Texas Tech University

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the different GPA requirements to declare into the different colleges? 

The general admission requirements are:

  • Davis College of Agricultural Science and Natural Resources = 2.0
  • Huckabee College of Architecture = 2.0
  • College of Arts and Sciences = 2.0
  • Jerry S. Rawls College of Business Administration = 2.75
  • College of Education = 2.0
  • Edward E. Whitacre Jr College of Engineering = 3.0 (See Advisor)
  • Honors College = 3.5
  • College of Human Sciences = 2.0
  • College of Media and Communication = 2.0
  • J.T and Margaret Talkington College of Visual and Performing Arts = 2.0
  • University Studies = 2.0
  • Wind Energy = 2.25

*Please note that competitive major GPAs may vary*

What classes are required for my degree plan?

Ultimately, that depends on which catalog year you fall under. You can always see the degree requirements in the TTU Course Catalog or via DegreeWorks on Raiderlink.

How does grade replacement work?

TTU allows students to retake any courses they previously made a 'D' or an 'F' in here at TTU for potential grade replacement. If you retake the course and make a 'C' or better, the old grade is no longer calculated toward your GPA. Note: the previous grade will always show on your transcript, it will just have "Grade Replaced" under it. This means that if you make all 'Fs' your first semester, retake them all again the next semester and make 'As', you'll have a 4.0 GPA instead of a 0.0 GPA. 

Where can I get help with my classes?

Texas Tech offers a variety of tutoring options to help you in almost any subject. The Learning Center, TECHniques Center, and your residence halls are great places to start. Certain departments, like Chemistry and Math, even offer their own tutoring options. Need help finding one? Contact your advisor!

Where can I get help with study tips, time management, etc.?

The Learning Center in 164 Drane Hall has a learning specialist on-site who specializes in providing individual academic counseling. Call them at 806-742-3664 to set up an appointment!

My transcript shows three different GPAs, which one do I need to worry about?

If you look at your TTU transcript, you'll see:

  • Total Institution GPA: this is your GPA for only the classes that you've taken here at TTU. For the purposes of academic standing, declaring a major, etc., this is the only one you need to worry about!
  • Total Transfer GPA: this is your GPA for the classes that you've taken at other institutions and transferred back to TTU.
  • Overall GPA: this is an average of your Total Institution and Total Transfer GPAs.

How do I calculate my GPA?

GPA is a simple ratio or fraction. We take the number of credit hours for a course and multiply times the numeric equivalent of a letter grade. That gives us Quality Points. We add all Quality Points and divide by the number of total credit hours. That's your GPA.

Course       Credit hours                Grade                            Quality Points
ENGL 1301         3                       B (3 points)                   (3x3)=   9
MATH 1550         5                       A (4 points)                   (5x4)= 20
RRP 1100           1                       A (4 points)                   (1x4)=   4
HIST 2300          3                       C (2 points)                   (3x2)=   6

So that's 12 hours and 39 QPs.  39/12=3.25 GPA

Fortunately, Texas Tech is awesome and offers a GPA calculator online via Raiderlink!

Raiderlink - TTU MyTech - Grades - GPA Calculator.

How do I calculate a grade replacement GPA?

Where can I see a list of what classes are being offered next semester?

Raiderlink - TTU MyTech - Registration - Look Up Classes.

You can also use DegreeWorks. Every class in your degree plan is hyperlinked. Click the link, and you can see which classes are being offered in the following term.

How can I tell if a course is being offered online?

Take a look at the section number next to the course title. If the section starts with a 'D' (Ex. D01) it is online. 'D' stands for Distance Electronic. The course time should also say TBA.

During the COVID pandemic, TTU has also changed some traditional face-to-face courses to synchronous and asynchronous online courses. courses labeled TPD (Tech Pandemic) or TTU Lubbock Online are courses we would typically teach in a classroom.  Distancing requirements mean we need to move those to an online format.  TPD and TTU Lubbock Online courses are reserved for students attending the Lubbock campus.

Can I take courses online?

Typically, TTU reserves distance courses for distance students.  However, courses such as POLS 1301 and 2302 are offered primarily online.

Most online require special permission for on-campus students to enroll in them until 30 days prior to the term starting. Contact the individual departments about enrollment in these sections.(Ex. MATH 1451 online? Contact the Math department. COMS 2300 online? Contact the COMS department.)

How can I verify that a course I take at another institution will transfer back to TTU?

Fortunately, TTU has this great Transfer Equivalency Key that can help you verify how your courses will transfer back to TTU. Don't see your institution or course? Contact the Transfer Evaluation Office. Their contact information is on the bottom of the page.

I lost the email my advisor sent me, is there a way I can get a copy of it?

