College of Science Advising Center

Degree Requirements

About Science Degrees
Candidates for bachelor’s degrees in the College of Science can choose from over 20 degree programs. All science majors must choose a minor except for the Engineering and the Technology programs. Depending on your catalog designation, your degree requirements will range from 120 or more hours. Please check with your academic advisor to find out which catalog would be best for you.

We also have teacher certification options for some of our majors. Contact the Advising Center for more information on teacher certification requirements.

Advanced Hour Requirements
All programs require a minimum of 36-39 advanced hours toward the degree depending on your catalog designation.  You will be required to complete at least 24 of the advanced hours at Texas State and have at least 12 advanced hours within the major.

General Education Core Curriculum
In order to acquire the fundamental skills and cultural background the Texas Legislature requires of all graduates from a public institution of higher education, you must complete the general education core curriculum.  This core serves as the common foundation for all majors and accounts for up to 35% of your degree program.  The courses include English, Communication, Mathematics, Natural Sciences, Humanities, Visual & Performing Arts, Social & Behavioral Sciences, Physical Fitness & Wellness, and University Seminar.  Most science majors meet the Mathematics and Natural Science portion of this requirement through their major requirements.  Please contact your advisor to ensure you will meet both the Mathematics and Natural Science requirements.

University Seminar and the Common Experience
All freshmen and some transfer students will be required to take a course called University Seminar. The course teaches skills and concepts that promote academic success, life-long learning, and respect for a diversity of issues and ideas.  You will also participate in the Common Experience, a year-long initiative designed to cultivate a common intellectual conversation across the campus and within the larger community.  Past Common Experience topics have included “The Water Planet,” “Protest and Dissent,” “Courage,” and “Hate.”

Additional Degree Requirements
In some degree programs, you will be required to take additional science, mathematics, English, modern language, or social science courses.  See your Academic Advisor to determine if you will need these courses.

Last 30 hours at Texas State
You must complete your last 30 hours at Texas State.  With approval from the Dean of Science, you may be allowed to take up to 6 hours at another institution within your last 30 hours toward your degree.  If you do not receive prior approval in writing from the Dean, you may be required to take additional course work which could delay your graduation.  To request approval, complete and submit the Off-Campus Course Request form to the Science Advising Center for processing.

Dual Degrees
If two bachelor’s degrees are conferred simultaneously, the student must complete a minimum of 30 hours beyond the requirements of the single degree.  Degree audits must be filed in the office of each college advising center.  Graduation will occur when the student has completed the requirements for both degrees.

Time Limit for Earning a Degree
You have six years from the start of your academic career to graduate under your catalog.  If you do not finish in time, it will be the Dean’s decision to decide if you will be given an extension or be required to move to a newer catalog.  Please consult with an Academic Advisor if you are getting close to your catalog’s expiration date.

Minimum Number of Transfer Hours from a Two-Year College
Texas State will apply up to 66 hours from an accredited junior/community college toward the minimum degree hour requirements.  At the time of transfer, all transferable work attempted or completed at a junior/community college will be recorded on the official transcript.  If the number of hours transferred exceeds 66 hours, please contact your Academic Advisor to see how this will affect you.