Undergraduate Admissions

Admission to The Texas A&M University System and any of its sponsored programs is open to qualified individuals, regardless of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, or educationally unrelated disabilities.

Materials Needed for Application

  1. Students should submit only one application for admission.  The application will arrive to Tarleton within two business days. Please allow 3-5 business days for processing (processing may be longer during peak seasons):
  2. $50 non-refundable application fee
  3. Official transcripts from all high school/colleges previously attended

Optional: SAT/ACT test scores (www.collegeboard.org or www.act.org). Scores can be submitted for individual review for students ranked in the bottom half of their class, TSI exemption and/or scholarship purposes. Test scores should be no more than six years old at the time of admission.

Items 1-3 above must be received before an application can be evaluated. Other documents may be requested if clarification is needed based on answers to application questions, transcript contents or residency determination. Please review sections below regarding specific requirements for items listed above.

Application Deadlines

Materials should be on file well in advance of registration to allow time for processing. Documents are processed in the order they are received. Enforced deadlines could be extended since there are multiple start dates within each fall, spring and summer term.  Please refer to our application deadlines for further information.
If a student would like to change their semester of entry, they must complete the Change of Semester Request Form for review. Official documents received for a previous term may be added to the new application. If a student has completed coursework since applying with Tarleton, they must provide final official transcript(s).  

Application Fee

Students applying for admission to Tarleton are required to pay a non-refundable application processing fee of $50. Credit card payments can be made at the time of electronic submission of their application or in the Tarleton payment portal. Tarleton accepts fee waivers if students meet qualifications. 

Official High School Transcripts

A freshman applicant who has not graduated from high school at the time of application must submit an official transcript indicating grades, projected high school program, projected graduation date and class rank and/or GPA.

A freshman applicant who has graduated from high school at the time of application and transfer applicants with less than 12 semester hours of college credit must submit an official high school transcript that includes date of graduation. The transcript should also include class rank and/or GPA and designation of high school program.

Class rank and/or GPA should be calculated at the end of the 11th grade, middle of the 12th grade, or high school graduation, whichever is most recent when the application is submitted.

If an applicant is accepted with a transcript at the end of the 11th grade (6th semester) or middle of 12th grade (7th semester), he/she must submit an official final high school transcript upon graduation. The transcript must show final class rank and/or GPA, graduation date (not certification of completion date), and a seal (if mailed from the school) displaying the high school program the student completed. Students submitting a final high transcript with a certificate of completion will have their admissions decision revoked and/or have financial aid revoked.  Students admitted for a Summer and Fall term must submit a final high school transcript prior to the Spring registration term at Tarleton. A registration and transcript hold will be placed on the students record and will be removed once the transcript is received. It is best to submit the final transcript as soon as possible after high school graduation if a student is being considered for Texas Grant by the financial aid office.

To be considered official if mailed from the school, the transcript must bear an original signature of a school official and an original school seal.  Transcripts may be sent by the high school counselor through their electronic system. Scanned/emailed copies from the student are not official. 

Foreign transcripts must be evaluated by a NACES or AICE approved foreign credentials evaluation service and must show the course by course evaluation, including GPA and rank when applicable. The service must send the evaluation directly to Tarleton State University, Box T-0030, Stephenville, TX 76402 or by email to admissions@tarleton.edu

Official SAT or ACT test scores

SAT/ACT test scores are optional but are encouraged for individual review, scholarships or TSI exemption.
Official SAT and ACT test scores must be sent directly from the testing agency. Tarleton will not accept test scores from the high school.
Tarleton's SAT code is 6817, www.collegeboard.org
Tarleton's ACT code is 4204, www.act.org

Official College Transcripts

An official transcript is required from every regionally accredited post-secondary institution attended, even if the applicant did not earn course credit, did not receive a course grade or if the course is not transferable. Coursework from college(s) posted on the transcript of another college will not satisfy this requirement.

For readmission to Tarleton, only those transcripts from institutions attended since the last enrollment at Tarleton State University are required; however, transcripts from all institutions on file will be reviewed for readmission purposes.

Faxed copies are not official. Electronic transcripts are considered official transcripts and can be sent through SPEEDE/EDI, eSCRIP-SAFE, Parchment, National Student Clearinghouse and Greenlight. If an email address is required for the request, please use transfer@tarleton.edu. Check with sending institution for availability. Electronic transcripts take 24 to 48 hours to be received from sending institution.

If your transcript cannot be released from your previous school(s) due to transcript holds, you must have those holds cleared and provide an official transcript once your obligations have been satisfied. 

Foreign transcripts must be evaluated by a NACES or AICE approved foreign credentials evaluation service and must show the course by course evaluation, including GPA and rank when applicable. The service must send the evaluation directly to Tarleton State University, Box T-0030, Stephenville, TX 76402 or by email to transfer@tarleton.edu.

Mathematics Placement Policy

The Department of Mathematics has established the following policy for placement into mathematics courses. 

Placement Path 1 (using the NextGen AAF): 

  • Take the NextGen AAF at any testing site (or remotely)
  • Have the score sent to Tarleton (if the NextGen AAF is not taken at the Tarleton Testing Center)

Placement scores:

  • 276 or higher – can be placed into MATH 2413 (Calculus I)
  • 265 or higher – can be placed into MATH 2412 (Precalculus)
  • 260 or higher – can be placed into MATH 1316 (Plane Trigonometry) or into MATH 1325 (Math for Business & Social Sciences II)

Notes:

  • Scores on the NextGen AAF are out of a maximum of 300.
  • Tested Objectives for the NextGen AAF and previously released practice questions are available for free from the College Board.  We encourage students to review the objectives and familiarize themselves with the practice problems prior to taking the NextGen AAF. 
    • Here is a link to a document with released questions from the College Board:  Advanced Algebra and Functions (collegeboard.org)
    • Here is the web address for the document in the event that the link does not work:  https://accuplacer.collegeboard.org/accuplacer/pdf/next-generation-sample-questions-advanced-algebra-and-functions.pdf
  • The NextGen AAF may only be taken one time.  If the student is not satisfied with the score on the NextGen AAF, then the student can pursue another placement path. 
  • The NextGen AAF can be taken at the Tarleton Testing Center (or remotely through the Tarleton Testing Center) at no cost to the student if the student has been admitted to Tarleton State University.  There may be a testing fee if the student chooses a testing site outside of Tarleton.

Placement Path 2 (using ALEKS):

  • Take an initial diagnostic assessment through ALEKS
  • Spend 10 hours in the ALEKS modules based on your performance
  • Take another assessment through ALEKS – this attempt will be your official “placement test”
    • If you are satisfied with your performance, then you are done. (See the placement scores below.)
    • If you are not satisfied with your performance, then spend another 10 hours in the ALEKS modules based on your performance, then take another assessment through ALEKS. 
    • You may continue this cycle for up to 5 total assessments through ALEKS (including the initial diagnostic assessment).

