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Undergraduate Admissions

7300 University Hills Blvd | Dallas, Texas 75241-4605
T (972) 780-3642 | TTY (888) 937-9291 | Toll Free (877) UNT.DALS | Fax (972) 780-3694
admissions@untdallas.edu | www.untdallas.edu

Your journey to an affordable, quality education begins at UNT Dallas.   The Office of Undergraduate Admissions is committed to ensuring a smooth transition from either high school or another community college/university.  In this section, you will find helpful information on UNT Dallas’ admission requirements and deadlines.

UNT Dallas accepts the ApplyTexas Application for Admission to Four-year institutions.  UNT Dallas requires all prospective Freshmen, Transfer, and Visiting (Transient) students to submit an ApplyTexas Application for Admission.  The application can only be completed and submitted electronically by visiting www.applytexas.org.  Submission of an essay (or personal statement) and letters or recommendations are not required but highly recommended.

Note:  Returning (Former) Students:  If you were previously enrolled at either UNT or UNT Dallas at least once during the 12 consecutive months prior to the term/semester you wish to enroll, please contact the Office of the Registrar at registrar@untdallas.edu or (972) 780-3664.

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.

Admission requirements for Fall 2015 may change.  For the latest information on Freshmen, Transfer, and Visiting students visit www.untdallas.edu/undergrad.

Application Dates and Deadlines

All necessary credentials, such as application, official transcripts, required entrance test scores, and essay must be on file in the Office of Undergraduate Admissions by final deadline to be evaluated and processed for admission and enrollment at UNT Dallas for the specific semester applying for.

Admission Requirements

Applicants are considered for undergraduate admission to the university from an accredited high school, community college or university, or equivalent.  Academic preparedness to succeed will be determined by review of academic performance, standardized test scores, and additional factors considered during a holistic review.

Admission Application Fee

All applicants new to UNT Dallas must pay a non-refundable admission application fee of $40 (for U.S. citizens and permanent resident aliens) The fee must be paid in U.S. dollars.  The fee may be paid by check, money order, or by credit card online prior to submitting the ApplyTexas application.  If paying the application fee creates a financial hardship, the following fee waiver options are available:

Freshmen

• ACT waiver
• SAT waiver
• Attend UNT Dallas “True Blue” preview event

Transfer

• Attend Transfer Informational Session  (First Friday and Transfer Monday)

First Time in College (FTIC) 

A FTIC is a freshmen applicant who will or has graduated from high school but has not attended a college or university since high school graduation.  Students who have participated in a high school dual credit program, concurrent enrollment program or early college high school program while in high school are considered a FTIC student.

• Complete and submit a freshmen application for admission via www.applytexas.org.

• Submit non-refundable application fee or fee waiver. Applications will be considered incomplete and no admission decision will be rendered if application fee or fee waiver documentation is not received.

• Submit a 6th or 7th semester official transcript indicating class rank, if applicable, through at least junior year denoting Recommended or Distinguished graduation plan.  Final official transcript will be required for all admitted students after high school graduation.  A copy of GED scores will be accepted in lieu of high school transcript.

• Submit official college entrance test score, SAT or ACT, sent directly from the testing agency, printed on the official high school transcript, or received from a school official (i.e. guidance counselors, AVID teacher, or Registrar).

• Submit an essay.

UNT Dallas strongly recommends students take the following courses in high school to be considered for admission:

Graduates of Non-Accredited High Schools, Home-Schooled students and GED recipients 

The admissions requirements for graduates of non-accredited high schools and home-schooled students are the same as for students who have attended a traditional, accredited public or private school.   Required documents include application for admissions, transcript with all coursework completed, college entrance exam score, and application fee or fee waiver.  Homeschool transcripts must bear a notarized signature of the parent or instructor attesting to the authenticity of the record.  GED applicants must submit official GED scores and SAT or ACT scores.  Applicants whose academic record indicates probability of success may be admitted.

Early High School Graduates

Students graduating early from high school must submit all application materials and verification of early graduation. A letter from a high school counselor or an indication on the official transcript is acceptable for verification. Early graduates are required to meet regular freshman requirements. An essay explaining the purpose or reason for early graduation is recommended.

