[Moderate revision–posted 12/11/24 (last revised 1/31/23)]
[PDF Version]

 

Operating Policy and Procedure

OP 34.09: Degree Requirements

DATE: December 11, 2024

PURPOSE: The purpose of this Operating Policy/Procedure (OP) is to ensure understanding and standardized procedures concerning degree requirements.

REVIEW: This OP will be reviewed every two years after publication by the Vice Provost for Academic Innovation and Student Success and the Vice Provost for Administrative Affairs with substantive revisions presented to the Provost and Senior Vice President.

POLICY/PROCEDURE

1.  Policy

a.    To complete any degree at Texas Tech University, undergraduate or graduate, a student must meet all requirements for such a degree, including those specifically designated by the Legislature of the State of Texas.

b.    A student must successfully complete a minimum of 120 semester credit hours (SCH) to receive an undergraduate degree from Texas Tech University. Some undergraduate degree programs may be authorized to require more than 120 SCH.

c.    Each undergraduate degree program must ensure that a minimum of 25 percent of all course hours earned in the major are taught by credentialed faculty in accordance with SACSCOC Principles of Accreditation and TTU OP 32.36, Certification of Faculty Qualifications. The terminal degree generally represents the most advanced degree available within an academic discipline, and it should comply with any stated policies regarding identification of the terminal degree promulgated by a discipline-specific professional organization or accreditor.

d.    Each graduate or post-baccalaureate professional degree program must ensure at least 33 percent of all course hours earned in the major are taught by credentialed faculty in accordance with SACSCOC Principles of Accreditation and TTU OP 32.36, Certification of Faculty Qualifications.

2.  Procedure

a.    Upon completion of degree requirements as set by the various colleges, the dean certifies such completion to the Office of the Registrar. Any student receiving a degree from Texas Tech University must complete at least 25 percent of undergraduate degree requirements or at least 33 percent of graduate or post-baccalaureate professional degree requirements at this institution.

b.    Degrees are officially conferred by the president of the university under the authority of the Board of Regents upon certification by the faculty and deans.

c.    The Office of the Registrar prepares and maintains the appropriate transcripts and records. The dean offices coordinate the printing and distribution of the original diploma. During the graduation period in which no formal ceremony is conducted, the student’s dean’s office will arrange for delivery of the diploma to the graduate.

d.    Students scheduled to graduate are listed in the official commencement programs for each graduation ceremony. Upon request, students may exclude their name from the program.

OP Categories

• 01 Chancellor
• 02 Development
• 04 Audit Services
• 10 President
• 30 Academic and Student Affairs – General
• 32 Academic Policies – Faculty
• 34 Academic Policies – Students
• 36 Academic Programs
• 40 Equal Opportunity
• 48 Communication Services
• 52 Information Technology
• 60 Environmental Health and Safety
• 61 Facilities Management
• 62 Financial and Accounting
• 63 General Services
• 64 Graduate Programs (Faculty and Students)
• 65 Research Accounting
• 66 Libraries
• 67 Mail Services
• 68 Communications and Marketing
• 69 Payroll and Tax Services
• 70 Human Resources
• 72 Purchasing, Contracting, and Payables
• 73 Data Management
• 74 Research
• 76 Security
• 77 Student Services and Registrar
• 78 Traffic and Parking
• 79 Travel
• 80 Vehicles