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Undergraduate Catalog
2001-2003

Academic Regulations and
Degree Requirements

Degree Requirements - Contents

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Degrees Granted

Bachelor of Architecture (B.Arch.)
Bachelor of Arts (B.A.)
Bachelor of Business Administration (B.B.A.)
Bachelor of Fine Arts (B.F.A.)
Bachelor of Interdisciplinary Sciences (B.I.Sci.)
Bachelor of Music (B.M.)
Bachelor of Science (B.S.)
Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering (B.S.Ch.E.)
Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering (B.S.C.E.)
Bachelor of Science in Computer Engineering (B.S.Cp.E.)
Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering (B.S.E.E.)
Bachelor of Science in Industrial Engineering (B.S.I.E.)
Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering (B.S.M.E.)
Bachelor of Science in Technology (B.S.Tech.)
Master of Architecture (M.Arch.)
Master of Arts (M.A.)
Master of Business Administration (M.B.A.)
Master of Education (M.Ed.)
Master of Fine Arts (M.F.A.)
Master of Hospitality Management (M.H.M.)
Master of Laws (LL.M.)
Master of Music (M.M.)
Master of Science (M.S.)
Master of Science in Accountancy (M.S.Acy.)
Master of Chemical Engineering (M.Ch.E.)
Master of Science in Chemical Engineering (M.S.Ch.E.)
Master of Civil Engineering (M.C.E.)
Master of Science in Civil Engineering (M.S.C.E.)
Master of Electrical Engineering (M.E.E.)
Master of Science in Electrical Engineering (M.S.E.E.)
Master of Industrial Engineering (M.I.E.)
Master of Science in Industrial Engineering (M.S.I.E.)
Master of Mechanical Engineering (M.M.E.)
Master of Science in Mechanical Engineering (M.S.M.E.)
Master of Science in Occupational Technology (M.S.O.T.)
Master of Science in Physiological Optics (M.S.P.O.)
Master of Social Work (M.S.W.)
Master of Technology (M.Tch.)
Doctor of Education (Ed.D.)
Doctor of Jurisprudence (J.D.)
Doctor of Musical Arts (D.M.A.)
Doctor of Optometry (O.D.)
Doctor of Pharmacy (Pharm.D.)
Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.)

 

Graduation Under a Particular Catalog

Students normally are entitled to graduate under the degree provisions of the catalog in effect at the time of their first completed semester of enrollment. These exceptions apply:

  1. A catalog more than seven years old shall not be used.
  2. The programs of students who interrupt their enrollment at the University of Houston for more than 13 months shall be governed by the catalog in effect at the time of the students' reentrance to the university. For these purposes, enrollment is defined as registration for and successful completion of at least one three-semester-hour course during a semester or summer session. Students forced to withdraw for adequate cause before completion of a course may petition the dean of the college of their major for a waiver of this provision at the time of withdrawal.
  3. Students who change their majors at this university, provided they do not interrupt their enrollment at the University of Houston for more than 13 months, are entitled to graduate under the general degree requirements in effect at the time they enrolled at the university, but must satisfy the college and major degree requirements in effect at the time the change of major becomes effective.
  4. Students who add a second major at this university, provided they do not interrupt their enrollment at the University of Houston for more than 13 months, are entitled to graduate under the general degree requirements in effect at the time they enrolled at the university, the college and primary major degree require­ments in effect at the time their primary major became effective, and the major degree requirements of the second major (and, if the second major is in a different college from the primary major, the degree requirements of that college) in effect at the time their second major became effective.
  5. At the discretion of their college dean, students will be required to comply with all changes in the curriculum made subsequent to the years enrolled. Deletions and additions of courses will be of approximately equal credit so that no student will have an overall appreciable increase of total credits required for graduation.
  6. Any first-time college students who entered a Texas junior college on or after the beginning of Fall 1983 qualify, upon transfer to the University of Houston, to graduate under the catalog in effect when they entered the junior college provided:

    a. They followed the core curriculum provisions of the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board

    b. They did not interrupt their enrollment at the junior college for more than 13 months

    c. They transferred to the University of Houston within three calendar years of their initial enrollment at a Texas junior college
     

If studies are interrupted for more than 13 months at the junior college before transfer to the University of Houston, then they must qualify for graduation under the catalog in effect upon return to the junior college or upon matriculation at the University of Houston.

