Requirements
Applications are annual in the Spring semester for Fall semester admission, only.
Duplicate/Incomplete/Late/Multiple applications are not considered.
The Spring semester application must be submitted by the end of spring deadline.
Internal Transfer is a competitive process and completed student applications are reviewed holistically with admission decisions offered on a space available basis.
eligibility requirements:
- Complete a minimum of twenty-four semester hours in-residence.
Applicants with spring semester hours "in progress" will be considered for in-residence credit hours. Web based UT coursework is also permitted as in-residence credit hours.
Summer courses taken after the application deadline do not count.
Credit-by-exam, correspondence, extension, pass/fail, and transfer hours are not considered in-residence and will not fulfill the in-residence requirement.
- Complete one of the following courses: Mathematics (M) 408C, 408D, 408K, 408L, 408N, 408M, 408R, 408S, M 408Q; Statistics and Data Sciences SDS 302, SDS 302F, or choose from the Math options on the Acceptable Course Substitutions for your intended major.
Admission to Math, Physics, Astronomy, or Computer Science: Calculus in residence is highly recommended.
- Complete any two of the following courses: Biology BIO 311C, BIO 311D; Chemistry CH 301, CH 301C, CH 302; Physics PHY 303K, and PHY 303L; or choose from the Science/Computer Science options on the Acceptable Course Substitutions for your intended major.
The admission requirements can be a combination of any of the courses listed above and/or from the Acceptable Course Substitutions.
- Submit an essay on how your selected major impacts the achievement of your educational and career goals.
competitive applicant tips:
Preference is given to students pursing a single major that can graduate within four years of entering the University.
Enroll in 12-15 credit hours per semester with no Q drops as evidence of being able to handle the rigor of CNS courses with grades of B- or better.
Take courses that are in your intended Degree Checklist to stay on track to graduate & increase your competitiveness.
Do not retake coursework that you have earned credit for to apply for Internal Transfer. Instead, enroll in courses (that you meet the pre-requisite for) in your intended degree checklist.
MEETING ALL MINIMUM CRITERIA STATED ABOVE DOES NOT GUARANTEE ADMISSION.
Letters of recommendation or supplemental materials are NOT accepted.
Your application essay should describe why you are interested in teaching and include your ideas about how to be an effective teacher.
Admissions Requirements:
1. Have earned at least a 2.5 GPA (Required for Teacher Certification in Texas.)
2. Complete UTS 101 in residence.
3. Complete one of the following courses in-residence with a C- or better:
Mathematics majors: M 408K, 408L, 408N, 408S, 408C, 408D, or 325K.
4. Complete two of the following courses in-residence with a C- or better:
Science majors:
Biology: BIO 311C, BIO 311D, BIO 325
Chemistry: CH 301, CH 302, CH 320M
Physics: PHY 301, PHY 316, PHY 315
Computer Science: All applicants must be admitted through the Computer Science Department.
5. Commit to at least three semesters in the UTeach program and complete all of the following:
UTS 110, EDC 365C, and EDC 365D.
Applications
Our Internal Transfer process occurs annually and the next cycle will begin in the Spring semester for Fall semester admission.
The application will be available online in January and must be submitted by the May deadline.
The College of Natural Sciences has only one admission period, with no option for early admission.
It is not possible to apply in the Fall semester.
BEFORE APPLYING:
The application contains a required essay.
It is recommended that you prepare your essay in a Word document, visit the University Writing Center for review, and paste it into your application. Once an application has been submitted, it is not possible to access and edit your application. Limit essays to one page (a maximum 3,000 total characters with spaces), and avoid creative writing techniques.
Carefully and concisely answer the following questions:
Describe how the intended CNS major would impact achievement of educational and career goals.
If you are seeking to add the new major as a simultaneous major, it is important for you to address how the new CNS major - combined with your other major - will impact achievement of educational and career goals.
Review other required materials for application:
Resume
Answer 3 short answer questions regarding your internal transfer application
"Please list any academic distinctions, honors and/or rewards"
"Please list any extracurricular activities and/or memberships"
"Please list any work experiences and/or volunteer experiences"
TO APPLY:
Submit your application by the deadline.
All applicants must complete 24 hours in-residence to be considered.
Spring semester courses will count for the 24 hour in-residence requirement.
