You should be aware that the later you enter the program, the greater the likelihood of needing more than the minimum of 120 total hours to complete the program due to possible incompatibility of earlier completed courses with the selected concentration areas and general degree requirements. Similarly, any prerequisites for courses selected in the concentration areas must be completed and, depending on the concentration, may not count toward the 18-hour minimum. A minimum of six credit hours of upper-division coursework from Texas Tech University is required in each concentration area, with a total of 40 upper-division hours required for the degree.

1. File a preliminary degree plan with the B.G.S. advisor to identify a plan of study. The proposed degree plan must be approved by the B.G.S. advisor and the Dean's Office in the College of Arts & Sciences. You are required to file a degree plan as soon as possible after completing 60 credit hours of coursework and prior to the final 18 credit hours of coursework before your expected graduation.
2. Complete all the coursework in the general degree requirements, in the three areas of concentration, and in the elective courses for a minimum total of 120 credit hours, including at least 40 credit hours at the 3000-4000 level, two 3-hour courses designated as Writing Intensive and approved by the B.G.S. advisor, and not more than 24 credit hours outside the College of Arts & Sciences (excluding courses to meet the Visual & Performing Arts requirement).
3. File an Intent to Graduate form with the Dean's Office in the College of Arts & Sciences one year prior to your semester of graduation.
4. Complete all courses in the three areas of concentration on the approved degree plan (a minimum of 54 credit hours) with a grade of C or better. In order to obtain a degree granted by Texas Tech University, you must earn at least 25 percent of the total credit hours through instruction offered by Texas Tech University. You must also complete your last 30 credit hours through Texas Tech University.

If you wish to participate in graduation ceremonies, contact your advisor before you complete the final 15 credit hours of your degree program coursework. Your diploma is included in your tuition and fees.