 

Degree Plan

Students are responsible for all requirements of the catalog under which they are graduating. Application for a degree plan should be made to the dean of the college or departmental advisor as soon as the student has completed 60 credit hours. Before certification for graduation can be made, copies of the degree plan must be on file in the college dean's office and in the Office of Registration and Academic Records, 108 Ezekiel W. Cullen Building.

 

General Requirements for a Baccalaureate Degree

All candidates for a bachelor's degree at the ­University of Houston must meet certain minimum requirements. Additional requirements may be imposed by the individual department or college. Students should refer to the department or college section of this catalog for complete requirements and total number of hours prescribed for the specific degree.

The following are the minimum requirements for a bachelor's degree:

  1. Students must complete at least 120 semester hours of courses. At least 36 of the 120 semester hours must be advanced, according to the requirements of respective degree plans.
  2. Students must complete core curriculum requirements (see Core Curriculum Requirements) with approved courses or by examination.2
  3. Students must complete all course requirements of the major as specified in the college section of the catalog, some of which may also satisfy university core curriculum requirements.
  4. Students must earn a 2.00 minimum cumulative grade point average in courses attempted at the university.
  5. Students must earn a 2.00 minimum cumulative grade point average in courses attempted in the major at the university.
  6. Students must earn a 2.00 minimum cumulative grade point average in all core courses attempted at the university.
  7. In addition to these general requirements, candidates for graduation must meet all special degree requirements as specified in the appropriate college sections in which the major is completed.
  8. Students cannot satisfy any degree requirements in their major with advanced courses that were completed more than seven years before the semester in which the degree is awarded, unless they receive permission from their college dean.
  9. No more than 30 semester hours of correspondence work and extension class credit may be applied to a bachelor's degree. The maximum correspondence credit applicable to the degree is 18 semester hours, with no more than six hours applicable toward the major.
  10. Students must complete at least 30 semester hours in residence.

    a. These residence hours are not to include credit by examination, special problems, or individual research courses taken at the University of Houston.

    b. A minimum of nine semester hours of advanced work in the major field must be completed in residence.

  11. The last 30 semester hours to be applied toward a bachelor's degree must be taken in residence.

 

Bachelor of Arts Degree Special Requirements

Candidates for any Bachelor of Arts degree must complete at least six semester hours at the 2000 level in one foreign language. Students may satisfy part or all of this requirement by foreign language courses at a higher level or by placement examination with credit.

Deans may waive this requirement for students majoring in their college who can demonstrate that they meet at least one of the following requirements:

Students

  1. presented a TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) score to qualify for admission to the university or
  2. successfully completed ENGL 1309 and 1310 in residence or
  3. completed at least eight years of formal education in schools where English was not the primary language of instruction.

Bachelor of Science Degree Special Requirements

Candidates for any Bachelor of Science degree must complete at least 12 semester hours in the formal sciences, i.e., mathematics, computer science, formal logic, or statistics, at least six semester hours of which must be in mathematics. Courses applied to this requirement must either be core-approved mathematics/reasoning courses or have as prerequisites at least six hours of such courses.

Students may satisfy part or all of the formal science requirement by examination, provided that examinations for placement without credit be taken only at the University of Houston. Students who place out of MATH 1310 or MATH 1330 by taking the non-credit placement examinations will have their formal science requirement reduced accordingly.

Placement without credit does not reduce the total number of hours required for the bachelor of science degree.

 

Requirements for a Minor

In most fields of study at the undergraduate level, students may earn a minor by satisfying certain requirements. The general requirements are as follows:

  1. Students must complete a minimum of 15 semester hours of work in the minor field.

  2. At least nine of the 15 semester hours must be advanced.

  3. At least six of the nine advanced semester hours must be taken in residence.

  4. Students must earn a 2.00 minimum cumulative grade point average on courses attempted in the minor at the University of Houston.

Departments and colleges may include additional requirements but cannot require more than 21 semester hours of work in the minor field of study.

Not all departments and colleges offer minors, but those that do provide academic advice for the students who seek minors in their areas.

Students should consult the general and departmental requirements listed in the college sections of this catalog for more detailed information on the availability of and requirements for minors.

 

Core Curriculum

Senate Bill (SB) 148, enacted in 1997 by the 75th Texas Legislature, requires the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board to adopt rules that include "a statement of the content, component areas, and objectives of the core curriculum" which each institution is to fulfill by its own selection of specific courses.

