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 $55 non-refundable application fee. Applications are available online at applytexas.org. The $55 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 online at wtamu.edu/appfee.
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 earned college-level credit while in high school, who wish to be considered for admission should submit the following:
- Application for admission with required fee ($55) using the Texas Common Application or apply directly at wtamu.edu/apply.
- 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.)
- Evidence of meningitis vaccination or qualifying waiver or exemption. (See wtamu.edu/meningitis.)
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:
- Minimum high school cumulative GPA of 3.0 or
- Top 30% of high school graduating class or
- Minimum composite ACT of 21 or minimum composite SAT of 1070
- Recommended completion (or projected completion) of the distinguished level of achievement under the Foundation or High School program or similar college preparatory program from a Texas public high school. (See TEC Sections 51.801-51.809.) Students with a minimum of a Foundation diploma type are eligible to apply for admission to a Texas public institution, according to Texas House Bill 5 (83rd Legislature, Regular Session).
Students from Texas private schools, home schools or out-of-state high schools must meet one of the following:
- Curriculum that is equal in content and rigor to the Foundation, Distinguished with Endorsements or Distinguished diploma type or
- Meet college readiness benchmarks:
SAT EBRW 480, MATH 530 or ACT English 18, Reading 22, Mathematics 22, Science 23.
Students who do not meet 1 and 2 requirements above will still be considered for admission. Students’ applications will be reviewed by the Office of Admissions, with considerations given to a combination of gpa, class rank, standardized test scores, and high school curriculum.
Exceptions to requirement No. 3:
- Students who do not meet the Distinguished Level of Achievement under the Foundation or High School Program may qualify for admission by satisfying the College Readiness Benchmarks on the ACT or SAT assessment: minimum scores of 18 English, 22 Reading, 22 Mathematics, and 23 Science on the ACT, or 480 EBRW and 530 Math on the SAT.
- Students from Texas public high schools that did not offer the distinguished level of achievement under the Foundation or 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 Texas private schools or home schools who have not completed the distinguished level of achievement under the Foundation or High School Program (and who have not satisfied the College Readiness Benchmarks) must complete HB 3826 for.
Students who do not meet 1 and 2 requirements above 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 conditional admission. Conditional admission may be granted for entry in the fall semesters only, usually with some conditions the student will be expected to complete.
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 August 15.
Applicants denied admission have several options for gaining admission:
- Apply for the Buff Bridge program (wtamu.edu/bridge)
- Retake the ACT or SAT and submit higher scores
- Attend a community college during the summer after high school graduation and complete six (6) hours of core college level credit with a 2.0 GPA
- Attend a community college during a fall or spring semester to earn twelve (12) hours of core college level credit with a 2.0 and reapply to WTAMU for a later term as a transfer student.
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 submits an minimum scores of 22 Reading, 18 English, 22 Mathematics and 23 Science on the ACT or 480 EBRW and 530 Mathe on the SAT I.
- Student submits GED test score from approved American Council on Education (ACE) provider.
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.
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 meet requirements as listed above for high school graduates.
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 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 or visit wtamu.edu/PUP.
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.
Transfer students who wish to be considered for admission should submit the following documentation:
- Apply Texas Application.
- $55 non-refundable application fee.
- 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 ACT or SAT I.
6. Texas Success Initiative (TSI) approved test scores or proof of exemption. (See the “Texas Success Initiative (TSI)” section of this catalog.
7. Evidence of meningitis vaccination or qualifying waiver or exemption. (See wtamu.edu/meningitis.)
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+ hours 2.0 or greater cumulative
Applicants who do not meet admission guarantee criteria above 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 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. A student must submit a request for Fresh Start at the time of application for admission. The request for Academic Fresh Start is available at wtamu.edu/freshstart.
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 and may have additional requirements. See the Graduate Catalog for more information.
