University of Texas at El Paso Academic Catalog

Academic Catalog

Policy Updates

Graduation Policy Update 

Former

Undergraduate Graduation Application Process (Prior Version)

An undergraduate student must complete an application for graduation with her/his academic dean.  It should be initiated during the next-to-last semester or session and completed no later than the deadline published in the on-line Class Schedule at www.utep.edu/register.

Graduate students must begin the application process with their advisors.  Graduate degree candidates must submit an Application for Graduate Degree and final degree plan during the semester they expect to graduate and by the deadline stated in the on-line Class Schedule at www.utep.edu/register. The forms must be completed by the student and approved by the graduate advisor and college dean. The student must submit the forms to the Graduate School before the published deadline to allow a complete review of the academic record. The diploma fee and if applicable, the thesis/dissertation University Microfilms on-line traditional publishing fee are billed to the student’s Goldmine account upon approval of the Application for Graduate Degree. The Application for Graduate Degree is only valid for one semester.

The University of Texas at El Paso has six conferral dates as listed below:

  • February 28, for all students who complete degree requirements after December Commencement and prior to February 28.
  • May, as published in the Schedule of Classes at www.utep.edu/register, for all students who complete degree requirements after February 28 and prior to the May Commencement date.
  • June 30, for all students who complete degree requirements after May Commencement and prior to June 30.
  • August 15, for all students who complete degree requirements after June 30 and prior to August 15.
  • October 31, for all students who complete degree requirements after August 15 and prior to October 31.
  • December, as published in the Schedule of Classes at http://academics.utep.edu/Default.aspx?alias=academics.utep.edu/registrar, for all students who complete degree requirements after October 31 and prior to the December Commencement date.

Students who wish to graduate must complete the application process and pay the fee described below:

  • Undergraduates - To be considered candidates for graduation, students must submit the completed and signed graduation application with payment to the Student Business Services Office for processing by the Registration and Records Office.
  • Master’s and doctoral students – To be considered for graduation, students must submit the completed and signed graduation application for processing to the Graduate School and all applicable fees will be assessed by the Graduate School.

Graduation Application Fees (Prior Version)

Graduation Application Fees:

$35 if paid by the scheduled deadline.
$15 Graduation Application Late Fee
Graduation application fee is not refundable. A student who defers graduation to the following term must reapply for graduation. However, the student will not be required to repay the graduation application fee.

Updated Policy

Effective Fall 2025

Undergraduate Graduation Process (Current Version)

Academic Advisors will confirm a student's eligibility to graduate each term. A list of eligible students will be sent to the Registration and Records Office for processing. A student will then be marked as pending graduation for term and diploma fee will be added to the student's account. Students will receive an email soon after with instructions on next steps.

Graduate students must begin the application process with their advisors.  Graduate degree candidates must submit an Application for Graduate Degree and final degree plan during the semester they expect to graduate and by the deadline stated in the on-line Class Schedule at www.utep.edu/register. The forms must be completed by the student and approved by the graduate advisor and college dean. The student must submit the forms to the Graduate School before the published deadline to allow a complete review of the academic record. The diploma fee and if applicable, the thesis/dissertation University Microfilms on-line traditional publishing fee are billed to the student’s Goldmine account upon approval of the Application for Graduate Degree. The Application for Graduate Degree is only valid for one semester.

Master's and doctoral students -- To be considered for graduation, students must submit the completed and signed graduation application for processing to the Graduate School and all applicable fees will be assessed by the Graduate School.

The University of Texas at El Paso has six conferral dates as listed below:

  • February 28, for all students who complete degree requirements after December Commencement and prior to February 28.
  • May, as published in the Schedule of Classes at www.utep.edu/register, for all students who complete degree requirements after February 28 and prior to the May Commencement date.
  • June 30, for all students who complete degree requirements after May Commencement and prior to June 30.
  • August 15, for all students who complete degree requirements after June 30 and prior to August 15.
  • October 31, for all students who complete degree requirements after August 15 and prior to October 31.
  • December, as published in the Schedule of Classes at http://academics.utep.edu/Default.aspx?alias=academics.utep.edu/registrar, for all students who complete degree requirements after October 31 and prior to the December Commencement date.

