruise(s) (Topic 1: Training Cruise(s): Research in Biological Oceanography )
Principles of Marine Science
Estuarine Ecology
Marine Botany
Marine Conservation Biology
Topics in Marine Science
Marine Invertebrates
Biology of Fishes
Aquatic Microbiology
Marine Chemistry
Marine Environmental Science
Biological Oceanography
Biology of Sharks, Skates, and Rays
Physiology of Fishes
Ecosystem Oceanography
Marine Phytoplankton Diversity
Human Exploration and Exploitation of the Sea
Special Studies in Marine Science
Special Studies in Marine Science
Special Studies in Marine Science

Pre-Health Professions Certificate

The Pre-Health Professions Certificate assists students in preparing for post-baccalaureate, healthcare professional programs. The certificate consists of a minimum of 18 hours, including nine hours in residence. Each course presented for the certificate must be completed with a grade of at least C-.

The certificate is composed of two separate tracks:  a track for majors in the College of Natural Sciences, and a track for majors in other colleges across the university. Students must apply online for admission to the certificate through the university-wide portal for transcript recognized certificates.

Students are encouraged to work closely with the Health Professions Office to select healthcare themes relevant to their professional career goals. Some of the courses may contain prerequisites that are in addition to the coursework for the certificate.

Majors in the College of Natural Sciences must seek the Science Major Track.

Majors outside of the College of Natural Sciences must seek the Non-Science Major Track. The composition of the non-science major track is science coursework necessary for admission to post-baccalaureate, healthcare professional programs. Non-science majors may apply to the certificate program upon completion of the following courses with grades of at least B-Chemistry 301 or 302, and one of the following: Statistics and Data Sciences 302Mathematics 408C408K, 408N, or 408R. Upon admission, the ability to progress in the certificate is dependent on completion of the certificate courses with satisfactory grades.

Science Major Track

RequirementsHours
Complete 18 hours chosen from the following themes relevant to healthcare. 18
Cultural Awareness:
Introduction to Asian American Studies
Introductory Topics in Asian American Studies (Topic 1: Psychological Perspectives on Asian American Identity)
African American Culture
Psychology of the African American Experience
Seminar in American Culture (Topic 49: Twentieth-Century United States Lesbian and Gay History)
Topics in Latin American Anthropology (Topic 16: Mexican Immigration Cultural History)
Introduction to Mexican American Cultural Studies
Introduction to the Middle East: Adjustment and Change in Modern Times
Perspectives on Deafness
Health and Anatomy:
Art, Art History, and Medicine
Introduction to Medical and Scientific Terminology
Human Sexuality
Human Sexuality
Psychology of Sex
Theories of Substance Use and Abuse
Foundations of Epidemiology
Studies in Health: Topical Studies
Topical Seminar in Health Promotion
Evaluation and Research Design
Applied Biomechanics of Human Movement
Applied Human Anatomy
Physiology of Exercise
Biomechanical Analysis of Movement
Introduction to Psychology
Biopsychology
Hormones and Behavior
Selected Topics in Psychology (Topic 4: Health Psychology)
Psychopharmacology
Introduction to Speech, Language, and Hearing Sciences
Healthcare Policy:
Communication Ethics
Human Health and the Environment
Children's Environmental Health
Global Food, Farming, and Hunger
Medical Geography
Peer Health Leadership I
Undergraduate Seminar in United States History (Topic 18: Women in Sickness and Health)
Healthcare System Management
Global Health
Ethics of Health Care
Introduction to Public Health
Medicine, Ethics, and Society
Introduction to the Sociology of Health and Well-Being
Introduction to Social Demography
Global Health Issues and Health Systems
Race, Class, and Health
Sociology of Health and Illness
Health Policy and Health Systems
Social Context of Public Health
Population and Society
Human Health and the Environment
Human and Societal Development:
Team-Based Communication
Communication Ethics
Introduction to Life Span Development
Family Relationships
Child Development
Adult Development
Development of Psychopathology from Infancy through Adolescence
Human Development in Minority and Immigrant Families
Infant Development and Attachment Relationships
Advanced Child and Family Development (Approved topics)
Communication in Health Care Settings
Introduction to Psychology
Biopsychology
Hormones and Behavior
Introduction to Developmental Psychology
Selected Topics in Psychology (Topic 4: Health Psychology)
Introduction to the Study of Society
Death and Dying: Sociological Perspectives
Sociology of Gender
Child and Adolescent Health
Current Social Work Topics (Topic 9: Loss and Grief: Individual, Family, and Cultural Perspectives)
Nutrition:
Communication Ethics
Undergraduate Seminar in United States History (Topic 5: American Cultural History of Alcohol and Drugs)
Fundamentals of Nutrition
Introduction to Nutritional Sciences
Nutrition through the Life Cycle
Assessment of Nutritional Status
International Nutrition: The Developing World
Intermediate Nutrition and Metabolism
International Nutrition: Social and Environmental Policies
Community Nutrition

