Faculty, academic advisors and deans are available to help students understand
and meet academic requirements for a degree, but the students themselves are
responsible for understanding and fulfilling them. If requirements are not satisfied,
the degree will be withheld pending adequate fulfillment. Thus it is essential
that each student become familiar with all requirements and remain currently
informed throughout the college career.
Definitions and Regulations
Semester Hour
The unit of measure for academic credit purposes is the semester hour. A semester
hour is equivalent to one hour of recitation or a minimum of 2 hours of laboratory
per week for a semester or an equivalent time for a shorter term. Two hours
of preparation for each classroom hour, on the average, are expected.
Grading
The faculty definition of grades, and the point system designed to indicate
quality of work, is as follows:
A - Designates exceptional work, 4 points per semester hour.
B - Designates superior work, 3 points per semester hour.
C - Designates satisfactory work, 2 points per semester hour.
D - Designates poor work, 1 point per semester hour.
F - Designates failure, 0 points per semester hour.
P - Passed the course.
NC - No credit awarded for the course.
Non-grade Designators:
I - Designates course has not been completed and a final grade has not
been assigned. (The "I" must be removed within first 60 days of the
semester immediately following or it is changed to an "F." Any extension
must have written approval of the instructor and dean. This policy does not
apply to senior honors research papers, graduate thesis or dissertation hours.
The student must secure the permit from the Registrar's Office and take
it to the instructor before offering work of any kind toward making up the "I"
grade.)
Q - Removed from the course by an academic dean.
W - Officially withdrew from the course.
AU - Officially audited the course.
Pass/No Credit. Undergraduate students may elect a pass/no credit grading
option. They may do so by indicating their choice in writing to the office of
the Registrar not later than the date listed in the academic calendar for electing
the pass/no credit grading option. Courses taken on a pass/no credit basis are
graded "P" (pass) and "NC" (no credit). These P/NC courses
are not counted in computing the student's grade point average. A "P"
course, however, will carry credit hours and be used toward a student's
total hours required for graduation. A "P" indicates achievement equivalent
to "A," "B" and "C." Achievement equivalent to
a "D" and "F" results in the grade of "NC." Students
earn no credit hours in courses in which the grade of "NC" is received.
Before using this option, the student should be aware that some majors and
degree programs may limit the applicability of courses graded on a P/NC basis.
Courses that are offered only with the P/NC grade will be accepted for meeting
requirements in a major or degree program and financial aid eligibility. Furthermore,
courses offered only with the P/NC grade will not be counted toward a limit
on the number P/NC hours that may be applied to a major or degree program. The
student should also check on the acceptability of P/NC grades by any honor societies
or graduate schools in which the student may be interested. The P/NC option
is not allowed in any English as a Foreign Language (ENFL) course. Any questions
or exceptions concerning the P/NC option should be directed to the dean of the
college of the student's major.
Student-Initiated Withdrawal. The purpose of student-initiated withdrawal
from courses is to enhance the learning opportunity in a program of study. On
recognition that a student may lack the background needed for the mastery of
course content, the subject matter in a course does not match student need or
interest as anticipated, or that course requirements will limit effective appropriation
of learning in a semester's overall program of study, a student may officially
withdraw from a course and receive a "W" in accordance with the policy
stated below.
Mere absence from a class does not constitute withdrawal. In order to withdraw
from a course, a student must go through official established procedure.
By following established procedures, students may withdraw from any class until
five (5) academic days following the published date mid-semester reports of
unsatisfactory work are due to the Registrar. The date of withdrawal for all
purposes, including tuition adjustment, shall be the date of official withdrawal.
There will be no withdrawals after this date during the fall and spring semesters,
or a comparable period during a shorter term.
Any student who experiences unusual hardship may seek special consideration
through a written petition to the dean of the college in which he or she is
enrolled. Petitions should, where possible, be documented with supporting statements
from a doctor, counselor, or family member. That a student is doing unsatisfactory
work in a course will not be taken as sufficient reason for special consideration.
If, in the opinion of the dean, the request is justified, a grade of Q (dropped
by the dean's permission) may be assigned by the dean after consultation
with (1) the instructor of the course, (2) the chairman of the department, and
(3) the dean of the college in which the course is offered. Any dean assigning
a Q will notify the Registrar's Office.
Audit Enrollment (Course visitor). Occasional visitation of classes by
students is allowed with the consent of the instructor. Any extended attendance
requires enrollment as an audit. Auditors are admitted to classes on a space-available
basis only. An audit fee is charged. TCU Scholars (See Recognitions section)
are given the opportunity to audit one class (for which auditing is permitted)
without fee within 12 months after notification of eligibility. TCU Scholars
will be expected to follow the established regulations for auditors. The following
regulations are applicable:
1. Certain classes-laboratory and clinical classes, Ranch Management day
classes, laboratory sections of lecture classes, activity and performance classes
such as in studio art, music and ballet-may not be audited. (Evening Ranch
Management classes may be audited at full tuition and fees.)