In addition to the above requirements, international students must submit the following:
Undergraduate students:
- TOEFL - score of 197 (computer based); 71 (iBT) or 525 (paper based)
- IELTS - score of 6.0 overall
- PTE - score of 48
Graduate students:
- TOEFL - score of 213 (computer based); 79 (iBT); or 550 (paper based)
- IELTS - score of 6.0 overall
- PTE - score of 53
- Score requirements for the M.S. in Biology and Environmental Science are as follows:
- TOEFL - score of 233 (computer based); 90-91 (iBT); or 575-577 (paper based)
- IELTS - score of 6.5 overall
- PTE - score of 62
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 internationaladmissions@wtamu.edu, phone 806-651-2073, fax 806-651-2071 or write:
International Student Office
WTAMU Box 60745
Canyon, Texas 79016-0001
Additional information is available at www.wtamu.edu/international.
Texas Success Initiative (TSI)
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 developmental interventions if necessary. The only state-approved exam is the TSI Assessment.
Exemptions
Students who meet one of the following exemptions or exceptions are not required by the state to be assessed for TSI:
- ACT - A composite score of 23 with at least 19 on the mathematics test is exempt from the math section, and/or a composite score of 23 with at least 19 on the English test is exempt for both the reading and writing sections.
- SAT (prior to March 2016) - A composite score (Math and Critical Reading ) of 1070 and a math score of at least 500 is exempt from the math section, and/or composite score of 1070 and a critical reading score of at least 500 is exempt from the reading and writing section.
- SAT (after March 2016) - A minimum score of 530 on the mathematics test is exempt for the mathematics section. A minimum score of 480 on the Evidence-Based Reading and Writing (EBRW) test is exempt for both the reading and writing sections of the TSI Assessment. There is no required combined score.
- TAKS (11th grade exit-level) - A math score of at least 2200 will exempt students from the math section and/or at least 2200 and an essay score of at least 3 will exempt from the reading and writing sections.
- STAAR End-of-Course - At least Level 2 score (4000) on the Algebra II EOC will exempt students from the math section, and/or at least Level 2 score (4000) on the English III EOC will exempt students from the reading and writing sections.
- Coursework - Students from accredited out of state, private or independent institutions of higher education that have satisfactorily (earned grade of ‘D’ or better) completed designated college-level course work may be exempt.
| Reading |
Writing |
Math |
| HIST 1301, 1302 |
ENGL 1301 |
MATH 1314 |
| POSC 2305 or 2306 |
ENGL 1302 |
MATH 1324 |
| PSYC 2301 or SOCI 1301 |
ENGL 2311 |
MATH 1332* |
| Sophomore level or higher literature or history course |
|
MATH 1342* |
| |
|
Math course for which any of the above is a prerequisite |
| |
|
*Exemption for math will be non-algebraic; students wishing to follow an algebraic track thereafter will need to enroll in an NCBO or submit a new TSIA score. |
- Degree - A graduate from an institution of higher education with an associate or bachelor’s degree will be exempt.
- Previously Exempted - A student has been determined to meet TSI requirements by a Texas college or university they previously attended will be exempt.
- TASP Met - A student who has met requirements under TASP policies prior to September 1, 2003 will be exempt.
- Military - A student who 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 August 1, 1990 will be exempt.
Waivers
Temporary exclusions for TSI policy are granted for one semester of enrollment.
- Active Military - A student on active duty as a member of the armed forces of the United States, Texas National Guard or actively serving in the reserve component of the armed forces of the United States who has served at least three years prior to enrollment may receive a waiver.
- Non-degree Seeking - A student who is not seeking a degree or a certificate may receive a waiver.
- Non-degree seeking students must be approved by Advising Services to be admitted and remain enrolled under this status. Advising Services will review the status of casual or non-degree students each semester as they re-enroll. These students are limited to eight hours per semester of coursework not associated with reading, math, or writing as defined by TSI (excludes international exchange students and students completing Education on Demand). Assessment and developmental education may be deferred until such time as the student declares a major.
- High School Students - Based on 10th grade TAKS/STAAR End-of-Course scores which meet the exemption scores for TAKS/STAAR, high school students may be waived from testing, pending the 11th grade test for exemption. Once 11th grade TAKS/STAAR scores are available, the waiver no longer applies.