Assured First Time in College Admission Requirements

Students who graduate from an accredited high school and have completed the Recommended or higher graduation plan can gain assured admissions determined by rank in class and minimum college entrance exam scores.  Students who graduate in the top 10 percent of their high school class shall be admitted automatically to the university.

UNT Dallas Admission Freshmen Committee Review 

Applicants who do not meet assured admission requirements are evaluated holistically by UNT Dallas Admission Committee to determine academic preparedness to succeed.  Holistic review includes, but not limited to, the review of academic course selection (including college preparatory courses such as Honors, Advanced Placement (AP), Dual Credit (DC), and International Baccalaureate (IB), extracurricular activities, leadership experiences, community service, special talents and awards, employment history, essay/personal statement, and letters of recommendation.

Students offered admission after review by the Admission Committee have proven to be prepared for the academic rigor at UNT Dallas.  A student may be fully admitted or conditionally admitted.  If a student receives conditional admission, the student must achieve a 2.0 GPA or higher at the conclusion of the first semester of enrollment and successfully complete USGT 1100 Learning Foundation course.

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.

Transfer Admission 

A transfer student is defined as any student who has previously attended a regionally accredited community college, junior college, or university and received some type of college credit.  UNT Dallas only evaluates credit from regionally accredited academic institutions.  Applicants must submit official records of all accredited institutions attended, even if they do not wish to transfer the credit to UNT Dallas.  Credit from non-accredited institutions will not be evaluated as part of the admissions process.  Admitted students who wish to have non-accredited credit evaluated can submit an official record to their specific academic advisor and division dean for approval.

• Complete and submit a transfer application for admission via www.applytexas.org.

• Submit non-refundable application fee or fee waiver. The fee may be paid by check, money order, or by credit card online prior to submitting the ApplyTexas application. Applications will be considered incomplete and no admission decision will be rendered if application fee or fee waiver documentation is not received.

• Submit official transcript from all previously attended institutions.

• Submit an essay.

Note:  Additional requirements for students with 29 or fewer transferable semester hours of college work. 

Assured Transfer Admission Requirements

UNT Dallas Admission Transfer Committee Review 

Applicants who do not meet assured admission requirements are evaluated holistically by UNT Dallas Admission Committee to determine academic preparedness to succeed.  Holistic review includes, but not limited to, the review of extracurricular activities, leadership experiences, community service, special talents and awards, employment history, essay/personal statement, and letters of recommendation.

Transfer Credit 

The admissions office determines acceptable transfer credit from other institutions.  The student’s division dean determines applicability of the credit to a degree program.   Student will receive an acceptance package that will include a Transfer Credit Summary.  This evaluation of course credit reflects accepted transfer credit as well as credit that has not been accepted in transfer.  A lower-level course that is determined to be equivalent to a UNT Dallas upper-level course does not satisfy the requirement of advanced.

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.

College-level courses completed with a grade of D or above at another accredited institution will normally be accepted for transfer.  Specific transfer grade guidelines for some academic programs may exist.  Courses completed with codes indicating no grade or credit will not be transferred.  Transferability of courses will not be affected by a student’s academic standing (i.e. probation, suspension).  Developmental or remedial courses will not be accepted for transfer and the credit hours will not be reflected on the student’s record.  Only the most recent repeated course and grade will be transferred and posted to the student’s academic record.  Division Deans reserve the right to determine applicability of credit towards degrees including credit earned from a non-accredited institution.

Transfer credit is subject to audit during a student’s academic career at UNT Dallas.  Total hours accepted may be increased or decreased to reflect correction of prior evaluation or consideration of additional transfer work to ensure compliance with UNT Dallas academic policies.

In accordance with the rules mandated by the Texas Legislature, 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.

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.

Texas Common Course Numbering System (TCCNS)

TCCNS has been designed for the purpose of aiding students in the transfer of general academic courses between colleges and universities throughout Texas. UNT Dallas participates in the TCCNS to facilitate the transfer of credits.  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.  For more information visit www.tccns.org/ccn.