2. The only period during which students may register for an audit or change
a credit class to audit is from the second day of late registration to the last
day of late registration as published in the University calendar. It is recommended
that prospective students consult the instructors of courses in which they are
interested before they register. Students wishing to audit graduate courses
must be admitted for graduate study and have written approval of either the
instructor of the course for which they wish to register or the dean of the
college in which the course is taught.
3. Classroom recitation and participation may be restricted at the discretion
of the instructor; no grade is assigned and no credit is awarded.
4. If credit is desired, the student must register for and repeat the regular
course after paying regular tuition.
5. The student's name will appear on the instructor's class roll.
In order for "AU" to appear on the transcript, however, the instructor
must certify at the end of the semester that the student has attended as an
auditor. Audits not approved by the instructor as a final grade will be omitted
from the student record.
Grade Point Average
Two grade point averages are maintained by Texas Christian University: (1) a
semester average based on courses taken at TCU during a particular term, and
(2) a cumulative average based on all work attempted at TCU.
A student's grade point average (GPA) is computed by dividing the number
of grade points (grade points are earned per semester hour for the successful
completion of academic work) by the number of hours (total credit hours attempted
at TCU, excluding those attempted on a pass/no credit basis).
Repeating a Course. If a course taken at TCU is repeated at TCU, the
official grade is the last letter grade made although all grades appear on the
transcript. Only the last letter grade earned in the repeated course will be
used in computing the GPA.
If a course is taken at TCU and then repeated at another institution, or if
a course is taken at another institution and then repeated at TCU, only the
grade earned at TCU is used to compute the student's GPA. Credit for any
given course, regardless of where it was taken, may be counted only once.
The student is responsible for notifying the Registrar when a course is repeated.
Transfer Credit. Transfer credit is identified on the academic record
as the total number of credit hours accepted from each institution attended
and is added to the total number of cumulative earned hours. Transfer credit
hours may satisfy degree requirements but are not used in the calculation of
the cumulative GPA.
Pass/No Credit. Pass/no credit courses are disregarded in the calculation
of the student's GPA.
Credit by Examination and Portfolio Assessment. Credit earned by examination
or portfolio assessment is not assigned a letter grade and is not included in
the calculation of the cumulative GPA.
Course Credit
Credit for Transfer Work. Students transferring to TCU must present a
record of all transfer work for evaluation to the Office of Admissions for approval
by the appropriate academic dean prior to their enrollment in the University.
Transfer course work not presented prior to enrollment may not be counted toward
a degree.
After enrolling at TCU, all students must receive prior written approval of
the appropriate academic dean if they wish to take courses at another institution
and have those courses count toward a degree at TCU. Transcripts of course work
taken elsewhere must reach the Registrar's office within 30 days of completion
of the course work. Course work taken without prior written approval may not
be applied to a degree.
Credit for Study Abroad. TCU will accept as transfer credit courses taken
by students enrolled in approved foreign colleges or universities if prior written
approval is obtained from the appropriate academic dean.
Students who enroll at those foreign colleges or universities with which the
University has a formal agreement of institutional affiliation may exercise
the following option. Students have the option as to whether or not the courses
taken during the foreign study will be used to meet residency requirements,
in which case the grades in these courses will be computed in the official TCU
grade point average. Students must declare their intent in writing prior to
the period of foreign study and said declaration is irrevocable. The office
of the Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs will maintain a list of those institutions
with which TCU has a formal agreement of institutional affiliation. The Study
Abroad Coordinator will assist students in making arrangement for foreign study.
Credit by Examination. Students may earn academic credit for university-level
learning by taking an examination in the appropriate area. Credit granted usually
can be used to satisfy specific and general degree requirements. Credit by examination
will not be awarded after the student has completed 66 hours of college credit.
For the currently enrolled student, the following conditions apply:
1. The approval of the academic dean must be obtained before taking CLEP or
other recognized examinations for credit.
2. Credit by examination will not be awarded for a prerequisite course if credit
has been earned in an upper division course.
3. Credit earned by examination is not assigned a letter grade, and is not counted
toward special recognition or honors.
4. Duplicate credit is not allowed by enrolling in and completing a course for
which credit was earned by examination.
5. Credit may be earned through selected CLEP General and Subject Examinations,
College Board Achievement Test in Foreign Languages, and through locally constructed
examinations.
For the entering student, the following conditions apply:
1. TCU grants credit in some subject areas through the following standardized
examination programs: College Board Advanced Placement (AP); College Level Examination
Program (CLEP); College Board Achievement Tests in Foreign Languages (ACH);
International Baccalaureate (IB).
