How to Apply for Admission to West Texas A&M University
Students who wish to be considered for admission are required to complete the application for admission and submit with it a $40 non-refundable application fee. Applications are available at the Office of Admissions in Old Main, Room 124, or students may apply on the Internet at applytexas.org. The $40 non-refundable, one-time-per-degree fee should be in the form of a check or money order payable to West Texas A&M University. Credit card payment can be made through the Internet application or by calling toll free, 1-800-99-WTAMU, or locally at 806-651-2020. MasterCard, Visa, American Express or Discover are accepted.
For more information or questions, contact the Office of Admissions at 806-651-2020, 1-800-99-WTAMU or wtamu.edu/admissions.
Admission Requirements for Undergraduate Applicants
Admission to West Texas A&M University is selective. A full-time or part-time student may obtain admission under any one of the following categories.
First-Time Freshmen
First-time freshman applicants, including students who have received college-level credit while in high school, who wish to be considered for admission should submit the following:
- Application for admission with required fee ($40) using the Texas Common Application.
- Official high school transcripts (and any college transcripts).
- Entrance exam scores on the American College Test (ACT) or Scholastic Assessment Test I (SAT I). WTAMU does not utilize the writing section of the ACT or SAT.
- Texas Success Initiative (TSI)-approved test scores or proof of exemption. (See the “Texas Success Initiative (TSI)” section of this catalog.)
High School Graduates
Freshman applications will be admitted to the University upon meeting the following three conditions:
- A minimum 2.0 cumulative grade point average (GPA);
- Achieve one of the following requirements:
- Top 25% of high school graduating class with no minimum ACT/SAT score; or
- 26%-50% of high school graduating class with a minimum 17 ACT or 820 SAT; or
- 51%-75% of high school graduating class with a minimum 20 ACT or 940 SAT; or
- 76%-100% of high school graduating class with a minimum 21 ACT or 980 SAT.
- Completion (or projected completion) of the distinguished level of achievement under the Foundation or Recommended High School program or similar college preparatory program from a Texas public high school. This includes:
- Four credits of English, math and science
- Three and one-half credits of social science
- Two credits of foreign language
- One credit of physical education and fine arts, and
- One half credits of economics and speech.
Exceptions to requirement No. 3:
- Students who do not meet the distinguished level of achievement under the Foundation or Texas Recommended High School Program may qualify for admission by satisfying the College Readiness Benchmarks on the ACT or SAT assessment: minimum scores of 18 English, 21 Reading, 22 Mathematics, and 24 Science on the ACT, or 1500 out of 2400 (to include the writing section) on the SAT.
- Students from Texas public high schools that did not offer the distinguished level of achievement under the Foundation or Recommended High School Program or who have only completed a portion because not all the courses were available or other circumstances (and who have not satisfied the College Readiness Benchmarks) may complete HB 3826 Exemption Form below.
- Students from out of state, private schools, or home schools who have not completed the distinguished level of achievement under the Foundation or Texas Recommended High School Program (and who have not satisfied the College Readiness Benchmarks) may complete HB 3826.
Students who do not meet the above requirements will still be considered for admission. Students’ applications will be reviewed by the Office of Admissions, with considerations given to a combination of class rank, standardized test scores, and high school curriculum.
A limited number of freshman applicants who do not meet regular admission requirements, but whose academic backgrounds suggest a potential for success, may be offered provisional admission. Provisional admission may be granted for entry in the fall or spring semesters, as well as the summer term, usually with some conditions the student will be expected to complete.
If a student is graduating from a Texas high school, he or she must take and pass all parts of the TAKS or STARR tests (or the equivalent from out-of-state or private schools) to be admitted to the University.
Re-Evaluation Request
First-time freshman applicants denied admission have the opportunity to request re-evaluation if academic performance improves. Applicants must supply either an improved ACT or SAT test score or a high school transcript with an improved class rank with a request for re-evaluation. Optional application materials not submitted with the original applications, such as a personal statement or letters of recommendation, may be included with the required documents for re-evaluation. The deadline to request re-evaluation for the fall semester is July 1.