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.

Catalog Choice 

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 as the university had been the same as the dates of attendance at the community college.
 

Affiliate Transient Applicants

Undergraduate students currently enrolled at either UNT Dallas or UNT will have the opportunity to enroll in courses at both institutions through the Affiliate Concurrent Enrollment Program.  Students will enroll as a transient non-degree seeking student, at the partner (affiliate) institution to take supporting courses for a specific degree program offered at home institution. 

Undergraduate students taking courses through the Affiliate Program must apply as at transient student to the affiliate institution via ApplyTexas; for the first term only.  The application fee will be waived.  Undergraduate students may not take more than 75% of the hours for the degree program at the affiliate institution. Students must meet the following eligibility requirements:

• Be enrolled at either UNT or UNT Dallas the previous long (Fall or Spring) semester proceeding the anticipated entry semester at the host institution

• Be in good academic standing at the home institution

• Be in good financial standing at the home institution

The Affiliate Enrollment Program transient application will open the first day after census date of each semester. 

Transient (Visiting Applicants)

Undergraduate students who have been enrolled at another college or university previously may attend UNT Dallas as a visiting student for one long fall or spring term only, provided their intent is to return to their previous college or university. An official transcript from the school attended prior to the intended entry semester 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 visiting student.

If a visiting student later decides to continue at UNT Dallas, the 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 visiting must first contact the Office of Undergraduate 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 visiting.

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

The transient application will open the first day after census date of each semester. 

International Admissions

UNT Dallas does not accept applications from students seeking admissions who do not hold U.S. citizenship or qualify for a waiver under the guidelines of Texas HB 1403 or SB 1528. 

Other Admission Pathways

Jaguar Gateway Program 

First Time in College applicants that were denied admission for the fall semester are eligible to participate in the Jaguar Gateway Program for an opportunity to gain conditional admission to UNT Dallas.  For more information, contact the Office of Undergraduate Admissions.

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 $40 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;

• the Adult Admission Program Request Form; and

• proof of graduation from a recommended or distinguished high school curriculum or Texas Uniform Admission Certification.

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.

Academic Fresh Start.  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 admission without consideration of prior academic coursework, credit, or grades taken while enrolled 10 or more years ago.

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).

Dual Credit 

UNT Dallas allows high school students the opportunity to earn dual course credit for immediate award of both high school credit and college credit.  Students meeting dual credit admissions requirements and deadlines may be accepted for dual credit offered through UNT Dallas.  The student must meet the below eligibility requirements listed below:

1. Meet requirements for admission to UNT Dallas.  Student applications will be reviewed individually and admitted according to the holistic admission standards.  Student must have a 3.0 cumulative high school grade point average on a 4.0 scale and meet at least one (1) of the following criteria:

   • 92 or above PSAT score (Critical Reading and Math only)

   • 922 or above combined SAT score (Critical Reading and Math only)

   • 18 or above PLAN score.

   • 18 or above ACT score (Composite)   

2. Meet or exempt from two of the three TSI areas determined by UNT Dallas. Student must meet TSI requirements in the areas that are applicable to the course or have a TAKS tenth grade score of 2200 on Mathematics and/or a score of 2200 on English Language Arts with a writing score of at least 3 on the tenth grade TAKS relevant to the courses to be attempted.  Additional approved TSI exemptions will be honored; including but not limited to ACT or SAT scores.

3. Achievement of the required basic skills prerequisites as defined for each course.

4. Must be in the eleventh or twelfth grade.  Exceptions may be made for ninth and tenth graders if approved by the specific school official and UNT Dallas dual credit representative or if student is enrolled in a state approved and designated Early College High School (ECHS) program.

5. Proof of or exemption from receiving the State mandated Bacterial Meningitis vaccination.

6. Student shall not be enrolled in more than two dual credit courses (up to 8 hours of UNT Dallas course work) per fall, spring, or summer semester.   An exception to this requirement may be granted if approved by the specific school official and UNT Dallas dual credit representative.