2. Credit may be obtained through the following institutional examinations:
Locally constructed examinations in nursing; Conference examinations in music;
Audition examination in ballet and/or modern dance; Certain non-U.S. Advance
Level National Examinations.
3. Credit by examination awarded at another college or university will be honored
by TCU if it is based on the same test(s) and minimum scores required at TCU.
4. Credit in English Composition earned by examination will be honored if it
appears on an official college transcript.
5. A student whose native language is not English may satisfy the foreign language
requirement for the B.A. degree by demonstrating proficiency in English through
a specified score on TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language). Although
the language requirement will be satisfied, no semester hour credit will be
awarded.
The Credit by Examination procedures are reviewed and updated annually. The
current brochure, Credit by Exam, is available in the Office of Admissions,
Sadler Hall Room 112.
Credit for Military Service. The University follows, with limitations,
the recommendations of the American Council on Education as published in the
Guide to the Evaluation of Educational Experiences in the Armed Forces in granting
credit for military service schools. At a minimum, the following limitation
applies:
Courses must be in the "baccalaureate/associate degree category''
as defined by the ACE guide. This precludes acceptance of vocational, technical
or certificate category courses, or military occupational specialties or job
experience.
For consideration of credit for military service schools, the applicant may
submit the following military records:
1. a certified original of the DD Form 295, or
2. a copy of the DD Form 214, or
3. course completion certificates.
The Office of the Registrar will assist persons eligible for veterans educational
assistance benefits.
Credit for Nonresidential Course Work. As a general rule, TCU does not
accept nonresidential courses taken prior to enrollment at TCU. However, a student
may petition the appropriate academic dean to grant credit. Nonresidential courses
taken while a student is in residence at TCU require prior written permission
of the appropriate dean if the courses are to be applied toward a TCU degree.
Academic Load
The student should regularly consult with his/her academic advisor, but the
student must know the academic requirements of his/her degree program and plan
accordingly for a timely graduation. After consultation with the academic advisor
the student will select the appropriate courses and number of credit hours to
be taken each semester. Decisions regarding the number of hours to be taken
and class scheduling will differ among students based upon many variables, e.g.,
academic preparedness and commitments to out-of-class activities. The University's
web-based registration allows a student to register for up to 18 semester hours.
The student seeking to register for more than 18 hours must do so in the Registrar's
Office. Students enrolled through the Office of Extended Education must obtain
approval of the director to register for more than 7 semester hours.
Student Classification
A student's classification is determined by the amount of credit earned
or the degree for which the student is a candidate, as shown below:
Freshman - 0-23 semester hours
Sophomore - 24-53 semester hours
Junior - 54-83 semester hours
Senior - 84 and above semester hours
Graduate - Student enrolled for graduate study or in Brite Divinity School
Post Graduate - Student who possesses a baccalaureate degree but is not
pursuing an advanced degree program
Special-Unclassified
Interpretation of Course Abbreviations
Each course is assigned a five-digit number. The first digit indicates the level
(year) at which the course is offered; the second, third and fourth digits distinguish
one course from another within the same department; the fifth digit reflects
the amount of semester hour credit assigned to the course. In indicating the
level or year of the course, 0 is used for subfreshman; 1 for freshman; 2 for
sophomore; 3 for junior; 4 for senior; 5 for senior-graduate; and 6, 7, 8 and
9 for graduate.
The fifth digit shows semester hour credit with one exception-zero is assigned
those courses which include one or more of the following features: noncredit;
credit value includes a fraction; the course has a variable credit value which
is determined at the time of enrollment on an individual basis.
Thus the course, "English 10803" (or ENGL "10803") is a
freshman level course (first digit) which carries 3 semester hours of credit
(fifth digit). The three middle digits (second, third and fourth) identify it
as a specific course in the English Department.
When the term "advanced courses" is used, it refers to those of junior
rank (30000 level) or higher.
In designating courses, departments use the four-letter subject code (such as
"ENGL" for English) that has been devised for web-based registration.