Graduation Fees (Current Version)

Graduation Fees:

$35 if paid by the scheduled deadline.
$15 Graduation Application Late Fee
Graduation fee is not refundable. A student who defers graduation to the following term must reapply for graduation. However, the student will not be required to repay the graduation application fee.

Commencement & Diploma Policy Update

Former

Degree Conferral Posting Timeline (Prior Version)
Degrees are conferred approximately two months following the end of each long semester (December and May) and at the end of the long summer session (August). The degree will be posted to the transcript with the commencement date for each long semester and the last day of finals for the long summer session.

Diploma Issuance Timeline (Prior Version)
Approximately two months following the end of each long semester (December and May) and at the end of the long summer session (August), the university awards a diploma to each student upon whom a degree is conferred provided a graduation application has been filed. Diplomas are mailed to the address provided by the student. A complimentary transcript showing the degree earned will be mailed separately. However, for mailing service outside the United States there is a service fee. Fees are listed on the Diplomas Mailing Request and are subject to change. The application is located in the Student Forms block at: http://utep.edu/register

Updated Policy

Effective Fall 2025

Degree Conferral Posting Timeline (Current Version)
Degrees are conferred 45 days following the end of each long semester (December and May) and at the end of the long summer session (August). The degree will be posted to the transcript with the commencement date for each long semester.

Diploma Issuance Timeline (Current Version)
Approximately 45 days following the end of each long semester (December and May) and at the end of the long summer session (August), the university awards a diploma to each student upon whom a degree is conferred provided a graduation application has been filed. Diplomas are mailed to the address provided by the student. A complimentary transcript showing the degree earned will be mailed separately. However, for mailing service outside the United States there is a service fee. Fees are listed on the Diplomas Mailing Request and are subject to change. The application is located in the Student Forms block at: http://utep.edu/register
 

Tuition and Fees

Former

Incidental Fees (Prior Version)

In determining whether the student has previously attempted 170 or more semester credit hours, the following credit hours will not be counted:

  1. Semester credit hours earned by the student while the student was classified as a nonresident or foreign student for tuition purposes.
  2. Semester credit hours earned by the student 10 or more years before the date the student begins the new degree program under the Academic Fresh Start Program of the Texas Educational Code, § 51.931.
     

Updated Policy

(Effective Fall 2026)

Incidental Fees (Current Version)

In determining whether the student has previously attempted 170 or more semester credit hours, the following credit hours will not be counted:

  1. Semester credit hours earned by the student while the student was classified as a nonresident or foreign student for tuition purposes.
  2. Semester credit hours earned by the student 5 or more years before the date the student begins the new degree program under the Academic Fresh Start Program of the Texas Educational Code, § 51.931.

 Non-Degree Admission Requirements

Former

Academic Fresh Start Program (Prior Version)

An applicant for undergraduate admission who is a Texas resident can choose to enter UTEP under the Academic Fresh Start statute, Texas Education Code §51.931 by submitting the Academic Fresh Start Acknowledgment Form to the Office of Undergraduate Admissions. Once the request has been processed, UTEP will not consider in its admission decision any credit or grades taken 10 or more years prior to enrollment. Courses excluded for Academic Fresh Start purposes are not:

Updated Policy

(Effective Fall 2026)

Academic Fresh Start Program (Current Version)

An applicant for undergraduate admission who is a Texas resident can choose to enter UTEP under the Academic Fresh Start statute, Texas Education Code §51.931 by submitting the Academic Fresh Start Acknowledgment Form to the Office of Undergraduate Admissions. Once the request has been processed, UTEP will not consider in its admission decision any credit or grades taken 5 or more years prior to enrollment. Courses excluded for Academic Fresh Start purposes are not:

Course Adds and Drops

Former

Student-Initiated Drops (Prior Version)

Exceptions to this deadline will be considered if the student has a medical condition that would justify a request after the Automatic W Deadline. In order to petition for an exception, the student must submit a request with supporting documentation to the University Student Withdrawal Committee. Supporting documentation may include a letter from the attending physician, clinical psychologist, or licensed clinical practitioner on official letterhead with an original signature, stating the date(s) within the semester that the student was under medical care and that the student must withdraw because of the medical condition. Supporting documentation must be submitted within the semester or no later than 90 days after the end of the term for which the withdrawal is being requested. After 90 days, a full refund of tuition and fees will not be approved. If the student is unable to act on his or her own behalf, a representative can do this for the student.