Optional: If additional hours are needed to complete the 18 hours for the certificate, a maximum of nine hours chosen from the following may be applied to the science major track:

RequirementsHours
Biochemistry and Chemistry:
Fundamentals of Biochemistry
Organic Chemistry Laboratory
Organic Chemistry I
Organic Chemistry II
Biology:
Introductory Laboratory Experiments in Biology
Introductory Biology I
Introductory Biology II
Physics:
Mechanics
Laboratory for Physics 301
General Physics Technical Course: Mechanics, Heat, and Sound
General Physics Technical Course: Electricity and Magnetism, Light, Atomic and Nuclear Physics
Laboratory for Physics 302K
Laboratory for Physics 302L
Engineering Physics I
Engineering Physics II
Laboratory for Physics 303K
Laboratory for Physics 303L
Electricity and Magnetism
Laboratory for Physics 316
General Physics I
General Physics II
Laboratory for Physics 317K
Laboratory for Physics 317L
Statistics:
Elementary Statistical Methods
Data Analysis for the Health Sciences
Statistics in Health Care
Statistics in Market Analysis
Biostatistics
Additional upper-division coursework in biochemistry, biology, and chemistry by approval of the undergraduate certificate adviser

Non-science Major Track

RequirementsHours
Complete 18 hours chosen from one of the health professions preparation sequences. The 18 hours may be composed of introductory coursework, advanced coursework, or a mixture of the two18
Pre-dental Preparation
Introductory Coursework:
Introductory Laboratory Experiments in Biology
Introductory Biology I
Introductory Biology II
Introduction to Chemical Practice
General Physics Technical Course: Mechanics, Heat, and Sound
General Physics Technical Course: Electricity and Magnetism, Light, Atomic and Nuclear Physics
Laboratory for Physics 302K
Laboratory for Physics 302L 1
Advanced Coursework:
Fundamentals of Biochemistry
Cell Biology
Genetics
General Microbiology 2
Organic Chemistry Laboratory
Organic Chemistry I
Organic Chemistry II
Pre-medical Preparation
Introductory Coursework:
Introductory Laboratory Experiments in Biology
Introductory Biology I
Introductory Biology II
Introduction to Chemical Practice
General Physics Technical Course: Mechanics, Heat, and Sound
General Physics Technical Course: Electricity and Magnetism, Light, Atomic and Nuclear Physics
Laboratory for Physics 302K
Laboratory for Physics 302L 1
Advanced Coursework:
Fundamentals of Biochemistry
Cell Biology
Genetics
General Microbiology 2
Organic Chemistry Laboratory
Organic Chemistry I
Organic Chemistry II
Pre-occupational Therapy Preparation
Introductory Coursework:
Introductory Biology I
Introductory Biology II
Introductory Laboratory Experiments in Biology
Introduction to Chemical Practice
Data Analysis for the Health Sciences
General Physics Technical Course: Mechanics, Heat, and Sound
Laboratory for Physics 302K 1
Advanced Coursework:
Genetics
Human Microscopic and Gross Anatomy
Human Systems Physiology
Human Systems Physiology Laboratory
Pre-optometry Preparation
Introductory Coursework:
Introductory Biology I
Introductory Biology II
Introductory Laboratory Experiments in Biology
Introduction to Chemical Practice
Data Analysis for the Health Sciences
General Physics Technical Course: Mechanics, Heat, and Sound
Laboratory for Physics 302K
General Physics Technical Course: Electricity and Magnetism, Light, Atomic and Nuclear Physics
Laboratory for Physics 302L 1
Advanced Coursework:
Fundamentals of Biochemistry
Genetics
General Microbiology 2
General Microbiology Laboratory
Human Microscopic and Gross Anatomy
Human Systems Physiology
Human Systems Physiology Laboratory
Organic Chemistry I
Organic Chemistry II
Organic Chemistry Laboratory
Pre-physical Therapy Preparation
Introductory Coursework:
Introductory Biology I
Introductory Biology II
Introductory Laboratory Experiments in Biology
Introduction to Chemical Practice
Data Analysis for the Health Sciences
General Physics Technical Course: Mechanics, Heat, and Sound
Laboratory for Physics 302K
General Physics Technical Course: Electricity and Magnetism, Light, Atomic and Nuclear Physics
Laboratory for Physics 302L 1
Advanced Coursework:
Genetics
Human Microscopic and Gross Anatomy
Human Systems Physiology
Human Systems Physiology Laboratory
Pre-physician Assistant Preparation:
Introductory Coursework:
Introductory Biology I
Introductory Biology II
Introductory Laboratory Experiments in Biology
Introduction to Chemical Practice
Data Analysis for the Health Sciences
Fundamentals of Nutrition
Advanced Coursework:
Fundamentals of Biochemistry
Cell Biology
Genetics
General Microbiology Laboratory
General Microbiology 2
Molecular Biology
Human Microscopic and Gross Anatomy
Human Systems Physiology
Human Systems Physiology Laboratory
Organic Chemistry I
Organic Chemistry II
Organic Chemistry Laboratory
Pre-pharmacy Preparation:
Introductory Coursework:
Introductory Biology I
Introductory Biology II
Introductory Laboratory Experiments in Biology
Introduction to Chemical Practice
Data Analysis for the Health Sciences
General Physics Technical Course: Mechanics, Heat, and Sound
Laboratory for Physics 302K 1
Advanced Coursework:
Genetics
General Microbiology Laboratory
General Microbiology 2
Human Microscopic and Gross Anatomy
Human Systems Physiology
Human Systems Physiology Laboratory
Organic Chemistry I
Organic Chemistry II
Organic Chemistry Laboratory
Pre-veterinary Preparation
Introductory Coursework:
Introductory Biology I
Introductory Biology II
Introductory Laboratory Experiments in Biology
Introduction to Chemical Practice
General Physics Technical Course: Mechanics, Heat, and Sound
Laboratory for Physics 302K
General Physics Technical Course: Electricity and Magnetism, Light, Atomic and Nuclear Physics
Laboratory for Physics 302L 1
Advanced Coursework:
Fundamentals of Biochemistry
Genetics
General Microbiology
General Microbiology Laboratory
Molecular Biology
Organic Chemistry I
Organic Chemistry II
Organic Chemistry Laboratory
Introduction to Probability and Statistics
Biostatistics
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1. A completed calculus-based physics sequence may substitute for the purpose of earning the certificate.
2. Previously completed Biology 326M may substitute.

Quantum Information Science Certificate

A certificate in Quantum Information Science will allow students from a broad range of disciplines to receive formal recognition of their skills, training, and knowledge in the burgeoning field of quantum information science, including quantum computing, quantum communication, and quantum sensing. Students are required to take two courses in quantum information science. Courses under the Freshman Research Initiative (FRI) program will be open to all students, with consent of the instructor. Supplementary courses may be selected to emphasize different focus areas in physics, mathematics, and computer science.