The codes are to be interpreted as follows:
ACCT - Accounting
AEST - Aerospace Studies
ANTH - Anthropology
ART - Art
BALT - Ballet
BIOL - Biology
BUAD - Business Administration
CHEM - Chemistry
CHIN - Chinese
CISC - Computer Information Science
COSC - Computer Science
COSD - Communication Sciences & Disorders
CRJU - Criminal Justice
DEMT - Design, Merchandising, & Textiles
DESC - Decision Science
EBUS - Electronic Business
ECON - Economics
EDEC - Child Studies
EDEL - Elementary Education
EDRE - Language Studies
EDSE - Secondary Education
EDSP - Exceptional Students
EDUC - General Education
ENFL - English as a Foreign Language
ENGL - English
ENGR - Engineering
FINA - Finance
FNRT - Fine Arts Interdisciplinary
FREN - French
GEOG - Geography
GEOL - Geology
GERM - German
GREE - Greek
HCOL - Honors Colloquia
HHIT - Honors Intellectual Traditions
HIST - History
HLTH - Health Education
HNRS - Honors: Origins & Images
HSPR - Honors: Special Problems
ITAL - Italian
JAPN - Japanese
JOUR - Journalism
KINE - Kinesiology
LATI - Latin
LAST - Latin American Studies
MANA - Management
MARK - Marketing
MATH - Mathematics
MISC - Military Science
MODA - Modern Dance
MUSI - Music
MUSP - Music Performance
NTDT - Nutritional Sciences
NURS - Nursing
PEAC - PE Activity Courses
PHIL - Philosophy
PHYS - Physics & Astronomy
POSC - Political Science
PSYC - Psychology
RAMA - Ranch Management
RELI - Religion
RUSS - Russian
RTVF - Radio-TV-Film
SOCI - Sociology
SOWO - Social Work
SPAN - Spanish
SPCO - Speech Communication
THEA - Theatre
WOST - Women's Studies
Grade Reports
Grades are reported to students at the end of each semester and summer term.
Reports will also be made at mid-semester on undergraduate students who are
doing unsatisfactory work in one or more subjects. Unsatisfactory shall be defined
as "D" or "F" work. Mid-semester reports of unsatisfactory
work are not made a part of the official university transcript.
Academic Conduct Policy
Information pertaining to the Academic Conduct Policy may be found in the Student
Services section of this Bulletin. Students may obtain a complete copy of the
policy statement in the offices of all academic deans, the Dean of Campus Life,
the Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs, and the Vice Chancellor for Student
Affairs.
Academic Standing and Satisfactory Academic Progress
A student is considered to be in "Acceptable Academic Standing" if
the student is eligible to continue his/her enrollment at TCU. Verification
of this status is made by the Registrar.
A student is considered to be making "Satisfactory Academic Progress"
when the student is in Acceptable Academic Standing and course work is being
completed (1) that leads to the degree being sought, (2) in a timely manner,
and (3) which is consistent with reasonable expectations for individual circumstances.
Satisfactory Academic Progress is determined by the academic dean of the major.
Dismissal, Suspension, or Expulsion
for the Lack of Academic Progress, Disruptive Behavior, or Professional Misconduct
A faculty member has both the authority and the responsibility to dismiss a
student from any educational setting for which he/she is responsible if, in
the faculty member's judgment, the student's behavior or lack of preparation
is detrimental to the educational experience of others or could create unsafe
conditions. Any such dismissal is reported, in writing, to his/her academic
dean as soon as possible after the event.
Students may be withdrawn with a grade of "F" from individual courses
for lack of academic progress, disruptive or unsafe behavior, or lack of preparation
upon the recommendation of the faculty member and the approval of the appropriate
academic dean.
Students may be suspended or expelled from the University at the discretion
of the appropriate academic dean at such times as the student's performance
of behavior clearly demonstrates that the student is not interested in, or making
acceptable academic progress. Likewise, an academic dean has both the authority
and the responsibility to take action, including dismissal, suspension, or expulsion
from a program of study or the University itself, if a student's conduct
is determined to be contrary to the professional and ethical standards of a
field. If a student is suspended or expelled from the University, a grade of
"F" or a designation of "Q" will be recorded for each course
in progress as determined appropriate by the dean, and the transcript will note
suspension or expulsion.
Students may appeal by contacting the chair of the Academic Appeals Committee.
Attendance and Absence Policies
The University attendance policy is that regular and punctual class attendance
is essential and no assigned work is excused because of absence, no matter what
the cause. Records of class attendance are kept by faculty. When an accumulation
of absences reaches the point of endangering a student's academic status,
the faculty member should report this situation to the Campus Life Office. An
instructor should not assume that continued absence from class indicates an
official withdrawal until notified by the Registrar.
When a student is absent to represent the University (as in athletics, chorus,
band, national or state meetings of organizations represented at TCU), then
official University absence may be granted by the Campus Life Office. Faculty/staff
who wish to have an activity sanctioned for official University absence status
must submit the names of all students, including date and hours absent from
campus, to the Campus Life Office no later than one week prior to the date of
the activity. The Dean of Campus Life reviews and approves the request as appropriate
and forwards the names for publication and distribution to all faculty through
the departmental/college offices. Faculty are required to permit students to
make up work missed because of official University absences.
Serious illness or family emergencies may be verified by the Campus Life Office
but are not considered official absences. Illnesses that will be verified are
those involving hospitalization, or catastrophic accidents or illness. When
a serious illness or emergency has been verified, each instructor should assist
the student to make up any missed work. Time lost through such absences should
NOT prejudice class standing. Faculty members should specify the appropriate
time frame for making up missed work.