Complete Withdrawal From All Courses for the Semester (Prior Version)

The University Student Withdrawal Committee will review documentation as noted under each category below and will have the authority to: (1) grant a complete withdrawal with refund (if the request is within 90 days of the end of the term, as detailed below); (2) grant a complete withdrawal without refund; or (3) deny the student's request for a complete withdrawal. If the request for a complete withdrawal is denied, the Registrar's Office will request final grades from the student's instructors. As needed, the University Student Withdrawal Committee may solicit information from the student's instructors or other faculty members in order to make a decision. The Registrar's Office is responsible for collecting and storing all documentation associated with the student's request for a withdrawal. The student may appeal the Committee's decision by petitioning the Office of the Provost.

Requests for complete withdrawals, with the required documents, related to medical reasons, medical conditions of a family member, death of a family member, active military service, and death of a student, will only be accepted if received within 90 days of the end of the term for which the withdrawal is being requested. After 90 days, a full refund of tuition and fees will not be approved. 

Complete Withdrawal Due to Medical Reasons (Prior Version)

A student who must withdraw completely due to medical reasons must submit a  request with supporting documentation to the University Student Withdrawal Committee. Supporting documentation may include a letter from the attending physician, clinical psychologist, or licensed clinical practitioner on official letterhead with an original signature, stating the date(s) within the semester that the student was under medical care and that the student must withdraw because of the medical condition. Supporting documentation must be submitted within the semester or no later than 90 days after the end of the term for which the withdrawal is being requested. After 90 days, a full refund of tuition and fees will not be approved. If the student is unable to act on his or her own behalf, a representative can do this for the student.

Complete Withdrawal Due to Medical Conditions of a Family Member (Prior Version)

A student who must withdraw completely because of a medical condition of an immediate family member must submit a request with supporting documentation to the University Student Withdrawal Committee. Supporting documentation may include a letter from the family member’s attending physician, clinical psychologist, or licensed clinical practitioner confirming that the student’s immediate family member was under medical care, and confirm that the student must withdraw to attend to the immediate family member’s medical condition. This letter must be submitted within the semester no later than 90 days after the end of the term for which the withdrawal is being requested. After 90 days, a full refund of tuition and fees will not be approved. If the student is unable to act on his or her own behalf, a representative may do this for the student. “Immediate family member” can be defined as a husband, wife, parent, sibling, child, legal guardian, or grandparent; other relationships can be considered on a case–by–case basis.

Complete Withdrawal Due to Death of a Family Member (Prior Version)

A student who must withdraw because of the death of an immediate family member must submit a request with supporting documentation to the University Student Withdrawal Committee during the semester or no later than 90 days after the end of the term for which the withdrawal is being requested. After 90 days, a full refund of tuition and fees will not be approved. Supporting documentation may include a death certificate. “Immediate family member” is defined as a husband, wife, parent, brother, sister, son, daughter, legal guardian, or grandparent; other relationships can be considered on a case-by-case basis. Once documentation has been received, the student will be withdrawn.

Complete Withdrawal Due to Death of Student (Prior Version)

Upon the death of a student, the student’s parent, spouse, or legal guardian must submit a request with supporting documentation to the University Student Withdrawal Committee within the semester or no later than 90 days after the end of the term so that the student can be withdrawn from all classes. After 90 days, a full refund of tuition and fees will not be approved. Supporting documentation may include a death certificate. 

