Mar 19, 2024  
2013-2014 Undergraduate and Graduate Catalog 
    
2013-2014 Undergraduate and Graduate Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Admissions



Undergraduate Admissions

Your first step at UNT Dallas begins here. In this section, you will find helpful information on UNT Dallas’ admission requirements and deadlines. Whether you are currently enrolled in high school, a community college, or another university, the information you need to apply to UNT Dallas is provided below. Even if you have not attended high school or college in a number of years, you can find information about completing your education at UNT Dallas.

Application for Admission for New Undergraduate Students

UNT Dallas is a selective university and does not guarantee admission of all applicants. It is recommended that students apply well in advance of stated application deadlines. Additionally, it is important to note that UNT Dallas cannot guarantee admission of all applicants.

UNT Dallas requires the ApplyTexas Application for Freshman Admission and the ApplyTexas Application for Transfer/Transient/Visiting/Former Students. (The ApplyTexas Application was formerly the Texas Common Application.) All new undergraduate applicants must use the ApplyTexas Application. It is highly recommended that the application be completed and submitted electronically (www.applytexas.org). For easy access to the ApplyTexas Application and admission deadline dates visit http://dallas.unt.edu/admissions.

Letters of inquiry should note status as a new student, graduate or undergraduate, permanent resident alien or international student. All non-U.S. citizens who are seeking undergraduate enrollment and who hold permanent resident alien status in the United States apply through undergraduate admissions.

Prospective students should apply as early as possible. All necessary credentials, such as application forms, all official transcripts, and required entrance test scores must be on file in the Office of Admissions (undergraduate) by the following deadlines to be evaluated and processed for admission and enrollment at UNT Dallas (applications received after these deadlines will be subject to a late application fees).

Fall 2013

• March 1, 2013 - priority application date for freshmen
• July 1, 2013 - priority application date for transfer students

Spring 2013

• December 1, 2012, for classes beginning January 14, 2013

Summer 2013

• May 10, 2013, for classes beginning May 13, 2013
• May 24, 2013, for classes beginning June 3, 2013
• July 1, 2013, for classes beginning July 8, 2013

If accepted, late applicants will register during the late registration period and pay a late registration fee.

See http://dallas.unt.edu/registrar for the latest information about course offerings and associated enrollment services.

Applications received after the above deadlines must be accompanied by all official transcripts and required test scores for evaluation. The prospective student must meet the stated admission requirements and must register in late registration and will be subject to a late fee.

All new undergraduate students enrolling must comply with state law and university policies concerning the Texas Success Initiative  (formerly TASP) as described in the Academics section of this publication. Contact the Office of Admissions for information at 972-780-3642 or Academic Support Services at 972-338-1646.

Programs with Specific Admission Requirements

The Office of Admissions coordinates all university-wide admissions policies and procedures for undergraduate programs. Some programs require that students meet additional requirements in order to be admitted to a particular program. Those programs with admission requirements in addition to those for the general university are listed below. Students should consult the applicable section of the catalog for specific requirements.

Division of Education and Human Services

Human Services Management and Leadership
Interdisciplinary Studies (Teacher Education)

Division of Liberal Arts and Life Sciences

Applied Arts and Sciences
Information Technology
Mathematics
Sociology

Division of Urban and Professional Studies

Accounting Control Systems
Business Administration:

Accounting
Entrepreneurship
Finance
General Business
Organizational Behavior and Human Resources Management

Criminal Justice
Logistics and Supply Chain Management

Former Students

If you have not enrolled at UNT or UNT Dallas at least once during the 12 consecutive months prior to the term/semester you wish to return, please contact the Office of the Registrar for information or got to www.applytexas.org and fill out a former student application.  All students previously admitted as transient, summer visitor, special student, or for dual credit must first contact the Office of Admissions for clearance to re-enroll.

High School Graduates

Note: For the latest information on admissions, visit the UNT Dallas web site http://dallas.unt.edu/admissions.

Admission Application Fee

All applicants new to UNT Dallas must pay a non-refundable admission application fee of $60 (for U.S. citizens and permanent resident aliens) or $75 (for all others, i.e., international students). The fee must be paid in U.S. dollars.

Admission applications will be processed after the application fee is received. Admission decisions will be made after all academic credentials are received and evaluated. Contact the Office of Admissions for information at 972-780-3642 for more information.

Undergraduate Admission Requirements
Classification Prerequisites Official Transcripts Entrance Exam 1
Beginning Freshman (student who has not attended college or community college after graduating from high school) Graduation from an accredited high school on either a recommended or advanced curriculum plan or meet ACT’s College Readiness Benchmarks. Yes: Submit a 6th or 7th semester transcript indicating class rank through at least junior year.

Automatic Admission
Applicants who graduated in the top 10 percent of their high school class shall be admitted automatically to the university.*

Regular Admission
Applicants shall be guaranteed admission if they

  • rank in the next 15 percent and have a minimum 950 SAT or 20 ACT, or
  • rank in the 2nd quarter and have a minimum 1050 SAT or 23 ACT, or
  • rank in the 3rd quarter and have a minimum 1180 SAT or 26 ACT.

Individual Review
Applicants who do not meet the above requirements or who rank in the fourth quarter may be admitted only by individual review.*

Transfer Freshman (fewer than 30 college hours) Graduation from an accredited high school, minimum college GPA of 2.5 (4.0 system) and must be eligible to return to institutions attended. Yes: Transcript from high school and each college or university attended.
Transfer Student (30 to 44 college hours) Minimum 2.25 GPA (4.0 system) and must be eligible to return to institutions attended. Yes: From each college or university attended. No.
Transfer Student (more than 44 college hours) Minimum 2.0 GPA (4.0 system) and must be eligible to return to institutions attended. Yes: From each college or university attended. No.
Transient Student2 (fall or spring only) or Summer Visiting Student2 (summer only) Academic good standing at last college or university attended. Yes: From each college or university attended. No.
Early Admission Student Top quarter of high school class; solid B average; letters from school counselor or principal recommending early admission, and from parents or guardians concurring with intention; interview in admissions office. Yes: Through junior year. Transcript must reflect completion of English and 2 units each of college preparatory mathematics, social science and natural science. Minimum 1180 SAT (combined critical reading/verbal + math) or 26 ACT.