Admission to the certificate is by application only. The certificate program requires 18 semester hours of coursework with a grade of at least C- in each course. Courses that appear in multiple approved course lists may be used to satisfy only one requirement. The following courses are required:

RequirementsHours
Six hours selected from the following courses:6
Topics in Computer Science (Topic 1: Quantum Computing I)
Undergraduate Topics in Computer Science (Topic 1: Quantum Computing II)
Introduction to Quantum Information Science: Honors
Twelve hours selected from among the following supplementary courses:12
Quantum Physics I: Foundations
Quantum Physics II: Atoms and Molecules
Algorithms and Complexity
Algorithms and Complexity: Honors
Introduction to Quantum Information Science: Honors
Matrices and Matrix Calculations
or M 341
Linear Algebra and Matrix Theory
Practical Linear Algebra I
Applied Linear Algebra
Independent Research Project. This may be taken, for example, as one of the following courses: 1
Individual Study in Physics
Undergraduate Reading and Research
Conference Course (Computer-Assisted)
Please Note: C S 358H Introduction to Quantum Information Science:Honors may only be counted toward one of the certificate requirements. With the approval of the certificate program faculty, other appropriate courses may be counted toward the certificate requirements.
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1. The student conducts independent research on some aspect of quantum information science and completes a final report describing their work. The topic must be approved by a university faculty or research staff member and will be conducted under their supervision.

Scientific Computation and Data Sciences Certificate

The Certificate in Scientific Computation and Data Sciences helps undergraduates equip themselves with the mathematical, statistical, and computer-based tools necessary to investigate complex systems in a variety of applications. It is designed to appeal to students across the University in science, engineering, economics, premedicine, sociology, and many other disciplines. The program is administered by the Department of Statistics and Data Sciences. To be admitted, a student must be in good standing in an approved undergraduate degree program and must have earned a grade of at least C- in each certificate course he or she has completed. Students may apply for admission to the program at any point in their undergraduate study; they are encouraged to apply as early as possible so that they can be advised throughout the program.

The certificate consists of 18 hours. Students must complete Mathematics 408D or 408M as a prerequisite. No single course or topic may be used to meet more than one of these requirements. Students must contact the Department of Statistics and Data Sciences in the semester in which they are completing the certificate requirements and graduating.

RequirementsHours
One course in computer programming chosen from the following:3
Introduction to Computer Programming
Introduction to Computer Programming
Introduction to Computing
Elements of Computers and Programming
Elements of Software Design
Scientific Computation
Software Design and Implementation I
Programming in FORTRAN and MATLAB
Introduction to Scientific Programming
One course in linear algebra, discrete mathematics, or differential equations chosen from the following:3
Matrices and Matrix Calculations
Linear Algebra and Matrix Theory
Partial Differential Equations and Applications
Practical Linear Algebra I
Two courses in scientific computing, chosen from two of the following areas:6
Numerical Methods
Introduction to Numerical Methods in Biomedical Engineering
Numerical Methods in Chemical Engineering and Problem Solving
Engineering Computation
Elements of Scientific Computing
Elements of Scientific Computing: Honors
Numerical Methods
Scientific Computation in Numerical Analysis
Numerical Methods for Applications
Formulation and Solution of Geosystems Engineering Problems
Scientific and Technical Computing
Statistical Methods
Engineering Probability and Statistics
Economic Statistics
Probability and Random Processes
Applied Statistics
Introduction to Mathematical Statistics
Engineering Statistics
Honors Statistics
Biostatistics
Other Computing Topics
Computational Methods for Biomedical Engineers
Introduction to Computational Methods in Chemistry
Elements of Graphics and Visualization
Elements of Databases
Advanced Topics in Elements of Computing (Approved topics)
Principles and Applications of Parallel Programming
Applied Linear Algebra
Introduction to Stochastic Processes
Numerical Methods for Applications
Partial Differential Equations and Applications
Topics in Mathematics (Approved topics)
Methods of Applied Mathematics
Simulation Modeling
Database Management
Quantitative Methods In Neuroscience I
Practical Linear Algebra II
Parallel Computing for Science and Engineering
Distributed and Grid Computing for Science and Engineering
Visualization and Data Analysis for Science and Engineering
One of the following courses in applied computational science:3
Systems Biology and Bioinformatics
Principles of Computational Biology
Biomechanics of Human Movement
Computational Biomolecular Engineering
Topics in Biomedical Engineering (Approved topics)
Advanced Topics in Chemistry (Approved topics)
Introduction to Computational Fluid Dynamics
Elements of Graphics and Visualization
Advanced Topics in Elements of Computing (Approved topics)
Topics in Decision Science (Topic 6: Optimization Method in Finance)
Computational Economics
Topics in Electrical Engineering (Approved topics)
Advanced Topics in Finance (Topic 6: Optimization Methods in Finance)
Computational Methods
Special Topics in the Study of Language (Topic 15: Computational Semantics)
Topics in Mathematics (Approved topics)
Mathematical Modeling in Science and Engineering
Introduction to Computational Physics
Computational Biology and Bioinformatics
An independent research course: 3 or 4
Undergraduate Research
Undergraduate Research