Absolutely! Just log on to Raider Success Hub and check your Conversations. This will give you a record of every interaction you've had with TTUA.

Where can I get a copy of the TTU Course Catalog?

You can always find a copy at the course catalog website

Can't find your year? Check the top right drop down for the list of available archived years.

How do I drop a class?

As long as you're within the drop period, don't have any active holds on your account, and aren't planning on dropping all of your classes at once, you can drop a course via Raiderlink.

Raiderlink - TTU MyTech - Registration - Add or Drop Classes. Under the Action tab, select Drop – Delete on Web, and hit Submit.

How do I withdraw from all of my classes?

Withdrawing requires you to submit a Withdrawal Form to the Office of the Registrar

When is the last day to drop/add/withdraw, etc.?

That answer varies from semester to semester. You can always check the TTU Calendar for that information.

I'm having trouble registering for a class, what do I do?

Ultimately, that depends on what kind of problem you're having. Here are some of the most common errors and solutions:

  • Pre-requisite and Test Score Error

  • Pre-requisite and Test Score Error – this error means that somehow, you don't yet meet the requirements to take the course you're trying to register for. Check the TTU Course Catalog (or you can look on Visual Schedule Builder) to see what (if any) prerequisites are required to enroll in that course. Some courses have course pre-requisites (ENGL 1302 required completion of ENGL 1301 before you're able to enroll) and some courses require specific test scores (math placement, chemistry placement, etc.) Think you meet the requirements? Email your advisor with your name, R#, and the CRN you're trying to register for. They can look into it and let you know what the problem is.
  • Time Conflict

  • Time Conflict – Two or more of the CRNs you're trying to register for are occurring at the same time. Check your schedule on Visual Schedule Builder to make sure all of the CRNs are compatible.
  • Linked Course Required – This section requires concurrent enrollment in another related section of the same course. Lecture sections typically required concurrent enrollment in related discussions, no credit labs, etc. (Ex. PHYS 1408 Lecture (section number 001) must be taken with one of the linked 'No Credit Lab' (section number 526) and one 'Discussion' (section number 710). You can see the linked courses via Visual Schedule Builder.
  • Permission from Department – registration is restricted until you contact the department that the course is taught under. (ENGL, MATH, etc.)
  • Campus Restriction – Registration is limited to students located on the specific campus. Make sure you're trying to register for Lubbock TTU courses, not another location.
  • Closed Section – this section is full. You'll have to find another available section to register for.
  • Field of Study Restriction – registration is limited to students within a specific major, minor, and/or concentration. As Explore student, you are not in a designated major/minor/concentration so you typically can't register for these courses.
  • Maximum Hours Exceeded – you're only allowed to take a certain number of courses per semester at TTU. When on the Add or Drop Classes screen, it will show you the Maximum Number of Hours you're allowed to take. This can only be overridden by Academic Dean's approval.
  • Class Restriction – Registration for this section is limited to students in a specific classification. (Freshman, Sophomore, Junior, Senior, etc.)
  • College Restriction – Registration for this section is limited to students within a specific college. As a Explore student, you are not in a specific college so you typically can't register for these courses.

What majors does TTU offer?

TTU offers over 150 different major options

A class I took at another institution isn't transferring over correctly. Who do I talk to?

That would be the Transfer Evaluation Office located in West Hall room 121. Call them at 806-742-3661 or contact them through their email.

How do I calculate my grade in a class?

Since every class is different, there really isn't just one way to calculate your grade. Some class grades are based solely on exam scores while others factor in attendance, homework, participation, etc. However, there are some really great apps that you can get for your smartphone that will help you keep track! You can also visit with your professor to get help figuring your overall score. Either way, start by looking at your course syllabus to see how your final grade will be calculated!

Who is my advisor?

Well, that depends on your major. If you're a PPHC or Explore student, you can find out who your academic advisor is by logging into Raider Success Hub or by calling 806-742-8687. Typically, they're the one who has been emailing you every week. If you're not Explore student, your advisor is in a different department. Most departmental websites have links to their advising offices and/or advisor contact information. A quick search can typically help you find out how to contact your academic advisor. Still need help? Call the front desk at 806-742-2189 and we'd be happy to help you get in touch with them.

How do I change my major?

As long as you're within the deadline to do so and you meet the GPA requirement, you can change your major by completing an Academic Transfer Request Form. Typically, you'll need to get an appointment with your new major advisor to get officially declared in.

What are the requirements to change my major?

