Purpose of Catalog

     This catalog is printed to provide information about the academic programs of Tarleton State University to students, prospective students, faculty, and staff of the University. While every effort has been made to make this catalog as complete and accurate as possible, changes may occur at any time in requirements, deadlines, fees, curricula, and courses listed in this catalog.

     This catalog was prepared in advance of its effective date; therefore, academic programs and course descriptions may vary from actual program requirements and course content. Thus, the contents of the catalog cannot be considered an agreement or contract between individual students and the University.

     The Tarleton State University Schedule of Classes is published for each semester and summer term and is available upon request from the Office of School Relations. Students should refer to the Schedule of Classes for the offerings in any given semester. For administrative reasons, because of insufficient enrollment or limited resources, a given course may not be offered in the announced semester.

Killeen Campus: Finals will be given between April 28 and May 4 at the regularly scheduled class time.

TARLETON STATE UNIVERSITY: AN OVERVIEW

THE TARLETON HERITAGE

        Since its creation, Tarleton State University, a public coeducational institution, has provided a broad-based education. Established by a $100,000 bequest of John Tarleton, an Erath County pioneer, John Tarleton College opened in 1899 as a private preparatory school and college for the youth of the surrounding rural region. During the next decade students could earn a baccalaureate degree. But in 1908, to compensate for declining enrollment and inadequate funding, college officials reorganized the institution on a two-year degree program, emphasizing a liberal arts education while retaining the two-year preparatory division. Again in 1916 Tarleton experienced financial difficulty; consequently, the Texas Legislature in 1917 placed the college in the state system of the Agricultural and Mechanical College, which would later become The Texas A&M University System. John Tarleton Agricultural College, as renamed by the Legislature, retained the two-year degree as well as the preparatory program and specialized in agriculture, home economics, and military training.

        To meet the needs of a changing constituency, Tarleton has adjusted and enriched its curriculum since the 1920s. Accredited as a junior college by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools in 1926, Tarleton gradually redeveloped a liberal arts education. Then in 1949 the Legislature again changed the name of the school to Tarleton State College, and in 1953 discontinued the preparatory division, reflecting the increased access to public school throughout the state. By a 1959 act of the Legislature, Tarleton once again became a four-year degree-granting institution, the first class graduating in 1963. Accredited as a senior college in 1966, Tarleton initiated many new programs, including graduate courses in 1970. Because Tarleton offered a broad liberal arts education within undergraduate and graduate degrees, the Texas Legislature recognized the institution as a university in 1973 and changed the name officially to Tarleton State University. Under a cooperative agreement with Texas A&M University - Commerce, a doctoral degree in Educational Administration became available in 1998.

       Over the past century, Tarleton has grown from a small private college into a thriving state university with more than 8,500 students. In 1999, Tarleton established the first university system center in Texas, providing public, upper-level academic programs for the citizens of central Texas. The Tarleton University System Center – Central Texas in Killeen, as well as the Terrell School of Clinical Laboratory Sciences in Fort Worth, the Dora Lee Langdon Cultural and Educational Center in Granbury, and the W. K. Gordon Center for Industrial History of Texas, Museum and Gallery in Thurber have enabled Tarleton to meet diverse educational demands from across the state. Throughout its first one hundred years, Tarleton has never lost the commitment to excellence that was the vision of its founder, John Tarleton.

STATEMENT OF INSTITUTIONAL PURPOSE

VISION

Creating a Culture of Excellence for our Students

MISSION

        The mission of Tarleton State University is to provide an academically challenging educational experience through effective teaching, scholarship, research, and service which enables students to pursue truth and acquire understanding, knowledge, and skills necessary for establishing successful careers and becoming responsible citizens and leaders.

PURPOSE AND ROLE

        Tarleton State University is a regional, comprehensive university. Created in 1899, Tarleton provides educational programs which emphasize teaching excellence and service for students. The University functions as an educational, scientific, and cultural center for north-central Texas. While the primary emphasis is on teaching and excellence in the classroom, Tarleton is totally committed to expanding roles in research and service.

        Tarleton, as a public university, is sensitive and responsive to the needs of the students it serves. Learning and the pursuit of truth are fostered in a culture of excellence which enables students to acquire knowledge, understanding, skills, and cultural experiences necessary to grow as individuals, achieve successful careers, and become responsible citizens and leaders. While offering a wide variety of professional and pre-professional undergraduate programs and graduate degrees in selected disciplines, Tarleton requires of all students a well-defined and thorough foundation in the liberal arts.

        Tarleton expects its talented, dedicated faculty to achieve excellence in teaching, advising, and serving the individual student. Accordingly, the University recruits faculty and provides development programs to achieve this excellence. The University staff provides a variety of student services and professional expertise focused on enhancement of the student experience.

        The University meets its public service leadership responsibility by enhancing the intellectual, cultural, and economic life of the region through an array of community education programs, numerous sponsored events, and the sharing of facilities and professional assistance.