Withdrawn semesters apply towards the four long semesters (Fall & Spring) requirement.
If you are in your fourth long semester at UT or have not completed 60 credit hours in-residence after the Spring semester, you do not need an appeal essay.
CNS ADVISORS CANNOT MEET WITH NON-CNS STUDENTS.
Duplicate/Incomplete/Late/Multiple Applications are automatically disqualified from consideration.
APPEAL PROCESS FOR the 4 SEMESTER, 60 HOUR policy:
(for students who have completed 4 long semesters or 60 credit hours in-residence)
Students who have completed 4 long semesters (Fall or Spring) in-residence or 60 hours in-residence will be considered for admission with a formal appeal to be allowed to apply for Internal Transfer.
On the application, you will need to denote completion of either 4 semesters and/or 60 hours in-residence, which will then prompt you to submit your additional appeal essay.
Before beginning the application, it is recommended that you prepare your appeal essay in a Word document, which can then be pasted into the application. The appeal has a maximum of 9,000 total characters, including spaces. Successful appeal candidates demonstrate your ability to graduate within four years of entering the University.
Please address the following:
1) The major and degree you are pursuing.
2) The number of remaining hours for graduation.
3) If you are attempting to add a CNS major as a simultaneous major, list the total number of remaining hours for graduation in both majors.
4) Your planned graduation date.
5) Include any additional relevant information to this appeal.
Exceptions to the University policy on Internal Transfer are made when a student can provide compelling reasons for an exception. Non-academic experiences are considered a mitigating circumstance. Please provide evidence for how you have resolved any experience that contributed to your non-academic experience.
Successful appeals will demonstrate the ability to graduate in a timely manner and evidence that you have earned a B- or better in Math and Science courses in-residence.
PACE students must have completed 24 hours in-residence in order to apply for Internal Transfer. When prompted to submit the appeal essay, PACE students need to indicate they are appealing due to PACE.
FACTORS CONSIDERED IN THE APPLICATION PROCESS:
- 24 hours of in-residence coursework
- Mathematics and Science coursework taken in-residence with a B- or better
- Cumulative UT GPA
- Mathematics and Science UT GPA
- Number of available slots in major
- Desired major
PROBLEMS WITH YOUR APPLICATION?
Please include your EID: cns.internal.transfer@austin.utexas.edu
Students: Always include your UT EID in your messages.
SAN Decisions
application notification
Application notifications will be sent via Secure Academic Note (SAN).
Your application major selection is binding, so please be sure to select the accurate option.
For example: If you intend to double major, please select the simultaneous major option on your application.
If you select the replace your major with your current major on your application, you will not be able to change your major within CNS unless you complete another application in a future Internal Transfer application cycle.
If you add a major from another college after completing your Change of College paperwork, your acceptance into CNS will be revoked.
There are no exceptions to these policies to remain consistent and fair to all applicants.
Undeliverable SANs will be considered delivered without further action from CNS.
Secure Academic Notes are available on your My UT Portal.
Confirm that your email address is correct on your My UT Portal to avoid missing important SAN decision information.
Application decisions will be sent via email as a Secure Academic Note (SAN). Undeliverable messages returned because of either a full inbox or use of a "spam" filter will be considered delivered without further action required from CNS.
EVERY APPLICATION DECISION IS FINAL AND IS NOT ELIGIBLE FOR AN APPEAL.
TRIPLE MAJORS ARE NOT PERMITTED FOR THE CNS INTERNAL TRANSFER PROCESS.
ACCEPTED APPLICAnts:
Congratulations!
Once you have received a SAN acceptance, you will need to confirm your acceptance by completing your Change of College paperwork via email.
Accepted students will need to confirm acceptance by deadline indicated in the admission SAN.
Failure to confirm your acceptance by the deadline, will revoke your admission to CNS and you will remain in your original college.
Admitted students will receive information via SAN on how to schedule an appointment with an academic advisor in The College of Natural Sciences.
Once you have confirmed acceptance, your major will be changed to your admitted major only. Your major change will allow potential access to courses that were previously exclusive to CNS majors.
Please take the time to review your CNS student handbook:
https://cns.utexas.edu/students/incoming-students/student-handbook
If you were not selected for internal transfer:
Students can apply in the next academic year’s application cycle.
