Subject area coursework Required High school Courses
Applicants for freshman admission must successfully complete at least 15 1/2 units of high school coursework* in grades 9-12. At least 14 units must fulfill the subject area requirements listed below. One year’s work in a subject counts as one unit; one semester counts as a half unit. You may fulfill your coursework requirements with dual credit courses taken while you’re in high school.
Language Arts |
4 units of English (one unit may be writing, world literature, speech, or journalism). English as a second language (ESL) and correlated language arts do not count as units of English |
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Foreign Language |
2 units (3 recommended) of a single foreign language. American Sign Language may be used to fulfill the foreign language requirement. |
Mathematics |
3 units (4 recommended) at the level of Algebra I or higher: algebra, plane geometry, trigonometry, analytic geometry, elementary analysis, probability and statistics, solid geometry, calculus with analytic geometry, or number theory. Informal geometry, pre-algebra, and mathematics of money are below-achievement-level courses and may not be counted toward the mathematics requirements. Strongly recommended: If you’re interested in studying architecture, business, geosciences, natural sciences, or other technical fields, you should prepare by taking math every year of high school. |
Science |
2 units (3 recommended) of laboratory science. Recommended courses include physical science, biology, chemistry, physics, physiology and anatomy, geology, meteorology, marine science, or astronomy. |
Social Studies |
3 units, which may include anthropology, area studies, ethnic studies, economics, geography, government (civics), philosophy, social science, psychology, sociology, Texas history (advanced), U.S. history, world history, or work/study programs. |
Fine Arts |
1/2 unit of art, dance, music, or theatre arts is strongly recommended. |
Additional Details about Required Coursework
- If you do not complete the required units, you will not be admitted unless you are a Texas resident who qualifies for admission based on your top 10% status.
- If you are the recipient of a bona fide scholarship designated by the University president or you graduate from a high school that does not offer the courses necessary to complete the unit requirements, you may apply to the Director of Admissions for an exception.
- If you are admitted by exception, you will be required to remove deficiencies before you graduate from college; courses you take to remove a deficiency will not count toward your degree.
* Update on High School Requirements
During the 80th Legislative Session the Texas Legislature passed HB 3826 requiring the recommended high school plan (as defined by the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board) as the minimum entrance curriculum for four-year institutions. As a result UT Austin included language in General Information, 2008-2009 aligning its curriculum requirements with the bill’s requirements. After the publication went to print, the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board suspended the legislative changes. As a result, UT Austin will continue to require the high school coursework outlined above until further review.
Updated 23 August 2007