        Providing a campus culture of acceptance and friendliness, Tarleton welcomes individuals into the University community without regard to race, gender, conditions of disability, or national origin. While historically serving a regional student body, the University recognizes a growing state, national, and international representation on campus. Stressing equality and fairness, Tarleton pledges to continue meeting the educational needs of a changing society and an expanding world.

GOALS

1.     Excellence in Scholarship and Learning - Tarleton will ensure that its students have an educational experience of excellence that will result in their becoming knowledgeable and productive citizens.

2.     Student Services and Campus Life - Tarleton will create a friendly and caring campus culture that supports student scholarship, learning, and development in all aspects of university life.

3.     Access, Equity, and Inclusion - Tarleton will respond effectively, and with fairness, to the needs of all qualified students who represent a changing population in the State of Texas and in a diverse, global community.

4.     Leadership Development - Tarleton will graduate students who are committed to the improvement of society through their leadership and service.

5.     Institutional Advancement - Tarleton will secure additional funding sources, including private donations and federal and state grants, to help meet its needs and goals.

6.     Personnel and Resources - Tarleton will effectively manage its personnel and its financial, physical, and library resources to ensure outstanding academic programs and to provide a campus culture that is conducive to the pursuit of scholarship and excellence in learning.

7.     Educational Technology - Tarleton will incorporate electronic and communication technology in the library and throughout the University so that scholarship, teaching, research, outreach activities, and student services are current and effective.

8.     Historically Underutilized Businesses - Tarleton State University will establish and carry out policies governing purchasing and public works contracting that foster meaningful and substantive inclusion of historically underutilized businesses.

ENROLLMENT AND FACULTY

        Over 8,500 students attend Tarleton State University, with a male-female ratio of 1:1. Students from approximately 220 Texas counties, 45 states, and 17 foreign countries comprise the student body. More than 275 full-time faculty are devoted to academic excellence and the personal development of each student. The student-faculty ratio is 18:1.

THE CAMPUS

        One of the most striking features of Tarleton State University is the spacious 125-acre campus located in the heart of Stephenville, a city of 15,000 people only 65 miles southwest of Fort Worth. Featuring malls, open space, and beautifully-landscaped grounds, the campus is dominated by majestic oak and pecan trees, which create a warm atmosphere for living and learning. The architectural integrity of aged red brick buildings is maintained campus wide. Tarleton is proud of its spacious classrooms, well-equipped laboratories, extensive library collections, and physical education complex. Other facilities include a multimedia foreign language laboratory, a modern Fine Arts Center, and updated agricultural facilities.

        An ongoing construction and modernization program ensures that Tarleton keeps abreast of new developments. The Barry B. Thompson Student Center, a 90,000-square-foot facility, which opened in Fall 1994, is the hub for campus activity and an integral part of the University’s educational environment. The Center offers a food court, bookstore, post office, game room, weight room, conference and meeting facilities, study areas, and commuter lounge. During Spring 2001, Tarleton completed construction of a new $30 million science building. This facility provides state-of-the-art laboratory and classroom space for students to engage in study and research and offers the only planetarium in The Texas A&M University System. In fall 2001, the new student apartment complex was completed and provided housing to 288 students. In fall 2003, groundbreaking occurred for a new residence hall and addition to the student apartment complex. When complete, these new facilities will house 300 students.

        The Tarleton University System Center – Central Texas was established in Killeen in September 1999 to serve the Killeen-Temple metropolitan area, which has a combined population of more than 300,000 and is the fifth fastest growing region in Texas. The System Center uses existing facilities on the Central Texas College campus to provide upper-level and graduate courses and degree programs to approximately 1,500 students. Through sharing facilities with Central Texas College, Temple College, Fort Hood, area school districts, and the Blacklands Research Center in Temple, the Center provides residents of the area with access to affordable, upper-level public higher education.

THE TEXAS A&M UNIVERSITY SYSTEM

        Academic institutions under the direction of the Board of Regents of The Texas A&M University System include:

Other agencies and programs in The Texas A&M University System are:

BOARD OF REGENTS

Mr. Lowry Mays, Chairman	San Antonio
Mr. Erle Nye, Vice Chairman	Dallas
Mr. Phil Adams	Bryan
Dr. Wendy Gramm	Helotes
Mr. Bill Jones	Armstrong
Mr. Lionel Sosa	Floresville
Mr. R.H. (Steve) Stevens, Jr	Houston
Mr. John D. White	The Woodlands
Dr. Susan Rudd Wynn	Fort Worth

CHANCELLOR

Dr. Benton Cocanougher, Interim Chancellor
Office of the Chancellor
The Texas A&M University System
A&M System Building
200 Technology Way
College Station, TX 77845-3424
Phone: (979) 458-6000
FAX: (979) 458-6044

ADMISSIONS

Administration Building

Box T-0030, Stephenville, TX 76402

(800) 687-8236 or (254) 968-9125

e-mail: uadm@tarleton.edu

www.tarleton.edu/~admissions

        Admission to The Texas A&M University System and any of its sponsored programs is open to qualified individuals, regardless of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, or educationally unrelated handicaps.

