Texas Tech University

Undergraduate Admissions

Texas Tech University Undergraduate Admissions Office
University eXplore STEM
Admission to a Whitacre College of Engineering Degree Program
Transfer Students
Placement Exams
Choosing High School Courses

Overview

Undergraduate AdmissionsThe engineering degree programs within the Whitacre College of Engineering consist of a first-year student foundational curriculum followed by an upper-division program that includes courses taken in the sophomore, junior, and senior years. 

University eXplore STEM

Students who do not meet the assured admissions requirements may enter the eXplore STEM Program and then work to qualify as a Foundational Curriculum Engineering Student. Students must complete 12 hrs and maintain a TTU GPA of 2.75 or greater, along with the completion of MATH 1451 (Calculus 1) with a C or better may request a transfer into the Whitacre College of Engineering."

The Whitacre College of Engineering has partnered with Texas Tech University Advising to create the TTU eXplore STEM Program, a student retention and success initiative that provides intense academic advising and support as students build the requisite math skills to be successful in an engineering degree program. While in eXplore STEM, students will enroll in normal university core curriculum and foundational math courses.

Engineering presents an extremely challenging course of study. For students who determine that engineering is not an appropriate choice, the advisors in University Advising have the specialized training and are equipped with the tools necessary to assist students in finding a course of study that is best suited to their unique talents and interests. The ultimate priority is for every student to graduate successfully from a best-fit major.

Admission to a Whitacre College of Engineering Degree Program

All new admissions to the Whitacre College initially work to complete a foundational curriculum consisting of English I, English II, Calculus I, and Calculus II plus two science courses and a first engineering course that vary among the engineering degree programs. The foundational curriculum is supplemented with courses from the university core curriculum and first general engineering courses (statics, thermodynamics, circuits, and materials science) to provide the opportunity for full course loads and scheduling flexibility.

When the foundational curriculum has been completed, students who qualify with their departmental required GPA will begin upper division coursework of their degree program. The specific departmental GPA standard varies among the degree programs and may change from one academic year to the next as necessary to align enrollments with the educational resources.

Students must be prepared to make an alternate choice of major if their foundational curriculum GPA does not qualify them for their preferred major. Students who are not successfully admitted to an upper-division degree program are not allowed to enroll in engineering courses and must transfer out of the Whitacre College.

Transfer Students

Transfer students represent a key component of the Whitacre College of Engineering's student population. That's why we teamed up with community colleges throughout Texas to make it easier for students to transfer their work to Texas Tech University.

To find out more details about these programs please visit: Academic Partnerships | Enrollment Management | TTU advisors.

Placement Exams

Math Placement Exam (MPE)

Placement in entry-level mathematics courses (0301-2322) is based on:

  1. Appropriate previous prerequisite collegiate mathematics credit, or
  2. Results of the departmentally administered MPE at Texas Tech

The exam can be taken on the math website at this link and can also be retaken.

Students without appropriate prerequisite collegiate mathematics credit will be placed into entry-level courses based on the results of the MPE. More information on the Math Placement Exam, including a sample exam, is available here.

Chemistry Placement Exam (CPE)

Any student required to take CHEM 1307 (Principles of Chemistry I) must take the Texas Tech University Chemistry Placement Examination (CPE). Options available based upon the CPE score are discussed on the CHEM 1307 Assessment Results webpage.

More information on the Chemistry Placement Exam is available at www.depts.ttu.edu/chemistry/departmental/cpex.php

Choosing High School Courses

What courses do I take in high school if I want to be an engineer?

Engineering coursework at Texas Tech University builds on a strong academic foundation of English, Mathematics, Science, Social Studies, and other disciplines in high schools. View this guide, Preparing for a Degree in Engineering: Suggested Courses for High School Students to get advice on a suggested course flow that will help you to build a strong academic foundation in high school and prepare you for your time at Texas Tech as a Red Raider!

 

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