* All freshman applicants to UNT Dallas must submit SAT or ACT scores. Applicants admitted conditionally through individual review are required to participate in success programs as may be recommended.

High school seniors who plan to attend UNT Dallas should take entrance examinations a minimum of five months before enrollment dates. See high school counselors for more information or write: The College Board ATP, P.O. Box 592, Princeton, NJ 08540; or ACT, P.O. Box 168, Iowa City, IA 52243-0168.  UNT Dallas SAT School Code: 5999; UNT Dallas ACT School Code: 6366

1 UNT Dallas applicants should take entrance exams at least five months before admission deadline. See high school counselor for information. The SAT/ACT writing section will be required for admission for fall of 2010 and beyond.

2 A transient student is an undergraduate student who enrolls at UNT Dallas for one long semester only (fall or spring). A summer visiting student is an undergraduate student who enrolls at UNT Dallas for one or more summer terms with the intent of returning to the home institution upon completion of summer studies.

If a transient (or summer visiting) student decides to continue at UNT Dallas after the first semester, the student must meet all normal admission requirements. Because of federal laws and immigration requirements, international students are not eligible to enroll at UNT Dallas as transient students. Summer visiting students must reapply each summer that enrollment is sought.


Students admitted to the first term/semester of college work must have graduated from an accredited high school and completed the high school recommended or advanced curriculum or meet ACT College Readiness Benchmark test scores. Students also must submit an application for admission to UNT Dallas with a transcript showing their high school credits and rank in their graduating class. Transcripts showing rank in class should be sent after completion of the junior year. In addition, students must present satisfactory scores on the SAT Reasoning Test or the ACT (see “Entrance Examination” in this section). Appropriateness of experience in lieu of a high school diploma (i.e., GED, home schooling, graduation from an unaccredited high school, etc.) may be assessed on an individual review basis by the UNT Dallas Admissions Committee. For more information, see “Admission by Individual Review” in this section of the catalog. To be successful at UNT Dallas, we strongly recommend that students take the following classes in high school:

  • English: 4 credits (English I-IV)
  • Mathematics: 4 credits (Algebra I, Geometry, Algebra II and Pre-Calculus)
  • Sciences: 4 credits (to be selected from Biology, Chemistry, Environmental Sciences, or Physics)
  • Social Sciences: 4 credits (World Geography, World History, U.S. Government and Economics, and U.S. History)
  • Foreign Language: 2 credits (Levels I-III proficiency of the same language) (3 credits are recommended)
  • Health: 1/2 credit minimum
  • Fine Arts: 1 credit
  • Physical Education: 1 1/2 credits
  • Computer Science: 1 credit (demonstrated proficiency at Level I)
  • Electives: 3 1/2 credits
  • Speech 1/2 credit

Entrance Examination

Minimum scores for the entrance exam vary according to the applicant’s rank in the high school graduating class. Current requirements are listed below.

Texas Uniform Admissions Policy (SB 3826)

Per the Texas Education Code, Sections 51.801-51.809, and changes made to several sections by House Bill 3826, in addition to a Texas general academic teaching institution’s admissions requirements, a first-time freshman, regardless of when the student graduated from high school, must also have either:

  1. Successfully completed the curriculum requirements for the recommended or advanced high school program or its equivalent; or
  2. Satisfied ACT’s College Readiness benchmarks on the ACT Assessment or earned on the SAT assessment a score of at least 1500 out of 2400 or the equivalent.

Note: The ACT College Readiness Benchmarks are: English=18, Math=22, Social Sciences=21, Science=24.

Under TEC Section 51.807 and with consultation of the Texas Education Agency, the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board has determined that the high schools are responsible for providing the appropriate documentation to confirm the curriculum requirements.  For the student graduating from an out-of-state or international high school the necessary curriculum information will be provided upon completing the appropriate form, accessible at http://dallas.unt.edu/admissions.

Applicants meeting the curriculum or the ACT/SAT assessment score requirements mandated by the Texas Education Code, but not meeting UNT Dallas’ admission requirements, may be reviewed individually by the Office of Undergraduate Admissions.

Policy for the Admission of New Freshmen

In May 2004, the University of North Texas System Board of Regents approved the policy below for the admission of new freshmen for the 2005 fall semester and beyond. Students who do not meet the requirements for automatic or regular admission should refer to the section titled “Admission by Individual Review” in this section of the Undergraduate Catalog for more information.

Note: Admission requirements are subject to periodic review and change. For the latest information, visit the UNT Dallas web site: http://dallas.unt.edu/admissions.

Automatic Admission

In compliance with state law, applicants who graduated in the top 10 percent* of their high school class shall be admitted automatically to the university.

Regular Admission

Applicants shall be guaranteed admission if they:

  • Rank in the next 15 percent and have a minimum 950 SAT (combined critical reading/verbal + math) or 20 ACT or
  • Rank in the 2nd quarter and have a minimum 1050 SAT (combined critical reading/verbal + math) or 23 ACT or
  • Rank in the 3rd quarter and have a minimum 1180 SAT (combined critical reading/verbal + math) or 26 ACT.

Applicants who do not meet the requirements for automatic or regular admission, will have their applications reviewed by the UNT Dallas Admissions Committee.

*All applicants to the University of North Texas Dallas must submit SAT or ACT scores. Applicants admitted conditionally through the individual review process, regardless of rank in class or test scores, will be required to participate in success programs as may be recommended.

Early Admission

On an individual basis, UNT Dallas may admit high school students to the freshman class after completion of the junior year of high school. To be considered, students must:

  • be ranked in the top quarter of their class;
  • have a B average;
  • have completed 3 units of English and 2 units each of college preparatory mathematics, social science, and natural science;
  • present minimum combined SAT (combined critical reading/verbal + math) score of 1180 or ACT composite of 26;
  • submit letters from high school counselor or principal recommending early admission;
  • submit a letter from parents or guardians stating they approve of early admission; and
  • arrange an interview in the Office of Admissions.

Under this program, high school seniors may be enrolled concurrently at UNT Dallas through coordination with the UNT Dallas Director of Admissions and the high school.

Concurrent Admission Program

UNT Dallas has a concurrent admission program, called the Jaguar Bound Program, with several community college districts, including the Collin County Community College District (CCCCD), the Dallas County Community College District (DCCCD), North Central Texas College (NCTC) and Hill College. The Concurrent Admission Program typically allows students who meet UNT Dallas admission requirements to establish a concurrent admission relationship with UNT Dallas prior to completing their studies at their community college.