The University of Houston has adopted the core curriculum guidelines described below. These are predicated on the judgment that a series of basic intellectual competencies (reading, writing, speaking, listening, critical thinking, and computer literacy) are essential to the learning process in any discipline and thus should inform any core curriculum and indeed, all of undergraduate education. Although students can be expected to come to college with some experience in exercising these competencies, they often need further instruction and practice to meet college standards and, later, to succeed in both their major field of academic study and their chosen career or profession.

Reading:

Reading at the college level means the ability to analyze and interpret a variety of printed materials-books, articles, and documents. A core curriculum should offer students the opportunity to master both general methods of analyzing printed materials and specific methods for analyzing the subject matter of individual disciplines.

Writing

Competency in writing is the ability to produce clear, correct, and coherent prose adapted to purpose, occasion, and audience. Although correct grammar, spelling, and punctuation are each a sine qua non in any composition, they do not automatically ensure that the composition itself makes sense or that the writer has much of anything to say. Students need to be familiar with the writing process including how to discover a topic and how to develop and organize it, how to phrase it effectively for their audience. These abilities can be acquired only through practice and reflection.

Speaking

Competence in speaking is the ability to communicate orally in clear, coherent, and persuasive language appropriate to purpose, occasion, and audience. Developing this competency includes acquiring poise and developing control of the language through experience in making presentations to small groups, to large groups, and through the media.

Listening

Listening at the college level means the ability to analyze and interpret various forms of spoken communication.

Critical Thinking

Critical thinking embraces methods for applying both qualitative and quantitative skills analytically and creatively to subject matter in order to evaluate arguments and to construct alternative strategies. Problem solving is one of the applications of critical thinking; it is used to address an identified task.

Computer Literacy

Computer literacy at the college level means the ability to use computer-based technology in communicating, solving problems, and acquiring information. Core-educated students should have an understanding of the limits, problems, and possibilities associated with the use of technology, and should have the tools necessary to evaluate and learn new technologies as they become available.

 

Core Curriculum Requirements

All bachelor's degrees require completion of a core curriculum. Beginning in Fall 1999, University of Houston students who must complete the requirements of the new core curriculum are as follows:

  1. All undergraduate students entering the university for the first time, whether as first-time-in-college students or as transfer students, unless they are transferring from a Texas junior/community college and satisfy all of the following conditions:

    • initially enrolled at the Texas junior/community college no later than summer 1999

    • transferred to UH within three years of their initial enrollment at the Texas junior/community college

    • did not interrupt their enrollment for more than 13 months.

  2. All former students returning to the university for a bachelor's degree program who have interrupted their enrollment for more than 13 months.

  3. All postbaccalaureate students who enroll in a bachelor's degree program unless they are University of Houston graduates who have not interrupted their enrollment for more than 13 months.

  4. All continuing students who obtain permission from the dean of the college of their major to graduate under the degree requirements of the new core.

    Other students, including most students enrolled at the University of Houston prior to Fall 1999, will not be required to satisfy the new core requirements; instead, they may choose to satisfy either the old core curriculum (see previous catalogs) or the new core curriculum. Students choosing to complete the old core must complete certain portions of it by Summer 2001; if they do not, they must complete the new core. Students who have completed a substantial portion of the old core may petition for an extension through their departments.

    Further information on core eligibility and on courses that satisfy core curriculum requirements can be obtained by consulting the core curriculum web site
    (www.uh.edu/academics/corecurriculum), the current class schedule,or an academic advisor.

I. Communication
(6 hours English rhetoric/composition)

The objective of a communication component of a core curriculum is to enable the student to communicate effectively in clear and correct prose in a style appropriate to the subject, occasion, and audience.
The following courses satisfy the core requirements in Communication. See the current Class Schedule, published each semester, for prerequisites and other restrictions, additions, and deletions.

  • Engl 1303: English Composition
  • Engl 1304: Freshman Composition II
  • Engl 1309: English Composition for Nonnative Speakers I
  • Engl 1310: English Composition for Nonnative Speakers II
  • Engl 1360: Freshman Composition II-Honors
  • Itec 3372: Communicating in Science, Engineering and Technology - Isssues and Trends within the Global Workplace

II. Mathematics
(3 hours college-level algebra or equivalent)

The objective of the mathematics component of the core curriculum is to develop a quantitatively literate college graduate. Every college graduate should be able to apply basic mathematical tools in the solution of real-world problems.
The following courses satisfy the core requirements in Mathematics. See the current Class Schedule, published each semester, for prerequisites and other restrictions, additions, and deletions.

