Admission

Admission Policies of the College

Admission and readmission of undergraduate students to the University is the responsibility of the director of admissions. Information about admission to the University is given in the General Information Catalog.

Freshman and transfer students wishing to enter the College of Natural Sciences must apply for admission with the Office of Admissions. The College of Natural Sciences works jointly with the Office of Admissions to identify applicants who have demonstrated preparation and interest in mathematics and sciences. A student must be admitted to the college to pursue a degree program described in this section. A student who is denied admission to the college may seek to enter another college or school.

Freshman Admission

Applicants should be prepared to make the necessary placements scores on the placement exams for calculus or statistics upon admission into the college. Mathematics, in the form of calculus or statistics, is required for all natural sciences degrees. To enroll in a calculus or statistics course in college, students must first take the mathematics placement exam. Information about scores necessary for placement are posted by the Student Division.

The Entry-Level Major

All new freshman and transfer students are admitted into the College of Natural Sciences in an entry-level major. After completing a specified set of entry-level mathematics and science courses required for the degree with a grade of at least C- in each course, students are admitted to the major and option they plan to pursue unless the major or option has special admission-to-major requirements. The computer science and statistics and data science entry-level majors are restricted to students who are admitted to these majors by the Office of Admissions.

Students admitted into the College of Natural Sciences through freshman admission or external transfer may change from one entry-level major into the other, with the exception of the computer science, neuroscience, and statistics and data science entry-level majors. The computer science, neuroscience, and statistics and data science entry-level majors are restricted to students who are admitted by the Office of Admissions or through internal transfer. 

Transfer Admission

Internal Transfer

Students enrolled in other colleges or schools at the University may apply by April 15 to be considered for admission into an entry-level major in the following fall semester. If April 15 falls on a weekend or an official university holiday, the application is due on the next business day.

Admission to the college is limited and competitive. To be competitive, students should:

1. Complete a minimum of 24 semester hours in residence
2. Achieve a grade point average of at least 3.00 in residence
3. Complete one of the following courses in residence with a grade of at least B-: Mathematics 408C, 408D, 408K, 408L, 408M, 408N, 408Q, 408R, 408S, or Statistics and Data Sciences 302F.
4. Complete two of the following courses in residence with grades of at least B-: Biology 311C, Chemistry 301, 301C, 302, 302C, Physics 303K, and 303L, or majors level equivalents.
5.  Submit an essay describing how the intended major would impact achievement of the educational and career goals.

Students admitted through internal transfer who wish to change to a different major in the college must apply through internal transfer and be accepted in order to change majors. Public Health entry-level majors admitted through internal transfer who are not admitted to the Bachelor of Science in Public Health degree during its admission process may transfer into any Natural Sciences entry-level major other than computer science, neuroscience, and statistics and data science. 

External Transfer

Students enrolled at other universities or colleges who wish to enter the College of Natural Sciences must apply for transfer admission through the Office of Admissions. Students must meet transfer admission deadlines and requirements.
The college seeks applicants with excellent past performance in mathematics and science courses. Admission to the college is limited and competitive, and varies each year based on the applicant pool. Meeting all of the following criteria does not guarantee admission, and failing to meet all criteria does not eliminate applicants from consideration. All students are welcome to apply.
To be competitive, it is recommended that students:

1. Complete or be in progress to complete a minimum of 24 transferable semester hours when submitting the application;
2. Achieve a grade point average of at least 3.0, however, the GPA to be competitive for admission is generally higher;
3. Transfer one of the following with a grade of at least B-: Mathematics 408C, 408D, 408K, 408L, 408M, 408N, 408Q, 408R, 408S, Statistics and Data Sciences 302F;
4. Transfer two of the following with a grade of at least B-: Biology 311C, 311D Chemistry 301, 301C, 302, 302C, Computer Science 311, 312, Physics 303K, 303L or majors level equivalents;
5. Utilize all aspects of the admissions application, including essays, resume, and optional letters of recommendation to express interest in the intended academic and career path in the sciences.

The University of Texas prioritizes transfer students who have completed fewer than 70 semester hours and who are able to remain on track to complete a degree in four years, including time spent at previous institutions. 

Statistics regarding past admissions cycles are available at cns.utexas.edu/students/future/external-transfer#transfer-statistics.