Additional Concurrent Admission Program options are currently under development. Contact the Office of Admissions for further information.

Note: Concurrent admission programs are subject to periodic review.  Once admitted to UNT Dallas, students wishing to enroll concurrently at UNT Dallas and another institution of higher education must receive approval from the dean of their respective division.

Academic Fresh Start for Admissions Decisions

Section 51.931 of the Texas Education Code allows Texas residents who were enrolled in a post-secondary institution 10 or more years prior to the start of the semester for which he/she seeks admission to UNT Dallas without consideration of prior academic coursework, credit, or grades.

To take advantage of this option, you must request it prior to your first enrollment at UNT Dallas. You must report and submit all of your college transcripts with your application for admission. You must also complete and submit a Fresh Start request form. Hours excluded under the Fresh Start option may still be used to claim exemption from the Texas Success Initiative (formerly TASP).

Contact the Office of Admissions for more information at 972-780-3642, 800-868-3257, Dallas-Fort Worth Metro 877-UNT-DALS (868-3257), or online at http://dallas.unt.edu/admissions.

Transfer Students

A transfer student is defined as any student new to UNT Dallas who graduated from high school and who has been enrolled at another college or university or has earned college credit prior to attendance at UNT Dallas.

UNT Dallas evaluates credit only from generally recognized accredited academic institutions. Applicants must submit records of all accredited institutions attended.

Transfer students with fewer than 30 completed transferable semester hours of college work must:

  • meet the entrance requirements listed above for high school graduates;
  • submit the application for admission and application fee;
  • have a minimum 2.5 GPA on a 4.0 grading system;
  • be eligible to return to any institution attended; and
  • provide an official transcript from each college or university attended.

Transfer students with no less than 30 and no more than 44 completed transferable semester hours must:

  • have a minimum GPA of 2.25 on a 4.0 grading system;
  • submit the application for admission and application fee; and
  • provide an official transcript from each college or university attended.

Transfer students with more than 44 completed transferable semester hours of college work must:

  • have a minimum GPA of 2.0 on a 4.0 grading system;
  • submit the application for admission and application fee; and
  • provide an official transcript from each college or university attended.

Transfer applicants who do not meet the above requirements for regular transfer admissions should refer to the section titled “Admission by Individual Review for Freshmen or Transfer Students” in this section for more information. All transfer applicants admitted by individual review may be required to participate in success programs as recommended.

The admissions office determines acceptable transfer credit from other institutions. The student’s academic dean determines applicability of the credit to a degree program.

The admissions office provides, along with the acceptance notification letter, a copy of the evaluated official transcript(s) from the other institution(s) of higher education and a Transfer Credit Summary. This evaluation of course credit reflects accepted transfer credit as well as credit not accepted.

If UNT Dallas does not accept lower-division course credit earned by a student at another Texas public institution of higher education, UNT Dallas shall give written notice to the student that the transfer of the course credit is denied. Upon request, UNT Dallas may also provide written notice of the reasons for denying credit for a particular course or set of courses of the other institution.

A student may dispute the denial of credit by contacting a designated official at either UNT Dallas or the other institution.

The two institutions and the student shall attempt to resolve the transfer of the course credit in accordance with Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board rules and/or guidelines. If the transfer dispute is not resolved to the satisfaction of the student or the institution at which the credit was earned within 45 days after the date the student receives written notice of the denial, UNT Dallas shall notify the commissioner of the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board of its denial and the reason for the denial.

The commissioner of higher education or the commissioner’s designee shall make the final determination about a dispute concerning the transfer of course credit and give written notice of the determination to the involved student and institutions.

The Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board shall collect data on the types of transfer disputes that are reported and the disposition of each case that is considered by the commissioner or the commissioner’s designee.

If UNT Dallas has cause to believe that a course being presented by a student for transfer from another school is not of an acceptable level of quality, UNT Dallas will first contact the other institution and attempt to resolve the problem. In the event that the two institutions are unable to come to a satisfactory resolution, UNT Dallas may notify the commissioner of higher education, who may investigate the course. If its quality is found to be unacceptable, the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board may discontinue funding for the course.

Texas Community College Transfer Students

Prior to transferring to UNT Dallas from a Texas community college, students should discuss the UNT Dallas Course Equivalency Guide and the degree audit information contained in the UNT Dallas Undergraduate Catalog with their community college academic advisor/counselor.

Students are encouraged to plan all course selections at the community college as far in advance as possible. Proper planning and use of the UNT Dallas Course Equivalency Guide and the UNT Dallas degree audit information will maximize the transfer of credit to UNT Dallas.

The university participates in the Texas Common Course Numbering System (TCCNS) to facilitate the transfer of credits and lists most community college and area four-year institution course equivalency information in its Course Applicability System (CAS) at unt.transfer.org. CAS allows students to create user accounts to store completed course work and to run UNT Dallas major-specific planning guides.

For additional information regarding transfer evaluation information, contact the Office of Admissions.

Transfer of the Core Curriculum

A student who successfully completes a 42- to 48-semester-credit-hour common core curriculum at a state-assisted institution of higher education in Texas may transfer as “core complete” to UNT Dallas. The student will receive academic credit for each of the courses transferred. The student will need to work with an academic advisor to determine if additional requirements will be necessary to satisfy the 42-hour UNT Dallas core. See also the UNT Core Curriculum Transfer Articulation web page at essc.unt.edu/registrar/articulation or UNT’s Course Applicability System (CAS) web site at unt.transfer.org for more information.

Choice of Catalog

Any student transferring directly from a Texas public community college to UNT Dallas shall have the same choice of catalog designating degree requirements as the student would have had if the dates of attendance at the university had been the same as the dates of attendance at the community college.

Advanced-Hour Credit

A lower-level course that is determined to be equivalent to a UNT Dallas upper-level course does not satisfy the requirement of advanced hours.

Texas Common Course Numbering System

The Texas Common Course Numbering System (TCCNS) has been designed for the purpose of aiding students in the transfer of general academic courses between colleges and universities throughout Texas. A list of currently approved TCCNS numbers appears in the Courses of Instruction  section at the back of this catalog. In course descriptions, TCCNS prefixes and/or numbers, when applicable, are indicated in parentheses immediately following the UNT Dallas course number. Information provided is subject to change without notice and does not constitute a contract between UNT Dallas and a student or applicant for admission. Prospective transfer students should contact the advising office for course work guidelines prior to enrollment.