Complete Withdrawal Due to Active Military Service (Prior Version)

Students who have to withdraw because they have been called to active military service submit a request with supporting documentation to the University Student Withdrawal Committee. Supporting documentation most often includes a copy of the student's military orders. Grades will be assigned as described below. Military personnel can select one of the withdrawal options below according to the Texas Education Code, Sec. 54.006:

  1. Receive a refund of the tuition and fees paid for the withdrawn semester (see NOTE below);
  2. If eligible, receive grades of Incomplete (I) from instructors, with the notation “Withdrawn – Military” appearing on the academic transcript (see the section on Incomplete or In-progress Work in this catalog); or
  3. Receive an appropriate final grade or credit if the instructor determines that a substantial amount of coursework has been satisfactorily completed and sufficient mastery of the course material has been demonstrated. With this option, the student will not be eligible for a full refund of tuition and fees.

Requests for complete withdrawals, with the required documents, related to medical reasons, medical conditions of a family member, death of a family member, active military service, and death of a student, will only be accepted if received within 90 days of the end of the term for which the withdrawal is being requested. After 90 days, a full refund of tuition and fees will not be approved.

Complete Withdrawal Due to Other Extenuating Circumstance (Prior Version)

Students with extenuating circumstances not specifically outlined above may submit a request for a complete withdrawal and supporting documentation to the University Student Withdrawal Committee. 

Updated Policy

(Effective 2026)

Student-Initiated Drops (Current Version)

Exceptions to this deadline will be considered if the student has a medical condition that would justify a request after the Automatic W Deadline. In order to petition for an exception, the student must submit a request with supporting documentation to the University Student Withdrawal Committee. Supporting documentation may include a letter from the attending physician, clinical psychologist, or licensed clinical practitioner on official letterhead with an original signature, stating the date(s) within the semester that the student was under medical care and that the student must withdraw because of the medical condition. Supporting documentation must be submitted within the semester or no later than 30 days after the end of the term for which the withdrawal is being requested. If the student is unable to act on his or her own behalf, a representative can do this for the student. Students are limited to three submissions for medical withdrawal; beyond this limit, appeals for extraordinary circumstances can be made to the Office of the Vice President for Academic Affairs (VPAA).

Complete Withdrawal From All Courses for the Semester (Current Version)

The University Student Withdrawal Committee will review documentation as noted under each category below and will have the authority to: (1) grant a complete withdrawal with refund; (2) grant a complete withdrawal without refund; or (3) deny the student's request for a complete withdrawal. If the request for a complete withdrawal is denied, the Registrar's Office will request final grades from the student's instructors. As needed, the University Student Withdrawal Committee may solicit information from the student's instructors or other faculty members in order to make a decision. The Registrar's Office is responsible for collecting and storing all documentation associated with the student's request for a withdrawal. The decision of the University Student Withdrawal Committee is final.

Requests for complete withdrawals, with the required documents, related to medical reasons, medical conditions of a family member, death of a family member, active military service, and death of a student, will only be accepted if received within 90 days of the end of the term for which the withdrawal is being requested.

Complete Withdrawal Due to Medical Reasons (Current Version)

A student who must withdraw completely due to medical reasons must submit a  request with supporting documentation to the University Student Withdrawal Committee. Supporting documentation may include a letter from the attending physician, clinical psychologist, or licensed clinical practitioner on official letterhead with an original signature, stating the date(s) within the semester that the student was under medical care and that the student must withdraw because of the medical condition. Supporting documentation must be submitted within the semester or no later than 30 days after the end of the term for which the withdrawal is being requested. If the student is unable to act on his or her own behalf, a representative can do this for the student.

Complete Withdrawal Due to Medical Conditions of a Family Member (Current Version)

A student who must withdraw completely because of a medical condition of an immediate family member must submit a request with supporting documentation to the University Student Withdrawal Committee. Supporting documentation may include a letter from the family member’s attending physician, clinical psychologist, or licensed clinical practitioner confirming that the student’s immediate family member was under medical care, and confirm that the student must withdraw to attend to the immediate family member’s medical condition. This letter must be submitted within the semester no later than 30 days after the end of the term for which the withdrawal is being requested. If the student is unable to act on his or her own behalf, a representative may do this for the student. “Immediate family member” can be defined as a husband, wife, parent, sibling, child, legal guardian, or grandparent; other relationships can be considered on a case–by–case basis.