Placement scores:

  • 76 or higher – can be placed into MATH 2413 (Calculus I)
  • 61 or higher – can be placed into MATH 2412 (Precalculus)
  • 61 or higher – can be placed into MATH 1316 (Plane Trigonometry) or into MATH 1325 (Math for Business & Social Sciences II)

Notes:

  • Scores on the mathematics assessments through ALEKS are out of a maximum of 100.
  • ALEKS assessments are taken remotely using online proctoring software.  Contact your academic advisor for more information. 
  • For more information about ALEKS, please see the following:  https://www.mheducation.com/highered/aleksppl.html.
  • Some programs may require a different number of hours in the ALEKS modules between assessments.  See your academic advisor for more information. 

Placement Path 3 (using AP Calculus scores):

If a student comes in with AP Calculus Scores, then the student can earn course credit based on AP scores in the following way (as posted on Tarleton’s Admissions website at https://www.tarleton.edu/admissions/course-credit/):

  • 4 or 5 on the AP Calculus AB Exam – credit for MATH 2413 (Calculus I)
  • 3 on the AP Calculus BC Exam with an AB sub-score of 4 – credit for MATH 2413 (Calculus I)
  • 4 or 5 on the AP Calculus BC Exam – credit for both MATH 2413 (Calculus I) and MATH 2414 (Calculus II)

AP Scores can also be used for placement as follows:

  • 3 or higher on the AP Calculus AB Exam – can be placed into MATH 2413 (Calculus I)
  • 3 or higher on the AB sub-score within the AP Calculus BC Exam – can be placed into MATH 2413 (Calculus I)

Notes:

  • Below 3 on the AP Calculus AB Exam – no placement decision based on this data, but the student can take another placement path like the NextGen AAF or ALEKS if desired
  • Below a 3 on the AB sub-score within the AP Calculus BC Exam – no placement decision based on this data, but the student can take another placement path like the NextGen AAF or ALEKS if desired
  • If a student has scores that give course credit for either MATH 2413 (Calculus I) or MATH 2414 (Calculus II), but the student wishes to actually take the course here, then the student can be placed into Calculus I or II accordingly. 
  • If a program calls for MATH 1314, MATH 1316, MATH 1324, MATH 1325, MATH 1332, or MATH 2412, but the student has credit through an AP test for MATH 2413 or MATH 2414, then we can substitute MATH 2413 or MATH 2414 for the course from the list above so that the student does not have to take the lower course.  Contact your academic advisor for more information.

Placement Path 4 (using AP Precalculus scores):

If a student comes in with an AP Precalculus score, then the student can earn course credit as follows:

  • 4 or 5 on the AP Precalculus Exam – credit for MATH 2412 (Precalculus)

AP Precalculus scores can be used for placement as follows:

  • 3 or higher on the AP Precalculus Exam – can be placed into MATH 2412 (Precalculus) or MATH 1316 (Plane Trigonometry)

Notes:

  • Below 3 on the AP Precalculus Exam – no placement decision based on this data, but the student can take another placement path like the NextGen AAF or ALEKS if desired
  • If a student has scores that give course credit for MATH 2412 (Precalculus), but the student wishes to actually take the course here, then the student can be placed into Precalculus accordingly. 
  • If a program calls for MATH 1314, MATH 1316, MATH 1324, MATH 1325, or MATH 1332, but the student has credit through an AP test for MATH 2412, then we can substitute MATH 2412 for the course from the list above so that the student does not have to take the lower course.  Contact your academic advisor for more information. 

First-time Freshmen Admission Requirements

Students with no college credit completed in a long semester since graduating from high school or entering Tarleton from a Texas public high school accredited by the Texas Education Agency, a Texas non-public school accredited by the Texas Private School Accreditation Commission or an accredited out-of-state high school are considered first-time freshmen at the time of application.  To be granted Regular Admission a first-time freshman must meet the State of Texas Uniform Admission Policy*. 

Regular Admission

Please review rank and high school curriculum requirements below to determine your admissions decision: 

Percentile in Class Test Score Requirement
Top 50% (50-100 Percentile) Automatic Admission*
3rd quarter (25-49%) Individual Review**
*

Distinguished Level of Achievement under the Foundation High School Program including Algebra II or higher.

**

Distinguished Level of Achievement under the Foundation High School Program including Algebra II or higher. Students on the Foundation High School Program with an Endorsement without Algebra II or higher may be considered under an individual review.

SAT/ACT scores are not required for an admission decision but encouraged for those seeking scholarships. For students being considered for admission under individual review, ACT/SAT scores could assist in the decision process.

Early Admission Consideration

Students who rank in the top 50% and have completed their junior year may submit an official high school transcript for early admission consideration.


State of Texas Uniform Admission Policy (UAP)

The Texas Education Code 51.801-51.809 typically requires that students meet one of the following readiness standards in order to be admitted to a Texas Four-Year Public Institution under the top 10% rule.

  1. Successfully complete Recommended or Distinguished High School Programs; or
  2. Successfully complete Distinguished Level of Achievement under the Foundation High School Program; or
  3. Satisfy the College Readiness Benchmarks on the ACT or SAT assessment. 
    1. Old SAT: 1500 out of 2400 (Critical Reading, Math, and Writing)
    2. New SAT: 1090 out of 1600 (Evidence Based Reading, Writing, and Math)
    3. ACT: 18 English, 21 Reading, 22 Math, and 24 Science
High School Equivalency Diploma (GED, HiSET, TASC)

High School Equivalency Diploma scores (GED, HiSET, TASC) will be considered equivalent to a high school diploma, provided the average score meets the following:

  • GED, before January 2014 - 55 average scores and no subscore less than 50
  • GED, January 2014 and after - 170 average scores and no subscore less than 160
  • HiSET - 15 score on each exam section, 4 Essay score
  • TASC - 560 Math, 580 Reading, 560 and 6 on Essay

An official copy of the GED scores must be submitted.  Applicants must submit official SAT or ACT scores with a minimum score of 950 on the Old SAT (critical reading + math) or 1030 on the New SAT or a 20 on the ACT.  Students must also meet the Texas Uniform Admission Policy (UAP).

Home-Schooled or Non-Accredited High School Graduates

Admission will be determined based on a home school applicant’s test scores by placing the applicant at the average high school graduating class rank of undergraduate applicants to the institution who have equivalent standardized testing scores as the home school applicant.  Student must also meet the Uniform Admission Policy. Home schooled students must provide proof of curriculum completed from an agency or teacher.  Home school transcripts must be notarized.  For an early admissions decision a transcript can be submitted after the student's junior year or midway through their senior year. Students must also meet the Texas Uniform Admissions Policy (UAP). Upon graduation, a final high school transcript must be submitted. See Official High School Transcripts above.

Advised Admission

The advised admission program requires applicants to be near the requirements for regular admission to be considered.  Requirements are evaluated each year.  Applicants for any advised admission program must be within a few months of high school graduation.  Students who are eligible for an advised admission program will be contacted by the Office of Admissions and asked to sign an agreement before being allowed to enroll at Tarleton. The agreement may specify course and grade requirements, may restrict the number of hours to be taken, and may be more restrictive than certain university rules such as the Warning/Probation/Suspension policy. Students should review all agreement conditions carefully before signing as students who fail to meet conditions in the agreement may not be allowed to re-enroll at Tarleton until they succeed academically at another institution and meet Tarleton’s transfer requirements. The number of students granted advised admission may be limited by the Division of Enrollment Management at Tarleton without prior notice.
 