Transfer Hours

Students who complete work at another institution to be applied toward a bachelor’s degree at UNT Dallas should make sure that the appropriate officer of the other institution furnishes to the Office of Admissions at UNT Dallas a complete official transcript of such work.

The academic advising office determines acceptable transfer credit from other institutions based on evaluation of course content as described in the catalogs of those institutions and in consultation with appropriate academic units at UNT Dallas as necessary for clarification.

Transfer credit may only be received for course work completed at an accredited institution of higher education. Transfer credit from any accredited institutions will be converted to semester hours and a 4.0 grading system for evaluation purposes as appropriate. The student’s academic dean determines applicability of the credit to a degree program. Students seeking the Bachelor of Applied Arts and Sciences (BAAS) should refer to the special provisions of the respective BAAS degree programs.

Students who have begun residence work at UNT Dallas and who have attained junior standing may, only with the prior written approval of their academic dean, enroll in and transfer hours from approved two-year colleges.

Admission by Individual Review for Freshmen or Transfer Students

Freshman applicants or transfer applicants who do not meet the requirements in either the automatic or regular admissions categories, will have their applications reviewed by a UNT Dallas Admissions Committee and may be given the opportunity to provide additional information to justify their admission to the university.

Appropriateness of experience in lieu of high school diploma (i.e., GED, home schooling, graduation from an unaccredited high school) will also be assessed on an individual review basis.

Factors that may assist in determining academic readiness under the individual review provision may include, but are not limited to, the following:

  • high school attended
  • first-generation college attendance
  • employment experience
  • special abilities such as bilingual proficiency and meeting family responsibilities
  • individual achievements
  • leadership activities
  • public service
  • extra-curricular activities

Consideration for admission by individual review can occur only if the applicant has submitted all required credentials, and, if required, scheduled an interview with the admissions office prior to the published deadline for admission application.  It is strongly recommended that students not meeting automatic admissions requirements also submit an essay or personal statement and letters of recommendation.

New UNT Dallas students who have fewer than 30 hours of completed transferable credit, excluding non-traditional credit, who are admitted via individual review and have less than a 2.0 grade point average will be placed on academic alert.

Other transfer students with 30 or more hours of completed transferable credit who are admitted via individual review are placed automatically on academic probation if their transfer cumulative grade point average falls below 2.0. See “Transfer Student” in this section for a statement of the current minimum entrance requirements for transfer students. To avoid academic suspension, transfer students admitted on academic probation must make a grade point average equal or exceeding the minimum for the appropriate classification as shown in the Table of Minimum Academic Requirements. See the Academic Information and Regulations  section of this catalog.

A limited number of admissions may be granted to students who do not satisfy the admission standards but who have demonstrated some exceptional talent. These students must have the approval of the Provost and Vice President for Academic Excellence and Student Success.

All students admitted by the individual review process, regardless of rank in class or test scores, will be required to participate in success programs as recommended.

For more information, contact the Office of Admissions.

*Letters of Recommendation: Beginning freshmen who are pursuing admission by individual review should submit letters of recommendation from their high school counselor and two of their teachers. Transfer students who are pursuing admission by individual review should request letters of recommendation from two of their college instructors and their college academic advisor. All letters should address the student’s academic ability and preparedness for university-level study.

Transient and Summer Visiting Students

Undergraduate students who have been enrolled at another college or university previously may attend UNT Dallas as transient students for one long fall or spring term only, provided their intent is to return to their previous college or university. A summer visiting student is an undergraduate student (U.S. citizen or permanent resident alien) who enrolls at UNT Dallas for any summer session/term with the intent of returning to the home institution upon completion of summer studies. An official transcript from all colleges or universities attended must be submitted with the application for admission and the application fee prior to the application deadline. The transcript must reflect that the student is not on academic probation or suspension from the last institution attended to be admitted as a transient or summer visiting student.

If a transient or summer visiting student later decides to continue at UNT Dallas, the transient or summer visiting status ends and all admission requirements for a beginning transfer student (see “Transfer Students” above) must be met prior to the second enrollment at UNT Dallas. All students previously admitted as a transient or summer visitor must first contact the Office of Admissions for clearance to re-enroll. If a student originally applies as a regular transfer student and is academically rejected for admission, the student cannot change application status to transient or summer visiting.

Because of federal laws and immigration requirements, international students are not eligible to enroll at UNT Dallas as transient or summer visiting students.

See “Orientation ” in this section for additional information.

Inactive Continuing Students (Undergraduate Students Only)

Students who are U.S. citizens or permanent residents and who have previously attended UNT Dallas but who have not attended at least once during the 12 consecutive months prior to the term/semester of planned enrollment and who have not received a degree during that time period, must complete the following requirements to re-enroll:

  • complete the Texas Common Application for Former Students found at www.applytexas.org;
  • submit transcripts from all colleges attended, if any, since leaving UNT Dallas;
  • if previous UNT Dallas enrollment was as a transient, dual credit, summer visiting student or special student, all academic credentials are required prior to re-enrollment; and

International Admissions

Inactive students who have not enrolled elsewhere since leaving UNT Dallas and who are in good academic standing are required only to complete the Texas Common Application for Former Students found at www.applytexas.org

International students should contact the International Admissions and Advising Center (see the Contacts at UNT Dallas section of this catalog or visit www.international.unt.edu; UNT Dallas follows the UNT policy on this matter).  For status updates, continuing students should contact the Office of the Registrar.

Graduate Admissions

Admission Application

The University of North Texas at Dallas is a selective university and does not guarantee admission of all applicants. It is recommended that students apply well in advance of the stated application deadlines. Many departments have earlier deadlines that vary by program. (See the departmental sections of this publication and the departmental web site for these program-specific dates.)

Applications are submitted online at www.applytexas.org.

Contact the UNT Dallas Office of Graduate Admissions for more information at 972-780-3642, 877-UNT-DALS, or by email at dallasgraduateservices@unt.edu.

Admission Application Fee

U.S. citizens and permanent resident aliens applying to graduate studies at University of North Texas at Dallas must pay a $60 non-refundable admission application fee. The fee must be paid in U.S. dollars. Applications received after the deadline requires a $90 fee.