Textile Conservation and Museum Studies Certificate

The Certificate in Textile Conservation and Museum Studies helps undergraduates equip themselves with the fiber science, exhibition planning, textile conservation, and museum management skills necessary to conserve textiles in various settings. It is designed to appeal to students across the University in science, history, information science, computational science, merchandising, fiber science and apparel design, and many other disciplines. The program is administered by the Division of Textiles and Apparel in the School of Human Ecology. To be admitted, a student must be in good standing in an approved undergraduate degree program and must have earned a grade of at least C- in each certificate course he or she has completed. Students may apply for admission to the program at any point in their undergraduate study; they are encouraged to apply as early as possible so that they can be advised throughout the program.

The following coursework is required:

RequirementsHours
I 301Introduction to Informatics3
I 320Topics in Informatics (Topic 1: Information in Cyberspace)3
TXA 205
TXA 105L
Textiles
and Textiles Laboratory
3
TXA 219C
TXA 119L
Applied Art in Visual Presentation
and Applied Art in Visual Presentation Laboratory
3
TXA 325LHistory of Dress and Cultural Change I3
TXA 325MHistory of Dress and Cultural Change II3
TXA 352CField Experience in Textile Conservation3
TXA 355DTextiles Artifact Management and Conservation3

UTeach-Natural Sciences Secondary Teaching Option Certificate

The UTeach-Natural Sciences program offers a secondary teaching option certificate to students who intend to teach at the middle or high school level. UTeach-Natural Sciences prepares students in the College of Natural Sciences, the Jackson School of Geosciences, and Cockrell School of Engineering for middle school or secondary teacher certification in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). However, any students in any major at the University may seek STEM teacher certification through UTeach-Natural Sciences.

This certificate is composed of two separate tracks: a track for undergraduates, and an accelerated track for seniors and degree holders within one year of earning an undergraduate degree.

UTeach Undergraduate Track

The following coursework is required, with grades of at least C-:

RequirementsHours
One of the following courses:3
Selected Topics in Biology (Topic 2: Research Methods: UTeach)
Advanced Topics in Chemistry (Topic 1: Research Methods: UTeach)
Selected Topics in Physics (Topic 7: Research Methods: UTeach)
HIS 329UPerspectives on Science and Mathematics3
or PHL 329U Perspectives on Science and Mathematics
Eighteen hours of professional development coursework consisting of the following:18
Secondary School Teaching Practicum (Topic 3: Secondary School Teaching Practicum: Math or Topic 4: Secondary School Teaching Practicum: Science)
Knowing and Learning in Math and Science
Knowing and Learning in Math and Science
Classroom Interactions
Classroom Interactions
Project-Based Instruction
Project-Based Instruction
Secondary Teacher Education Preparation: Step 1
and Secondary Teacher Education Preparation: STEP 2
and Student Teaching Seminar

In addition, students must meet the following requirements to graduate and be recommended for certification:

  1. University grade point average of at least 2.50
  2. Successful completion of secondary teacher certification and identified discipline specific content courses with a grade of at least C-. Lists of the required content courses and additional certification requirements are available in the UTeach-Natural Sciences office and online.

Science teacher certification: All courses must be majors level.

Biology: At least 24 hours in biology (some biochemistry and neuroscience courses may count), and six hours in each from chemistry, geology, and physics.

Chemistry: At least 24 hours in chemistry, and six hours in each from biology, geology, and physics.

Geology:  At least 24 hours in geology, and six hours in each from biology, chemistry, and physics.

Physics:  At least 24 hours in physics, and six hours in each from biology, chemistry, and geology.

Mathematics teacher certification: All courses, except Mathematics 315C, must count toward a math degree.

Mathematics: At least 24 hours in math, including Mathematics 315C, 333L, and 375D.

Life Sciences teacher certification: All courses must be majors level.