International Baccalaureate Diploma Program

Beginning freshman applicants to Tarleton State University who have completed or who will complete the International Baccalaureate Diploma (IBD) Program from their high school should indicate that on the application. Those who complete the IBD and meet State of Texas requirements will be granted credit for a minimum of 24 semester hours. Students should ensure the Director of Undergraduate Admissions is aware of the IBD Program and may request from the Director the type and amount of credit Tarleton State University is willing to grant, based on the IBD transcript.

Tarleton State University grants credit for IB higher level exams with a score of 5 or higher and for some standard level exams with specified scores of 5 or higher. A list of credit equivalents and required scores is in the Non-Standard Baccalaureate Level Credit section for certain higher level and standard level exam. Student may inquire about equivalent credit for higher level exams not listed if the score is 5 or higher. State law requires that students who present evidence of completion of the IB diploma may be granted credit for exam scores of at least 4. This can result in the awarding of up to 24 credit hours.

Limited Admission for Outstanding High School Students

Tarleton State University will consider limited admission for outstanding high school students after they have met and/or have submitted the following:

  1. completed their junior year of high school
  2. ranked in the top quarter of their graduating class
  3. have scores of at least 1100 on the Old SAT, 1170 on the New SAT or 110 on the PSAT, or 24 on the ACT or PACT
  4. provide a letter of recommendation from their high school principal or counselor addressing student's maturity and academic capabilities
  5. provide a letter of consent from a parent or legal guardian
  6. successfully complete all sections of a TSI assessment or have obtained a TSI exemption prior to course registration

All documentation will be reviewed by Academic Affairs and may require a face-to-face meeting.  Contact Undergraduate Admissions with any questions.

Individual Approval Admissions

Students who are denied admission to Tarleton State University may ask to be considered for individual approval. If the case has sufficient merit, it will be referred to the Academic Standards Committee or the committee chair acting on behalf of the committee. Appeals will be considered in cases of extenuating circumstances. An appeal will not be considered for applicants who are ineligible to return to a previous institution.

Appeal requests should be submitted to the Office of Undergraduate Admissions no later than two weeks before the first class day for that semester. Exceptions to this deadline must be approved by the Division of Enrollment Management, Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs or the provost’s designee. The forms to be used when requesting consideration for individual approval may be obtained from the Undergraduate Admissions Office.

Credit by Exam

Tarleton State University accepts credit by exam toward a baccalaureate degree from approved sources. Credit by exam sources include College-Level Exam Preparation (CLEP), Advanced Placement (AP), SAT and ACT and International Baccalaureate Organization (IBO). When credit by exam is awarded, it is not included in the overall enrollment for a given semester.

Tarleton State University students may earn course credit by demonstrated achievement on standardized tests. Students should check with the Office of Undergraduate Admissions for subject areas in which Tarleton State University awards credit. Credit awarded for College Level Examination Program (CLEP) and Advanced Placement (AP) scores on transcripts from public universities or colleges in Texas will be accepted. Students may receive credit for courses and scores in effect at the time they enter Tarleton State University. A student may earn credit by examination in the following ways:

  1. Depending on subject, scores ranging from a minimum 50 to 66 for the Subject Examination of the CLEP (credit is not available for the General Examinations);
  2. A minimum score of 3 on the AP Examination;
  3. If CLEP tests are not available in a desired testing area, local departmentally prepared examinations may be petitioned. To be eligible for local testing, a student must have:
    1. a minimum score of 1000 on the SAT or 21 on the ACT and
    2. completed at least two units with no grade below a B in the area of testing during high school; or have special permission from the department head;
  4. A score of 33 on the Reading section of the SAT or 28 on the English section of the ACT.
CLEP Credit
Courses Available Code for Posting Type of Examination Name of Test Score Required Hours Awarded
ACCT 2301: Princ of Accounting I - Financial CL09 CLP Examination Principles of Accounting I - Financial 50 3
BIOL 1406: General Biology CL01 CLP Examination General Biology 50 4
CHEM 1411: General Chemistry I CL02 CLP Examination General Chemistry 50 4
BCIS 1305: Business Computer App. CL03 CLP Examination Information Systems & Computer Applications 50 3
ECON 2301: Princ of Economics CL04 CLP Examination Macroeconomics 50 3
ECON 2302: Princ of Economics CL05 CLP Examination Principles of Microeconomics 50 3
ENGL 1301 & 1302: College Composition CL31 CLP Examination College Composition 50 6
FREN 1411 & 1412: Beginning French CL23 CLP Examination College French 50 8
FREN 1411, 1412, 2311 & 2312: Beginning & Inter. French CL24 CLP Examination College French 66 14
BLAW 4332: Business Law CL08 CLP Examination Intro Business Law 50 3
GERM 1411 & 1412: Beginning German CL25 CLP Examination German Language 50 8
GERM 1411, 1412, 2311 & 2312: Beginning & Inter. German CL26 CLP Examination College German 66 14
GOVT 2305: American Govt CL10 CLP Examination American Govt 50 3
HIST 2321: Worl History CL11 CLP Examination Western Civilization I 50 3
HIST 2322: World History CL12 CLP Examination Western Civilization II 50 3
HIST 1301: History of US I CL13 CLP Examination U.S. History I 50 3
HIST 1302: History of the US II CL14 CLP Examination U.S. History II 50 3
MATH 1314: College Algebra CL16 CLP Examination College Algebra 50 3
MATH 2412: PreCalculus CL29 CLP Examination Precalculus 50 4
MATH 2413: Calculus I CL18 CLP Examination Calculus 50 4
MGMT 2301: Principles of Management CL19 CLP Examination Principles of Management 50 3
MKTG 2314: Marketing CL20 CLP Examination Principles of Marketing 50 3
PSYC 2301: General Psychology CL21 CLP Examination Introductory Psychology 50 3
SOCI 1301: Intro to Sociology CL22 CLP Examination Introductory Sociology 50 3
SPAN 1411 & 1412: Beginning Spanish CL27 CLP Examination College Spanish 50 8
SPAN 1411, 1412, 2311 & 2312: Beginning and Inter. Spanish CL28 CLP Examination College Spanish 66 14
AP Credit
Courses Available Code for Posting Type of Examination Name of Test Score Required Hours Awarded
ARTS 1303: Art History I AP01 Advanced Placement History of Art 3 3
BIOL 1406: General Biology AP02 Advanced Placement Biology 3 4
CHEM 1411: General Chemistry I AP27 Advanced Placement Chemistry 3 4
CHEM 1411 & 1412: General Chemistry I & II AP35 Advanced Placement Chemistry 4 or 5 8
BCIS 1305: Business Computer App. AP04 Advanced Placement Computer Science A or AB 3 3
BCIS 1305: Business Computer App. AP28 Advanced Placement Computer Science A 3 3
ECON 2301: Princ of Economics AP31 Advanced Placement Macroeconomics 3 3
ECON 2302: Princ of Economics AP30 Advanced Placement Microeconomics 3 3
ENGL 1301: Composition I AP05 Advanced Placement Language & Composition 3 3
ENGL 2320: Intro to Literature AP06 Advanced Placement Literature & Composition 3 3
FREN 1411 Beginning French AP07 Advanced Placement French Language & Culture 2 4
FREN 1411 & 1412 Beginning French AP20 Advanced Placement French Language & Culture 3 8
FREN 1411, 1412, & 2311 Beginning & Inter. French AP21 Advanced Placement French Language & Culture 4 11
FREN 1411, 1412, 2311, & 2312 Beginning & Inter. French AP22 Advanced Placement French Language & Culture 5 14
GEOL 1407: Intro to Environmental Science AP26 Advanced Placement Environmental Science 3 4
GERM 1411 Beginning German AP09 Advanced Placement German Language& Culture 2 4
GERM 1411 & 1412 Beginning German AP23 Advanced Placement German Language& Culture 3 8
GERM 1411, 1412 &, 2311 Beginning & Inter. German AP24 Advanced Placement German Language& Culture 4 11
GERM 1411, 1412, 2311 & 2312 Beginning & Inter. German AP25 Advanced Placement German Language& Culture 5 14
GOVT 2305: American Govt AP10 Advanced Placement Government & Politics: US 3 3
HIST 2321: World History AP36 Advanced Placement World History 3 3
HIST 2321 & 2322: World History AP37 Advanced Placement World History 4 or 5 6
HIST 2321 & 2322: World History AP11 Advanced Placement European History 3 6
HIST 1301 & 1302: History of the US AP12 Advanced Placement American/US History 3 6
MATH 2412: Pre-Calculus AP39 Advanced Placement Pre-Calculus 3 4
MATH 2413: Calculus I AP13 Advanced Placement Calculus AB 4 -5 4
MATH 2413: Calculus I AP38 Advanced Placement Calculus BC 3 and AB Sub-score 4 4
MATH 2413, MATH 2414 Calculus I & II AP33 Advanced Placement Calculus BC 4-5 8
MATH 1342: Statistics AP34 Advanced Placement Statistics 3 3
MUSC 1311: Music Theory AP32 Advanced Placement Music Theory 3 3
PHYS 2425: Principles of Physics AP15 Advanced Placement Physics C: Mechanics 3 4
SPAN 1411 Spanish AP16 Advanced Placement Spanish Language & Culture 2 4
SPAN 1411 & 1412 Beginning Spanish AP17 Advanced Placement Spanish Language & Culture 3 8
SPAN 1411, 1412 & 2311 Beginning & Inter. Spanish AP18 Advanced Placement Spanish Language & Culture 4 11
SPAN 1411, 1412, 2311 & 2312 Beginning & Inter. Spanish AP19 Advanced Placement Spanish Language & Culture 5 14
ACT/SAT Credit
Courses Available Code for Posting Type of Examination Name of Test Score Required Hours Awarded
BIOL 1406: General Biology SAT II Subject Examination Biology 580 4
CHEM 1411: General Chemistry I SAT II Subject Examination Chemistry 600 4
ENGL 1301: Composition SAT Reading SAT I Reasoning Examination 33 3
ENGL 1301: Composition I ACT English ACT Examination 28 3
ENGL 2320: British Literature SAT II Subject Examination 600 3
FREN 1411 & 1412: Beginning French SAT II Subject Examination French Language 570 8
GERM 1411 & 1412: Beginning German SAT II Subject Examination German (Reading Only) 540 8
HIST 2321 & 2322: World History SAT II Subject Examination World History 560 6
HIST 1301 & 1302: History of the US SAT II Subject Examination American History & Social Studies 540 6
PHYS 1401 & 1402: General Physics SAT II Subject Examination Physics 630 8
SPAN 1411 & 1412: Spanish SAT II Subject Examination Spanish (Reading Only) 540 8