To receive credit from UNT Dallas dual credit courses students must complete an application, be accepted as a dual credit high school student, and pay tuition and fees to UNT Dallas by designated date.

UNT Dallas will conduct enrollment for dual credit courses each fall, spring, and summer semesters.  Students failing to complete the admission process or standards by the published deadlines will ineligibility to participate in the program.  For more information visit www.untdallas.edu/dualcredit

Combined Undergraduate Admission Requirements

¹ UNT Dallas applicants should take entrance exams at least five months before admission deadline. 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

Programs with Specific Admission Requirements

The Office of Undergraduate 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 academic program. Those programs with admission requirements in addition to those for the general university are listed below.   For additional information regarding specific requirements, student should consult the applicable section of this publication.

Division of Education and Human Services

Interdisciplinary Studies (Teacher Education)

Division of Urban and Professional Studies

Business Administration:

Accounting
Entrepreneurship
Finance
General Business
Organizational Behavior and Human Resources Management

Texas Success Initiative

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.  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:

*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.

College readiness testing is not used in admission decisions at UNT Dallas.  UNT Dallas, however, must have the results of a college readiness assessment before registration.

All new undergraduate students enrolling must comply with state law and university policies concerning the Texas Success Initiative (formerly TASP).

Advanced Placement and Credit by Examination

UNT Dallas awards undergraduate college credit on the basis of local and national examinations, subject to general limitations. This also includes military service credit and classroom instruction offered through the non-academic institutions approved by the American Council on Education. Such credit is not included in determining grade point averages and has the following additional restrictions:

• may not be used to reduce the general degree requirement of completing a minimum of 30 semester hours in residence at UNT Dallas;
• may not be used to reduce the general degree requirement of completing at least 24 semester hours of advanced work at UNT Dallas;
• may not be used to reduce the general degree requirement of completing at least 12 advanced hours in the major at UNT Dallas;
• may not be earned in any course the student has previously completed at any university; and
• may not be earned in any course prerequisite to another course in the same subject for which the student has previously earned credit.

UNT Dallas recognizes exam credit in transfer from other accredited institutions within the limits outlined above. Scores from exam credits accepted in transfer are not re-evaluated by UNT Dallas. Credit by examination cannot be substituted for any grade, including an F earned for a course in high school, at UNT Dallas or at another college or university. The credit earned through examination will not be included in the grade point average at UNT Dallas, but it will be included in accepted semester credit hours and on the UNT Dallas transcript.

Credit and advanced placement may be granted only in accordance with policy and procedures in operation at UNT Dallas. Departments that honor the CLEP Subject Examinations, the College Board Advanced Placement Examinations or other instruments for granting advanced placement set departmental standards for their use.  UNT Dallas policy on awarding non-traditional credit is subject to change without notice.

Advanced Placement (AP) 

Advanced Placement (AP).  Entering students who took the Advanced Placement (AP) Exam for credit (and who designated that their scores be sent to the University of North Texas at Dallas, code 5999) will receive an evaluation of their scores at Freshman Orientation, if scores have been received and qualify for credit. Students who do not receive their AP evaluations at that time should check with the Office of Undergraduate Admissions prior to receiving academic advisement to confirm that their AP results have been received.  Scores older than five (5) years of test date will not be accepted. 

College-Level Examination Program (CLEP) 

Credit by examination will be accepted when the student provides documentation of appropriate test scores on an official score report from the testing organization or high school transcript.   Division Dean has the option to apply CLEP credit to a student’s degree plan.  UNT Dallas does not grant credit on the basis of CLEP General Examination scores.  A student may not earn examination credit for any failed courses.

Credit is certified but not necessarily applied to a degree if the student scores at or above the average scores of those students in the national norms sample who earn a C in regular college courses on the subject.  UNT Dallas recognizes CLEP credit recommendations as posted on the official student score report.

International Baccalaureate (IB)

UNT Dallas awards a minimum of 24 semester credit hours if the IB program is complete and IB Diploma received, which requires a minimum score of 4 on all of the tests. If an IB program is completed but the diploma is not earned, college credit can be received by scoring 5, 6 or 7 on the higher level IB exams.