Students who miss an instructional experience are expected to meet with faculty
to discuss their absence as soon as possible. Faculty may permit a student to
make up missed work or assess a penalty for class absence.
Family Educational Rights and Privacy
Act
This Federal law states (a) that a written institutional policy must be established
and (b) that a statement of adopted procedures covering the privacy rights of
students be made available. The law provides that the institution maintain the
confidentiality of student education records.
The University accords all the rights under the law to its students. Students
wishing access to a complete copy of the regulation and the University policy
governing their educational records may do so at these locations: Vice Chancellor
for Academic Affairs, Sadler Hall Room 302; Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs,
Sadler Hall Room 310; Dean of Campus Life, Sadler Hall Room 101; Registrar,
Sadler Hall Room 17; or Scholarships and Financial Aid, Sadler Hall Room 108.
There are six rights, which are summarized here:
1. The Right to be Informed. The University will give the students an annual
notice of their rights and where copies of the policy may be reviewed.
2. The Right to Inspect. Students may inspect information contained in their
educational record provided they make a written request to the custodian of
the records. The request must be granted no later than 45 days from the receipt
of the request.
3. Right to Limited Control of Release. No one outside the institution shall
have access to, nor will the University disclose identifiable information from
the educational records without written consent of the students, except directory
information or other exceptions permitted by the Act, which the student has
not refused to permit the University to disclose.
4. Right to Request a Change. Students may request that the record be amended
if they feel the information is inaccurate, misleading, or in violation of the
rights of privacy. The University will decide whether to change the record.
The student may place a rebuttal in the record.
5. Right to a Hearing. If the University chooses not to amend the record, the
student may request a hearing. The request must be in writing to the Vice Chancellor
for Student Affairs or the Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs. The student
will be notified of the time, date, and place of the hearing.
6. Right to Report Alleged Violations. Students who feel their rights have been
abridged may file complaints with the Family Educational Rights and Privacy
Act Office, Department of Education, Washington, D.C. 20201.
At its discretion TCU may provide directory information in accordance with the
provisions of the Act to include: student name, address, telephone number, church
affiliation or preference, name of parents of dependent students, date and place
of birth, major field of study, dates of attendance, degrees and awards received,
the most recent previous educational agency or institution attended by the student,
participation in officially recognized activities and sports, and weight and
height of members of athletic teams. It is also permissible for the University
to release information from a student's educational record to a parent,
provided the student is a "dependent" as defined in Section 152 of
the Internal Revenue Code of 1954. Students may withhold directory information
by notifying the Registrar in writing. Requests for nondisclosure will be honored
for only one academic year; therefore, authorization to withhold directory information
must be filed annually in the Office of the Registrar.
Transcripts of Academic Records
Students and former students may request official transcripts of their TCU academic
record from the Office of the Registrar. While official copies of high school
records and transfer credits from schools other than TCU must be requested from
the institutions where the work was taken, unofficial copies may be requested
from TCU. All transcript requests must be made by the student and must be in
writing. Adequate notice, normally one week, is required for transcript processing.
Transcripts cost $2.00 each. Transcripts will not be released unless the student
has satisfied all financial obligations to the University.
Affirmative Action
If there are matters having to do with discrimination, or matters concerning
access for the handicapped, please notify the Affirmative Action Officer, Dr.
Cornell Thomas, Sadler Hall, Room 325, Extension 7796.
Academic Probation and Suspension
All undergraduate students are required to meet certain academic standards.
Academic probation/suspension policies are designed to provide careful supervision
of the program of study and progress of the student. Failure to meet standards
will place students on academic probation or academic suspension. The minimum
satisfactory record at TCU for normal progress and graduation is an overall
"C" average on all work taken at TCU.
Each semester's grades are reviewed to determine attainment of academic
standards. Students are required to maintain academic progress according to
the standards set forth below. Failure to meet these expectations will result
in the following action:
Academic Warning. Students will be placed on Academic Warning if they
have attempted (i.e., received a grade) at least 9 semester hours but fewer
than 18 total semester hours at any accredited institution and their cumulative
TCU grade point average falls below 2.00. Academic Warning will not become a
part of the official transcript. Students will be placed on Academic Warning
only once during their matriculation at TCU.
Academic Probation. Students who fail to achieve:
A. a 2.00 cumulative TCU grade point average in any semester of attendance following
Academic Warning will be placed on Academic Probation, or,
B. a 2.00 cumulative TCU grade point average in any semester of attendance will
be placed on Academic Probation if they have attempted 18 or more cumulative
semester hours at any accredited institution.
Academic Probation will become part of their official transcript.
Academic Suspension. Students who have been placed on Academic Probation
at any time during their matriculation at TCU will be subject to Academic Suspension
if they fail to maintain a 2.00 cumulative grade point average at TCU in any
subsequent semester of attendance.