Applicants denied admission also may appeal the decision without a submission of material reflecting changes to test scores, grade point average or class rank. They may submit a personal statement and official appeal by completing the Undergraduate Appeal Form (at www.wtamu.edu/admissions/undergraduate-appeal-form.aspx). Students may also submit letters of support, which will be reviewed by the Undergraduate Admissions Appeal Committee.
General Equivalency Diploma (GED)
Students who have obtained a general equivalency diploma (GED) will be eligible for admission to the University when the following requirements are met:
- Student’s high school class would have completed graduation.
- Student submits an ACT composite score of 20 or higher or a combined critical reading/verbal and math score of 940 or higher on the SAT I.
- Student submits GED test score.
- An official high school transcript is received stating grade level attended.
Home Schooled or Unaccredited High School Graduate
Admission requirements for students who have been home schooled are the same as for students who have attended traditional public or private schools. A transcript with all course work, completed and in progress, is required with the application, test score and application fee or waiver.
Early Admission of High School Students
Talented high school students may take college courses through WTAMU’s Early Admission Program. To be eligible, students must:
- Submit an application for admission with required fee.
- Submit ACT/SAT I test score.
- Provide TSI-approved test scores or proof of exemption.
High school graduation is required prior to the release of credit on the student’s official WTAMU transcript.
Dual Credit
Dual credit courses are taken by high school students in the eleventh and/or twelfth grade and are offered by public two-year associate degree granting institutions (community colleges) or public universities. Credit for dual credit courses may apply to a degree program at a public university but enrollment or completion of dual credit courses does not count toward first-time freshman enrollment in a public university. The applicable catalog requirements begin when a student enters a post-secondary school (college or university) after graduation from a secondary school (high school).
Pre-University Program
The Pre-University Program (PUP) provides a university-based, higher-education academic experience for high school students who intend to enroll in a university following high school graduation. High school students may earn credit for both high school and university courses through their participation in the program. For more information and a list of participating school districts, contact the Office of Admissions at 806-651-2020.
Transfer Applicants
A transfer student is defined, in general, as a student who has attempted course work at another college or university after receiving a high school diploma or GED.
Application for Admission
Transfer students who wish to be considered for admission should submit the following documentation:
- Apply Texas Application.
- $40 non-refundable application or fee waiver request.
- Official transcripts from all colleges and universities attended.
The following required documents apply only to students who have completed less than 12 transferable academic hours from another regionally accredited college or university.
4. Official high school transcripts.
5. Entrance exam scores on the American College Test (ACT) or Scholastic Assessment Test I (SAT I).
6. Texas Success Initiative (TSI) approved test scores or proof of exemption. (See the “Texas Success Initiative (TSI)” section of this catalog.
Admission Decision
Applicants who hold an associate’s degree from a regionally-accredited community college OR have a combination of transferable hours and GPA outlined below are guaranteed admission:
Transferable Hours GPA
12 - 23 hours 2.50 or greater cumulative
24 or more hours 2.25 or greater cumulative
Applicants who do not meet admission guarantee criteria above but have at least a 2.00 cumulative GPA will be evaluated under a competitive review process. Factors considered may include, but are not limited to: types of courses taken, rigor of curriculum, pattern of progress, and potential for success.
Students who are currently suspended from another college or university are not eligible for admission to West Texas A&M University.
Admission Requirements for Former WTAMU Students
Application materials and deadlines for former WTAMU students are available at wtamu.edu/admissions. Official transcripts from all institutions attended subsequent to WTAMU enrollment must be submitted by the application deadline. Students who were on probation, suspension and are returning to WTAMU should refer to the admission criteria under “Academic Probation and Suspension, Undergraduates” listed in the “Procedures and Policies ” section of this catalog and on the website listed above. Students who left the University in good standing must have a 2.0 GPA on work taken since leaving WTAMU. Students returning to WTAMU who did not enroll at another institution of higher education since last attending WTAMU may reapply using the EZ Re-Entry for Undergraduates form online at wtamu.edu/ez.