Assessment Waiver
- Exceptional circumstances under which a student who has not been assessed may enroll for degree courses include but are not limited to:
- Documented illness, injury or emergency
- Professionally diagnosed and documented disability for which reasonable and appropriate accommodations could not be provided in a timely manner
TSI Assessment
All undergraduate students seeking to enroll at WTAMU who have not met TSI requirements in reading, writing and/or math will be required to take the TSI Assessment in unmet areas. Minimum passing standards for the TSI Assessment are set by the legislature.
TSI Assessment Passing Scores
| READING |
351 |
|
WRITING
Effective 08/18/2017
|
4 Essay with 340+ MC or
5 Essay with ABE 4 |
| MATH |
350 |
Pre-Assessment Activity
All students planning to test must first complete a TSI Pre-Assessment Activity (PAA). The PAA is designed to provide the student with information regarding the importance and consequences of the TSI Assessment scores. Also included are sample questions and resources available to prepare for the assessment. Students must provide proof of completion at the testing site of choice. The PAA is only required prior to the initial testing. With appropriate documentation, students will not have to repeat the PAA to retest. The WTAMU PAA is located at www.wtamu.edu/tsipaa.
Academic Advising
Advising Services is committed to providing holistic academic advising to all undergraduate students, including prospective students, at West Texas A&M University. While services are typically focused on students who have less than 30 hours credit and any student new to WT, they are available to any student, faculty or staff member who has questions or needs assistance. Through the advising process, students will be assisted with clarifying their personal and educational goals; learn educational options available at WT; select an educational plan consistent with their abilities, skills, interests and goals; discover the many opportunities available for student engagement; and learn of resources available to assist them with being a successful student. It is the student’s responsibility to know what courses they have completed and to make sure they do not enroll in the same course again. Academic advising and placement is initially done based on, but not limited to, high school transcripts, entrance exams, TSI Assessment diagnostic report, previous college credit, non-cognitive factors and family issues. During advising, the adviser greenlights the student, making him/her eligible to register.
Once greenlighted, students who have not passed a section of TSI will be advised regarding TSI compliance and may only register in Advising Services. The plan for academic success will include a description of developmental intervention options necessary to ensure readiness for college-level coursework. Each semester, the student’s plan for academic success will be reviewed and updated, until such time as he/she completes the TSI requirements or demonstrates through reassessment his/her readiness to enter college-level courses.
All students who have not passed or met the TSI requirements are required to enroll in a developmental intervention option in those areas until they successfully pass the intervention or pass the TSI Assessment. Students who are complete in any area of TSI cannot be required to enroll in a developmental option. However, a student may choose to take a course to develop skills in a particular area to better prepare for success in college-level coursework.
Developmental Education Placement
The College of Engineering and the Department of English, Philosophy and Modern Languages offer a variety of intervention options to meet the individual needs of all of our students.
Developmental Education Options
Developmental education includes pre-college, non-degree credit courses, interventions, tutorials, laboratories and other means of assistance that are included in a plan to ensure the success of a student in performing entry-level academic coursework. Options that may be available include and are defined by the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board (THECB):
- Developmental course: Non-degree-credit coursework and/or activity designed to address a student’s strengths and needs in the areas of reading, writing, integrated reading and writing (IRW), mathematics and student success.
- Non-Course Based Option (NCBO): Interventions that use learning approaches designed to address a student’s identified weaknesses and effectively and efficiently prepare the student for college-level work. These interventions must be overseen by an instructor of record, must not fit traditional course frameworks and cannot include advising or learning support activities already connected to a traditional course; interventions may include, but are not limited to, tutoring, supplemental instruction or labs.
- Individual Learning Plan (ILP) (also known as Differentiated Placement): Advising and placement of students based on individual strengths and needs.
- A personalized plan will be developed by the student and adviser, used to chart progress toward academic goals and to ensure the student is on the quickest path to graduation while determining the resources and tools they need to be prepared for a successful pathway in life after graduation. An ILP form must be signed by the student and an adviser or instructor and will be filed with the TSI Coordinator.