Students taking departmental local examinations are charged a $5.00 per credit hour examination and recording fee for the credit to become a part of their academic records. Advanced placement in a subject area may be granted by the department head concerned. Permitting advanced placement does not necessarily mean approval for credit by examination. All acceptable credit earned by examination will be posted to the student’s permanent record if the student is enrolled at Tarleton State University through the official census date. Students should consult the Office of Undergraduate Admissions for specific information. The credit will be recorded with a grade of P (Pass) and the hours awarded. There will be no grade points assigned for this credit, the hours will not count toward residency required for graduation and it will not be used in the computation for any grade point ratio.

International Baccalaureate Organization Credit
Students who complete the IBO diploma with certain minimum scores are guaranteed acceptance of at least 24 hours of credit. This may exceed the hours regularly granted based on individual exam results. It is recommended that any student in the IBO program who anticipates applying to Tarleton see the Admissions section of this catalog and contact the Office of Undergraduate Admissions for details.

Tarleton State University grants credit for IB higher level exams with a score of 5 or higher and for some standard level exams with specified scores of a 5 or higher.  A list of credit equivalents and required scores is listed below for certain higher level and standard level exams.  Students may inquire about the equivalent credit for higher level exams not listed if the score is a 5 or higher.  State law requires that students who present evidence of completion of the IB diploma may be granted credit for exam scores of at least 4.  This can result in the awarding of at least 24 hours of credit.

IBO Higher Exam
Course Grade Course Credit Credit Hours
Biology 5, 6,7 BIOL 1406, 1407 8
Business & Org. 5, 6, 7 FINC 3301, MGMT 3301 6
Chemistry 5, 6, 7 CHEM 1411, 1402 8
Economics 5, 6, 7 ECON 2301, 2302 6
English 5, 6, 7 ENGL 1301, 1302 6
French 5 FREN 1411, 1412 8
French 6, 7 FREN 1411, 1412, 2311, 2312 14
Geography 5, 6, 7 GEOG 1303 3
German 5 GERM 1411, 1412 8
German 6, 7 GERM 1411, 1412, 2311, 2312 14
History, U.S. 5, 6, 7 HIST 1301, 1302 6
Math-Analysis & Approaches 4 MATH 2412 or MATH 1324 4 or 3
Math-Analysis & Approaches 5, 6, 7 MATH 2413 or MATH 1325 4 or 3
Math-Applications & Interpretations 4 MATH 2412 or MATH 1324 4 or 3
Math-Applications & Interpretations 5, 6, 7 MATH 2413 or MATH 1325 4 or 3
Music 5, 6, 7 MUSI 1311, 1312 5
Philosophy 5, 6, 7 PHIL 1301 3
Physics 5, 6, 7 PHYS 1401, 1402 8
Psychology 5, 6, 7 PSYC 2301 3
Spanish 5 SPAN 1411, 1412 8
Spanish 6, 7 SPAN 1411, 1412, 2311, 2312 14
Theatre Arts 5, 6, 7 DRAM 1310 3
IBO Standard Exam
Course Grade Course Credit Credit Hours
Art 5, 6, 7 ARTS 1301 3
Biology 6, 7 BIOL 1406, 1407 8
Chemistry 6, 7 CHEM 1411, 1412 8
Computer Science 6, 7 BCIS 1305 3
Economics 6, 7 ECON 2301, 2302 6
French 5 FREN 1411, 1412 8
French 6, 7 FREN 1411, 1412, 2311, 2312 14
German 5 GERM 1411, 1412 8
German 6, 7 GERM 1411, 1412, 2311, 2312 14
Math-Analysis & Approaches 4, 5 MATH 2412 or Math 1324 4 or 3
Math-Analysis & Approaches 6, 7 MATH 2413 or MATH 1325 4 or 3
Math-Applications & Interpretations 4, 5 MATH 2412 or MATH 1324 4 or 3
Math-Applications & Interpretations 6, 7 MATH 2413 or MATH 1325 4 or 3
Math Stud. 6 MATH 1314, 1316 6
Math Stud. 7 MATH 1316, 2413 7
Music 7 MUSI 1311, 1312 6
Philosophy 6, 7 PHIL 1301 3
Physics 6, 7 PHYS 1401, 1402 8
Psychology 6, 7 PSYC 2301 3
Spanish 5 SPAN 1411, 1412 8
Spanish 6, 7 SPAN 1411, 1412, 2311, 2312 14
Theatre Arts 5, 6, 7 DRAM 1310 3