        Transfer services such as Transfer Equivalency Guides, Texas Common Course Numbering System Equivalency Guides, Common Core Equivalency Guides, and 2+2 Degree Plans are available for students transferring to Tarleton State University from a junior or community college. Please check with the Coordinator of Transfer Services at 1-800-687-8236 or review the information online at www.tarleton.edu/~admissions.

PRE-ENROLLMENT RECOMMENDATIONS

MATERIALS NEEDED FOR APPLICATION

1.     The State of Texas Common Application for Public Universities,* available at the following locations:

2.     Official transcripts from high school/colleges previously attended (see next page)

3.     Official scores from the Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT I) or the American College Test (ACT), if applicable,**

4.     Application fee, $25, and

5.     Section of application form used to determine Texas residency for tuition purposes (Part B). Texas residency is determined in accordance with state law. See p. 63.

Each of the above items must be received before an application can be evaluated. Other documents may be requested as needed.

*   Used by U.S. citizens and permanent residents to apply for undergraduate admission

** Scores must be on an official high school transcript, or an official college transcriptor sent directly from the testing agency

Materials should be on file well in advance of registration. Students are encouraged to apply on or before the following dates:

Semester	Recommended application date
Fall Semester	November 30 (application based on transcript through junior year) April 28 (application based on transcript through first semester of senior year) July 1 (transfer students)
Spring Semester	December 1
Summer I	May 1
Summer II	June 1

        Materials submitted by applicants who do not enroll at Tarleton are destroyed after one calendar year. If a student reapplies within the calendar year, he/she must complete a new application and pay the application fee. Official documents received for a previous term may be added to the new file. If a student has completed work since applying with Tarleton, he/she must provide final official transcripts and/or score reports. If a student applies for admission more than a year after submitting a previous application, he/she will be required to submit the completed application, the application fee, test score reports, and a complete set of transcripts.

Official High School Transcripts

        A freshman applicant who has not graduated from high school at the time of application must submit an official transcript indicating grades, projected graduation date, and class rank.

        A freshman applicant who has graduated from high school at the time of application and transfer applicants with less than 30 semester hours of college credit and a GPA of 2.00 through 2.79 must submit an official high school transcript that includes class rank and date of graduation.

        Class rank shall be calculated at the end of the 11^th grade, middle of the 12^th grade, or high school graduation, whichever is most recent when the application is complete.

        If an applicant is accepted during his/her 11^th or 12^th grade year of high school, he/she must submit an official, final high school transcript upon graduation. The transcript must show final class rank, graduation date, and a seal displaying the high school program the student completed. The final high school transcript must be submitted by the end of the first semester of attendance at Tarleton.

        To be considered official, the high school transcript must bear an original signature of a school official and an original school seal. Faxed copies are not official. Transcripts in a language other than English must be accompanied by an official English translation.

Courses in Progress

        Freshman applicants must provide a list of all courses in progress and those yet to be taken in high school. The list should include exact course titles. A copy of the applicant’s senior class schedule will fulfill this requirement.

Official College Transcripts

        An official transcript is required from every post-secondary institution attended, even if the applicant did not earn credit or receive a course grade from the institution, or the course is not transferable. Course work from one college posted on the transcript of another college will not satisfy this requirement.

        For readmission to Tarleton, only those transcripts from institutions attended since the last enrollment at Tarleton State University are required.

        Faxed copies are not official. Electronic transcripts are considered official transcripts. Check with sending/receiving institutions for availability.

        Foreign transcripts must be accompanied by an English translation and an evaluation of course work by a foreign credentials evaluation service. Check with Undergraduate Admissions for information on transcript evaluation services.

APPLICATION FEE

        Students applying for admission to Tarleton are required to pay a non-refundable application processing fee of $25. Checks or money orders should be made payable to Tarleton State University. The application fee must be submitted with the application forms or mailed at the time the application is submitted electronically. Credit card payments can be made at the time of electronic submission or over the phone. Tarleton does not accept fee waivers for the application fee.

HOUSING APPLICATION

Housing requirements apply to certain students enrolled at Tarleton State University. Please refer to Housing and Residence Life in the Student Life section for details.

TEXAS SUCCESS INITIATIVE (TSI) – formerly TASP

The Texas Education Code statute 51.3062, Success Initiative, effective September 1, 2003, requires the University to assess the academic skills of each entering undergraduate student to determine the student’s readiness to enroll in freshman-level academic coursework. However, the University will not use the assessment or the results of the assessment as a condition of admission to the institution.

Unless exempt (see below), the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board requires that, prior to enrollment, each student must be assessed in three skill areas (reading, writing, and mathematics) using one or more of the following instruments:

1.     ASSET offered by ACT;
2.     COMPASS offered by ACT;
3.     ACCUPLACER offered by the College Board;
4.     Texas Higher Education Assessment (THEA), formerly TASP Test, offered by National Evaluation Systems, Inc.