- Co-requisite (also known as mainstreaming): An instructional strategy whereby undergraduate students are co-enrolled or concurrently enrolled in a developmental education course or NCBO and the entry-level freshman course of the same subject matter within the same semester. The developmental component provides support aligned directly with the learning outcomes, instruction, and assessment of the entry-level freshman course, and makes necessary adjustments as needed in order to advance students’ success in the entry-level freshman course. Participation in the entry-level freshman course is not contingent upon performance in the developmental education component of the co-requisite.
Successful Completion of Developmental Education
- Students must complete the appropriate developmental intervention option with an earned grade of C or better to satisfy TSI to move into college-level courses in the particular area.
- Successful completion of ENGL 0302 will satisfy Reading and Writing.
- Successful completion of MATH 0303 will satisfy Math.
- To satisfy TSI through co-requisite and/or ILP, students must earn a D or better in the paired credit-bearing course.
- To satisfy TSI Math through a Non-Algebraic math pathway, students must earn a D or better.
- To satisfy TSI after a failed attempt, the student will either need to re-enroll in the co-requisite/non-algebraic course, a full-semester developmental course or provide a passing TSI assessment score.
Transfer
- Students who successfully completed a developmental intervention option at a Texas public or private post-secondary institution will be placed in the appropriate sequential course without being required to take the TSI Assessment as long as a score is provided.
- Students who select a non-algebraic math pathway will be able to move into MATH 1332 or 1342. Students seeking majors which require MATH 1314 or 1324 will be required to pass the TSI Assessment with a 350 or enroll in a MATH 1314 or 1324 NCBO.
- Students who were exempted or tested prior to August 26, 2013 and enrolled for the Fall 2013 semester can use a previously approved test for placement purposes.
TSI ASSESSMENTS - Minimum Passing Standards
| Test |
Reading |
Math |
Writing |
| THEA |
230 |
230 |
220 |
| ACCUPLACER |
78 |
63 Elem. Algebra |
6 essay * TX WritePlacer Plus
Sent. skills 80 |
| ASSET |
41 |
38 Elem. Algebra |
6 essay *
Writing skills 40 |
| COMPASS |
81 |
39 Algebra |
6 essay *
Writing skills 59 |
| * Must be Texas version of WritePlacer Plus. Miminum passing standard for written essay is 6, no minimum on sentence skills score. An essay of 5 and sentence skills of 80 or higher meets the standard. |
Reading
The Department of English, Philosophy and Modern Languages is responsible for Integrated Reading and Writing and accelerated reading options. Students whose scores do not meet the standard passing scores will be required to enroll in one of the following options and may be restricted from enrolling in university-designated heavy reading classes (defined below) until passing the TSI reading requirements.
READING
| TSI Assessment Score |
Developmental Intervention Option |
Students TSI affected in READING cannot concurrently enroll in |
| 310-350 |
Reading NCBO |
Heavy reading courses
(HIST, POSC, PSYC, SOCI, ENGL literature) |
- University Designated Heavy Reading Classes
HIST 1301, 1302 or 2372, POSC 2305 or POSC 2306, PSYC 2301, SOCI 1301 or sophomore or higher literature courses. Additional courses may be substituted on an individual basis, with approval from the related WTAMU academic department.
Writing
The Department of English, Philosophy and Modern Languages is responsible for the Integrated Reading and Writing and accelerated writing options and has established the following placement guidelines. Students whose scores do not surpass the levels indicated on the following table will be advised to select an appropriate option based on, but not limited to, high school transcripts, entrance exams, TSI Assessment diagnostic report, previous college credit, non-cognitive factors and family issues.