International students applying to graduate studies at University of North Texas at Dallas must pay a $75 non-refundable admission application fee. The fee must be paid in U.S. dollars.

Admission applications will not be processed until the application fee is received. Admission decisions will be made after all academic credentials are received and evaluated.

Contact the UNT Dallas Office of Graduate Admissions for more information at 972-780-3642, 877-UNT-DALS, or by e-mail at dallasgraduateservices@unt.edu.

Admission Deadlines

The following are deadlines for submission of complete application materials for all students seeking on-time registration except those applying for admission to programs with earlier deadlines (see departmental information).

Fall 2012

  • July 15, 2012 for classes beginning Aug. 29, 2012

Spring 2013

  • Nov. 15, 2012, for classes beginning Jan. 14, 2013

Summer 2013

  • May 1, 2013, for classes beginning May 13, 2013
  • May 15, 2013, for classes beginning June 3, 2013
  • June 15, 2013, for classes beginning July 8, 2013

Fall 2012

  • July 15, 2013 for classes beginning August 2013

Students who submit applications after these dates, if accepted, will have to register during the late registration period and pay a late registration fee. Admission deadlines are subject to change.

Requirements for Admission to UNT Dallas Graduate Studies

Applications for graduate study are made through the UNT Dallas Office of Graduate Admissions, regardless of degree program.

All applicants must meet the following requirements, whether or not admission to a specific degree program is sought:

  1. The applicant must hold a bachelor’s degree or its equivalent from a regionally accredited institution.
  2. Specific grade point average (GPA) requirements for certification-only, non-degree and degree-seeking students follow. The GPA is calculated by dividing the total number of grade points earned by the total number of semester hours attempted (A equals four grade points, B equals three, C equals two, D equals one, F equals zero).
    1. Non-Degree, Teacher Certification/Endorsement and Graduate Academic Certificate-Only Students. The applicant must have at least a 3.0 GPA on the last 60 undergraduate semester hours of work (or the whole semester closest to the last 60 hours) prior to receiving the bachelor’s degree or a 2.8 GPA on all undergraduate work used to complete the bachelor’s degree to receive unconditional admission to graduate studies at UNT Dallas. Applicants who have already completed a master’s degree must have at least a 3.4 GPA on the master’s or meet the undergraduate GPA standards listed above to be admitted unconditionally.

      Applicants with a GPA below 2.8 on the last 60 semester hours (or the whole semester closest to the last 60 hours) and with an overall undergraduate GPA below 2.6, or below 3.0 on a completed master’s degree, are not eligible for admission to graduate study.

      Non-degree and certification-only students who meet the minimum GPA requirements for admission to graduate studies are not required to submit standardized admission test scores. Graduate Academic Certificate programs may have additional admission requirements and deadlines to be eligible for the certificate. Consult the program director for details.
    2. Degree-Seeking Students. The applicant must have at least a 3.0 GPA on the last 60 undergraduate semester hours of work (or the whole semester closest to the last 60 hours) prior to receiving the bachelor’s degree or a 2.8 GPA on all undergraduate work prior to the bachelor’s degree to be considered for unconditional admission for master’s study. Applicants who have already completed a master’s degree must have at least a 3.4 master’s degree GPA or meet the undergraduate GPA standards listed above to be admitted unconditionally for a second master’s degree.

      Requirements for admission to specific degree programs may differ from the minimum requirements for graduate admission. Specific requirements for admission to a degree program may be found in the appropriate departmental section of this catalog or the program web site. Admission to graduate studies does not imply admission to a degree program at UNT Dallas.

      Applicants with a GPA between 2.8 and 3.0 on the last 60 undergraduate semester hours (or the whole semester closest to the last 60 hours) prior to receiving the bachelor’s degree, or an overall undergraduate GPA between 2.6 and 2.8, or a GPA between 3.0 and 3.4 on a completed master’s degree may apply to the School of Graduate Studies and be considered by individual review by the department for provisional admission.

      Applicants with a GPA below 2.8 on the last 60 semester hours (or the whole semester closest to the last 60 hours) prior to receiving the bachelor’s degree and with an overall undergraduate GPA below 2.6, or below 3.0 on a completed master’s degree are not eligible for admission to graduate study.
  3. All students seeking admission to a graduate degree program are required to meet a standardized admission test score requirement. Some programs may require specialized sections of a standardized exam (e.g., the GRE writing test). Degree programs may require other materials (e.g., a writing portfolio, an art portfolio or an audition, etc.). For standardized admission test and additional admission requirements, contact the academic program.
  4. The applicant may be required to take entrance examinations, either oral, written or both, before admission to the degree program is granted.
  5. The university requires any applicant from a foreign country who is admitted to the university to demonstrate satisfactory proficiency in oral and written English prior to beginning course work. Prospective applicants should inquire at the nearest American Embassy, Consulate or Information Center to arrange for whatever language examination may be required.
  6. To be considered for admission, the applicant should file the following official credentials with UNT Dallas Graduate Admissions:
    • complete official transcripts from all colleges or universities attended,
    • an application for admission to graduate studies (www.applytexas.org),
    • official scores from the testing service on the required entrance test (see below for mailing address), and
    • the application fee.

The mailing address for the University of North Texas at Dallas is 7300 University Hills Boulevard, Dallas TX 75241-4605.

  1. An applicant who has attempted graduate work at another institution within the six-year period immediately prior to first enrollment as a graduate student at UNT Dallas, but who has not received a graduate degree, will be required to make up any grade point deficiency below a B average either at the institution at which graduate work was attempted or at UNT Dallas. (See “Time Limitations ” in the Master’s Degree Requirements section for details concerning validity of previous graduate work.)
  2. Applicants for admission are furnished written notification of their admission status by UNT Dallas. Statements by other university officers concerning the applicant’s admissibility are not valid until confirmed by UNT Dallas in writing.
  3. Students who hold a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution and who wish to pursue further study at the undergraduate level or to obtain a second bachelor’s degree must apply for admission to the university through UNT Dallas Graduate Admissions.

Other Admission Requirements

In addition to meeting the general requirements, applicants for admission to any specific degree program also must meet the following requirements.