Adding a Simultaneous Major or Changing Majors

Students interested in declaring a simultaneous major must first discuss the impact of the simultaneous major on their progress toward degree and develop a timely graduation plan with their academic advisors. Students eligible to pursue a simultaneous major must follow the application procedure and meet admission requirements that have been established for the simultaneous major. At minimum, students must complete 30 semester hours of coursework in residence at the University. Students interested in changing majors must meet the entry-level or admission requirements of the major they wish to enter. Students admitted through internal transfer may not add a simultaneous major in the College of Natural Sciences unless they are admitted into the simultaneous major through internal transfer.

Admission-to-Major Requirements

The Major in Computer Science

Several programs are available to undergraduates who wish to major in computer science. Each program involves an admission process in addition to the student’s application for admission to the University. All students may apply to the University as entry-level computer science majors and later seek admission to one of the computer science programs as described in this section; those seeking admission to the Turing Scholars program may also apply to that program when they apply for admission to the University.

Integrated Coordinated Program Dietetics 

Students interested in the Integrated Coordinated Program in Dietetics (ICPD) must apply for admission after completing 60 semester hours of prerequisite coursework. Applicants to the ICPD must meet the requirements for admission to the Graduate School. Upon completing the ICPD, which includes approximately 1,200 hours of supervised practice and required graduate level course work, graduates will attain both a Bachelor of Science in Nutrition and a Master of Science in Nutritional Sciences and immediately qualify for active membership in the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics and are eligible to write the examination to become a Registered Dietitian.

Students who are admitted to the ICPD should consult the faculty advisor each semester regarding order and choice of work. During the fourth year, the following courses must be taken in the indicated term: Fall semester – Nutrition 245C, 380K (Topic 3), 390 (Topic 1) (Note: Nutrition 380K (Topic 3) and Nutrition 390 (Topic 1) will be reserved for graduate credit.); Spring semester – Nutrition 345M, 372C, 372F, 373S; Summer session – Nutrition 374C and 374P. Because these courses are taught only once a year, a student who does not take them at the indicated time may be unable to complete the program. Students must successfully complete Nutrition 380K (Topic 3) and Nutrition 390 (Topic 1) with a grade of “B” or higher in both courses to be admitted to the graduate program. Students who fail to attain a “B” or higher in Nutrition 380K (Topic 3) and Nutrition 390 (Topic 1) will complete the Bachelor of Science in Nutrition, Didactic Program in Dietetics option. 

The Bachelor of Science in Environmental Science

Admission to the Environmental Science Program

All freshmen and external transfer students majoring in environmental science (EVS) are first admitted to the University as entry-level EVS majors in the Jackson School of Geosciences, the College of Liberal Arts, or the College of Natural Sciences. After completing a minimum of 24 hours in residence, students may select the EVS major that best suits their long-term interests and, if necessary, transfer to the appropriate college/school in accordance with the regulations and procedures set forth in General Information.

Freshman Admission

Freshmen applicants seeking admission to the EVS major through the Jackson School of Geosciences, the College of Liberal Arts, or the College of Natural Sciences must meet the calculus readiness requirement by the official admissions application deadline. More information about the calculus readiness requirement is available through the University Admissions Office or online.

Freshmen applicants to the EVS major from all three colleges/schools are reviewed and admitted as a single cohort. Applications should use the Apply Texas online application and select the "Environmental Science, Entry-Level" major Option listed in the Jackson School of Geosciences, the College of Liberal Arts, or the College of Natural Sciences as a first-choice major. Applicants should apply to the EVS program in the college that best suits their anticipated area of focus (geological sciences, geographical sciences, or biological sciences, respectively).

External Transfer Admission

Students who wish to transfer to the university from another college or university must apply to the Office of Admissions as described in General Information. External transfer applicants seeking admission to the Environmental Science (EVS) Degree Program through the Jackson School of Geosciences, the College of Liberal Arts, or the College of Natural Sciences must demonstrate calculus readiness by the official admissions application deadline. Details regarding transfer calculus readiness are available through the University Admissions Office or online.