American Council on Education (ACE)

Tarleton State University will accept all undergraduate academic coursework recommended by the American Council on Education (ACE). Students are required to submit an official transcript from the educational company along with an official ACE evaluation. Based on ACE recommendations, courses will be articulated as lower or upper level credit. Courses designated as vocational will not be articulated. When possible, courses will match a course offered by Tarleton State University. If not possible, the course will be designated as not matching a course and the student will seek departmental approval for specific degree fulfillment.

Military Credit

The Office of Transfer Services, operating as part of Undergraduate Admissions at Tarleton State University, evaluates and articulates military credit with the following methods:

  1. Evaluation of Joint Services transcripts and Community College of the Air Force transcripts during the admissions process.
    • Credit awarded based on ACE recommendations and nature of course (i.e. electrical maintenance versus personnel supervision).
    • Where possible, ACE recommended credits transfer as direct matches to Tarleton courses.

Students with vocational credit based on military experience are encouraged to explore our BSAS, BAS and BAAS degree options.

Credit for Prior Learning

Credit for prior learning may be awarded for technical/vocational courses, documented employer training, continuing education credit, and certifications. This type of credit will only count toward certain specialized degree programs and the conditions for acceptance and maximum applicable hours are covered by the particular degree requirements. These types of prior learning credit may not be counted toward traditional BA, BS, BBA, or similar undergraduate degrees. Students are encouraged to speak with an academic advisor regarding credit for prior learning.

Texas Success Initiative (TSI)

The Texas Education Code statute 51.3062, Success Initiative, effective September 1, 2003, requires the university to assess the academic skills of each entering undergraduate student to determine the student’s readiness to enroll in freshman-level academic coursework. The fee for the completion of the assessment instrument will be paid by the student.  The university will not use the assessment or the results of the assessment as a condition of admission to the institution.

Unless exempt (see below), the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board requires that, prior to enrollment, each student must be assessed in three skill areas (reading, writing, and mathematics) using  the TSI Assessment.

Additionally, unless exempt (see below), each student is subject to the provisions of Tarleton’s Texas Success Initiative (TSI) Plan. A copy of the TSI Plan is available from Student Development and Mentoring or 254-968-0766.

Further details are outlined in TSI Resources.

TSI Exemptions

The following students shall be either fully exempt, partially exempt, or temporarily exempt/waived from the requirements of the TSI*:

Full Exemption:  The following students are exempt from the requirements of the TSI

  1. For a period of five (5) years from the date of testing, a student who is tested and performs at or above the following standards on a single administration of the test:
    • ACT: composite score of 23 with a minimum of 19 on both the English and Mathematics tests.
    • ACT administered on or after February 15, 2023: a combined score of 40 on the English and Reading (E + R) tests shall be exempt for both reading and writing or ELAR sections of the TSI.
    • ACT administered on or after February 15, 2023: a score of a 22 on the Math portion shall exempt them for math portion of the TSI.
    • New SAT: Evidence Based Reading/Writing of 480 and Math of 530: 
    • GED: A minimum score of 165 on the Reasoning Through Language Arts (RLA) subject test shall be exempt for English Language Arts Reading (ELAR).
    • GED: A minimum score of 165 on the Mathematical Reasoning subject test shall be exempt for mathematics.
  2. For a period of five (5) years from the date of testing, a student who is tested and performs at or above the following standards:
    • STAAR end of course (EOC) a minimum score on Algebra II of a 4000 and a minimum score of 2000 on English III (Reading) and a minimum score of 2000 on English III (Writing).
  3. A student who has graduated with an associate or baccalaureate degree from a Texas public institution of higher education.
  4. A student who has graduated with a baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited private, independent, or out-of-state institution of higher education and who has satisfactorily completed appropriate college-level coursework as determined by the University.
  5. A student who transfers to Tarleton from a regionally accredited private, independent, or out-of-state institution of higher education and who has satisfactorily completed college-level coursework in:
    • mathematics
    • writing
    • reading as indicated in Section 8 of the TSI Plan
  6. A student who has previously attended any Texas public institution of higher education and met TSI readiness standards by that institution in:
    • mathematics
    • writing
    • reading
  7. A student who on or after August 1, 1990, was honorably discharged, retired, or released from active duty as a member of the armed forces of the United States or the Texas National Guard or service as a member of a reserve component of the armed forces of the United States.
  8. A student who, prior to January 1, 2004, had satisfied (as indicated by the Tarleton Developmental Education Plan and/or the Board’s THEA policy manual) all THEA obligations.
  9. Partial Exemption (see below).

The following students are exempt from one or more of the requirement of the TSI:

Exempt from the Mathematics requirements of the TSI:
  1. For a period of five (5) years from the date of testing, a student who is tested and performs at or above the following standards on a single administration of the test:
    • ACT: composite score of 23 with a minimum of 19 on Mathematics test.
    • ACT administered after February 15, 2023, score a 22 on Mathematics test.
    • New SAT: Math of 530
  2. For a period of five (5) years from the date of testing, a student who is tested and performs at or above the following standard:
    • STAAR end of course (EOC) a minimum score of 4000 on Algebra II.
  3. A student who transfers to Tarleton from a regionally accredited private, independent, or out-of-state institution of higher education and who has satisfactorily completed college-level coursework in mathematics, as indicated in Section 8 of the TSI Plan.
  4. Student who has previously attended any Texas public institution of higher education and met TSI readiness standards by that institution in mathematics.
Exempt from the Writing requirements of the TSI:
  1. For a period of five (5) years from the date of testing, a student who is tested and performs at or above the following standards on a single administration of the test:
    • ACT: composite score of 23 with a minimum of 19 on English test.
    • New SAT: Evidence Based Reading/Writing of 480
  2. For a period of five (5) years from the date of testing, a student who is tested and performs at or above the following standards:
    • STAAR end of course (EOC) a minimum score of 2000 on English III (g).
  3. ACT administered on or after February 15, 2023: a combined score of 40 on the English and Reading (E + R) tests shall be exempt for both reading and writing or ELAR sections of the TSI.
  4. A student who transfers to Tarleton from a regionally accredited private, independent, or out-of-state institution of higher education and who has satisfactorily completed college-level coursework in writing, as indicated in Section 8 of the TSI Plan.
  5. Student who has previously attended any Texas public institution of higher education and met TSI readiness standards by that institution in writing.
Exempt from the Reading requirements of the TSI:
  1. For a period of five (5) years from the date of testing, a student who is tested and performs at or above the following standards on a single administration of the test:
    • ACT: composite score of 23 with a minimum of 19 on English test;
    • New SAT: Evidence Based Reading/Writing of 480
  2. For a period of five (5) years from the date of testing, a student who is tested and performs at or above the following standard:
    • STAAR end of course (EOC) a minimum score of 2000 on English III (Reading).
  3. ACT administered on or after February 15, 2023: a combined score of 40 on the English and Reading (E + R) tests shall be exempt for both reading and writing or ELAR sections of the TSI.
  4. A student who transfers to Tarleton from a regionally accredited private, independent, or out-of-state institution of higher education and who has satisfactorily completed college-level coursework in reading, as indicated in Section 8 of the TSI Plan.
  5. Student who has previously attended any Texas public institution of higher education and met TSI readiness standards by that institution in reading.
Temporary Exemption/Waiver. The following students may request a temporary exempt from the requirements of the TSI:
  • On an annual basis, a student who is serving on active duty as a member of:
    • the armed forces of the United States; or
    • the Texas National Guard.
  • On an annual basis, a student who is a member of a reserve component of the armed forces of the United States (excludes reserves of Texas National Guard) and has been serving for at least three years preceding enrollment.
  • Each semester, a student who has been admitted as a non-degree seeking student.
  • Under exceptional circumstances, Student Learning and Success Initiatives may permit a student to enroll in lower-level academic coursework without assessment but must require that the student be assessed no later than the end of the first semester of enrollment in freshman-level academic coursework and may require concurrent, appropriate developmental education.  
*

Some of the TSI exemptions for enrollment in Tarleton State University are not accepted by the Teacher Education Council for admission to the Teacher Education Program. Please contact the Certification Office at (254) 968-9815 for more information.

TSI assessment results and/or proof of exemption must be submitted to the Student Assessment Coordinator’s office before a student will be allowed to register for classes. To verify that your assessment results and/or proof of exemption have been received by Tarleton, contact the Student Assessment Coordinator at (254) 968-9125, (800) 687-8236, or admissions@tarleton.edu.

Immunizations

Bacterial Meningitis (requirement for all new students)

Pursuant to Texas legislation, all entering (new) students under the age of 22 at an institution of higher education must show evidence of receipt of an initial bacterial meningitis vaccination dose or booster during the five-year period preceding and at least 10 days prior to the first day of the first semester in which the student initially enrolls at an institution. This information shall be maintained in accordance with Family Education Rights and Privacy Act Regulations and with Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act.  Students will submit their proof of vaccination through their myGateway account and submit their document to Med+Proctor, the company that reviews the records.  Further Bacterial Meningitis Info can be reviewed on our website.

Requirements (for students enrolling in health-related courses)

For students enrolling in health-related courses (Nursing, Medical Laboratory Science, Medical Laboratory Technician, etc.), please contact those specific departments for immunization requirements.

Recommendations (for all students)

Measles - All students enrolling in institutions of higher education should have two doses of the measles vaccine prior to the start of classes.

Tetanus/Diphtheria - Tetanus vaccines are effective for about 10 years and need to be boosted at that interval; they should be given in combination with the diphtheria vaccine.
 

Social Security Number Disclosure

Section 7(b) of the Privacy Act of 1974 (5 U.S.C. 552a) requires that when any federal, state, or local government agency requests an individual to disclose his/her social security account number (SSAN), that individual must also be advised whether that disclosure is mandatory or voluntary, by what statutory or other authority the number is solicited, and what uses will be made of it.

Accordingly, applicants for admission are advised that disclosure of a student’s SSAN is strongly recommended for admission as a student at Tarleton State University, in view of the practical administrative difficulties that would be encountered in maintaining adequate student records without continued use of the SSAN. It is used to verify the identity of the student, and as a student account number (identifier) to record necessary data accurately. As an identifier, the SSAN is used for such activities as determining and recording eligibility for admission as a student; reporting initial physical examinations; determining and recording assessments and payments of student fees and charges; determining and recording eligibility for student financial assistance including loans, scholarships, grants, allowances, and official student travel and per diem; recording student grades and related academic data; determining and recording eligibility for participation in Reserve Officers Training Corps programs and in athletic, rodeo, and similar events; registering private vehicles and issuing parking permits; issuing student identification cards; recording issue and return of library books and other materials; registering for placement services, including resume preparation and furnishing information to prospective employers; and other such related requirements that might arise. Tarleton State University has for several years consistently requested disclosure of the SSAN on student application forms and other necessary student forms and documents used pursuant to statutes passed by the State of Texas and United States and regulations adopted by agencies of the State of Texas and United States, and by the Board of Regents of The Texas A&M University System.

If a student chooses not to disclose the SSAN, he/she may request a random number to be assigned to the student's records while attending Tarleton State University. The student should contact the Office of Undergraduate Admissions for more details.

Conduct Disclosure Questions

The following conduct questions are included in the admissions application for undergraduate and graduate student in accordance with System Regulation 11.99.02, Conduct Requirements for Admissions Applications and Transcripts:

  1. Have you ever been convicted of a crime or crimes, excluding juvenile adjudications, involving acts of violence or sexual misconduct including, but not limited to: criminal homicide (murder or non-negligent manslaughter); sexual assault (rape, fondling, incest, or statutory rape); robbery; aggravated assault; simple assault; arson; destruction/damage/vandalism of property; domestic violence; dating violence; or stalking?
  2. Are you currently under investigation or subject to pending conduct charges from any post-secondary institution for conduct involving acts of violence or sexual misconduct including, but not limited to: criminal homicide (murder or non-negligent manslaughter); sexual assault (rape, fondling, incest, or statutory rape); robbery; aggravated assault; simple assault; arson; destruction/damage/vandalism of property; domestic violence; dating violence; or stalking?
  3. Have you ever had any substantiated conduct findings against you at any post-secondary institution for conduct involving acts acts of violence or sexual misconduct including, but not limited to: criminal homicide (murder or non-negligent manslaughter); sexual assault (rape, fondling, incest, or statutory rape); robbery; aggravated assault; simple assault; arson; destruction/damage/vandalism of property; domestic violence; dating violence; or stalking?
  4. Have you ever been suspended or expelled from any post-secondary institution for conduct involving acts of violence or sexual misconduct including, but not limited to: criminal homicide (murder or non-negligent manslaughter); sexual assault (rape, fondling, incest, or statutory rape); robbery; aggravated assault; simple assault; arson; destruction/damage/vandalism of property; domestic violence; dating violence; or stalking?

Any affirmative answer will require a student to complete a Conduct Disclosure Form which is then reviewed by the Conduct Review Committee to determine eligibility to continue the process for admission to the university.