Remember, admission is not guaranteed by meeting the minimum requirements and preference is given to students who are pursuing a single major and can graduate within four years of entering the University.
We recommend you look for alternative majors that can assist you in meeting your career goals by using Wayfinder and schedule an appointment with an academic advisor in the Vick Center for Strategic Advising and Career Counseling.
Elements of Computing Certificate: Students interested in Computer Science may consider this credential which provides students with knowledge of Computer Science that employers find valuable and supports study in other disciplines requiring computational proficiency.
Pre-Health Professions Certificate: Students pursuing their Pre-Medical requirements to augment their courses with complementary health-related coursework can apply after meeting the enforced admissions requirements for Non-Science majors students.
FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQS)
What is the minimum criteria to apply?
- Complete 24 credit hours in-residence at UT Austin.
- Meet the admissions requirements.
- Submit your completed application in the Spring semester.
- Earn the minimum GPA: CNS Internal Transfer GPA is 2.0 & UTeach GPA is 2.5.
Meeting all minimum criteria stated above does not guarantee admission.
How can I increase my chances of being competitive?
Preference is given to students pursing a single major that can graduate within four years of entering the University.
Students that can take 12-15 credit hours per semester with no Q drops as evidence of being able to handle to rigor of CNS courses with grades of B- or better are more competitive.
Continuing to take courses that are in your intended Degree Checklist will help you to stay on track to complete degree requirements.
Please utilize your essay to highlight areas of excellence.
What courses can I take prior to acceptance?
You can choose from several options to complete the 1 Calculus or Statistics course and 2 Science courses from the approved list to meet the requirements to apply with claimed or transfer credit from another institution, we recommend taking upper division courses in your intended major.
What are the Acceptable Course Substitutions?
Each CNS major has degree specific class options to meet the course requirements to apply for Internal Transfer.
These courses are a good option to explore if you have met the admissions requirements with transfer or claimed credit. Additionally, course exploration can help you confirm if your intended CNS major is right for your interests.
Courses not listed on the acceptable course substitutions, cannot be applied to admissions requirements.
I have not completed the Math and/or Science requirements for admission.
Am I eligible to apply?
No.
Students are required to have completed the 1 Math and 2 Science course requirements to be eligible to apply.
You are eligible to apply if you have met the requirements with transfer or claimed credit.
I have not completed the 24 hours in-residence requirement for admission.
Can I appeal this requirement?
No.
Every student is required to have completed a minimum of 24 credit hours in-residence.
I have not completed the Mathematics and/or Science requirements in-residence.
Am I eligible to apply?
Yes.
Students are eligible to apply if they have not completed the Math and Science requirements in-residence.
Internal Transfer into CNS is a competitive application process and preference will be given to students who either completed the Math and Science requirements at UT, or to those who have completed additional Math and Science coursework that meets degree requirements for his/her intended major.
It is important to demonstrate success in your intended field of study by earning grades of B- or better in UT Austin Math and Science courses.
Students who do not complete Math or Science coursework in-residence are not competitive. Select courses (that you meet the pre-requisite for) in your intended Degree Checklist.
Should I repeat application course requirements that were previously completed at another institution or claimed through AP/IB?
No.
Do not retake coursework that you have earned credit for to apply for Internal Transfer.
CNS does not recommend repeating credits previously earned through other institutions or claimed credit. You can view the Acceptable Course Substitution lists for degree specific options.
The IDA to can help you determine required courses for the major you are pursuing.
I have completed four semesters or 60 credit hours at UT.
Am I eligible to apply?
Yes.
An appeal essay is required and you will be prompted to submit in the application.
Students that apply for an appeal will need to demonstrate the ability to graduate within four years of entering the University and show evidence of earning B- or better grades in Math and Science courses in-residence.
How do I appeal the four semesters or 60 hours in-residence rule?
Students wishing to appeal the 4 semester, 60 hour rule will have the opportunity to submit an appeal essay, outlining their graduation plan in the CNS Internal Transfer application.
On the application, you will indicate completion of either 4 semesters and/or 60 hours in-residence, which will then prompt you to complete the appeal essay.
Successful appeals will demonstrate the ability to graduate within four years of entering the University and preference is given to students pursuing a single major.