  • Math 1310: College Algebra
  • Math 1311: Elementary Mathematical Modeling
  • Tmth 1335: Basic Technical Mathematics

III. Institutionally Designated Option:
Mathematics/Reasoning
(3 hours)

The University of Houston includes in its core curriculum courses that build students' skills in mathematical and logical thinking, including approved courses in mathematics, logic, computer science, statistics, and music theory.
The following courses satisfy the core requirements in Mathematics/Reasoning. See the current Class Schedule, published each semester, for prerequisites and other restrictions, additions, and deletions.

  • Cosc 1301: Fortran Programming
  • Cosc 1302: COBOL Programming
  • Cosc 1304: C Programming
  • Math 1312: Introduction to Mathematics
  • Math 1313: Finite Mathematics with Applications
  • Math 1314: Elements of Calculus with Applications
  • Math 1330: Elementary Functions
  • Math 1431: Calculus I
  • Math 1450: Accelerated Calculus
  • Math 2311: Introduction to Probability and Statistics
  • Musi 2210: Music Theory III
  • Musi 2211: Music Theory IV
  • Phil 1321: Logic I
  • Pols 3316: Quantitative Methods
  • Psyc 3301: Introduction to Psychological Statistics
  • Tmth 2335: Advanced Technical Mathematics
  • Tmth 3360: Applied Technical Statistics

IV. American History
(6 hours)

The objective of the history component of a core curriculum is to increase students' knowledge of how historians discover, describe, and explain the behaviors and interactions among individuals, groups, institutions, events, and ideas. Such knowledge will better equip students to understand themselves and the roles they play in addressing the issues facing humanity.
The following courses satisfy the core requirements in American History. See the current Class Schedule, published each semester, for prerequisites and other restrictions, additions, and deletions.

  • Hist 1376 or 1377: The United States to 1877
  • Hist 1378 or 1379: The United States Since 1877

    Note:
    HIST 1386 and 1379 are taught in a large lecture/small discussion group format; HIST 1377 and 1378 are taught in a large lecture format. Credit in both HIST 1376 and 1377 cannot be applied toward a degree; credit in both HIST 1378 and HIST 1379 cannot be applied toward a degree.

V. Government
(6 hours)

The objective of a government component of a core curriculum is to increase students' knowledge of and interactions among individuals, groups, institutions, events, and ideas. Such knowledge will better equip students to understand themselves and the roles they play in addressing the issues facing humanity.
The following courses satisfy the core requirements in Government. See the current Class Schedule, published each semester, for prerequisites and other restrictions, additions, and deletions.

  • Pols 1336: U.S. and Texas Politics and Constitutions
  • Pols 1337: U.S. Government: Congress, President, and Court

VI. Humanities
(3 hours)

The objective of the humanities in a core curriculum is to expand students' knowledge of the human condition and human cultures, especially in relation to behaviors, ideas, and values expressed in works of human imagination and thought. Through study in disciplines such as literature and philosophy, students will engage in critical analysis, form aesthetic judgments, and develop an appreciation of the humanities as fundamental to the health and survival of any society. Humanities courses require substantial writing (at least 3000 words, including at least one piece of work done outside of class and returned to the student prior to the end of the semester or term with the instructor's written evaluation of grammar, style, and content).
The following courses satisfy the core requirements in Humanities. See the current Class Schedule, published each semester, for prerequisites and other restrictions, additions, and deletions.