Transient and Summer Visiting Students
Undergraduate students who have been enrolled at another college or university previously may attend WTAMU as transient students for one long fall or spring semester only, provided their intent is to return to their previous college or university. A summer visiting student is an undergraduate student (U.S. citizen or permanent resident alien) who enrolls at WTAMU for any summer/intersession term with the intent of returning to the home institution upon completion of the term of study. An official transcript from only the last college or university attended must be submitted with the application for admission and the application fee. The transcript must reflect that the student is in academic good standing from that institution. If a transient or summer visiting student later decides to continue at WTAMU, the transient or summer visiting status ends and all admission requirements for a beginning transfer student (see “Transfer Applicants” above) must be met prior to the second enrollment at WTAMU. All students previously admitted as a transient or summer visitor must first contact the Office of Admissions for clearance to re-enroll. Because of federal laws and immigration requirements, international students are not eligible to enroll at WTAMU as transient or summer visiting students.
NOTE: Transient students and summer visiting students are not eligible for financial aid.
Academic Fresh Start
Senate Bill 1321 entitles residents of Texas to seek admission to public institutions of higher education without consideration of courses taken 10 or more years prior to enrollment. The applicant who elects this option of ignoring course work completed 10 or more years prior to the starting date of the semester in which the applicant seeks to enroll will be considered for admission without regard to this earlier course work. The ignored course work will not be considered in calculation of grade point average. Admission to the University will be based on adult student criteria. A student must make application for Fresh Start at the time of application for admission.
Graduate Student/Post‑Baccalaureate Admission
Students who seek admission for a master’s degree at West Texas A&M University must complete the University and Graduate School admission process. Students who hold a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university (as recognized by a regional association of colleges and universities) will qualify when all admission requirements are met and required documents are on file. Post-baccalaureate students who wish to take courses but not pursue a master’s degree are required to apply for admission to the University and may enroll in undergraduate- or graduate-level courses. Graduate School admission and graduate entrance exams are not needed for students who do not wish to pursue a master’s degree.
Documents needed include:
- Application for admission with required fee.
- Official college transcripts from all institutions attended.
- Degree notation on official transcript as proof of Texas Success Initiative exemption.
- Graduate School admission application, if seeking a master’s degree.
- GRE/GMAT scores, if seeking a master’s degree.
An applicant seeking a master’s degree may refer to the “Graduate Catalog” for more information.
International Student Admission
International students must have the equivalent of a high school education from their prospective country when applying to a bachelor’s degree program. International students applying to graduate programs (master’s or doctoral) must have a bachelor’s degree from their prospective country equivalent to a U.S. bachelor’s degree. Doctoral applicants have additional requirements. See the Graduate Catalog for more information.
In addition to the above requirement, international students must submit the following:
- Application for admission and $75 non-refundable application fee.
- Official transcript from each school, college or university attended with school seal (copies will not be accepted). If the transcript is not in English, an official English translation is required along with the official transcript issued in the original language.
- Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or International English Language Testing System (IELTS).
- Undergraduate students:
- TOEFL-Paper (525), Computer (197) or Internet (71); or
- IELTS-6.0 or greater (Academic).
- Graduate students:
- TOEFL-Paper (550), Computer (213) or Internet (79); or
- IELTS-6.0 or greater (Academic).
- Proof of financial support for the period of time necessary to complete degree requirements. NOTE: Students seeking an I-20 for application of an F-1 visa must submit financial verification six months current to the date of enrollment.
- Standardized test scores:
- Undergraduate students-SAT or ACT scores.
| ACT |
SAT |
New SAT |
GPA* |
| 20 |
940-970 |
1351-1410 |
2.0 |
| 18-19 |
860-930 |
1290-1350 |
2.5 |
| 16-17 |
760-850 |
1140-1210 |
2.9 |
* GPA (grade point average) is based on a 4.0 scale.
| |
- Graduate students-GMAT or GRE. See the “Graduate Catalog” for score requirement.
|
- A summary of educational goals and objectives.
|
NOTE: Waiver of the SAT/ACT test scores may be granted by transferring 12 college credit hours to the University.
International Transfer Student
Within the United States
International students seeking a transfer to WTAMU must meet admission requirements for the degree program they are applying to, have an overall 2.0 GPA for undergraduate admission or 3.0 GPA for graduate admission. An immigration transfer form (SEVIS record) along with a copy of the current I-20, I-94 card (arrival/departure record), passport information page and current visa stamp also are required to determine a student’s immigration status. These items should be submitted with educational records at the time of application for admission to the University.