Students who are subject to Academic Suspension will have their academic progress
reviewed by their academic dean and will be notified in writing as to the Academic
Suspension decision and any special conditions for re-enrollment. A student's
suspension may be for a single semester or for a full calendar year and may
or may not include summer terms, at the discretion of the dean of the student's
major. A second suspension will be for a minimum of a full calendar year.
Following suspension the student must apply for re-enrollment to the University.
Re-enrollment requires the approval of the academic dean of the student's
intended major. Credit earned from another college or university during a period
of academic-related suspension may not be transferred to TCU.
Academic Suspension will become part of their official transcript.
Students Returning to the University Following Suspension. A student
re-enrolled in the University following a period of suspension is automatically
on probation.
Requirements for Graduation
The University requirements for graduation (e.g., University Curriculum, total
credits and residence requirements) specified in the Undergraduate Studies Bulletin
in effect at the time the student first enrolls at TCU as a degree-seeking student
will be those required for graduation for a period of time not to exceed 6 (six)
years. A year is defined as the 12-month period following the date of initial
enrollment.
The major, college and specific degree requirements for graduation in effect
when the student formally declares a specific major (or his/her intent to pursue
a specific major) will be those required for graduation for a period of time
not to exceed 6 (six) years from the time of declaration of major.
After 6 (six) years, requirements for graduation will be those specified in
the Bulletin in effect at that time. A student may graduate under the requirements
of a subsequent Bulletin, but he/she must satisfy all the requirements of the
Bulletin chosen. When a student pursues a degree on a part-time basis, his/her
enrollment pattern at TCU is a factor the academic dean may consider to determine
whether an exception will be made to the 6-year rule.
The University faculty expects a bachelor's degree from TCU to indicate
both a breadth of knowledge and comparative mastery of some field. Thus the
curricula for all bachelor's degrees are built around:
1. Study in specified subject areas as stated in the University Curriculum,
and
2. Concentration upon a combination of related courses as outlined by the department,
school or college in which study is emphasized, and
3. In some cases, "free electives" or other courses through which
educational goals can be reached.
Since an important goal of the University is to help its students learn the
ways and habits of articulate thought, the rationale for the University Curriculum
is the belief that there exists an identifiable body of studies central to achieving
that goal. All bachelor's degree plans include these requirements. Each
school and college may require some variation, and students should refer to
the specific degree requirements found in the school and college sections of
this bulletin.
University Curriculum Requirements
(UCR)
Texas Christian University seeks to provide undergraduate instruction that will
help its students (1) understand the social and physical world, (2) appreciate
our history and cultures, (3) develop the capacity for rational choices, creative
thinking and expression, and responsible citizenship, (4) cultivate the skills
needed for the lifelong pursuit of learning. To serve these objectives the University
Curriculum Requirements include Foundations-requirements in written expression
and in mathematics; and Explorations -requirements in specified areas of
human knowledge and experience.
I. FOUNDATIONS: 9 credit hours
The Foundations requirements, which include courses to refine and enhance
skills in critical reading, written composition, and mathematics, allow students
beginning the undergraduate curriculum to increase their proficiency in these
essential skills.
A. Writing Requirement - 6 credit hours, and the Writing Emphasis
Experience
1. Writing Workshop - 6 credit hours
This requirement is to be met by courses designated "Writing Workshop,"
with no more than three of these hours in freshman-level study. Writing Workshop
courses assume the student's successful completion of four units of high
school English.
This requirement is to be met by at least one course in various modes
of composition, including analytical writing and research techniques and writing.
Both writing courses are to include a reading component providing composition
models of suitable kinds. Student writing in these courses is expected to increase
competence in grammar, mechanics, and other conventions customary in written
discourse.
AP or CLEP credit may satisfy up to 6 hours of the writing requirement.
2. Writing Emphasis Experience
To allow juniors and seniors to increase their writing skills, the University
Curriculum includes a writing emphasis component. This requirement, which ordinarily
should not increase the credit hours required by the University Curriculum,
is to be satisfied by two upper-division courses (three credit hours for each)
with a "writing emphasis" designation. Because any academic unit of
the University may offer courses with a writing emphasis, courses satisfying
other baccalaureate degree requirements may also meet the writing emphasis requirement
of the University Curriculum. Writing should occur throughout the course and
total a minimum of 2500 words.
B. Mathematics - 3 credit hours
This requirement is to be satisfied by Department of Mathematics courses
at or above the freshman level. Appropriate courses assume the student's
successful completion of three units of high school mathematics: two in algebra
and one in geometry.
AP or CLEP credit may satisfy this requirement.
II. EXPLORATIONS: 36 credit hours
The Explorations requirements assure that all baccalaureate candidates encounter
certain broad areas of knowledge. Through this experience, the student will
gain knowledge and perspectives by studying various domains of human knowledge
and experience.