Note: Previous TASP scores will be accepted by Tarleton.

The fee for the completion of the assessment instrument will be paid by the student.

Additionally, unless exempt (see below), each student is subject to the provisions of Tarleton’s Texas Success Initiative (TSI) Plan. A copy of the TSI Plan is available from the Division of General Studies [Humanities Building, Room 370; Voice: 254-968-9423] or on the Tarleton web site at http://www.tarleton.edu/~genstudies.

A student who fails to meet the minimum standards as outlined by the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board in any of the three skill areas (reading, writing, and mathematics) must be jointly advised by the Division of General Studies and the student's major department. A TSI-advising hold will be placed on each student subject to these policies. The Division of General Studies will have sole authorization to remove the hold. At the time of advisement, the Division of General Studies will provide, in writing, a Plan for Academic Success.

A student who has accumulated at least 45 semester hours of college credit but has not achieved college readiness in all three skill areas (reading, writing, and mathematics) may not enroll in upper-level coursework until college readiness is achieved.

The following students shall be exempt from the assessment requirements and the TSI Plan:

(A)   For a period of five (5) years from the date of testing, a student who is tested and performs at or above the following standards:

(B)   For a period of three (3) years from the date of testing, a student who is tested and performs on the Texas Assessment of Academic Skills (TAAS) with a minimum scale score of 1770 on the writing test, a Texas Learning Index (TLI) of 86 on the mathematics test and 89 on the reading test.

(C)  A student who has graduated with an associate or baccalaureate degree from an institution of higher education.

(D)  A student who transfers to Tarleton from a private or independent institution of higher education or an accredited out-of-state institution of higher education and who has satisfactorily completed college-level coursework as indicated in Section 8(C) of the Texas Success Initiative (TSI) Plan.

(E)   A student who has previously attended any institution of higher education and met readiness standards by that institution.

(F)   A student who is serving on active duty as a member of the armed forces of the United States, the Texas National Guard, or as a member of a reserve component of the armed forces of the United States and has been serving for at least three years preceding enrollment.

(G)  A student who on or after August 1, 1990, was honorably discharged, retired, or released from active duty as a member of the armed forces of the United States or the Texas National Guard or service as a member of a reserve component of the armed forces of the United States. 

(H)  A student who, prior to January 1, 2004, had satisfied (as indicated by the Tarleton Developmental Education Plan and/or the Texas High Education Coordinating Board’s TASP policy manual) all TASP obligations.

Note:      Some of the TSI exemptions for enrollment in Tarleton State University are not accepted by the Teacher Education Council for admission to the Teacher Education Program. Please contact the Certification Office at (254) 968-9815 for more information.

If you qualify for one of these exemptions, please contact the Admissions Office at (254) 968-9125 or (800) 687-8236.

PLACEMENT POLICIES

Math Placement Policy

1.       Students without prior college credit for mathematics courses will be placed in accordance with the following criteria

MATH course	THEA Mathematics
1073, 1083, or 1093 (see Note below)	270 or higher
1013	230 to 269
1003	229 or lower

and

2. A student with college credit for ENGL 1113 and ENGL 1123 is exempt from the English Placement Policy.

3. A student with 620 or higher on Scholastic Achievement Test (SAT) verbal tests or 28 or higher on ACT English test may request credit for ENGL 1113. Contact the Registrar’s Office.

4. A student exempt from the CPT that does not have college credit for ENGL 1113 must enroll in this course during his/her first semester and continue enrollment in English courses during subsequent semesters until s/he has successfully completed ENGL 1113 and ENGL 1123.

5. A student with college credit for ENGL 1113 must enroll in ENGL 1123 during his/her first semester and continue enrollment in English courses during subsequent semesters until s/he has successfully completed ENGL 1123.

6. A student who is placed in English 1113 as a result of the CPT must enroll in this course during his/her first semester and continue enrollment in English courses during subsequent semesters until s/he has successfully completed ENGL 1113 and ENGL 1123.

7. A student who is placed in English 1003 as a result of the CPT must enroll in this course during his/her first semester and continue enrollment in English courses during subsequent semesters until s/he has successfully completed ENGL 1113 and ENGL 1123. Students enrolled in ENGL 1003 will be given additional diagnostic writing assessments during the first and second days of class. A good performance on either of these additional assessments will permit a student to switch from English 1003 to English 1113.

IMMUNIZATIONS

        Students enrolling in health-related courses that involve direct patient contact (Nursing and Clinical Laboratory Science) must meet the following immunization criteria:

Measles - Persons born since January 1, 1957, must have two doses since 12 months of age, with the doses coming at least 30 days apart.

Mumps - Persons born since January 1, 1957, must have at least one dose since 12 months of age.

Rubella - Must have at least one dose since 12 months of age.

Tetanus/Diphtheria - Must have one dose within the past 10 years.