Outside the United States
International students transferring from a foreign institution must meet admission requirements for the degree program they are applying to and have the equivalent of an overall “C” average to transfer as an undergraduate student or the equivalent of an overall “B” average as a graduate student. Course descriptions are needed to evaluate transfer credit for undergraduate transfer students. For more information, contact Kristine Combs, director, International Student Office, via email at kcombs@wtamu.edu, phone 806-651-2073, fax 806-651-2071 or write:
International Student Office
WTAMU Box 60745
Canyon, Texas 79016-0001
Texas Success Initiative (TSI)
Effective Sept. 1, 2003, a program known as Texas Success Initiative (TSI) was implemented for all public colleges and universities. TSI is focused on using a statewide standard for assessing college-level readiness skills of all entering undergraduate students at public colleges and universities. New students are assessed on their reading, writing and math skills, then academically advised and placed in an appropriate intervention option. The TSI Assessment is the only state-approved exam to determine TSI status if a student is not already exempt.
Approved TSI scores may be accepted when taken at another public college or university, if official documentation of scores is provided. Minimum passing standards for TSI are set by the legislature.
TSI Exemptions
- TASP Met-A student has met requirements under TASP policies prior to Sept. 1, 2003.
- Students who meet qualifying standards on certain tests, as indicated below:
- ACT-Composite 23; English and/or math scores of 19 within last five years.
- SAT-Combined 1070; critical reading/verbal and/or math scores of 500 within the past five years.
- TAKS-Math 2200 and/or 2200 on ELA with at least a 3 on the writing sample sub-score within the past three years. NOTE: Students must meet both the ELA and writing sample to be exempt from reading and writing.
- STARR End-of-Course Exam - Algebra II EOC 4000 and/or 2000 on the English III reading and/or writing test.
NOTE: Student must meet both the ELA and writing sample to be exempt from reading and writing.
- Course Work-Students from accredited in-state, out-of-state, private or independent institutions of higher education that have satisfactorily completed designated college-level course work. Graduates with an associate or bachelor’s degree from an accredited private or out-of-state institution of higher education will be exempt from all sections of TSI based on course work to earn the degree.
- Degree-A graduate from an accredited Texas institution of higher education with an associate or bachelor’s degree.
- Military
- A student on active duty as a member of the armed forces of the United States or the Texas National Guard.
- A student actively serving in the reserve component of the armed forces of the United States having served at least three years prior to enrollment.
- A student has been honorably discharged, retired or released from active duty as a member of the armed forces of the United States, the Texas National Guard or reserve component on or after Aug. 1, 1990.
- Non-Degree Seeking-A student taking courses for their personal enrichment, not to seek a degree.
- Previously Exempted-A student has been determined to meet requirements by a college previously attended.
Previous Course Work Exemption
Students from accredited institutions of higher education who have satisfactorily completed designated college-level course work with a grade of “C” or better, or have course credit based on IB, CLEP, AP, ACT or SAT exams, will be complete for TSI purposes in that subject area. This includes dual credit courses and courses taken at Texas accredited institutions of higher education prior to 1989.
| Test |
Reading |
Math |
Writing |
| TSI Assessment |
351 |
350 |
4 Essay w/ 363 MC or 5 Essay |
For more information regarding TSI requirements, go to wtamu.edu/tsi and click on “Texas Success Initiative,” or contact the Office of Advising Services at 806-651-5300 or advisingservices@wtamu.edu, or Contact the Office of Admissions at 806-651-2020 or admissions@wtamu.edu. For information regarding testing, contact the Office of Educational Services at wtamu.edu/testing or 806-651-2341.
Residence
The determination of residence classification for tuition purposes is governed by statutes enacted by the Texas Legislature and rules and regulations promulgated by the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board (THECB). A student’s residence status is determined through admission records process prior to enrollment. The student is responsible to register under the proper residence classification. Any change in residence status should be reported to the Office of Admissions.