I am a UT degree holder and was readmitted to another college, but would like to pursue a second degree in CNS.
Am I required to wait for the stated application period?
Yes.
UT degree holders will have completed four semesters or 60 hours in-residence, thus will be required to appeal to be eligible for Internal Transfer.
The College of Natural Sciences will only accept Internal Transfer students who apply in the Spring for the following Fall semester.
Degree holders will fall into the same applicant pool as current undergraduate students, and may be less competitive in the process.
We recommend looking into Graduate School opportunities for Alumni. If you are interested in C S, you can explore alternate options for Computer Science Master's Degrees in Texas.
All completed student applications are reviewed holistically and admission is offered on a space available basis.
Meeting all minimum criteria stated above does not guarantee admission.
What Grade Point Average (GPA) is required in order to apply?
The minimum GPA is 2.0.
College of Natural Sciences will factor grades from the Spring semester, you can use the GPA calculator to estimate your future GPA.
Am I required to attend an Information Session?
No.
Information sessions are optional and not required in order to apply. They do provide the opportunity to ask questions about the application process.
Email any questions to: cns.internal.transfer@austin.utexas.edu and please include your EID.
Can I apply for more than one CNS major?
No.
Non-CNS students are only allowed to apply for a single CNS major in each Internal Transfer cycle.
TRIPLE MAJORS ARE NOT PERMITTED FOR THE CNS INTERNAL TRANSFER PROCESS.
I am a current CNS major wishing to add a simultaneous (double) major or degree.
Am I required to complete the application?
Computer Science requires an application for all students, including current CNS majors.
It is possible for current CNS students to add other, non-restricted majors or change majors without completion of an application. Please contact your current academic advisor to discuss your options: https://cns.utexas.edu/advising/advising-centers.
Environmental Science has a separate application process for all students.
Am I allowed to apply for a CNS major as a simultaneous (double) major?
Yes.
Students are allowed to keep their present major and still apply for a CNS major if, you have 30 completed credit hours in-residence, and selected the simultaneous major option on your application.
Can I change my major if I was admitted as an Internal Transfer student in a previous application cycle?
Yes.
A new application in the next academic year application cycle is required to change to a different major within the CNS for students originally admitted as an Internal Transfer.
Are first semester UT students eligible to apply?
No.
Students must complete a minimum of 24 hours in-residence to apply. This usually means at least two long semesters (Fall & Spring) of coursework at UT Austin.
It is possible to Internally Transfer to the School of Undergraduate Studies if you need assistance with major exploration.
When will I receive a decision of acceptance or denial?
Decisions will be sent in late July via Secure Academic Note (SAN).
Undeliverable messages returned because of either a full inbox or use of a "Spam" filter will be considered delivered without further action required of CNS.
every application decision is final and not eligible for an appeal.
If you have not received an acceptance SAN, you may choose to apply again for the following application cycle. This is a good option if you have less than 25 credit hours in-residence at UT Austin.
Successful completion of coursework from the Core Curriculum and/or Skills and Experience Flags is ideal as it meets the University requirements for any Undergraduate Degree.
I was admitted to UT through the PACE program.
Am I required to have 24 in-residence hours to apply?
Yes.
It is important for you to indicate you were admitted through PACE in your application. Students admitted through PACE are also subject to the 24 hour in-residence requirement. When applying - and you indicate you have more than four semesters in-residence - you will be redirected to the appeal form.
Is it possible to enroll in CNS courses prior to acceptance?
Yes.
If you meet the pre-requisite and the course is not restricted. Some courses, such as M 408C, M 408K, SDS 302/302F, or CH 301, are available to non-majors. Most Computer Science courses are restricted.
You can click on the unique number when viewing the Course Schedule and the course details will be outlined.
Please email any questions to: cns.internal.transfer@austin.utexas.edu.
Please include your name, and EID.
Students: Always include your UT EID in your messages.
Can I meet with a CNS advisor to discuss my specific situation?
CNS ADVISORS CANNOT MEET WITH NON-CNS STUDENTS.
No.
Unfortunately, due to the volume of applicants, the College of Natural Sciences is unable to support individual meetings or academic advising for prospective Internal Transfer students.
We encourage you to attend an Information Session that covers the policies and procedures regarding Internal Transfer into CNS and are optional.