WRITING
| TSI Assessment Score |
Developmental Intervention Option |
Students TSI affected in WRITING cannot concurrently enroll in |
| ABE 1-4 or <3 Essay |
Writing NCBO |
ENGL 1301 |
Math
MATH
| TSI Assessment Score |
Developmental Intervention Option |
Students TSI affected in MATH cannot concurrently enroll in |
| 310-335 |
MATH 0302 |
MATH 1000+, or any course with MATH
prerequisite |
| 336-349 |
MATH 1314/1324/1342 NCBO
or MATH 1332 |
| Individual Learning Plan |
| Online Students ONLY |
MATH 1314, 1324, or 1342 |
Conditions of ILP will be determined by
student and approved faculty |
- Students who need to take developmental mathematics courses are strongly encouraged to complete their mathematics sequence through the core level mathematics course(s) they need for their degree with no time lapse in course progression.
Developmental Education Procedures
Grading
All full-semester developmental intervention options will be graded on a scale of A, B, C or F. A grade of D may be earned in specific college-level courses with an NCBO, which will satisfy TSI requirements in that area. Grades are calculated into the semester grade point average (GPA) and will impact academic probation and suspension determination, as well as financial aid eligibility. Developmental intervention grades and semester credit hours do not impact graduation GPA.
Attendance
Success in class is directly linked to attendance. Developmental intervention options may have attendance policies provided in the syllabus.
Education on Demand (EoD)
Students must be compliant with TSI requirements in order to take Education on Demand courses.
Intersession and Summer Courses
Students who have not met TSI requirements are not permitted to enroll for any intersession course. Students may enroll in a summer course if they are in the appropriate developmental or NCBO course for areas in which they are TSI-affected. Students may choose to defer TSI courses to the fall semester if they enroll in a summer course outside of the TSI-affected area (ex: COMM 1315).
Degree Requirements
Developmental intervention options do not apply toward degree requirements. Semester credit hours for developmental education typically count toward financial aid and full-time student status. NCAA rules allow athletes to count developmental hours in their first two long semesters enrolled in college towards eligibility requirements. Veteran aid programs generally allow required developmental education; however, it is up to each student on these programs to work directly with the Director of Veterans Services located in the Student Success Center - CC 108.
Institutional Effectiveness and Accountability
The purpose of the developmental education plan is to provide a process for under-prepared college students to gain necessary skills to progress successfully into college-level course work. The plan complies with the TSI statutes and policies as outlined by THECB. The University uses numerous methods to evaluate the effectiveness of this developmental education plan.
- Student Evaluations - Students enrolled in developmental education complete course evaluations each semester. The results of these evaluations are shared with the instructors and the appropriate department head.
- Institutional Review includes
- Calculation of the percentage of students passing TSI assessment after completion of developmental intervention option.
- Tracking student success upon entering college-level courses.
- Tracking student graduation rates.
- Study of results from TSI assessment data.
- Quarterly meetings of the Developmental Education Committee to assess and review data and processes.
- External Review - Reporting on a semester and annual basis to THECB.
Developmental Suspension
Limited Intervention Repeats
Students who drop (any time after the 12th class day) or fail the same developmental intervention option for the third time will be developmentally suspended from the University and not allowed to attend for future semesters. Students unable to successfully pass a developmental intervention after the third attempt are strongly encouraged to attend a community college where developmental interventions start at a lower level. Students who have been developmentally suspended are encouraged to reapply to WTAMU once they have successfully completed the required developmental intervention or intervention sequence at another college or university or once they can meet the standard TSI Assessment score in the specific area(s) of concern. Reinstatement after being developmentally suspended may occur by appeal to the Developmental Education Committee. To appeal developmental suspension, a student must show that there was some unusual circumstance that prevented success in each of their prior three attempts. For more information, refer to the Developmental Suspension Appeals Process below.
Developmental Suspension Appeals Process
Students who are developmentally suspended may appeal based on circumstances they felt prevented them from being successful in each of their three prior attempts in the same developmental intervention. The appeals form is available from Advising Services located in the Classroom Center room 112, or at www.wtamu.edu/tsi, select TSI Developmental Education Policy. The appeals committee will consist of the Director or Assistant Director of Advising Services and two representatives from the Developmental Education Committee, including one who represents the department involved in the appeal. The committee may contact former developmental instructors to verify grades, attendance and in-class participation on prior attempts. They may also look at overall academic performance of the student appealing. The Developmental Education Committee will meet to consider the written appeal and will notify the student of their decision. For more information on the appeals process, contact an academic adviser in Advising Services.