  • Aas 2320: Introduction to African American Studies
  • Amer 3300: The Americas: Identity, Culture, and Power
  • Chns 2352: Chinese Culture and Society through Literature
  • Clas 3307: Greek and Roman Myths of Heroes
  • Clas 3308: Ancient Greek and Roman Religion
  • Clas 3372: Medieval Epic
  • Clas 4375: Gender & Race in Ancient Greek Myth
  • Clas 4380: Greek Classics in Translation
  • Clas 4381: Latin Classics in Translation
  • Comm 4370: Social Aspects of Film
  • Engl 2301: Western World Literature
  • Engl 2302: Western World Literature
  • Engl 2303: English Literature to 1798
  • Engl 2304: English Literature Since 1798
  • Engl 2305: Introduction to Fiction
  • Engl 2306: Introduction to Poetry
  • Engl 2308: Introduction to Nonfiction Prose
  • Engl 2309: American Life through Literature
  • Engl 2310: American Life through Literature
  • Engl 2311: American Literary Cultures
  • Engl 2315: Literature and Film
  • Engl 2316: Literature and Culture
  • Engl 2319: Exploring Language
  • Engl 2320: Book and Beyond
  • Engl 2321: Computers in Humanities
  • Engl 2322: Literature and Nature
  • Engl 2323: Literature and Identity
  • Engl 2324: Literature, Arts, and Society
  • Engl 2325: Literature Traditions of the Nonwestern World
  • Engl 2360: Western World Literature-Honors
  • Engl 3300: Ancient and Classical Literature
  • Engl 3306: Shakespeare
  • Engl 3324: Development of the Novel
  • Engl 3325: Structures of Poetry
  • Engl 3327: Masterpieces of British Literature
  • Engl 3328: Masterpieces of British Literature
  • Engl 3350: American Literature to 1865
  • Engl 3351: American Literature since 1865
  • Engl 3360: Survey of African-American Literature
  • Engl 4310: History of the English Language
  • Engl 4380: Greek Classics in Translation
  • Engl 4381: Latin Classics in Translation
  • Fren 3362: Paris and Berlin Since 1800
  • Fren 3364: Writing Holocausts: The Literature of Genocide
  • Fren 4301: Survey of French Literature to 1800
  • Fren 4302: Survey of French Literature from 1800
  • Germ 3350: Understanding the 20th Century through German Culture
  • Germ 3360: Masterpieces of German Literature in English Translation
  • Germ 3361: Masterpieces of German Literature in English Translation
  • Germ 3362: Paris and Berlin Since 1800
  • Germ 3364: Writing Holocausts: The Literature of Genocide
  • Hist 2351: History of Western Civilization to 1450
  • Hist 2353: History of Western Civilization from 1450
  • Hist 2361: Study of Early Civilizations
  • Hist 2371: Latin American History 1492-1820
  • Hist 2372: Latin American History since 1820
  • Hist 3300: History of Private Life
  • Hist 3317: Making of Ethnic America
  • Hist 3379: World Civilizations to A.D. 1200
  • Hist 3380: World Civilizations since A.D. 1000
  • Hist 4330: Flowering of the Middle Ages
  • Hon 2301: The Human Situation: Antiquity
  • Ital 3335: Survey of Italian Literature
  • Ital 3336: Survey of Italian Literature in Translation
  • Mas 3340: Development of the Mexican American Urban Communities
  • Phil 1301: Introduction to Philosophy
  • Phil 1305: Introduction to Ethics
  • Pols 3340: Ancient and Medieval Political Thought
  • Pols 3341: Political Thought from Machiavelli and the Renaissance
  • Pols 4346: Greek Political Thought
  • Rels 2310: The Bible and Western Culture I
  • Rels 2311: The Bible and Western Culture II
  • Russ 2303: Survey of Russian Literature in English
  • Russ 2304: Survey of Russian Literature in English
  • Span 3331: Mexican American Literature
  • Span 3373: Spanish Culture and Civilization
  • Span 4311: Survey of Spanish Literature to 1700
  • Wost 2350: Introduction to Women's Studies

VII. Visual and Performing Arts
(3 hours)

The objective of the visual and performing arts in a core curriculum is to expand students' knowledge of the human condition and human cultures, especially in relation to behaviors, ideas, and values expressed in works of human imagination and thought. Through study in the visual and performing arts, students will engage in critical analysis, form aesthetic judgments, and develop an appreciation of the arts as fundamental to the health and survival of any society. Critically oriented Performing/Visual Arts courses require substantial writing (at least 3000 words, including at least one piece of work done outside of class and returned to the student prior to the end of the semester or term with the instructor's written evaluation of grammar, style, and content). Experientially oriented Performing/Visual Arts courses require graded assignments in a performing or visual art.
The following courses satisfy the core requirements in Visual and Performing Arts. See the current Class Schedule, published each semester, for prerequisites and other restrictions, additions, and deletions.