  1. The applicant for graduate study ordinarily must have completed no fewer than 24 semester hours of undergraduate work in the intended major field, 12 of which must be advanced. In certain fields this requirement has been modified. (Refer to departmental requirements.)
  2. An applicant desiring to pursue graduate work in any field and whose undergraduate record does not show completion of the courses prerequisite to this major will be required to make up such deficiencies in a manner prescribed by the student’s major department.
  3. Students wishing to change from one major field to another must make application in the office of the graduate dean and must meet all specific program admission requirements for the new major.

Required Standardized Admissions Test

All students seeking a graduate degree are required to meet a standardized admission test score requirement. Only official score reports from the testing service are acceptable. For specific advanced test requirements in certain fields, consult subsequent sections of this catalog that describe individual programs.

For master’s degree seeking students, a standardized admission test score must be submitted or the alternative criteria satisfied no later than the first term/semester of enrollment in a graduate degree program. Some departments require the submission of scores prior to admission and beginning course work. Check the appropriate department section of this catalog for further information.

Until the admission test requirement is met or the alternative criteria satisfied, the graduate student may be granted provisional admission only. If the test requirement is not met by the end of the first term/semester of enrollment, provisional admission will be canceled and the student will be limited to taking undergraduate courses for undergraduate credit only for one term/semester after their provisional term/semester. The student will not be allowed to register for any courses in subsequent terms/semesters until the admission test requirement is satisfied. The student can be reinstated to graduate study and to full admission status to the graduate degree program when the test requirement for admission to the degree program has been met.

The following procedures govern provisionally admitted students who have not taken the appropriate standardized test.

  • Students provisionally admitted to a degree program in the fall, spring, or summer term/semester without the standardized test scores must submit acceptable test scores prior to the completion of their first term/semester of enrollment. Early registration for subsequent terms/semesters will not be permitted if standardized test scores are not received from the appropriate testing service prior to early registration or the alternative criteria are not satisfied. Regular registration for subsequent terms/semesters also will not be permitted unless the standardized test provision is met.
  • In no case may students who have not met the standardized admission test requirement or alternative criteria (a) be admitted to candidacy for any degree, (b) file application to receive such degree, (c) be permitted to enroll in such courses as thesis, dissertation, problem in lieu of thesis, internship, practicum, etc, (d) change their major to another degree program, or (e) submit an application for a concurrent program. Students may experience a loss of financial eligibility if they fail to satisfy their provisional admission and elect to register for undergraduate course work for a semester.

Admission of Continuing Students

Continuing students are those who have been officially enrolled at UNT Dallas at least once during the 12 consecutive months prior to the term/semester of planned enrollment and/or have not received a degree during the same period. Students who receive a degree and reapply to the university are considered new graduate students.

Continuing students do not need to reapply to UNT Dallas to enroll in graduate studies if they meet all of the following conditions:

  • have not received a degree from UNT Dallas since last enrollment
  • will re-enroll in the same major as when last enrolled, and
  • do not have any current holds on their record (i.e., admission test or academic).

Students meeting all of these conditions are eligible for web registration during early registration or regular registration. Instructions are available in the schedule of classes at http://dallas.unt.edu/registrar.

Students who are unsure about whether they meet all of the above conditions for re-enrollment should contact the UNT Dallas Graduate Admissions prior to the registration period for further information.

Readmission of Graduate Students

Students who have previously been admitted to graduate studies at UNT Dallas but who have not enrolled at UNT Dallas at least once during the 12 consecutive months prior to the term/semester of planned enrollment must follow these re-enrollment procedures:

  • file an admission application,
  • pay the application fee (if applicable), and
  • submit transcripts from all colleges attended (if any) since leaving UNT Dallas, showing eligibility to re-enroll at each institution.

Former students who have not enrolled elsewhere since leaving UNT Dallas and who are in good academic standing are required to submit an admission application and application fee (if applicable).

Preliminary Admission of Seniors to Graduate Study

Seniors within 12 semester hours of graduation may apply to the graduate school for permission to take courses to be applied toward the master’s degree, provided that at the time of application they appear to be eligible for admission to graduate studies at UNT Dallas and that the specific courses are approved by the school in advance of registration. A student in this status may not enroll for a load exceeding the maximum permitted for graduate students.

Preliminary admission of seniors to graduate studies at UNT Dallas remains provisional for up to a maximum of two terms/semesters. If the student has not completed the bachelor’s degree during this period, provisional admission to graduate studies will be canceled. When the bachelor’s degree has been awarded, the applicant’s undergraduate record will be examined to determine eligibility for graduate study.

Note: students admitted to graduate study prior to completion of the bachelor’s degree and who are receiving financial aid should check with the financial aid office to prevent disruption of aid.

Requirements for a Second Bachelor’s Degree

Students who wish to obtain a second bachelor’s degree must hold a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited U.S. institution or an equivalent credential from a foreign institution recognized by UNT’s Office of International Admissions. U.S. citizens and permanent residents apply directly to UNT Dallas for admission. International students apply to UNT’s Office of International Admissions.

To be eligible to receive a second bachelor’s degree, the student must meet all of the current requirements for the second bachelor’s degree, including 12 hours of advanced courses in a field different from the major of the first bachelor’s degree. Specific requirements for the second bachelor’s degree are found in the current undergraduate catalog. Advising is provided by the college in which the second bachelor’s degree is sought.

Admission to Non-Degree Status

The university recognizes that some students may wish to be admitted to graduate studies at UNT Dallas for the purpose of taking courses not necessarily leading to an advanced degree (i.e., prerequisites for admission to a degree program). Admission to UNT Dallas will be granted subject to the following provisions.

  1. The applicant must meet all of the general admission requirements described previously.
  2. The student in this status is required to receive graduate credit in all graduate (5000- and 6000- level) courses taken, and must maintain an average of B on all such courses attempted. Non-degree students are entitled to enroll in any graduate-level class that is not restricted.
  3. A student admitted to non-degree or certification-only status has no assurance that work completed under this status will be applicable toward degree requirements should he or she subsequently be admitted to a degree program at UNT Dallas. A maximum of 12 semester hours earned prior to admission to a degree program may be counted toward degree requirements. Successful completion of graduate courses by non-degree or certification-only students does not obligate the university to grant admission to a degree program at a later date. When all general and specific requirements for admission to a degree program have been met, a student may request that a change of major application be forwarded to the degree program area for evaluation.
  4. A student who wishes to change from non-degree or certification-only status to degree-seeking status must have standardized admission test scores on file in UNT Dallas Graduate Admissions at the time the application is submitted. In other words, students will not be allowed to change from non-degree or certification-only status to degree-seeking status without having a standardized admission test score at the time they apply for admission to a degree program.
  5. International students are not eligible to apply for admission to non-degree status.
  6. Enrollment for graduate credit in courses in the Division of Urban and Professional Studies or the Division of Education and Human Services (Master of Education program) must be approved in advance of registration by the respective dean and is limited to 12 hours.