If you are a current student and want to change your major, you will meet what we call internal transfer requirements.  For most majors, that requirement is a 2.0 TTU GPA. Some majors have additional course requirements and GPA thresholds. Requirements by college are listed below:

  • Davis College of Agriculture and Natural Resources – 2.0 TTU GPA
  • Huckabee College of Architecture – 3.0 TTU GPA
  • College of Arts & Sciences – 2.0 TTU GPA unless noted below
    • Biology – 2.5 TTU GPA on at least 12 hours
    • Geosciences B.S. – 2.5 TTU GPA
    • Kinesiology and Sport Management – 2.75 TTU GPA
    • Physics – 2.5 TTU GPA
    • Renewable Energy – 2.25 TTU GPA

  • Rawls College of Business
    • All majors 2.75 TTU GPA with MATH 1331 complete (C or better)
  • College of Education –
    • 2.75 TTU GPA for certification programs
  • Whitacre College of Engineering
    • All majors 2.75 TTU GPA with MATH 1451 complete (C or better)
  • College of Human Sciences – 2.0 TTU GPA
  • College of Media & Communication – 2.0 TTU GPA
  • J.T. and Margaret Talkington College of Visual and Performing Arts - 
  • University Studies – 2.0 TTU GPA
 

How can I get my transcript sent to another institution?

You can request a copy be sent via Raiderlink. Raiderlink - TTU MyTech - Transcript - TTU Transcript Request.

How do I find my R#?

On Raiderlink navigate to the "MyTech" tab. Your R# is right there on the left hand side of the screen inside of the "Registration and Financials" card.

How do I check my holds?

Raiderlink > TTU MyTech >Registration > Registration Status (Dates & Holds) > View Holds.

If I add a minor, will it be extra hours on my degree plan?

That depends on what your major is. All majors in the College of Arts & Sciences require a minor and have those hours already built in. Most other colleges don't have this requirement so adding a minor will be extra hours on your degree.

Can I just take classes to boost my GPA?

Ultimately, that decision is up to you. We at TTUA strongly advise against it. Why waste your time and money taking courses that you don't need? Instead try looking at an alternative minor or major that you could use to further distinguish yourself in the career search. Taking courses towards a back-up major is better than taking classes you're guaranteed not to need later on.

What are some 'easy' classes I can take?

Short answer: there aren't any. Long answer: Every single class at TTU is taught for a reason, and every class has value and academic integrity. "Easy" usually means you find it interesting and are willing to do the work required. Just because you think a class is 'easy', doesn't mean every other student does. For example, many TTUA advisors love English classes and think they're super easy! In our experience, students tend to disagree. Do what you love, and you'll never work a day in your life. The same applies to college courses.

What are some majors that can guarantee me a job after I graduate?

Short answer: there aren't any. Long answer: getting a degree is just part of what potential employers are looking for. Being able to effectively communicate what you learned as an undergraduate and having the ability to market your strengths and weaknesses can go a long way in helping you land the job. Strong resumes, internships, hands-on experience, GPA, critical thinking skills, communication skills, and the ability to express your passion for a certain career and/or field is a must. In this job market, having a degree isn't enough anymore.

Since I'm in college, I don't have to go to class if I don't want to, right?

Absolutely! You're an adult, you have the right to choose how you spend your time. However, why would you pay for a class you don't plan to attend? Financially and academically, that makes no sense. Didn't you come to Tech on purpose? Then do this with purpose.  Also, most professors calculate attendance and participation into your overall grade. You could make all C's on your exams and end up with a D in the courses because of attendance.

How do I know if this professor is good or not?

There really isn't any real way to define this. However, the TTU Evaluations are always a great way to check out what other students have said regarding certain classes and professors. You may also check the grade distributions on RaiderLink, this will show how many students received each letter grade for all the professors who thought in a selected semester.  Sites like ratemyprofessor.com are unreliable because they typically tend to be reports of extremely good or extremely bad experiences. TTU evaluations are a much more reliable source.

My professor has an accent that is difficult for me to understand. What can I do?

While we understand how this can be frustrating, bridging communication barriers is a two-way street. If you're having trouble understanding your professor, go talk with them! Spend some time one-on-one talking about something other than class. Basic dialogue and getting used to hearing key words can go a long way in helping you bridge the gap. Once you're more familiar with how they speak, you will find lectures a lot easier.

How do I find my TA or professor's office?

Most of the time, you can check on your course syllabus for their office and/or contact information. Still can't find it? You can always contact the department for more information.

Who can I talk to about changing my final exam time?

This is up to your instructor of the course. You should know your final exam time early in the semester so be in contact with them about this ASAP.

What “basic” courses can I take while I'm still deciding on my major?

We use the term “core curriculum” for those required courses that apply to most majors. We obviously recommend you speak with an academic advisor to discuss your options in more detail. To get started, you can use Degree Audit (in Raiderlink under Registration) to determine what core classes are required for the majors you are considering. You can also check the catalog.

How does grade replacement work?