  • Arch 2350: Survey of Architectural History I
  • Arch 2351: Survey of Architectural History II
  • Arch 3346: Precedents of Modernism
  • Arth 1380: Art History I
  • Arth 1381: Art History II
  • Clas 3345: Myth and Performance in Greek Tragedy
  • Clas 3371: Ancient Comedy and Its Influence
  • Clas 3373: Ancient Satire and Its Influence
  • Comm 3370: History of Cinema
  • Dan 2307: Aesthetics of Movement
  • Dan 4300: History of Dance
  • Engl 2307: Introduction to Drama
  • Engl 2317: Criticism of Literary Performance
  • Engl 2318: Creation and Performance of Literature
  • Engl 2417: Shakespeare in Performance
  • Germ 3363: Themes in German Drama
  • Germ 3380: German Women Film Directors
  • Germ 3395: Topics in German Cinema
  • Hist 4314: American History Through Film
  • Ital 3305: Italian Culture through Films
  • Ital 3306: Italian Culture through Films
  • Ital 3345: Theater in Italy: Text, Audience and Performance
  • Ital 3346: Theater in Italy: Text, Audience and Performance
  • Musi 1100: Marching Band
  • Musi 1102: Wind Ensemble
  • Musi 1110: Jazz Orchestra
  • Musi 1120: University Chorus
  • Musi 1121: Concert Chorale
  • Musi 1140: Orchestra
  • Musi 2360: Music Literature
  • Musi 2361: Music and Culture
  • Musi 3300: Listening to Music Masterworks
  • Musi 3301: Listening to World Music
  • Musi 4105: Vocal Chamber Music Ensemble
  • Musi 4342: Music Fundamentals & Literature for Children
  • Phil 1361: Philosophy and the Arts
  • Pols 2346: Politics of Greek Theatre
  • Thea 1331: Introduction to Theatre
  • Thea 3335: History of the Theatre
  • Thea 3336: History of the Theatre

VIII. Natural Sciences
(6 hours)

The objective of the study of a natural sciences component of a core curriculum is to enable the student to understand, construct, and evaluate relationships in the natural sciences, and to enable the student to understand the bases for building and testing theories.
The following courses satisfy the core requirements in Natural Sciences. See the current Class Schedule, published each semester, for prerequisites and other restrictions, additions, and deletions.

  • Biol 1310: General Biology
  • Biol 1320: General Biology
  • Biol 1431: Introduction to Biological Science
  • Biol 1432: Introduction to Biological Science
  • Chem 1301: Foundations of Chemistry
  • Chem 1302: General Organic Chemistry
  • Chem 1331: Fundamentals of Chemistry
  • Chem 1332: Fundamentals of Chemistry
  • Geol 1330: Physical Geology
  • Geol 1340: Introduction to Earth Systems
  • Geol 1376: Historical Geology
  • Geol 3377: Introductory Oceanography
  • Geol 3378: Introduction to Atmospheric Science
  • Nutr 2332: Normal Nutrition
  • Phar 2362: Science of Drug Action
  • Phys 1301: Introductory General Physics
  • Phys 1302: Introductory General Physics
  • Phys 1305: Introductory Astronomy-The Solar System
  • Phys 1306: Introductory Astronomy - Stellar and Galactic
  • Phys 1321: University Physics I
  • Phys 1322: University Physics II
  • Phys 3378: Introduction to Atmospheric Science

IX. Social and Behavioral Sciences
(6 hours, of which 3 hours must be writing intensive*)

The objective of a social and behavioral science component of a core curriculum is to increase students' knowledge of how social and behavioral scientists discover, describe, and explain the behaviors and interactions among individuals, groups, institutions, events, and ideas. Such knowledge will better equip students to understand themselves and the roles they play in addressing the issues facing humanity. Writing intensive courses require substantial writing (at least 3000 words, including at least one piece of work done outside of class and returned to the student prior to the end of the semester or term with the instructor's written evaluation of grammar, style, and content).
The following courses satisfy the core requirements in Social and Behavioral Sciences. See the current Class Schedule, published each semester, for prerequisites and other restrictions, additions, and deletions.