International Students

Admission of international students to the undergraduate program at Tarleton is based upon graduation from a secondary school system equivalent to at least 12 grades (lyceum, senior middle school, high school, preparatory school, or other equivalent). Applicants must provide evaluations of all academic work. Foreign transcripts must be evaluated by a NACES or AICE approved foreign credentials evaluation service and must show the course-by-course evaluation, including GPA and rank when applicable. The service must send the evaluation directly to Tarleton State University, Box T-0030, Stephenville, TX 76402 or by email to admissions@tarleton.edu.

The Office of Undergraduate Admissions performs authentication of student admissions materials and required identification. Immigration documentation is reviewed by the Office of International Programs. A primary Restricted Party Screening (RPS) is performed by the Office of International Programs for all foreign nationals seeking enrollment to the university with a secondary screening by University Compliance (UC), as needed. UC will seek guidance from the empowered official (EO) and/or System Research and Security Office (RSO) as needed for resolution of concerns and for decision-making regarding admission approval. Foreign persons will not be enrolled in the university until they have been cleared through the export control screening process. Fall and Spring admission are available for Undergraduate International applicants.  Because of the more limited availability of face-to-face courses in the summer session, international student applications will generally not be accepted except for those majoring in Medical Laboratory Science (where face-to-face summer course availability is assured). Students other than MLS majors may request approval from their departmental advisor if summer courses are available for the required 12 hours of enrollment (9 of which must be face-to-face),  as required by Student Exchange and Visitor Program (SEVP). It is not recommended that international students begin classes during summer as they will struggle to find course offerings and might struggle academically due to the course demands during shorter terms.

The quality of the applicant’s prior secondary or collegiate-level work is judged from the scores attained. SAT or ACT scores are optional but are encouraged for individual review, scholarships or TSI exemption. International applicants may be admitted if they have a score of 1030 or above on the SAT or 20 or above on the ACT.

Students may demonstrate required English proficiency by providing satisfactory TOEFL, IELTS, PTE, iTEP, TOEFL ITP Plus for China, DuoLingo or TOEFL Essentials scores.  The Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL), administered by the Educational Testing Service, is required with a minimum score of 69 on the Internet-based test or a minimum score of 520 on the paper-based test.  The International English Language Testing System (IELTS) minimum score is a 6.   The TOEFL ITP Plus for China minimum score is 460.  The PTE minimum score is 50. The iTEP minimum scores is 3.5-3.9. The DuoLingo minimum score is 100.  The TOEFL Essentials minimum score is a 7. Completion of six semester hours at an accredited college in the United States of college level English which must include ENGL 1301 or 1302 and the other 3 hours can be a sophomore level English course that is academic in nature. Credit cannot be developmental or remedial and a course grade must be a "C" or better.  Additional English proficiency qualifications may also be accepted upon review. English proficiency scores cannot be more than 2 years old as of the first day of term you are entering.

To obtain a visa from the American Embassy located in the applicant’s country, a prospective student must have documented evidence of financial solvency. A sponsor is obligated to endorse all expenditures for the applicant during the entire course of study. Note that a copy of all financial statement documentation must be submitted to International Programs at internationalstudents@tarleton.edu. After a review and determination that financial requirements are met, International Programs will provide the student with an I-20 for F-1 visa consideration. Check with your local American Embassy for further details on how to apply for a visa.

International applicants must submit a $50 (U.S.) non-refundable application fee at the point of application and a one-time $100 (U.S.) international student fee on the tuition bill. Application fee payments must be made by credit card on the electronic application. Tarleton State University requires that all international students have medical insurance with coverage in the United States. Fees for health insurance will be charged with tuition at the time of registration after full admission per the Texas A&M University System policy.

A primary Restricted Party Screening (RPS) is performed by International Programs for all foreign nationals seeking admission to the university with a secondary screening by  Compliance and Strategic Initiatives (CSI), as needed. CSI will seek guidance from the empowered official (EO) and/or System Research and Security Office (RSO) as needed for resolution of concerns and for decision-making regarding admission approval. Foreign persons will not be admitted to the university until they have been cleared through the export control screening process.

All immigration documents must be sent to International Programs at Box T-0490, Stephenville, Texas  76402 or emailed to internationalstudents@tarleton.edu.  The I-20 will be issued only after a formal admission letter has been issued by Tarleton State University. The I-20 will be emailed to the email address provided on the admissions application. It is the responsibility of the student to pay for any expedited shipment. Contact internationalstudents@tarleton.edu for instructions. All undergraduate students are required to meet Texas Success Initiative (TSI) assessment before registering for classes. For more details about admission of international students, contact International Programs at internationalstudents@tarleton.edu or call 254-968-9632.

Transfer Student Requirements

Students who have attempted/completed (or withdrawn with a record) college level credit at a regionally accredited institution in the spring or fall after high school graduation (or completion of a GED) are considered transfer students. Students taking course credit in the summer immediately after high school graduation will be considered first-time freshmen until they complete a fall or spring semester of higher education.  Applicants must be eligible to enroll at all colleges and universities previously attended (i.e.not on suspension) and submit final official transcripts from each college or university attended.  If a student's transcript reflects Academic Suspension, the student must request documentation from that institution with a statement that they are eligible to return to that institution.  For students who have previously attended Tarleton State University, transfer work and Tarleton work will be combined to determine a cumulative GPA. Developmental, non-college credit, vocational or technical coursework is not used in determining the GPA needed to be eligible for transfer admission.
Transfer Equivalency Guides, Texas Common Course Numbering System Equivalency Guides, Common Core Equivalency Guides are available for students transferring to Tarleton State University from a junior or community college. Please check with the Office of Transfer Services at 254-968-9125 or review the information on the Admissions website.

For more information on transfer student requirements, please refer to Transfer Services.

Transfer Student Qualifications

The following minimum standards must be met upon receipt of all admission documents and official transcripts from every institution a student has attended, which includes Tarleton hours and GPA:

  1. Students with 24 or more semester hours of transferable academic college credit and a cumulative GPA of 2.0 or higher will be admitted.
  2. Students with 12 to 23 semester hours of transferable academic college credit and a cumulative GPA of 2.5 or higher will be admitted. A cumulative GPA of 2.00 - 2.49 is acceptable, provided they also meet one of the regular admission standards for first-time freshman applicants*.
  3. Students with 11 or fewer semester hours of transferable academic college level credit and a cumulative GPA of 2.00 or higher who meet one of the regular admission standards for first-time freshman applicants* will be admitted.

Students attending the Fort Worth, Waco, Online or RELLIS-Bryan campus must meet these additional requirements:

  1. Complete a minimum of 24 hours of transferable academic college credit with an overall 2.0 GPA
  2. Pass all sections of the Texas Success Initiative (TSI) or provide exemptions
*

Please see the Admission Requirements for First-Time Freshman area in this section of the catalog.

Core Curriculum Transfer

Core curriculum courses students complete at another Texas public institution as approved by the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board will transfer to Tarleton State University and satisfy the same core curriculum if noted on the official transcript.