TTU allows students to retake any courses they previously made a 'D' or an 'F' in here at TTU for potential grade replacement. If you retake the course and make a 'C' or better, the old grade is no longer calculated toward your GPA.

Note: the previous grade will always show on your transcript, it will just have "Grade Replaced" under it. This means that if you make all 'Fs' your first semester, retake them all again the next semester and make 'As', you'll have a 4.0 GPA instead of a 0.0 GPA. However, if you retake the course and fail it again, both failing grades may be calculated towards your GPA.

How do I calculate my GPA?

GPA is a simple ratio or fraction. We take the number of credit hours for a course and multiply times the numeric equivalent of a letter grade. That gives us Quality Points. We add all Quality Points and divide by the number of total credit hours. That's your GPA.

Here's an example:

Course Credit hours Grade Quality Points
ENGL 1301 3 B (3 points) (3x3)=9
MATH 1550 5 A (4 points) (5x4)=20
RRP 1100 1 A (4 points) (1x4)= 4
HIST 2300 3 C (2 points) (3x2)=6
Total 12 hrs    39

 QPs                           39/12=3.25 GPA 

A= 4 points                         C= 2 points                          F=0 points

B= 3 points                          D= 1 point

We also have a GPA calculator found here:

https://banapps.texastech.edu/ITIS/student/gpacalc_new.htm

How do I schedule an appointment with a TTUA advisor?

To schedule an appointment with a TTUA advisor, you have three options:

  1. Simply go to depts.ttu.edu/provost/success/ . Click the "Student Portal" button, and then click the "Schedule An Appointment" button. It really is just that easy.
  2. Call our front desk at 806-742-2189
  3. Stop by 347 Drane Hall

I emailed my advisor a few days ago and I still haven't heard back, what do I do?

Before you get upset, check a few things:

  • Did you send the email from your TTU email account? If not, chances are it went to our Junk folder. TTU IT has it set up where all emails sent from a non-Explore email account are sent directly to Junk folders. This is a security issue that keeps users from accidentally opening emails/viruses that hurt our system. As a rule, most TTU officials don't check their Junk mail.
  • When did you send the email? If you sent the email Friday afternoon at 4:30 p.m. and it's 8:30 a.m. on Monday, chances are we haven't had a chance to read it yet. We typically don't work nights and weekends, so just be patient. We'll get to it as soon as possible.
  • Did you get an automatic response when you sent the email? If an advisor is going to be out of the office for a period of time, typically they will have their automatic response turned on explaining the situation. Be sure to check and see if they left a forwarding email address or alternative contact.
  • Everything okay and you still haven't gotten a response? Call our front desk at 806-742-2189. We have an advisor on hand who will be happy to assist you!

What is the Math Placement Exam?

The Math Placement Exam may be used to satisfy prerequisites for four courses: Math 1451 (Calculus I), Math 1350 (Analytical Geometry), Math 1331 (Introductory Mathematical Analysis II), and Math 2345 (Introduction to Statistics with Applications to Business). Pre-Engineering students are required to take this exam. 

Math Placement Exam

What is the Chemistry Placement Exam?

Any student required to take CHEM 1307 (Principles of Chemistry I) must take the Chemistry Placement Examination (CPE). Pre-Engineering students are required to take this exam.

Information about the Exam

Chemistry Placement Exam

I was admitted as Explore, but I applied to a specific major. What happened?

Some majors at Texas Tech have competitive admissions requirements. The Rawls College of Business, the Whitacre College of Engineering, and some majors within other colleges require that new students meet specific requirements to be directly admitted. If you applied to one of these majors and didn't meet the requirements at the time of admission, you were admitted as Explore.

I was admitted as Pre-Health (pre-med, pre-nursing, etc.) but I know the major I want. Can I declare that major?

Yes, please do. You will continue working with the PPHC advising team in conjunction with advising from the major department. We will always be part of your advising and success team.

I don't know the major I want, but I know I want to be a nurse (or doctor or a physician's assistant). Can I be a PPHC student?

Of course! We will help you plan the prerequisites needed for professional school while also facilitating major exploration.

When do I have to declare a major?

The State of Texas requires that students be in a degree plan by the semester after they reach 30 credit hours. That means we want you to be working toward your specific, best-fit major by the end of your first year.

Can I declare a minor before I declare a major?

The short answer is no. You need to be in a major to declare a minor.

What is PADR?

Programs for Academic Development and Retention. Students who are placed on Academic Probation are required to take this course. It is a zero credit hour course that focuses on providing academic and personal management skills that will make students successful in their college careers. Want more information?

Questions about the Military Veterans Program?

Questions about Financial Aid?

Questions about Student Business Services?

Questions about Student Disability Services?

Questions about TTU housing policies?

 How do I Register for Red Raider Orientation?

You can register for Red Raider Orientation here.