Hepatitis B - A complete series or proof of immunity is encouraged for any student enrolling in health-related courses that involve direct patient contact, especially with patients' blood (i.e., Nursing, Clinical Laboratory Science, and some Pre-Med courses). Nursing and Clinical Laboratory Science students are required to take the hepatitis series or sign a waiver.

Measles - All students enrolling in institutions of higher education should have two doses of measles vaccine prior to the start of classes.

Tetanus/diphtheria - Tetanus vaccines are effective for about 10 years and need to be boosted at that interval; they should be given in combination with the diphtheria vaccine.

Section 7(b) of the Privacy Act of 1974 (5 U.S.C. 552a) requires that when any federal, state, or local government agency requests an individual to disclose his/her social security account number (SSAN), that individual must also be advised whether that disclosure is mandatory or voluntary, by what statutory or other authority the number is solicited, and what uses will be made of it.

        Accordingly, applicants for admission are advised that disclosure of a student's SSAN is strongly recommended for admission as a student at Tarleton State University, in view of the practical administrative difficulties that would be encountered in maintaining adequate student records without continued use of the SSAN. It is used to verify the identity of the student, and as a student account number (identifier) to record necessary data accurately. As an identifier, the SSAN is used for such activities as determining and recording eligibility for admission as a student; reporting initial physical examinations; determining and recording assessments and payments of student fees and charges; determining and recording eligibility for student financial assistance including loans, scholarships, grants, allowances, and official student travel and per diem; recording student grades and related academic data; determining and recording eligibility for participation in Reserve Officers Training Corps programs and in athletic, rodeo, and similar events; registering private vehicles and issuing parking permits; issuing student identification cards; recording issue and return of library books and other materials; registering for placement services, including resume preparation and furnishing information to prospective employers; and other such related requirements that might arise. Tarleton State University has for several years consistently requested disclosure of the SSAN on student application forms and other necessary student forms and documents used pursuant to statutes passed by the State of Texas and United States and regulations adopted by agencies of the State of Texas and United States, and by the Board of Regents of The Texas A&M University System.

        If a student chooses not to disclose his/her SSAN, he/she may request a random number to be assigned to his/her records while attending Tarleton State University. The student should contact the Office of Undergraduate Admissions for more details.

        At the time of application, students with no college credits since graduation from high school or entering Tarleton directly from a Texas public high school accredited by the Texas Education Agency or a Texas non-public school accredited by the Texas Private School Accreditation Commission are first-time freshmen.

        To be granted regular admission status, first-time freshmen must meet one of the following requirements:

1. *Score 930 or higher on the SAT or 20 or higher on the ACT (Test scores must be no more than six years old.) and provide a complete high school transcript;

2. *Complete one of the high school programs similar to New Recommended or Distinguished Achievement Program as outlined by the Texas Education Agency and provide SAT or ACT scores. Rank in the top half of their high school graduating class is greatly preferred;

3. Rank in the top quarter of their high school graduating class, provide SAT or ACT scores, and provide an official high school transcript showing successful completion of four years of English and three years of college preparatory mathematics, including Algebra I and Algebra II. Courses such as Correlated Language Arts, Pre-Algebra, and Fundamentals of Math will not satisfy these requirements;**

4. Rank in the top 10 percent of their high school graduating class** and provide SAT or ACT scores and an official high school transcript.

        To be granted regular admission status, first-time freshmen (for fall 2005 and after) must meet one of the following combinations of high school quarter rank, entrance scores and high school program.

        Students seeking early notification of admission must submit all required application materials. Upon graduation a final high school transcript showing graduation date and class rank must be submitted.

        Students who are in the top ten percent of their class or who meet the SAT/ACT requirement shown above will be admitted after completion of their sixth semester. High school transcripts showing grades through the junior year, projected date of graduation, estimated rank, and SAT or ACT score must be submitted before a decision will be made regarding admission to the University.

        Students submitting a seventh semester transcript and SAT/ACT scores who meet regular admission requirements will be given early notification.

        A GED will be considered equivalent to a high school diploma, provided the average standard score is at least 55 or no subscore is less than 50. The student's high school class must have been graduated at least one calendar year before the intended date of enrollment at Tarleton. An official copy or photocopy of the results must be submitted. Applicants must submit SAT or ACT scores with a minimum score of 930 on the SAT or 20 on the ACT.

        Students who graduate from high schools not accredited by the Texas Education Agency or who are home schooled may be considered if they have a score of 930 or above on the SAT or 20 or above on the ACT. Home schooled students must provide proof of curriculum completed from an agency or teacher.

        Applicants who are very near but below the requirements for regular admission may be considered for advised admission. The number of students granted advised admission may be limited by Tarleton without prior notice. Advised admission does not constitute full admission to the University. A student who is granted advised admission will sign a contract for a one-year enrollment at Tarleton. Contact the Office of Admissions for conditions of the Advised Admission contract. Students who meet the conditions of the contract will then be fully admitted to the University. Students who fail to meet the conditions of the contract will not be allowed to re-enroll at Tarleton State University until they succeed academically at another institution and are able to meet Tarleton’s transfer requirements.