Transfer Articulation Policies

Credits earned at another regionally accredited institution are accepted as recorded on the official transcript. However, because of differences in institutional degree requirements and course content, some credits transferred may not apply toward satisfying degree requirements at Tarleton.

College level academic courses transferring from a regionally accredited institution which operates on a quarter system will be converted to semester credit hours. One quarter credit hour equals 2/3 of a semester credit hour. The total of the quarter credit hours per course will be rounded to the nearest whole number. For example, a four quarter credit hour course will transfer as a three semester credit hour course (4 X .67 = 2.68 rounded to 3).

If a course is completed at a regionally accredited institution and repeated at another regionally accredited institution (including Tarleton), both courses will appear on the transcript and only the best effort will be included in the GPA. Please contact Transfer Services at 254-968-9125 for more information.

Effective Spring 2004, all grades including F’s, for all academic credit courses will be articulated to the Tarleton transcript. The minimum grade accepted for credit is a D, however, some degrees require specific minimum grades. Please refer to the Academic Advising Guide for your degree for more information. Remedial/developmental courses will not be entered and will not be used in the admissions decision. Only those transferred hours that have been transcribed will be used to determine admissions eligibility.

Courses which are vocational or technical in nature are not automatically accepted by Tarleton State University. These courses must be approved by the appropriate academic departments and resubmitted for articulation to Transfer Services. Vocational or technical courses not being utilized in an Applied Science degree or not covered under an articulation agreement with a sending institution must be evaluated and meet requirements for academic credit. Students with a significant number of hours in a technical field and who wish to use those hours toward a Tarleton degree should consider the Bachelor of Applied Arts and Sciences, Bachelor of Science in Applied Science, Bachelor of Applied Technology, or similar degree programs. Such students are expected to meet current admissions requirements and may wish to contact Academic Advising Services or departmental advisors for degree requirements.

Credit completed at a non-regionally accredited institution may be reviewed for articulation at the student’s request. Credit must be considered academic and the instructor is required to hold a minimum of 18 graduate credits in the course discipline. The student will be required to submit the following information:

  • Documentation from the institution stating the instructor of the course as well as their curriculum vitae/educational background.
  • Contact information of who provided the above documentation.
  • Any additional documentation requested by Transfer Services.

Documentation may be delivered via the following methods::

  • Emailed to transfer@tarleton.edu
  • Mailed to Transfer Services Box T-0030 Stephenville TX 76402
  • Delivered in person to the Tarleton Center on the Stephenville Campus

Texas Common Course Numbering System (TCCNS)

A common numbering system has been devised by area colleges and universities to identify those courses that are similar in nature and considered to be equal in transfer. The purpose of the system is to assist students who are transferring between participating institutions. Visit Texas Common Course Numbering System for a more extensive list and to compare other institutions to Tarleton.

If Tarleton does not accept lower-division academic course credit earned by a student at another public institution of higher education in Texas, Tarleton will give written notice to the student and the other institution that the transfer of the course credit is denied. The two institutions and the student shall attempt to resolve any dispute over the transfer of the course credit in accordance with Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board guidelines. If the dispute is not resolved to the satisfaction of the student and the institution at which the credit was earned, the student may file a Transfer Dispute Resolution form (CB-TDR) with Tarleton. It must be submitted within 15 days of the date the student received written notification of the denial of credit. Tarleton will forward a copy of the CB-TDR to the Commissioner of Higher Education who will resolve the dispute if necessary. In this instance, the Commissioner will give written notice to the student and institutions involved.

If you have questions regarding transferability of courses, please contact the Office of Transfer Services at 254-968-9125, via email, or by viewing Transfer Services.

Post-Baccalaureate Admission

A student who has a bachelor’s degree from an accredited U.S. institution and who is in good standing at all schools previously attended but who is not seeking a master’s degree or professional certification may apply as a post-baccalaureate student by using the transfer application at ApplyTexas application. A post-baccalaureate student may work on a second bachelor’s degree or teaching certification or take courses of interest. A domestic applicant must submit an official transcript from the degree awarding institution to be admitted. If the student is seeking a degree and would like to use completed coursework from other institutions, official transcripts will need to be submitted.  International students must submit transcripts from all institutions attended and provide evaluations from a NACES or AICE approved foreign credentials evaluation service.

Readmission

Students who have previously attended Tarleton and are returning after one or more long semester absence may apply for readmission. Applicants must submit an application for readmission.

  1. Students who have not enrolled at any other college or university since last attending Tarleton and are free of suspension will be admitted.
  2. Students who have enrolled at any other regionally accredited college or university since last attending Tarleton who meet transfer requirements and are free of suspension may be admitted. (See Transfer Requirements section).
  3. Students who have been absent for one or more long semesters must reapply to Tarleton for admission.  This includes students who have been suspended for one or more semesters.

Transient Student

A transient student must be returning to their home institution immediately following attendance at Tarleton State University. A transient application, $50 application fee and an official transcript or email from the current institution stating the student will be returning. If a student chooses to continue enrollment at Tarleton State University after one semester, the student must submit a new transfer application and official transcripts from all schools previously attended before the student will be allowed to register for any subsequent semester.

Academic Fresh Start

 If you are a Texas resident and apply for admission (or readmission) to Texas public colleges or universities, you may be able to begin a new course of study with a clear academic record.

If you have credits for college courses taken ten or more years prior to the planned enrollment date, those credits (and grades) can be ignored for enrollment purposes under the "Academic Fresh Start" Law.

Please remember: This is an all or nothing option. You cannot pick and choose which courses to ignore and which courses to count. If you choose the "Academic Fresh Start" option, you will not receive any credit for any course you took at least ten years ago.

This means that courses taken previously:

  • Cannot be used to fulfill new prerequisite requirements;
  • Cannot be counted toward your new degree; and
  • Will not be counted in your new GPA calculations

Choosing the "Academic Fresh Start" option requires the completion of the usual admissions process. This includes providing information and transcripts from all regionally accredited colleges or universities previously attended.

Contact the Office of Transfer Services at (254) 968-9125 or Email us for further information.

Holds on Registration and Release of Records

Any student who has failed to meet admission or academic requirements, or who has a financial obligation to the university, has a HOLD placed on his or her record. Until the hold is removed, such students are not allowed to register, obtain transcripts, graduate, or receive other services from the university. All new students will have a registration hold on their record until they are advised by Academic Advising Services or their departmental advisor.  Other holds include Bacterial Meningitis Vaccination, Orientation and/or TSI.  For further explanation of all university holds please visit Student Hold Information.

Housing Application

Housing requirements apply to certain students enrolled at Tarleton State University.  Please refer to Residential Living & Learning in the Student Life section of this catalog for details. 

Residency Information for Tuition Purposes

Determination of residence for tuition purposes can be found in the Expenses section of the catalog.  It is the student's responsibility to seek information about reclassification requirements if they were entered as a non-resident for tuition purposes upon application to the university.

Cindy Hess
Director of Undergraduate Admissions
Tarleton Center
Box T-0030
Stephenville, Texas 76402
(800) 687-8236 or (254) 968-9125
(254) 968-9951
admissions@tarleton.edu
www.tarleton.edu/admissions