The Explorations requirements allow no more than 6 credit hours from courses
in a single department or in that department's cross-listed courses. This
limitation applies regardless of the UCR groups in which the department's
course offerings appear. Approved integrative courses are excluded from this
restriction.
Satisfactory fulfillment of an Explorations section requires completion
of a prescribed minimum number of credit hours and not more than a stated maximum
number of credit hours. Minimum requirements of the four sections total thirty
credit hours. The additional 6 credit hours may be selected from any of the
four sections but the credit hour maximum of a section may not be exceeded.
A. Physical and Life Sciences - minimum of 6 credit hours, maximum
of 9 credit hours
(NOTE: Courses in mathematics and computer science do not satisfy this requirement.)
6 credit hours must be in laboratory courses such as those offered in biology,
chemistry, geology, physics, psychology.
The purpose of the requirement is to include study in scientific disciplines
in which observation, deduction, and analytical reasoning are essential methods.
The requirement also ensures that students gain an understanding of scientific
discoveries achieved by such methods.
Courses meeting this requirement involve observing experimental parameters,
recording and interpreting such observations, and drawing conclusions based
on appropriate theoretical frameworks. The experimental dimension is to include
appropriate mathematical concepts and applications. Students are also required
to demonstrate their ability to present such material in a narrative form.
B. Social Sciences - minimum of 6 credit hours, maximum of 9 credit
hours
The 6 hour minimum is to be satisfied by courses using the methods of one
or more of the social sciences. The courses customarily will include study of
institutions as they affect individuals and groups. The approach to such study
is through disciplines such as economics, political science, and sociology.
C. Cultural Heritage - minimum of 12 credit hours, maximum of 15
credit hours
The minimum must be distributed as specified below. The additional
3 hours can be in any subsection of Section C. Students are encouraged to take
courses which explore cultures other than their own.
1. Religion-Studies - minimum of 3 credit hours. Courses satisfying this
requirement examine the role of religion in human culture, with this examination
directed to a single religion or to a comparative consideration of major religions.
These courses include appropriate historical study as well as texts important
to the religions.
2. Historical Studies - minimum of 3 credit hours. The minimum is to be
met by a 3-credit-hour course in U.S. historical studies. Courses meeting this
requirement make evident the methods of history. Such courses may be general
in their subject matter or specific or topical in focus, but are to encourage
the development of a critical and evaluative attitude toward historical texts
and sources.
3. Critical Inquiry - minimum of 3 credit hours. Courses satisfying this
requirement are primarily critical/evaluative in approach. This approach can
be applied to modes of inquiry, to methods in various disciplines, or to public
issues and contemporary views. These courses make evident the individual's
responsibility for making informed decisions.
4. Fine Arts - minimum of 3 credit hours. The requirement is to be met
by critical and/or historical courses studying one or more of the fine arts
(e.g., theater, music, visual arts). Performance courses do not satisfy this
requirement.
D. Language and Oral Communication/Literature - minimum of 6 credit
hours, maximum of 9 credit hours
If foreign language study is used to meet this requirement, the 6-credit-hour
minimum must be in the same language. The language requirement can be satisfied
by AP or CLEP credit.
Students electing the oral communication/literature option are to meet the
minimum in both of these disciplines.
1. Foreign Language - minimum of 6 credit hours. Foreign Language courses
at or above the freshman level satisfy this requirement.
2. Oral Communication and Literature - minimum of 6 credit hours.
a. Oral Communication - minimum of 3 credit hours. This requirement is
satisfied by courses directed to developing skills in oral communication;
to training in clear, logical, and persuasive communication appropriate
in various contexts; and to evaluating such communication.
b. Literature - minimum of 3 credit hours. Courses satisfying this requirement
enable students to learn to analyze and criticize literary texts. These
courses are to include appropriate historical, biographical, and ideological materials,
and to be developed around a single writer or group of writers, a period, a
literary form or genre, and/or critical theories by which the same works
are examined by various means.
III. HEALTH CONCEPTS/PHYSICAL EDUCATION: 2 credit hours
One credit hour of this requirement must be in a course presenting health
concepts and strategies important for continuing participation in a sport or
exercise. Such one-hour courses may also include instruction in mind-body interaction,
stress management, nutrition, and physical exercise as important to health maintenance.
The second credit hour of this requirement may be satisfied by an additional
health concepts course. If the second credit hour is satisfied by an activity
course, the following substitutions are allowed:
1. Veterans of the Armed Forces may substitute 1 semester hour of academic credit
for a Physical Education activity course.
2. ROTC courses in which the student participates in leadership laboratory may
be substituted for a Physical Education activity course.
3. Students who participate in the Marching Band or in a Dance technique course
may substitute these for Physical Education activity.
4. Students with physical disabilities may substitute 1 hour of academic credit
for a Physical Education activity course. To qualify, students must obtain approval
of the University physician.