        Students who (1) have completed their junior year of high school; (2) are ranked in the top quarter of their graduating class; and (3) have scores of at least 1100 on the SAT, or 110 on the PSAT, or 24 on the ACT or PACT may apply for one of the following programs. Applicants must provide a letter of recommendation from their high school principal or counselor addressing students' maturity and academic capabilities and a letter of consent from a parent or legal guardian.

        Those admitted to this program typically are awarded the credit earned at Tarleton following their graduation from high school.

        Students admitted to this program may enroll in a maximum of 6 hours and will be awarded the credit earned at Tarleton following graduation from high school. University and high school course loads must be agreed upon before enrollment.

        Students completing the Summer Program with a 3.0 GPA or higher in at least 12 hours may be considered for full-time enrollment in the fall. Fewer hours may be considered with special permission from the dean of the college in which the student is enrolling. Those admitted must enroll for a normal 15-semester hour course load. A second letter of consent from a parent or legal guardian is required.

        Admission of international students to the undergraduate program at Tarleton is based upon graduation from a secondary school (lyceum, senior middle school, high school, preparatory school, or other equivalent) in a system equivalent to at least 12 grades. Students must supply the University with official transcripts of academic work translated into English.

        The quality of the applicant's prior secondary or collegiate-level work is judged from the grades, class attained, or class rank achieved. International applicants must submit SAT or ACT scores to be considered for admission. The SAT score must be 930 or higher; ACT score must be 20 or higher.

        The Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL), administered by the Educational Testing Service, is required with a minimum score of 520 on the paper-based test or 190 on the computer-based test. Completion of six semester hours of regular first-year college English composition at an accredited college in the United States with a grade of C or better in each course will satisfy the TOEFL requirement.

        The international applicant must have a reliable financial sponsor. To obtain a visa from the American Embassy located in the applicant’s country, a prospective student must have documented evidence of financial solvency. A sponsor is obligated to endorse all expenditures for the applicant during the entire course of study. Following the tragedy of September 11, 2001, the American Embassies have placed severe restrictions on all financial statements. Check with the American Embassy for further details. Note that a copy of all financial statement documentation must be included with the admission packet.

        International applicants must submit two passport-style photos taken within two months of application, a $100 (US) processing and admission fee and a $25 application fee. Both fees are nonrefundable. Payment must be made by bank cashier’s check payable to Tarleton State University. The Department of Homeland Security requires that all international students have medical insurance with coverage in the United States. Students may wish to purchase insurance through the University upon arrival.

        All application materials must be sent to the Office of International Academic Programs. Applications cannot be processed until all materials are received. The I-20 will be issued only after a formal admission letter has been issued by Tarleton State University. All undergraduate students are required to meet Texas Higher Education Assessment (THEA) test before admission to the university. For more details about admission of international students, consult our web page at www.tarleton.edu/~iap.

        At the time of application, students who have attempted college level credit at an accredited institution after high school graduation are considered transfer students. Applicants must be eligible to enroll at all colleges and universities previously attended and submit final official transcripts from each college or university attended. For students who have previously attended Tarleton State University, transfer work and Tarleton work will be combined to determine a cumulative GPA. Transferred developmental and similar non-college credit are not used in determining the GPA needed to be eligible for transfer admission.

The following minimum standards must be met:

1. Students with 12 to 29 semester hours of college credit and a cumulative GPA of 2.8 or higher will be admitted. A cumulative GPA of 2.00 - 2.79 is acceptable, provided they also meet one of the regular admission standards for first-time freshman applicants.

2. Students with 30 or more semester hours of college credit and a cumulative GPA of 2.0 or higher will be admitted.

3. Students with 11 or fewer semester hours of college level credit and a cumulative GPA of 2.00 or higher and who meet one of the regular admission standards for first-time freshman applicants will be admitted.

        Students who complete all core curriculum requirements as approved by the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board at another school and who then transfer to Tarleton State University will generally be considered to have met core curriculum requirements as outlined toward a degree at Tarleton. However, requirements for the degree must be met and this could require students to take one or more courses that are part of the core curriculum at Tarleton.

        To be admitted to Tarleton University System Center – Central Texas, an applicant must have:

1. Completed 45 hours of college level credit before being accepted; and

2.  Passed all portions of TSI or provided official proof of TSI exemption. (See p. 18 for TSI exemptions.)

Applicants who meet these requirements and have a cumulative transfer grade point average of 2.0 or higher will be admitted.

        A student who has a bachelor’s degree from an accredited U.S. institution and who is in good standing at all schools previously attended but who is not seeking a master’s degree or professional certification may apply as a post-baccalaureate student. A post-baccalaureate student may work on a second bachelor’s degree or teaching certification or take courses of interest. To be admitted to post-baccalaureate status, an applicant must submit official transcript(s) from all schools attended, a signed application form, a $25 application fee, and a tuition residency form. Undergraduate academic standards apply to post-baccalaureate students.

