Degree requirements for science majors are organized into: (1) general requirements, including University Core Curriculum requirements and College of Science requirements; (2) requirements of the major field of study; (3) requirements of the minor field of study for those students completing a B.A. degree; and (4) electives.

Students are responsible for selecting the courses in their degree plan and assuring they abide by Texas A&M University Student Rules in meeting all degree requirements. Each department has faculty advisors who should be consulted in developing degree programs.

I. General Requirements: General requirements include those which are required in every degree program at the University. Please refer to these requirements defined in the University Core Curriculum and graduation requirements in computer science and foreign language sections of this catalog. Special guidelines should be noted in the following categories:

A. U.S. History and Political Science (12 hours)

1. Political Science (6 hours) This requirement may be met through POLS206 and 207.

2. U.S. History (6 hours) Two courses in U.S. history will fulfill this requirement. Students seeking teacher certification must complete HIST 105 and 106.

NOTE: Three hours in history and three hours of political science may be substituted by successfully completing the required four semesters of upper-level ROTC curriculum.

B. Foreign Language

1. The B.A. in Biology requires successful completion of at least a two-semester sequence at the University level of a foreign language. The course sequence must be in the same language. (All other degrees must meet those found in graduation requirements in computer science and foreign language.)

C. The International and Cultural Diversity portion of the University Core Curriculum may be fulfilled by 6 hours from the courses listed on . These courses may be in addition to other University Core Curriculum requirements, or if a course in this category satisfies another area of the Core, it can be used to meet both requirements.

II. Major Field of Study: Each department sets its own requirements for the major. At least 12 semester hours in the major must be completed in advanced courses (300- or 400-level) in residence at Texas A&M.

III. Minor Field of Study: The B.A. degree requires a minor field of study or an area of emphasis for students pursuing teacher certification. A minor requires 15-18 semester hours in one discipline. Six of these hours must be advanced (300- or 400-level) courses. Students must contact the department offering the minor to determine course requirements. Students pursuing a B.S. degree may select an optional minor. Contact the department offering the minor to determine course requirements.

IV. Electives: Electives should be chosen to enhance the student's degree program and/or complete professional school prerequisites if not contained in required courses in the degree plan. Elective courses must be above the minimum level required in other areas of the degree program. For example, MATH 102, 103 and 150 are not acceptable because they are below the minimum requirement of calculus. Also, introductory courses to another field of study such as BIMS 101 and AGLS 101 will not count toward degree requirements. Lower-level and upper-level ROTC courses are not acceptable as electives. Please consult an advisor when selecting electives.

Honors Program. The College of Science participates in the University Honors Program designed to offer the superior student special opportunities for academic work of a range and depth appropriate to his or her capabilities and greater intellectual interests. For further information, refer to the University Honors Program.

Integrated Fast Track Bachelor's and Master's Degrees. The Department of Math-ematics provides the opportunity for ambitious and talented students to earn a bachelor's and a master's degree within a five year period. Eligible students earn graduate credit during their undergraduate study which allows them to complete this option. Interested students should contact the Mathematics Department if interested in this program.

Medicine and Dentistry. Curricula in biology, chemistry, mathematics and physics within the College of Science readily accommodate the required courses needed for admission to professional studies in medicine and dentistry. Admission to medical and dental schools require the following prerequisites:

Early Admission Program. The College of Science offers two methods of awarding a baccalaureate degree to students who gain admission to professional school prior to completion of their degree. The Baccalaureate Degree Option for Students Granted Early Admission to Medical/Professional Programs is available to all students regardless of their major. Information on this program can be found here.

The early admission option in the zoology degree program allows the student who is accepted to medical or dental school the opportunity to receive a degree in zoology after three years of undergraduate study and the successful completion of their first year of medical or dental school. The prerequisites for professional school admission are contained within this program as well as additional courses necessary to receive a diploma.

Most students complete a four-year program prior to acceptance to professional school and thus it is advised a degree program leading to a standard baccalaureate degree be selected.

Other Allied Health Programs. There are many allied health fields students may prepare for through degree programs in the College of Science. Prerequisite requirements for admission should be completed as part of a degree granting program.

Teacher Certification. The Secondary Provisional Teaching Certificate may be obtained in conjunction with a major in the College of Science. Requirements for teacher certification are described in the College of Education section of this catalog. Interested students should contact the teacher certification advisor in the Department of Teaching, Learning and Culture.