  • Anth 1300: Introduction to Anthropology
  • Anth 2301: Introduction to Physical Anthropology
  • Anth 2302: Introduction to Cultural Anthropology
  • Anth 2303: Introduction to Archaeology
  • *Anth 2304: Introduction to Language and Culture
  • Anth 2305: World Archaeology
  • Anth 3316: Society and Culture of India
  • *Anth 3348: Anthropology of Religion
  • *Anth 3361: Human Origins
  • Anth 4310: Theories of Culture
  • *Comm 1302: Introduction to Communication Theory
  • Comd 2339: Speech, Hearing and Language Development
  • Econ 2301: Economic Concepts and Issues
  • Econ 2304: Microeconomic Principles
  • Econ 2305: Macroeconomic Principles
  • *Econ 3332: Intermediate Microeconomic Theory
  • *Econ 3334: Intermediate Macroeconomic Theory
  • *Econ 3350: American Economic Growth
  • Geog 1301: Human Use of the Earth
  • Geog 2340: World Realms
  • *Hdcs 1300: Family Ecosystems
  • *Musi 3303: Popular Music in the Americas Since 1840
  • *Phil 1334: Introduction to the Mind
  • Pols 1333: Introduction to Political Science
  • Pols 1335: World Politics
  • *Pols 2340: Greek Classics
  • *Pols 2341: Renaissance Classics
  • *Pols 3310:Introduction to Political Theory
  • *Pols 3311: Introduction to Comparative Politics
  • *Pols 3313: Introduction to International Relations
  • *Pols 3314: Introduction to Public Administration
  • *Pols 3315: International Organization
  • *Pols 3318: Introduction to Public Policy
  • Psyc 1300: Introduction to Psychology
  • *Psyc 2344: Cultural Psychology
  • Psyc 2350: Child Development
  • Psyc 2351: Psychology of Adolescence
  • *Psyc 3310: Industrial-Organization Psychology
  • *Psyc 4321: Abnormal Psychology
  • Soc 1300: Introduction to Sociology
  • *Soc 2325: American Minority Peoples
  • *Soc 3312: Sociology of Deviance
  • *Soc 3330: Introduction to Social Psychology
  • Soc 3336: Socialization
  • *Soc 3351: Social Class and Mobility in America
  • *Soc 3357: Urban Sociology
  • Soc 3373: Comparative Family Structures
  • Soc 3401: Introduction to Sociological Research

Core Curriculum Requirements Hours
Communication 6
Mathematics 3
Mathematics/Reasoning 3
U.S. History 6
American government 6
Humanities 3
Visual/Performing Arts 3
Social Behavioral Sciences, of which three hours must be writing intensive 6

History and Constitutions Requirements

Senate Bill 254, passed by the 54th Legislature and amended by House Bill 935 of the 60th Legislature, provides that no individuals may receive an undergraduate degree unless they have credit for six semester hours or its equivalent in American history and six semester hours credit in the constitutions of the United States and Texas. Three semester hours of the constitutions requirement and up to six hours of the American History requirement may be satisfied by advanced placement or advanced standing examination. Students may satisfy the state requirements in American history and in the constitutions of the U.S. and Texas in any one of the following ways:

  1. American History: HIST 1376 or 1377 and 1378 or 1379 or equivalent.

  2. Up to six semester hours of courses in United States history at the 2000 and 3000 levels, as long as one course falls into the general chronological time period before 1877 and the other course falls into the general time period after 1877. Students may also choose to take one 2000- or 3000-level course in United States history in combination with either HIST 1376/ 1377 or 1378/ 1379, as long as the time period of this 2000- or 3000-level course is not the same as the time period covered in HIST 1377 or 1378. Only three semester hours of Texas history may count toward fulfilling the United States history requirements.

  3. Up to six semester hours of courses in United States history at the 4000 level, according to the guidelines in 2, above, as long as students have received the permission of the appropriate instructor or have successfully passed the advanced placement or advanced standing exam in United States history.

Students may satisfy the state requirements in the constitutions of the U.S. and Texas in any one of the following ways:

  1. By successfully completing POLS 1336 and 1337.

  2. By successfully completing either POLS 1336 or POLS 1337 and three hours of advanced political science credit from the following: Substitutes for POLS 1336: POLS 3349, 3365, 3366, 3367; Substitutes for POLS 1337: POLS 3355, 3364, 3369.

  3. By receiving three hours of credit in American government by examination (AP or CLEP) and three additional hours of advanced political science credit from the subfields of public administration, public law, and American politics, or from POLS 3331, 3349, 4361, and 4366.

  4. By successfully completing POLS 1336H and three additional hours of advanced political science credit from the subfields of public administration, public law, and American politics, or from POLS 3331, 3349, 4361, and 4366.

For additional information on advanced placement and standing, consult the Counseling and Testing Service, 200 Student Service Center.

Double Major

At the University of Houston, students may earn a baccalaureate degree with two majors (i.e., a double major) provided they meet all the following requirements:

  1. The baccalaureate degree must be the same for both majors (e.g.: B.A., B.S., B.B.A., B.F.A.).

  2. Students must satisfy the college and major degree requirements for their primary major that were in effect at the time they were admitted into the primary major and those for their second major in effect at the time they were admitted into the second major.

  3. Students may not add a second major to a baccalaureate degree they have already received.

  4. Students may not receive official university recognition in a single degree for having earned both a major and a minor in the same field of study.