SAT Subject Test

UNT Dallas does not grant college credit on the basis of The College Board SAT Subject Test scores.

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

It is the responsibility of the Director of Undergraduate 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.

For more information about any topic in the Undergraduate Admission section, contact the Office of Undergraduate Admissions at admissions@untdallas.edu or (972) 780-3642.

Graduate Admissions

Graduate Degrees Offered at UNT Dallas

Master of Business Administration
Master of Education in Educational Leadership
Master of Education in Counseling

Master of Science in Counseling

Master of Education in Curriculum and Instruction
Master of Science in Public Leadership

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

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.  Application is made through the Office of Graduate Admissions.

Contact the UNT Dallas Office of Graduate Admissions for more information at 972-780-3642, 877-UNT-DALS, or by email at GradSchool@untdallas.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 $50 non-refundable admission application fee. The fee must be paid in U.S. dollars.

International Admissions

UNT Dallas does not accept applications from students seeking admissions who do not hold U.S. citizenship or qualify for a waiver under the guidelines of Texas HB 1403 or SB 1528. 

Graduate Application Processing Deadlines

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

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. 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 and Teacher Certification/Endorsement-Only Students. The applicant must have at least a 3.00 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 2.80 GPA on all undergraduate work used to complete the bachelor’s degree to receive unconditional admission to the university. Applicants who have already completed a master’s degree must have at least a 3.40 GPA on the master’s or meet the undergraduate GPA standards listed above to be admitted unconditionally.
      
      Applicants with a GPA below 3.00 on the last 60 semester hours (or the whole semester closest to the last 60 hours) and with an overall undergraduate GPA below 2.80, or below 3.40 on a completed master’s degree, are reviewed for provisional 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.
   2. Degree-Seeking Students. The applicant must have at least a 3.00 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 2.80 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 3.40 master’s degree GPA or meet the undergraduate GPA standards listed above to be admitted unconditionally for a second master’s degree.
      
      Students seeking admission to certain graduate degree programs 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). Some programs require other materials (e.g., a writing sample, an interview, etc.). For the applicable standardized admission test and any additional admission requirements, contact the academic program.
   3. 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 below 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 below 2.8, or below 3.4 on a completed master’s degree, may apply to the Graduate School and be considered by individual review by the department for provisional admission.
3. Students seeking admission to certain graduate degree programs 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). Some programs require other materials (e.g., a writing sample, an interview, 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.

7. 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.)
8. Applicants for admission are furnished written notification of their admission status by the UNT Dallas Office of Graduate Admissions. Statements by other university officers concerning the applicant’s admissibility are not valid until confirmed in writing by the Office of Graduate Admissions.
9. 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 Office of 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 Graduate Admissions and must meet all specific program admission requirements for the new major.

Required Standardized Admissions Test

Students seeking admission to certain graduate degree programs 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://www.untdallas.edu/registrar.

Students who are unsure about whether they meet all of the above conditions for re-enrollment should contact the UNT Dallas Office of 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).  Programs are not required to readmit students who left the university on probation or suspension and reapply

Preliminary Admission of Seniors to Graduate Study

Seniors within one year 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.

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 Toulouse Graduate School.

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 UNT Dallas’ undergraduate academic advisors in coordination with the division 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 should review the admission requirements for students who change majors in the Undergraduate and Graduate Catalog.
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 Business and Public Leadership 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. The request will only be considered if the student is in good standing and has fulfilled the standardized admission test requirement for the program. Students not in good standing or without standardized admission test results may only request a change of major with support of the new major department. 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 program coordinator 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 3000- or 4000-level courses for undergraduate credit beyond the bachelor’s degree to demonstrate the ability to undertake graduate-level work. The total hours required and specific courses are chosen in consultation with the graduate program coordinator of the intended major department and 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 exceptional cases with the approval of the intended major department and the Director of Graduate Admissions. Courses taken to qualify for admission cannot be used to fulfill graduate degree requirements.
2. Completion of a prescribed 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 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.
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 Office of Graduate Admissions 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.