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 by holding the title to residential real property in Texas, having ownership interest and customarily managing a business in Texas, having gainful employment in Texas or receiving primary support through services from a social services agency or being married to a Texas resident, 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 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 |
Core Area** |
Minimum |
| Studio Art/Drawing |
ARTS 1316 |
|
3 |
| Art History |
ARTS 1303 |
50 |
3 |
| General Biology |
BIOL 1406 * |
30 |
3 |
| BIOL 1406 *, BIOL 1407 * |
30 |
4 |
| Calculus AB |
, MATH 2413 |
20 |
3 |
| Calculus BC |
, MATH 2413 |
20 |
3 |
| Calculus BC |
MATH 2413 , MATH 2414 |
20 |
4 |
| Chemistry |
CHEM 1411 * |
30 |
3 |
| CHEM 1411 *, CHEM 1412 * |
30 |
4 |
| Computer Science A |
CIDM 1315 |
90 |
3 |
| Computer Science A |
CIDM 1315 , CIDM 2315 |
90 (1315) |
4 |
| Computer Science Principles |
CS 1301 |
90 |
3 |
| Economics (Macro) |
ECON 2301 |
80 |
3 |
| Economics (Micro) |
ECON 2302 |
80 |
3 |
| English Language/Literature |
ENGL 1301 |
10 |
3 |
| English Language/Literature |
ENGL 1301 , ENGL 1302 |
10, 90 |
4 |
| Environmental Science |
ENVR 1000 |
|
3 |
| French |
FREN 1411 * |
|
3 |
| French |
FREN 1411 *, FREN 1412 * |
|
4 |
| Human Geography |
GEOG 1302 |
80 |
3 |
| German |
GERM 1411 * |
|
3 |
| German |
GERM 1411 *, GERM 1412 * |
|
4 |
| Comparative Government & Politics |
POSC 2000 |
|
3 |
| Government |
POSC 2305 [GOVT] |
70 |
3 |
| European History |
HIST 2311 |
40 |
3 |
| U.S. History |
HIST 1301 , HIST 1302 |
60 |
3 |
| World History |
HIST 2321 or HIST 2322 |
|
3 |
| Japanese Language & Culture |
JAPN 1411 * |
|
3 |
| Japanese Language & Culture |
JAPN 1411 *, JAPN 1412 * |
|
4 |
| Music |
MUSI 1311 |
|
3 |
| Music |
MUSI 1311 , MUSI 1312 |
|
5 |
| Physics 1 |
PHYS 1401 *, PHYS 1402 * |
30 |
3 |
| Physics 2 |
PHYS 2425 *, PHYS 2426 * |
30 |
3 |
| Physics B |
PHYS 1401 *, PHYS 1402 * |
30 |
3 |
| Physics C |
PHYS 2425 *, PHYS 2426 * |
30 |
3 |
| Psychology |
PSYC 2301 |
80 |
3 |
| Spanish Language |
SPAN 1411 *, SPAN 1412 * |
|
3 |
|
| Spanish Language |
SPAN 1411 *, SPAN 1412 *, SPAN 2311 |
40 (2311) |
4 |
| Spanish Language |
SPAN 1411 *, SPAN 1412 *, SPAN 2311 , SPAN 2312 |
40 (2311, 2312) |
5 |
| Spanish Literature/Culture |
SPAN 1411 *, SPAN 1412 * |
|
3 |
| Spanish Literature/Culture |
SPAN 1411 *, SPAN 1412 *, SPAN 2311 |
40 (2311) |
4 |
| Spanish Literature/Culture |
SPAN 1411 *, SPAN 1412 *, SPAN 2311 , SPAN 2312 |
40 (2311, 2312) |
5 |
| Statistics |
CIDM 2342 |
|
3 |
*Lecture and lab credits are awarded.