        Students who have previously attended Tarleton and are returning after one or more long semesters' absence may apply for readmission. Applicants must submit an application for readmission, pay a $25 application fee, and be clear of any blocks by Tarleton offices (Police, Business Office, Financial Aid, etc.).

1.     Students who have not enrolled at any other college or university since last attending Tarleton and are free of suspension will be admitted.

2.     Students who have enrolled at any other college or university since last attending
Tarleton and who meet transfer requirements and are free of suspension may be admitted.

        Students who are denied admission to Tarleton State University may ask to be considered for individual approval. If the case has sufficient merit, it will be referred to the Academic Standards Committee. Appeals will be considered only in cases of highly extenuating circumstances. An appeal will not be considered for applicants who are ineligible to return to a previous institution.

        Appeal requests must be submitted to the Office of Undergraduate Admissions no later than two weeks before the first class day for that semester. Any exceptions to this deadline must be approved by the Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs. The form to be used when requesting consideration for individual approval may be obtained from the Admissions Office.

        Senate Bill 1321 entitles residents of the state of Texas to seek admission to public institutions of higher education without consideration of courses taken ten or more years prior to enrollment. This bill gives students the option of electing to have course work taken ten or more years prior to the starting date of the semester in which the applicant seeks to enroll either counted as usual or ignored for admission purposes. Applicants who elect to apply for admission under this law and who are admitted as students may not receive any course credit for courses taken ten or more years prior to enrollment.

Credits earned at another accredited institution are accepted as recorded on the official transcript. However, because of differences in institutional degree requirements and course content, some credits transferred may not apply toward satisfying degree requirements at Tarleton.  A maximum of 68 semester hours of academic credit will be accepted for degree credit from a two-year institution.

Beginning Spring 2004, all grades including F’s, for all academic credit courses will be articulated to the Tarleton transcript. Remedial/developmental courses will not be entered and will not be used in the admissions decision. When a course has been repeated at the same institution only the best effort will be transcribed. Only those transferred hours that have been transcribed will be used to determine admissions eligibility.

Courses that are vocational or technical in nature are not automatically accepted by Tarleton State University. These courses must be approved by the appropriate academic departments and resubmitted for articulation to the Office of Undergraduate Admissions. Students with a significant number of hours in a technical field and who wish to use those hours toward a Tarleton degree should consider the Bachelor of Applied Arts and Sciences degree programs. (See p. 41 for additional information.)

The current admissions rules (See Transfer Student Qualifications above) will be applied to all work completed.

        A common numbering system has been devised by area colleges and universities to identify those courses that are similar in nature and considered to be equal in transfer. The purpose of the system is to assist students who are transferring between participating institutions. Following is a list of Tarleton courses that are considered as matches with the Texas Common Course Number System (TCCNS).