Admission Requirements for Students Who Change Major

For students who wish to change from one major to another major at UNT Dallas, a change of major form must be filed in UNT Dallas Office of Graduate Admissions. No change of major will be accepted for students who are on probation, or are otherwise not in good standing with the university. In addition, a student must satisfy the standardized admission test requirement for the intended major prior to submitting the request form. The applicant will go through the same admission process as any new student applying for admission to a UNT Dallas graduate program. The student’s file will be sent for consideration to the graduate advisor in the proposed major.

Conditional Admission of Students with Low Grade Point Average

For students who wish to pursue a graduate-level degree at UNT Dallas but who do not meet the grade point average (GPA) entrance requirements, the following regulations apply.

  1. The student can complete a 15-hour program of 3000- or 4000-level courses for undergraduate credit beyond the bachelor’s degree to demonstrate the ability to undertake graduate-level work. Specific courses are chosen in consultation with the graduate advisor of the intended major department and are approved by the Office of Graduate Admissions. A grade of A or B is required in each course. Courses taken at another institution will only be included in the 15 hours in exceptional cases with the approval of the intended major department and the graduate dean. Courses taken to qualify for admission cannot be used to fulfill graduate degree requirements.
  2. Completion of the 15-hour leveling program does not imply admission to a degree program or eligibility for certification programs at UNT Dallas. It is the responsibility of the student to determine, in consultation with the program, if the 15-hour leveling program will help the student reach the goal of program admission. To maximize the benefit to the student, this determination should be made prior to enrolling in the 15-hour program.
  3. The student must satisfy the standardized admission test requirement specified by the intended major department prior to being admitted to a graduate degree program and beginning graduate-level work.

Academic Fresh Start (Graduate Students)

For students who were admitted to a Texas public university under the Academic Fresh Start law, earned a baccalaureate degree, and desire to apply for admission to a postgraduate or professional program, the graduate school will consider only the grade point average of the applicant that was completed after enrollment under this law, along with the other standard admissions criteria detailed in this catalog.

Graduate Degrees Offered at UNT Dallas

Master of Business Administration
Master of Education in Educational Administration
Master of Education in Counseling
Master of Science in Criminal Justice

Details on graduate degree requirements are listed in the academic section of this catalog.

International Admissions

Applicants who do not hold either U.S. citizenship or U.S. permanent resident alien status should apply to the UNT International Admissions Office, which currently processes international student applications for both UNT and UNT Dallas campuses. For application procedures, international students should contact UNT-International (http://www.international.unt.edu).

Application Deadlines

Undergraduate: Submit all documents at least six months before enrollment date.

Graduate: Submit all documents at least six months before enrollment date. Some departments have much earlier application deadlines. Check application deadlines with the Office of Graduate Admissions.

Two Types of Admission

Direct UNT Dallas Admission

Undergraduate: With proof of English language proficiency. (See “English Language Proficiency Measure” chart.)

Graduate: With proof of English language proficiency (See “English Language Proficiency Measure” chart.) and all other departmental requirements (www.unt.edu/departmentscontactinfo.htm).

Conditional UNT Dallas Admission

  1. UNT Dallas Undergraduate and Intensive English Language Institute (IELI).
  2. UNT Dallas Graduate and Intensive English Language Institute (IELI).
  3. UNT Dallas Graduate and Graduate Preparation Course. Students must show English language proficiency to be admitted.

Application Form

Download and print a paper copy of the UNT International Student Application for Admission at: www.international.unt.edu/admissions/apply.html or apply online at: www.applytexas.org.

Send all application forms and documents to:
UNT International Admissions Office
University of North Texas
1155 Union Circle #311067
Information Science Building, Room 288
Denton, Texas 76203-5017 U.S.A.

E-mail:international@unt.edu
Telephone:940-565-2442
Fax: 940-565-4822

OR

UNT Dallas
Office of Admissions
7300 University Hills Blvd
Dallas, TX  75241

International Student Admission Requirements

All students who are not U.S. citizens or U.S. permanent residents are considered international students at UNT Dallas and must meet the following admission requirements, plus all additional departmental requirements.

Students must provide to UNT Dallas an International Student Statement of Finances showing the required financial resources before UNT Dallas can send the student an I-20 or DS2019 to use to apply for an F-1 or J-1 visa. Information is available at www.international.unt.edu/admissions, or by contacting UNT-International.

International Undergraduate Admission Requirements
Classification Prerequisites Official Transcripts Entrance and/or Language Proficiency Exams
Intensive English Language Institute
IELI student Graduation from high school recognized by the home country ministry of education Copy of diploma/ certificate Placement test at IELI to determine current English language proficiency
Freshman / First Year Students
Beginning freshman from international high school Graduation from a high school recognized by the home country ministry of education Official transcripts in native language and English showing all courses and marks of final three years of secondary school, plus graduation date Show English language proficiency. For a complete list of ways to demonstrate proficiency see “English Language Proficiency Measure” chart or www.international.unt.edu/ offices/admissions/how-to-apply/general/english
Beginning freshman from U.S. high school Minimum of three years and graduation from an accredited high school in the U.S. Official transcripts, showing rank in class through at least junior year U.S. graduate only: Send SAT or ACT scores
Transfer students (Transfer credit may be audited, with an increase/decrease in transferred credit.)
Transfer freshman with fewer than 30 transferable college or university hours/credits Graduation from an accredited high school; minimum college 2.5 GPA (4.0 system); must be eligible to return to last institution attended Official transcripts (in native language and English) from high school and each college or university attended Show English language proficiency (as above)
Transfer student with 30-44 transferable college or university hours/credits Minimum 2.25 GPA (4.0 system); must be eligible to return to last institution attended Official transcripts (in native language and English) from each college or university attended Show English language proficiency (as above)
Transfer student with 45 or more transferable college or university hours/credits Minimum 2.0 GPA (4.0 system); must be eligible to return to last institution attended Official transcripts (in native language and English) from each college or university attended Show English language proficiency (as above)
Former UNT Dallas student If not in good academic standing when leaving UNT Dallas, must have earned a higher GPA in all schools subsequently attended; must be eligible to return to UNT Dallas Official transcripts (in native language and English) from each college or university attended since leaving UNT Dallas; must be eligible to return to all institutions attended Show English language proficiency (as above)
Graduate Student   Official transcripts (in native language and English) from each college/university attended Show English language proficiency; GRE or GMAT requirements for most UNT Dallas graduate majors. Consult the department for detailed information on requirements