Complete Withdrawal Due to Death of a Family Member (Current Version)

A student who must withdraw because of the death of an immediate family member must submit a request with supporting documentation to the University Student Withdrawal Committee during the semester or no later than 30 days after the end of the term for which the withdrawal is being requested. Supporting documentation may include a death certificate. “Immediate family member” is defined as a husband, wife, parent, brother, sister, son, daughter, legal guardian, or grandparent; other relationships can be considered on a case-by-case basis. Once documentation has been received, the student will be withdrawn.

Complete Withdrawal Due to Death of Student (Current Version)

Upon the death of a student, the student’s family should communicate with the University (typically the Office of the Dean of Students). Once the student's death has been confirmed, the student will be withdrawn. Withdrawals due to the Death of the Student do not require approval by the University Student Withdrawal Committee, but should be completed no later than 30 days after the end of the term.

​Complete Withdrawal Due to Active Military Service (Current Version)

Students who have to withdraw because they have been called to active military service submit a request with supporting documentation to the University Student Withdrawal Committee. Supporting documentation most often includes a copy of the student's military orders. The request and documentation must be received no alter than 30 days after the end of the term for which the withdrawal is requested.

Grades will be assigned as described below. Military personnel can select one of the withdrawal options below according to the Texas Education Code, Sec. 54.006:

  1. Withdraw and receive a refund of the tuition and fees paid for the withdrawn semester;
  2. If eligible, receive grades of Incomplete (I) from instructors, with the notation “Withdrawn – Military” appearing on the academic transcript (see the section on Incomplete or In-progress Work in this catalog); or
  3. Receive an appropriate final grade or credit if the instructor determines that a substantial amount of coursework has been satisfactorily completed and sufficient mastery of the course material has been demonstrated. With this option, the student will not be eligible for a full refund of tuition and fees.

Students are limited to three submissions for medical withdrawal; beyond this limit, appeals for extraordinary circumstances can be made to the office of the Vice President for Academic Affairs (VPAA).

Complete Withdrawal Due to Other Extenuating Circumstance (Current Version)

Students with extenuating circumstances not specifically outlined above may submit a request for a complete withdrawal and supporting documentation to the University Student Withdrawal Committee. The request and supporting documentation must be received no later than 30 days after the end of the term for which the withdrawal is requested.

Transfer Policies 

Former

Evaluation of Transfer Credit (Prior Version)

Once a student is admitted to UTEP as a transfer student, the Office of Undergraduate Admissions will provide an evaluation of courses that are transferable to the University. UTEP complies with the Texas Common Course Numbering System (TCCNS) by displaying the TCCNS number under each appropriate course entry in the course description section of this catalog. Acceptance of transfer credit by UTEP does not constitute approval of the credit for use toward a particular degree program. The applicability of transfer courses toward a degree is determined by the academic dean or the advisor in one's major or his or her designate. Students should request a degree plan from their academic department or dean's office by the time 60 semester hours have been earned. Transfer credits are awarded according to the following policies:

  1. Transfer credit is generally awarded for academic courses completed at regionally accredited or nationally recognized institutions, or from institutions that are candidates for regional accreditation if the credit was earned during the candidacy period.
  2. In general, only academic courses that are comparable in content to those offered at UTEP are transferable, and transfer credit carries the same value as work completed at UTEP. Whenever possible, equivalent course numbers are given; if there are no numerical equivalents, elective (TR) credit is given.
  3. Only courses with grades of A, B, C, D, Credit, or Pass are evaluated, and quarter hours are converted to semester hours by multiplying the quarter hours by two-thirds.
  4. Courses classified below freshman level by sending previous institution are not transferable.
  5. Courses from two-year lower-division institutions transfer as lower division credit.
  6. Undergraduate courses from four-year institutions transfer at the same level (lower-to-lower and upper-to-upper division).
  7. Graduate-level coursework is not transferable as undergraduate credit.
  8. There is no limit on the total number of hours that can be transferred from other institutions. However, a maximum of 66 semester hours of credit from two year lower division institutions is applicable toward a degree at UTEP.
  9. Grades earned at other institutions are not averaged into the UTEP grade point average. A transfer grade point average is not computed, and only credit hours transfer to UTEP.
  10. Equivalent transfer credit for engineering courses is granted only for work completed at ABET accredited institutions.
  11. Equivalent transfer credit for upper-division business courses is granted only for work completed at AACSB-accredited institutions.
  12. Completion of the core curriculum, or blocks within the core, at another Texas institution is considered as completion of the core, or appropriate blocks within the core, at UTEP.
  13. Individual core courses completed at another Texas institution will be designated as core courses at UTEP
  14. Completion of a Field of Study at another Texas Institution is considered as completion of UTEPs lower-division requirements for the degree program into which the student transfers. Field of Study must be in the same subject area as UTEPs degree program.
  15. UTEP awards credit for non-traditional educational experiences. 
  16. Workforce Education (WECM) courses are generally not accepted unless reviewed and approved by the designated Academic Department.

Updated Policy

(Effective Fall 2026)

Evaluation of Transfer Credit (Current Version)

The Office of Undergraduate Admissions will provide an evaluation of courses that are transferable to the University. UTEP complies with the Texas Common Course Numbering System (TCCNS) by displaying the TCCNS number under each appropriate course entry in the course description section of this catalog. Acceptance of transfer credit by UTEP does not constitute approval of the credit for use toward a particular degree program. The applicability of transfer courses toward a degree is determined by the academic dean or the advisor in one's major or his or her designate. Students should request a degree plan from their academic department or dean's office by the time 60 semester hours have been earned. Transfer credits are awarded according to the following policies:

  1. Transfer credit is generally awarded for academic courses completed at regionally accredited or nationally recognized institutions, or from institutions that are candidates for regional accreditation if the credit was earned during the candidacy period.
  2. In general, only academic courses that are comparable in content to those offered at UTEP are transferable, and transfer credit carries the same value as work completed at UTEP. Whenever possible, equivalent course numbers are given; if there are no numerical equivalents, elective (TR) credit is given.
  3. Only courses with grades of A, B, C, D, Credit, or Pass are evaluated, and quarter hours are converted to semester hours by multiplying the quarter hours by two-thirds.
  4. Courses classified below freshman level by sending previous institution are not transferable.
  5. Courses from two-year lower-division institutions transfer as lower division credit.
  6. Undergraduate courses from four-year institutions transfer at the same level (lower-to-lower and upper-to-upper division).
  7. Graduate-level coursework is not transferable as undergraduate credit.
  8. A maximum of 90 transfer credits may apply to a UTEP degree. Students must fulfill other degree plan requirements, including a minimum number of required upper-division credits.
  9. Grades earned at other institutions are not averaged into the UTEP grade point average. A transfer grade point average is not computed, and only credit hours transfer to UTEP.
  10. Equivalent transfer credit for engineering courses is granted only for work completed at ABET accredited institutions.
  11. Equivalent transfer credit for upper-division business courses is granted only for work completed at AACSB-accredited institutions.
  12. Completion of the core curriculum, or blocks within the core, at another Texas institution is considered as completion of the core, or appropriate blocks within the core, at UTEP.
  13. Individual core courses completed at another Texas institution will be designated as core courses at UTEP.
  14. Completion of a Field of Study at another Texas Institution is considered as completion of UTEPs lower-division requirements for the degree program into which the student transfers. Field of Study must be in the same subject area as UTEPs degree program.
  15. UTEP awards credit for non-traditional educational experiences. 
  16. Workforce Education and other technical credits are only applicable in limited circumstances, including to fulfill degree requirements for the Bachelor of Applied Arts and Sciences.