The following statutes are neither exhaustive nor complete and should not be interpreted as such. Full regulations are in the THECB publication Rules and Regulations for Determining Residence Statutes. This publication and more information are available from the Office of Admissions.
Determining Residency
If a student’s residency is not easily determined by when and where he or she attended high school, then domicile, a universally recognized and accepted legal concept, becomes the driving factor for determining residency.
Provisions for Most Texas High School Graduates
If a student resided in Texas in the three years preceding high school graduation or receipt of a General Educational Development (GED) Certificate, the student is classified as a Texas resident. Students qualifying under this provision must have lived in Texas the year proceeding the universal census date. If the student is not a citizen or permanent resident of the United States, the student must sign an affidavit declaring intent to apply for permanent residence in the United States as soon as the student is eligible to do so.
Domicile
If a student’s residency cannot be determined by when and where he or she attended high school, domicile is used as a driving factor for determining residency. If a dependent student’s parent or an independent student lived in Texas no less than 12 consecutive months prior to the universal census date of the academic term in which the student intends to enroll and exhibited an intent to establish a domicile, the student is considered a Texas resident for tuition purposes.
Maintaining Residency
A student’s classification as a resident will apply to all subsequent semesters at the same or another public institution without the need for the student to provide additional documentation unless (1) the student enrolls after being out of higher education for two or more regular semesters, (2) information relevant to the residency classification was changed or (3) it is discovered that the institution misclassified a student. The residency of transfer students will be based on residency classification at the prior institution attended unless the student has been out of college for more than one year. On-going transfer students will not have to be re-classified each time they enroll at a different institution.
Credit by Examination
Students may earn credit by examination for satisfactory scores on the American College Test (ACT) or the Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT), College Board Advanced Placement Examinations (AP), College Level Examination Program (CLEP) and subject tests and challenge examinations. Credit is placed on the transcript the first semester the student enrolls at WTAMU. Credit by examination is exactly the same as successfully passing the equivalent WTAMU course. A letter grade of “S” is assigned if the student achieves the required scores; this grade does not figure into grade point averages.
ACT or SAT credit may be obtained for the following courses and scores.
ACT or SAT Credit
International Baccalaureate
West Texas A&M University recognizes credit for international baccalaureate scores. With a minimum exam score of four in each subject area, WTAMU will grant 24 semester hours of college credit to entering freshmen who have successfully completed the International Baccalaureate Diploma Program. Non-IB diploma holders with appropriate higher-level scores will have their courses evaluated for credit eligibility. Credit determinations are made on an individual basis. Contact the Office of Admissions for more information.
Advanced Placement
AP (Advanced Placement) Exam credit may be granted with the following subjects and scores. If courses are not listed in the following chart, WTAMU does not accept AP scores for those courses.
Advanced Placement (AP)
| Subject |
Credit |
Minimum |
| Studio Art/Drawing |
ARTS 1316 |
4 |
| Art History |
ARTS 1303 |
4 |
| General Biology |
BIOL 1406 * |
3 |
| BIOL 1406 *, BIOL 1407 * |
4 |
| Calculus AB |
, MATH 2413 |
3 |
| Calculus BC |
, MATH 2413 |
3 |
| Chemistry |
CHEM 1411 * |
3 |
| CHEM 1411 *, CHEM 1412 * |
4 |
| Computer Science A |
CIDM 1315 [COCS] |
4 |
|
*
|
4 |
| Computer Science AB |
CIDM 1315 [COCS] |
3 |
| CIDM 1315 [COCS], CIDM 2330 [COCS] |
4 |
| * |
4 |
| CS 2436 * |
4 |
| Economics (Micro) |
ECON 2301 |
4 |
| Economics (Macro) |
ECON 2302 |
4 |
| English Language/Literature |
ENGL 1301 |
3 |
| ENGL 1301 , ENGL 1302 |
4 |
| Environmental Science |
ENVR 1000 |
3 |
| French |
FREN 1411 * |
3 |
| FREN 1411 *, FREN 1412 * |
4 |
| Human Geography |
GEOG 1302 |
4 |
| German |
GERM 1411 |
3 |
| GERM 1411 , GERM 1412 |
4 |
| Government |
POSC 2305 [GOVT] |
4 |
| European History |
HIST 2311 |
4 |
| U.S. History |
HIST 1301 , HIST 1302 |
4 |
| World History |
HIST 2321 or HIST 2322 |
4 |
| Music |
MUSI 1372 |
4 |
| MUSI 1372 , MUSI 1373 |
5 |
| Physics B |
PHYS 1401 *, PHYS 1402 * |
3 |
| Physics C |
PHYS 2425 , PHYS 2426 |
3 |
| Psychology |
PSYC 2301 |
4 |
| Spanish |
SPAN 1411 *, SPAN 1412 * |
3 |
|
| Spanish |
SPAN 1411 *, SPAN 1412 *, SPAN 2311 |
4 |
| Spanish |
SPAN 1411 *, SPAN 1412 *, SPAN 2311 , SPAN 2312 |
5 |
| Statistics |
CIDM 2342 |
3 |
Note: *Lecture and lab credits are awarded.