English Language Proficiency Measure

English Language Proficiency Measure Score Required
English language study at UNT Dallas
Completion of the Intensive English Language Institute (IELI) Graduation from Level 6
English language proficiency tests
CAE (Certificate in Advanced English)
www.cambridgeesol.org/exams
B or higher
CPE (Certificate of Proficiency in English)
www.cambridgeesol.org/exams
C or higher
IELTS-Academic (International English Language)
www.ielts.org
Overall band 6.5 or higher
TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language)
www.ets.org
Score must be less than 2 years old unless the student has been continuously studying at a U.S. college/university.
213 computer
79 iBT 550
International paper
GCE, GCSE, IGCSE
www.cie.org.uk
C or higher in English Language
WASC, KCSE, SSCE B or higher in English Language
SAT Critical Reading and Writing 500 or higher on Reading and 9 or higher on Writing
MELAB-Official version (Michigan English Language Assessment Battery)
www.lsa.umich.edu/eli/testing/melab
80 or higher
Advanced Placement language and composition exams 3.0 or higher on both sections
Courses/degrees/diplomas
High school (3 years), Associate’s, Bachelor’s, Master’s or Doctoral Degree earned in the U.S. or other English speaking countries: Anguilla, Antigua/Barbuda, Australia, Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Bermuda, British Guyana, Canada (except Quebec), Cayman Islands, Dominica, Falkland Islands, Fiji, Grenada, Guam, Guyana, Ireland, Jamaica/other West Indies, Liberia, Montserrat, New Zealand, South Africa, St. Helena, St. Kitts and Nevis, St. Lucia, St. Vincent, Trinidad and Tobago, Turks and Caico Isle, United Kingdom and Virgin Islands. Graduation with a degree
IB (International Baccalaureate)
www.ibo.org
Grade 5 or higher
English Composition I and II passed at a U.S. institution, which counts as transfer credit at UNT Dallas (not ESL courses) B or higher
Articulation partnerships with international institutions As pre-arranged

Texas Success Initiative Requirement and Remediation for Non-native English Speakers

The Texas Success Initiative (TSI) is a state statute requiring all undergraduate students - including international students, permanent residents, and/or citizens - entering a Texas public institution of higher education to demonstrate readiness for college-level reading, writing and mathematics before enrolling in college-level course work. Students may demonstrate college readiness by achieving the statutory threshold(s) on the state-approved readiness assessments, unless they are exempt (see the Academics section of this catalog for exemption information ).

Students must satisfy all TSI requirements before receiving a baccalaureate degree.

UNT Dallas accepts scores on the ACCUPLACER, ASSET, COMPASS or THEA tests for assessment purposes. These state-approved tests measure college-level readiness in reading, mathematics and writing. Minimum score thresholds required to demonstrate college readiness in each subject are as follows:

  Reading Math Writing
ACCUPLACER 78 63 80 objective/ 5 essay
ASSET 41 38 40 objective/ 5 essay
COMPASS 81 39 59 objective/ 5 essay
THEA 230* 230 220

Students applying to a major in education need a THEA score of 240

Students shall participate in a developmental program for each semester of enrollment for those subjects where readiness has not been demonstrated. Students may demonstrate readiness by either passing the highest level of indicated developmental course work or by scoring above statutory thresholds on one of the approved tests.

The following procedures apply to TSI-related developmental course work.

  1. All developmental education students must meet with an Academic Readiness Advisor prior to registration.
  2. Students must register for developmental course work each semester of enrollment until the developmental program is complete. Courses not successfully completed will be repeated.
  3. Students must show readiness for college-level writing before registering for college-level courses in English.
  4. Regular attendance is required in all developmental courses. Instructors will monitor course attendance, and advisors will follow up on absences.

Adult Admissions Program

Freshman applicants who have been out of high school for at least five years and who have earned fewer than 30 semester hours at a college or university may be eligible for admission to UNT Dallas under the Adult Admission Program.

Individuals eligible for this program may be accepted without the required SAT or ACT test scores only if evidence provided to the admissions office staff suggests the potential of academic success for the individual.

Applicants under the Adult Admission Program must submit

  • an application for admission, which can be completed online at www.applytexas.org;
  • a non-refundable $60 application fee;
  • a copy of all high school transcripts;
  • official transcripts of any previous college/university work (students who are transferring fewer than 30 hours from another college/university also must have a minimum 2.5 grade point average [4.0 grading system] and be eligible to return to any institution attended);
  • a written personal statement concerning your academic preparedness for university-level study, your intended major and career goals, and any other information you feel is pertinent to the individual review of your application; and
  • the Adult Admission Program Request Form
  • Proof of graduation from a recommended or distinguished high school curriculum.

A personal interview with the prospective student may also be required at the discretion of the reviewer (see “Admission by Individual Review for Freshmen or Transfer Students”). The purpose of the interview is to allow the committee to gain additional information relevant to the admission decision.

Students who are admitted under the provisions of the Adult Admission Program are subject to all other academic and programmatic requirements of the university.

Persons interested in the Adult Admission Program are encouraged to contact the Office of Admissions at 972-780-3642 for further information or to request adult admission consideration.

Admission or Re-Enrollment as Related to Personal Conduct and Admission Falsification

It is the responsibility of the Director of Admissions to refer to the Division of Student Life any application for admission or re-enrollment that indicates possible ineligibility of any applicant on grounds involving personal conduct or admission falsification. The potential of the applicant to benefit from university attendance, as well as the welfare and safety of the student body and of the university, will be carefully considered before permission to enroll will be granted.