**These numbers indicate the University core area that may be satisfied, unless another specific course is required for a student’s major. See the University Core Curriculum section of this catalog. 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.
- 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 |
Core Area*** |
Required Score |
| American Government ( ) [GOVT 2305] |
3 |
70 |
50 |
| Accounting, Financial (ACCT 2301 ) |
3 |
|
50 |
| American History II (HIST 1302 ) |
3 |
60 |
50 |
| American History I (HIST 1301 ) |
3 |
60 |
50 |
| American Literature (ENGL 2326 ) |
3 |
40 |
50 |
| Biology (BIOL 1406 *, BIOL 1407 *) |
8 |
30 |
50 |
| Business Law, Introductory (BUSI 3312 ) |
3 |
|
50 |
| Calculus with Elementary Functions (MATH 2413 , MATH 2414 ) |
8 |
20 |
50 |
| Chemistry, General (CHEM 1411 *, CHEM 1412 *) |
8 |
30 |
50 |
| College Algebra (MATH 1314 ) |
3 |
20 |
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 2321 ) |
3 |
40 |
50 |
| Freshman College Composition ( ) |
3 |
10 |
50 |
| Human Growth and Development (PSYC 2314 ) [TECA 1354] |
3 |
|
50 |
| Information Systems and Computer Applications (CIDM 1301 ) [BCIS 1301] |
3 |
90 |
50 |
| Macroeconomics, Principles of (ECON 2301 ) |
3 |
80 |
50 |
| Management, Principles of (MGT 3330 ) |
3 |
|
50 |
| Marketing, Principles of (MKT 3340 ) |
3 |
|
50 |
| Microeconomics, Principles of (ECON 2302 ) |
3 |
80 |
50 |
| Psychology, Introductory (PSYC 2301 ) |
3 |
80 |
50 |
| Pre-Calculus ( ) |
4 |
20 |
50 |
| Sociology, Introductory (SOCI 1301 ) |
3 |
80 |
50 |
| Western Civilization I (HIST 2311 )** |
3 |
40 |
50 |
| Western Civilization II (HIST 2311 )** |
3 |
40 |
50 |
|
All CLEP-required scores and hours granted are subject to revision.
*Lecture and lab credits are awarded.
**To receive credit for HIST 2311 , student must pass both Western Civilization I & II. ***These numbers indicate the University core area that may be satisfied, unless another specific course is required for a student’s major. See the University Core Curriculum section of this catalog. |
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 report of course equivalencies will be viewable in the Student Portal through Buff Advisor. 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.
Texas Direct: Texas Transfer Framework, Field of Study Curriculum
The Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board (THECB) has designated the Texas Transfer Advisory Committee to govern the transfer rules and framework for curriculum of transfer students. Learn more on the THECB website.
Field of Study Curriculum
Required by Texas state law and the Coordinating Board rules (Texas Education Code, Chapter 61, Section 61.823, and Coordinating Board rules, Texas Administrative Code, Title 19, Part 1, Chapter 4, Subchapter B), each Field of Study Curriculum (FOSC) consists of lower-level courses that transfer to WTAMU and apply to specific degree programs.
These FOSCs require the following components:
- Discipline-related Texas Core Curriculum courses in the Field of Study
- Up to 12 semester credit hours of Discipline Foundation Courses
- And at least 6 semester credit hours of Directed Electives, designated by the four-year institution being transferred to
Students that complete all the courses in an FOSC and then transfer to WTAMU, the FOSC courses will transfer as a “block” and will be applied to the student’s degree plan.
If a student completes the FOSC, the Texas Core Curriculum, and any college or university courses required of all students regardless of major, then the student is finished with all the lower-division courses. Students that transfer to WTAMU before completing their FOSC, the courses will transfer individually to their degree plan and WTAMU may require them to complete the remaining courses to satisfy this requirement.
For additional information and to see the full Field of Study Curriculum options, please reference our Admissions’ Transfer Student FAQs.
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 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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