  5. Students must earn a 2.00 minimum grade point average in all courses attempted in each major at the university.

  6. Students must complete a minimum of nine semester hours of advanced work in residence in each major.
Students pursuing a double major must identify one of the two majors as the primary one for purposes of establishing an academic home of record. Students pursuing a double major should apply for one degree plan for both majors to the dean of the college or departmental advisor of their primary major no later than the beginning of their junior year. The college of the student's primary major will issue the university diploma.

Students pursuing a double major who complete all degree requirements for one major but not the other may graduate with a single major but only after they obtain written approval from the dean of the college of their primary major (and, if their second major is in a different college, from the dean of that college) to change from double- to single-major status.

The University of Houston does not recognize a triple major or any number of majors above two for a single baccalaureate degree. Students who want official university recognition for more than a double major must earn more than one baccalaureate degree.

 

Additional Bachelor's Degree

Before being awarded a second bachelor's degree, a student must earn a minimum of 30 semester hours in addition to the minimum hours needed for the first degree, regardless of whether the two degrees are awarded simultaneously or successively. For the third and further bachelor's degree, students must earn a minimum of 30 additional semester hours for each additional bachelor's degree. The minimum number of hours a student must earn for a third or further bachelor's degree will be based on the total number of hours required for the previous bachelor's degree with the greatest number of hours.

All requirements are exactly the same for a second or additional baccalaureate as for the first degree.

 

Degree Requirement Waiver

Students may petition to waive university or college degree requirements with good reason. A petition should be filed with the major department, and it will be forwarded to the office of the dean of the college. College requirements may be decided by the dean, but university requirements (e.g., the writing proficiency requirement and waivers to core curriculum requirements) must be forwarded to the Office of the Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs for final action.

 

Binding and Distribution of Honors Thesis

The original and two copies of the approved honors thesis should be submitted to the office of the dean of the college responsible for the academic field of study in which the thesis was written for binding as early as possible, but no later than the official closing date of the semester. Students who fail to meet these deadlines may be required to refile applications for graduation for a subsequent semester.

The original copy of the thesis is retained by the M.D. Anderson Library for public access, one copy goes to the Honors College, and one copy goes to the major department/college responsible for the academic field of study in which the thesis was written. Binding fees for theses vary. Students should check with the office of the dean of the college responsible for the academic field of study in which the thesis was written for specific procedures and requirements.

 

Graduation Application

Degrees are not awarded automatically upon completion of scholastic requirements. To be considered a candidate for a degree, students must submit an application for graduation to the Office of Registration and Academic Records, 108 Ezekiel W. Cullen Building. Note: Some colleges do not accept applications after the semester deadline.

Candidates for graduation, previously disapproved, must reapply for graduation at no additional charge. Applications should be filed either the semester prior to or the semester in which students plan to graduate. Applications are available in the Office of Registration and Academic Records, 108 Ezekiel W. Cullen Building. Applications for the 1999-2000 academic year will be accepted on or before:

Fall Graduation September 21, 2001
Spring Graduation February 15, 2002
Summer Graduation June 21, 2002

Diplomas will be mailed within four to six weeks following the closing day of the semester of graduation.

 

Cap and Gown

Students are responsible for ordering and paying for caps and gowns at the University Bookstore for all commencement exercises.

 

Graduation with Honors

Undergraduate students who have completed the graduation requirements of the Honors College, including a senior honors thesis or senior honors project, are graduated with "University Honors and Honors in Major." Undergraduate students who have completed all requirements of the Honors College except for the thesis or project are graduated with "Membership in the Honors College." See University Honors College.

Undergraduate students who successfully complete a senior honors thesis or senior honors project and who are not members of the Honors College are graduated with "Honors in Major."

Undergraduate students who complete their degree requirements will graduate with the stated academic honors if they achieve the following grade point averages earned in the last sixty-six (66) hours completed at the University of Houston.

3.75 to 4.0 Summa Cum Laude (with highest honors)
3.50 to 3.74 Magna Cum Laude (with high honors)
3.25 to 3.49 Cum Laude (with honors)

To qualify for graduation with honors, a student must have a cumulative grade point average of 3.00 or above for all coursework attempted at all accredited institutions of higher education attended, including the University of Houston. Further, the honors calculation will include all hours completed in the semester in which the first of those final sixty-six (66) hours was completed.

Files Archived: February 5, 2003