Requirements and restrictions College of Natural Sciences

In addition to submitting a complete application for admission, freshman applicants to the College of Natural Sciences should also review the following information regarding the calculus pre-requisite for incoming freshmen, entry-level majors, and special application requirements for the college’s honors programs.

Calculus Pre-requisite

The number one indicator for success in the College of Natural Sciences is the level of math courses taken in high school. All Natural Sciences degrees require completion of a college-level calculus course. To help them prepare for college, prospective students considering a major in the College of Natural Sciences should take at least a beginning calculus (not pre-calculus) course during high school.

Entering Natural Sciences students are also required to take a calculus proficiency exam called ALEKS prior to registering for classes. The purpose of the exam is to test each student’s current knowledge, regardless of Advanced Placement (AP) and dual credit earned. The College of Natural Sciences sends information about ALEKS to students after they are admitted.

Visit the ALEKS section of the Natural Sciences web site for more information.

Students accepted into the College of Natural Sciences who have not met the calculus pre-requisite before arriving as freshmen will be given summer assistance to improve their math skills and will be able to take a calculus placement test immediately before classes begin.

Admission to Entry-level Majors

All Natural Sciences students are admitted to entry-level majors for the field they wish to study. After completing some of the courses required for the degree, each student selects the major and the option he or she plans to pursue.

Honors Programs

Dean's Scholars
The Dean’s Scholars Honors Program is an interdisciplinary honors program that emphasizes research, experimentation and individual discovery. The program is a highly selective honors program that admits only about 30 students each year. The program offers special honors classes including a freshman seminar.

Health Science Honors
The Health Science Honors (HSH) Program is UT Austin's first honors program specifically for students interested in the health professions. In addition to small honors classes, dedicated academic advising and participation in the college's nationally-recognized Freshman Research Initiative, the HSH Program provides access to an extensive array of clinical and research internships, and will provide support for career exploration and a capstone health sciences presentation.

Turing Scholars
The Turing Scholars Program offers an intensive, accelerated path through the core computer science curriculum. The program exposes student to concepts and ideas typically not encountered until graduate school. Participants take part in undergraduate research and receive increased visibility with corporate recruiters.

To be considered for admission to Dean's Scholars, Health Science Honors or Turing Scholars, applicants must complete and submit a UT Austin Honors Application.

Learn More about Natural Sciences

Still not certain about your major choice? Learn more about the College of Natural Sciences.