CLEP
CLEP (College Level Examination Program) exams are open to anyone, including high school students. WTAMU grants credit for specific subject exams. WTAMU does not award credit for CLEP general exams.
- The student is responsible for completing tests for lower-level courses in a sufficient time to qualify for enrollment in higher-level courses.
- Awarding of CLEP credit to a student’s transcript will be grouped together at the beginning of the transcript.
- Credit by examination may be used to satisfy no more than six of the last 30 hours counted towards a degree.
- Six hours of appropriate science credit by examination may be used to satisfy the laboratory science requirements. (Does not satisfy the 12-hour elementary education requirement.)
- Credit by examination may not be earned for courses in which a student received a grade, including an “I.”
- If a student fails to pass a CLEP test, the test may be retaken after a six-month waiting period.
CLEP Subject Examination Program
| CLEP Subject Exam (WTAMU Course) |
Hours of
Credit |
Required Score |
| American Government ( ) [GOVT 2305] |
3 |
50 |
| Accounting, Financial (ACCT 2301 ) |
3 |
50 |
| American History II (HIST 1302 ) |
3 |
50 |
| American History I (HIST 1301 ) |
3 |
50 |
| American Literature (ENGL 3360 , ENGL 3361 ) |
6 |
50 |
| Biology (BIOL 1406 *, BIOL 1407 *) |
8 |
50 |
| Business Law, Introductory (BUSI 3312 ) |
3 |
50 |
| Calculus with Elementary Functions (MATH 2413 , MATH 2414 ) |
8 |
50 |
| Chemistry, General (CHEM 1411 *, CHEM 1412 *) |
8 |
50 |
| College Algebra (MATH 1314 ) |
3 |
50 |
| College French, Levels I and II (FREN 1411 *, FREN 1412 *) |
8 |
50 |
| College German, Levels I and II (GERM 1411 *, GERM 1412 *) |
8 |
50 |
| College Spanish (SPAN 1411 *, SPAN 1412 *) |
8 |
50 |
| English Literature ( , , ((ENGL 2332, 2333) |
6 |
50 |
| Freshman College Composition ( ) |
3 |
50 |
| Human Growth and Development (PSYC 2314 ) [TECA 1354] |
3 |
50 |
| Information Systems and Computer Applications (CIDM 1301 ) [BCIS 1301] |
3 |
50 |
| Macroeconomics, Principles of (ECON 2301 ) |
3 |
50 |
| Management, Principles of (MGT 3330 ) |
3 |
50 |
| Marketing, Principles of (MKT 3340 ) |
3 |
50 |
| Microeconomics, Principles of (ECON 2302 ) |
3 |
50 |
| Psychology, Introductory (PSYC 2301 ) |
3 |
50 |
| Pre-Calculus ( ) |
4 |
50 |
| Sociology, Introductory (SOCI 1301 ) |
3 |
50 |
| Western Civilization I (HIST 2311 )** |
3 |
50 |
| Western Civilization II (HIST 2311 )** |
3 |
50 |
|
All CLEP-required scores and hours granted are subject to revision.
*Lecture and lab credits are awarded.