Life sciences: At least 24 hours in biology, including Biology 370; Chemistry 301.

Physics and Mathematics and Physical Science (Physics and Chemistry) teacher certification: All courses must be majors level and/or count towards a physics, chemistry and/or mathematics degree.

Physics and Mathematics: At least 24 hours in physics, and Mathematics 315C, 333L and 375D.

Physical Science (Physics and Chemistry): At least 24 hours in physics, and Chemistry 301, 302, 204353 and 455.

Computer Science and Computer Science and Math teacher certification: All courses must count toward a computer science and/or math degree.

Computer Science: At least 24 hours of computer science.

Computer Science and Mathematics:  At least 24 hours of computer science and Mathematics 315C, 333L, and 375D

Mathematics, Physical Science, and Engineering certification: All courses must be majors level.

For Engineering majors: Mathematics 315C, 333L, and 375D, Physics 303K and 103M, Physics 303L and 103N, and Chemistry 301.

For Mathematics majors: Physics 301 and 101L, Physics 316 and 116L, Physics 315 and 115L, Chemistry 301, 302, and 204, Engineering Studies 301, Mechanical Engineering 377K.

For Chemistry majors: Mathematics 315C, 427J or 427K, Mathematics 333L, and 375D, Physics 301 and 101L, Physics 316 and Physics 116L 315 and 115L, Engineering Studies 301, and Mechanical Engineering 377K.

   3. Successful passing of final teaching portfolio review, conducted by the UTeach Program in Natural Sciences

UTeach Accelerate Track

The UTeach Accelerate track is limited to degree-holders, and seniors with no more than two (2) long semesters left to earn the undergraduate degree. In addition to admission to The University of Texas at Austin, students must be accepted into the UTeach Accelerate program. The application requires the following:

  • application form 
  • resume
  • two letters of recommendation
  • transcript
  • essay
  • interview

The following coursework is required, with grades of at least C-:

RequirementsHours
One of the following courses:3
Selected Topics in Biology (Topic 2: Research Methods: UTeach)
Advanced Topics in Chemistry (Topic 1: Research Methods: UTeach)
Selected Topics in Physics (Topic 7: Research Methods: UTeach)
Perspectives on Science and Mathematics
Perspectives on Science and Mathematics
Eighteen hours of professional development coursework consisting of the following:18
Secondary Teacher Education Prep: Advanced Steps
Knowing and Learning in Math and Science
Knowing and Learning in Math and Science
Classroom Interactions and Project Based Instruction
Secondary School Teaching Practicum (Topic 3: Secondary School Teaching Practicum: Math or Topic 4: Secondary School Teaching Practicum: Science)
Student Teaching Seminar

In addition, students must meet the following requirements to graduate and be recommended for certification:

1. University grade point average of at least 2.50.

2. Successful completion of secondary teacher certification and identified discipline specific content courses with a grade of at least C-. Lists of the required content courses and additional certification requirements are available in the UTeach-Natural Sciences office and online.

3. Pass the T-TESS evaluation protocol.

Special Requirements

Students who successfully complete this certificate may be eligible for recommendation for state teaching certification if they have met all professional development and discipline specific content courses. Students seeking middle grades certification must also complete the following courses with grades of at least C-Educational Psychology 350G or Psychology 301 and 304; and Curriculum and Instruction 339E.

The courses required for all teacher certifications include a minimum of 30 field-based experience (FBE) hours prior to the clinical teaching experience. All students in the field experience courses (UTeach-Natural Sciences 101, 110, 211, Curriculum and Instruction 365C, 365D, 365E, 665 and 651S) are observed by and received feedback from highly-qualified Professors of Practice and select in-service educators throughout each semester. Students must pass the field experience in order to pass these courses. During clinical teaching (UTeach-Natural Sciences 170, Curriculum and Instruction 651S), supervision and feedback are provided by Professors of Practice, field supervisors, and the cooperating teacher.

Information about additional certification requirements is available from the UTeach-Natural Sciences academic advisor. 

State of Texas teacher certification requirements are governed by the Texas Education Agency and are subject to change. Students must adhere to current teacher certification requirements, even if they differ from those listed in the University catalogs.