Common Course	Tarleton Course
ACCT 2301or2401	ACC 2033
ACCT 2302or2402	ACC 2043
AGRI 1131	AGRI 1011
AGRI 1307 or1407	AGRN 1053
AGRI 1309	A EC 2123
AGRI 1311	D S 2023
AGRI 1413	ENTO 2013
AGRI 1415	HORT 2003
AGRI 1319 or1419	ANSC 1073
AGRI 1327	W S 2013
AGRI 2301	A EN 2013
AGRI 2303	A EN 2303
AGRI 2304	A EN 2313
AGRI 2317	A EC 1053
AGRI 2330	W S 2213
ANTH 2351	SOC 1013
ARTS 1301	ART 1313
ARTS 1303	ART 2313
ARTS 1304	ART 2323
ARTS 1311	ART 1113
ARTS 1312	ART 2113
ARTS 1316	ART 1213
ARTS 1317	ART 2213
BIOL 1322	H S 2103
BIOL 1411 or BIOL 1311 & 1111	BIOL 1204
BIOL 1413 or BIOL 1313 & 1113	BIOL 1214
BIOL 2401 or BIOL 2301 & 2101	BIOL 2194
BIOL 2402 or BIOL 2302 & 2102	BIOL 2204
BIOL 2421	BIOL 2034
BUSI 1301	G B 1033
BUSI 1307	FIN 1013
CHEM 1405 or CHEM 1305&1105	CHEM 1014
CHEM 1411 or CHEM 1311&1111	CHEM 1054
CHEM 1412 or CHEM 1312&1112	CHEM 1084
CHEM 2423 or CHEM 2323&2123	CHEM 2014
CHEM 2425 or CHEM 2325&2125	CHEM 2024
COMM 1307	COMS 2133
COMM 1316	COMS 2143
COMM 1335	COMS 2053
COMM 2311	COMS 1313
COSC 1300 or BCIS or 1400	CIS 1033
COSC or BCIS 1301 or 1401**	CIS 1043
COSC 1309	CIS 2023
BCIS 1310	CIS 2373
BCIS 1332	CIS 2123
CRIJ 1301	C J 1313
CRIJ 1306	C J 2323
CRIJ 1307	C J 1333
CRIJ 1310	C J 1313
CRIJ 2313	C J 2383
CRIJ 2314	C J 2353
CRIJ 2323	C J 2363
CRIJ 2328	C J 2343
DRAM 1220	THEA 1072
DRAM 1310	THEA 1053
DRAM 1330	THEA 2033
DRAM 1341	THEA 1093
DRAM 1343	THEA 2093
DRAM 1351	THEA 1063
DRAM 1352	THEA 2063
DRAM 2361	THEA 2073
DRAM 2362	THEA 2083
ECON1301or1303	ECO 2053
ECON 2301	ECO 2013
ECON 2302	ECO 2023
ECON 2311	GEOG 2023
ENGL 1301	ENGL 1113
ENGL 1302	ENGL 1123
ENGL 2311	ENGL 2303
FREN 1411	FREN 1014
FREN 1412	FREN 1024
FREN 2311	FREN 2013
FREN 2312	FREN 2023
GEOG 1303	GEOG 1103
GEOG 2312	GEOG 2023
GEOL 1401 or GEOL 1301 &1101	P SC 1014
GEOL 1403 or GEOL 1303 &1103	GEOL 1054
GEOL 1404 or GEOL 1304 &1104	GEOL 1064
GERM 1411	GERM 1014
GERM 1412	GERM 1024
GERM 2311	GERM 2013
GERM 2312	GERM 2023
GOVT 2301	POLS 2023
GOVT 2302	POLS 2013
GOVT 2305	POLS 2013
GOVT 2306	POLS 2023
FREN 2312	FREN 2023
HECO 1101	H S 1101
HECO 1315	H S 1053
HECO 1322	H S 2103
HECO 1325	H S 1023
HECO 1328	H S 2023
HECO 2311	H S 2033
HIST 1301	HIST 2013
HIST 1302	HIST 2023
HIST 2311	HIST 1013
HIST 2312	HIST 1023
HORT 1301	HORT 2003
HUMA 1315	F A 1013
MATH 1314	MATH 1073
MATH 1316	MATH 1093
MATH 2312or2412	MATH 1163
MATH 2413	MATH 1204
MATH 2414	MATH 2094
MATH 2415	MATH 2104
MUSI 1181	MUSC 1511
MUSI 1182	MUSC 1521
MUSI 1192	MUSC 1711
MUSI 1193	MUSC 1721
MUSI 1300	MUSC 2133
PHED 1301	P ED 2003
PHED 1306	HLTH 2313
PHED 1308	P ED 2272
PHED 1338	HLTH 1013
PHIL 1301	PHIL 1013
PHIL 1304	R E 2133
PHIL 2033	PHIL 2013
PHYS 1401 or PHYS 1301 &1101	PHYS 1044
PHYS 1402 or PHYS 1302 &1102	PHYS 1054
PHYS 1411 or PHYS 1311 &1111	PHYS 1034
PHYS 2425	PHYS 1224
PHYS 2426	PHYS 2424
PSYC 2013	PSY 1013
PSYC 2308	PSY 2203
PSYC 2312	PSY 2013
PSYC 2315	PSY 1023
SOCI 1301	SOC 2013
SOCI 1306	SOC 2023
SOCW 2361	SWK 2203
SPAN 1411	SPAN 1014
SPAN 1412	SPAN 1024
SPAN 2311	SPAN 2013
SPAN 2312	SPAN 2023
SPCH 1145	COMS 1041
SPCH 1311	COMS 1033
SPCH 1315	COMS 1023
SPCH 1342	COMS 2013
SPCH 2341	COMS 2013
TECA 1311	H S 2043
TECA 1318	H S 2113
TECA 1354	H S 1043

     All other common courses transfer to Tarleton as electives. However, these elective courses are often substituted for degree requirements. If you have any questions regarding transferability of courses, please contact the Office of Undergraduate Admissions at 1-800-687-8236 or email at rsimpson@tarleton.edu.

**   COSC 1301/1401 will not be accepted if a significant amount of computer programming is not included.

        If Tarleton does not accept lower-division course credit earned by a student at another public institution of higher education in Texas, Tarleton will give written notice to the student and the other institution that the transfer of the course credit is denied. The two institutions and the student shall attempt to resolve any dispute over the transfer of the course credit in accordance with Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board guidelines. If the dispute is not resolved to the satisfaction of the student and the institution at which the credit was earned, the student may file a Transfer Dispute Resolution form (CB-TDR) with Tarleton. It must be submitted within 15 days of the date the student received written notification of the denial of credit. Tarleton will forward a copy of the CB-TDR to the Commissioner of Higher Education who will resolve the dispute if necessary. In this instance, the Commissioner will give written notice to the student and institutions involved.