Successfully completed Physical Education courses presented from institutions
which grant no credit, or less than one credit hour for a semester course, may
be used to fulfill TCU requirements. However, students who receive course credit
will receive no more semester hour credit than was allowed by the issuing institution.
NOTES:
1. 6 hours of UCR credits in a given department may be applied to other baccalaureate
requirements in that department such as those for major, minor, teaching specialty,
etc.
2. Students transferring to TCU must complete a minimum of 6 hours in Writing
Emphasis courses and also satisfy the Critical Inquiry requirement at TCU.
3. No more than 8 semester hours of Physical Education activity courses may
be applied toward graduation requirements.
Total Credits and Residence Requirements
Beyond the curricular requirements, each candidate for a bachelor's degree
is required to:
1. Successfully complete at least 124 semester hours of credit.
2. Earn, under the point system of the University, a cumulative GPA of at least
2.0 in all work attempted at TCU (including courses attempted during foreign
study which are designated by the student to fulfill residency requirements),
earn a cumulative GPA of at least 2.0 in all courses attempted in the department
of the major at TCU (including courses attempted during foreign study which
are designated by the student to fulfill residency requirements), and earn a
cumulative GPA of at least 2.0 in all courses applied to the minor (including
courses attempted during foreign study which are designated by the student to
fulfill residency requirements). Some major and minor programs may require a
GPA greater than 2.0.
3. Do residence work in this university earning at least 58 semester hours applicable
to the degree program in addition to any number accepted from other schools.
To be eligible for graduation with honors and to receive certain awards and
recognitions, additional hours may be required (see Honors and Recognitions
section). The last 30 semester hours for the degree must be taken at TCU
except as provided for in certain degree programs.
4. Successfully complete at TCU at least 42 of the total hours required for
graduation in advanced courses numbered 3000 or above.
5. Successfully complete at TCU at least 12 semester hours of advanced work
in the field of the major and at least 6 semester hours of advanced work in
the field of the minor.
Declaration of an Academic Major
The premajor option is intended to provide students with more time to explore
academic majors. Students may not remain nor declare as premajors after they
have earned 54 semester hours of credit. The premajor student must formally
declare a major by filing the "Change of Major" form with the Office
of the Registrar.
Multiple Majors
Although students are encouraged to seek a broad educational experience at TCU,
the approval to earn multiple majors is not automatic. In some cases, receiving
multiple majors may require actually earning multiple degrees. Because the requirements
of multiple majors and multiple degrees are complex, students wishing to pursue
more than one major should investigate major and degree requirements early in
their career at TCU (i.e., refer to the appropriate school/college section of
this Bulletin which delineates the requirements for multiple majors and degrees).
To pursue multiple majors or degrees, written permission from the academic dean
responsible for each major or degree is required and must be filed with the
Registrar's office.
Additional Bachelor's Degrees
A TCU student who wishes to pursue multiple bachelor's degrees concurrently
must (a) declare his/her intent and file all degree plans prior to completing
the last 15 hours of the first degree; (b) fulfill all specific major, college/school
and University degree requirements in force at the time of his/her initial enrollment
(subject to the 6-year limitation); and (c) successfully complete 30 hours on
each bachelor's degree that did not apply toward any of the other bachelor's
degrees. A minimum of 154 cumulative semester hours is required to earn two
bachelor's degrees.
To return to TCU to earn an additional bachelor's degree, an applicant
holding a bachelor's degree from TCU must apply to pursue a specific degree
and, if admitted, must successfully complete 30 semester hours at TCU which
did not apply to the first degree and fulfill all specific major, college/school
and University degree requirements in force at the time of enrollment at TCU
for the additional degree. A minimum of 154 cumulative semester hours is required
to earn two bachelor's degrees.
An applicant holding a bachelor's degree from another accredited institution
must be accepted to pursue a specific degree, successfully complete a minimum
of 58 semester hours in residence at TCU, and fulfill all specific major, college/school
and University degree requirements in force at the time of enrollment at TCU
for the additional degree.
Courses applied toward a previously earned bachelor's degree will be evaluated
on an individual basis to determine their applicability to University degree
requirements.
Degree Plan
The undergraduate should make a formal request for a degree plan from the Office
of the Dean of the college or school in which the degree objective is offered.
The request should be made when the student has completed 60 semester hours
unless the school or college specifies an earlier time in its section of the
bulletin. After a degree is awarded, no subsequent work may be applied to that
degree.
Student's Responsibility
Faculty, academic advisors and deans are available to help students understand
and meet academic requirements for a degree, but the students themselves are
responsible for understanding and fulfilling them. If requirements are not satisfied,
the degree will be withheld pending adequate fulfillment. Thus it is essential
that each student become familiar with all requirements and remain currently
informed throughout the college career.