External transfer applicants to the EVS major from all three colleges/schools are reviewed and admitted to as a single cohort. Applicants should use the Apply Texas online application and select the "Environmental Science, Entry-Level" major Option listed in the Jackson School of Geosciences, the College of Liberal Arts, or the College of Natural Sciences as a first-choice major. Applicants should apply to the EVS program in the college that best suits their anticipated area of focus (geological sciences, geographical sciences, or biological sciences, respectively).

Internal Transfer Admission

Internal transfer, entry-level applications submitted to the EVS major through the Jackson School of Geosciences, the College of Liberal Arts, and the College of Natural Sciences are reviewed and admitted as a single cohort. All internal transfer applicants should use the online EVS Program Transfer Application and must meet requirements for internal transfer given in General Information.

To be competitive for admission, internal transfer applicants should have a grade point average of at least 3.0 in Biology 311C, Chemistry 301, Mathematics 408C or 408N or 408K, and Geological Sciences 401 or 303.

Additional Information for all internal transfer applicants:

• Application Deadline: March 1 for entry the following academic year.
• Only currently enrolled students in good academic standing with their college of residence may apply.
• Students may apply during the semester they are completing the minimum requirements to be eligible for consideration.
• Entry-level admission to all Environmental Science majors is offered as space is available to the students who are best qualified. Decisions are based on the student's grade point average in the introductory science and math courses listed above, University grade point average, and other factors including, but not limited to, difficulty of course load, course repetitions, proven mathematical ability, and interest in the field of Environmental Science.

Students should consult with an academic advisor for additional information on the application process and deadlines.

The Bachelor of Human Development and Family Sciences

All Human Development and Family Sciences (HDF) majors must complete six hours of a research or field practicum taken from Human Development and Family Sciences 352, 652F, 352L, 652P, 359, and 355R. Registration for Human Development and Family Sciences 352, 652F, 352L, 652P, 359 and 355R is restricted to students whose practicum applications have been approved. Applications, as well as application deadlines, are all available online and through the practicum coordinator.

The Bachelor of Science in Neuroscience, Option I

Prior to applying for admission to the Bachelor of Science in Neuroscience, Option I, degree program, the student must earn a grade of at least B- in Neuroscience 330, and either Neuroscience 335 or Neuroscience 340. Neuroscience 330, 335 and 340 must be taken in residence. The student must also complete any of the four following courses, with grades of at least C-: Biology 311C, 311D, 315H, 325H; Chemistry 301, 301C, 302, 302C, and 204; Mathematics 408C, 408N, 408R, 408S; and Physics 301, 316, 303K, 303L, 317K, and 317L. To be competitive for admission, the student should have a combined grade point average of at least 3.0, and preferably 3.5 in the six courses required for admission.

To apply, the student should consult advisors in the Center for First-Year Advising for information about the application process and deadlines. Applications are evaluated after the end of each fall and spring semester by the Department of Neuroscience. Students whose applications are denied may reapply twice through the supplemental admission process. Admission decisions are based on a number of factors including, but not limited to, the student's grade point average, course load difficulty, and written statement about their commitment to a future in the field of neuroscience.

The Bachelor of Science in Public Health, Option I

Freshman and external transfer students who wish to become Public Health Majors are evaluated and admitted into the major by University Admissions in the Fall and Spring. Applications from internal transfer students who wish to become Public Health Majors are evaluated once yearly by the College of Natural Sciences in the Spring, for admission the following Fall. Admission decisions for internal transfers are evaluated by the public health faculty and by administrators in CNS, and admissions is based on the student’s grade point average in the basic sequence science and mathematics courses, his or her University grade point average, and other factors; these factors include, but are not limited to, the difficulty of the student’s course load, course repetitions, and proven mathematical ability. To be competitive for admission into the Public Health Major, the student should have a grade point average of at least 2.75 or greater. Students should consult advisors in the College of Natural Sciences Center for First-Year Advising for information about the application process and application deadlines.

The Bachelor of Science in Public Health, Option II - Public Health Honors

Students who plan to follow Option II, Public Health Honors, must first be admitted to the Dean's Scholars Honors Program.

The Bachelor of Science in Public Health, Option III - Advanced Program

The Option I student may apply for admission to Option III upon completion of the sixth semester with a grade point average of at least 3.40. The Option III student follows the admission schedule and policies of the School of Public Health at the University of Texas Health Sciences Center at Houston.

The Major in Textiles and Apparel