**To receive credit for , student must pass both Western Civilization I & II.
|
Challenge Examinations
Students enrolled at WTAMU may earn credit by taking the examinations written and scored by instructors in the department offering the course. The grade received on the Challenge Exam is the grade that will appear on the transcript for the course. Interested students should check with the appropriate department head.
Transfer Credit
All students who are seeking their first baccalaureate degree at WTAMU will be provided an evaluation of completed course work from previously attended regionally accredited institutions.
Evaluation of Credit
All course work completed at previously attended regionally accredited colleges and universities will be evaluated and total semester credit hours posted to a WTAMU transcript as part of the admission process to the University. Evaluation will be done when the admissions file is completed. (Complete application, application fee, final official transcripts from all other universities attended and Texas Success Initiative-approved test scores or proof of exemption constitute a complete file.) A transfer evaluation report will be mailed to the permanent home address. Questions regarding transfer of credit can be directed to the transfer officer in the Office of Admissions or to the appropriate academic dean for the student’s academic program of study.
Credits may be transferred to West Texas A&M University to be counted toward a degree in accordance with degree program requirements as outlined in the catalog. No grade of “D” in the program’s major requirements or major subject can transfer for credit in any degree program offered at West Texas A&M University. Any student transferring from a community college or university to WTAMU will have the same choice of catalog designating degree requirements as the student would have had if the dates of attendance at the University had been the same as those of attendance at the community college or other university.
Completion of Core Requirements at Other Texas Public Institutions
West Texas A&M University evaluates transfer of core curriculum in accordance with rules mandated by the Texas Legislature concerning the transfer of core curriculum.
Section 5.402, d. If a student successfully completes the 42 semester credit hour core curriculum at an institution of higher education, that block of courses may be transferred to any other institution of higher education and must be substituted for the receiving institution’s core curriculum. A student shall receive academic credit for each of the core courses transferred and may not be required to take additional core curriculum courses at the receiving institution unless the board has approved a larger core curriculum at that institution.
WTAMU’s core curriculum of 42 hours has been approved by the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board. WTAMU will accept course credits earned by any student transferring from another accredited Texas public community college or university provided such credits are within the approved transfer curriculum of the student’s declared major field at WTAMU. In the event that a credit transfer dispute arises involving lower-division courses, the following procedure shall be followed.
- If WTAMU does not accept course credit earned by a student at another institution of higher education in the state, WTAMU shall give written notice to the student and to the sending institution that transfer credit is denied;
- The two institutions and the student shall attempt to resolve the transfer of the course credit in accordance with the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board.
- If the transfer dispute is not resolved to the satisfaction of the student or the sending institution within 45 days after the date the student received written notice of denial, the institution whose credit for transfer is denied shall notify the commissioner of higher education of the denial.
- The commissioner of higher education or the commissioner’s designee shall make the final determination about the dispute concerning transfer of course credit and give written notice of determination to the involved student and institution(s).
Associate of Arts in Teaching (A.A.T.) Degree
Associate of arts in teaching (A.A.T.) degrees approved by the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board (July 15, 2004) do not allow students to count both TECA and EDUC courses on the same A.A.T. degree. Students transferring from a community/junior college to West Texas A&M University will be held to the same standard. Specifically, this means that a student will be allowed to transfer TECA (1311, 1303, 1318 and 1354) or EDUC (1302 and 2301) and count them toward an appropriate degree program at WTAMU. Exceptions may be granted for transferring students who entered a field-of-study program and took TECA courses prior to fall 2005.
ACE (American Council of Education) Recommended Experiences in the Armed Services
Transfer credit may be granted from the military on recommendation of the ACE publication for an undergraduate baccalaureate degree program WTAMU offers. Vocational credit recommendations may be accepted into the bachelor of applied arts and sciences (B.A.A.S.) degree only.
Equivalency Guides
Local community colleges, regional and state college and university equivalency guides are available at WTAMU Resources in Buff Advisor.
Document Retention
Official transcripts, mark-sheets, grade reports, test scores or other admission/enrollment-related documents submitted to the University via any office or representative become the property of the University upon receipt and will not usually be returned to the applicant/student. Students have the right to inspect and review their education records and to request that the University correct records which are believed to be inaccurate or misleading. Documents are retained according to State of Texas and The Texas A&M University System policies.
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