Oct 15, 2024  
2021-2022 Graduate Catalog 
    
2021-2022 Graduate Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

New Student Admissions



Office of Admissions

Admission Statuses

Admission is defined as permission to enroll in courses for academic credit. Students can be admitted as degree-seeking or non-degree-seeking. Admission to the university does not guarantee admission to specific majors or academic programs. Graduate applicants may be admitted as new or returning students.

New UHCL Graduate Students:

Graduate students who have never enrolled or have not been enrolled at University of Houston-Clear Lake beyond the census date of any semester are considered new students. Former graduate students returning to enroll in a different graduate program are also considered to be new.

These students are considered new graduates and must meet the published deadlines for New Graduate Students:

  • Applicants to graduate programs who have not been enrolled at University of Houston Clear Lake beyond the census date of any semester.
  • Current UHCL undergraduates, who are completing bachelor degrees, and will be applying as first-time graduate students. UHCL students in this category are eligible for student scholarships available to new graduate students.
  • Undergraduates, currently completing bachelor degrees at other institutions, who apply to UHCL graduate programs (see Applicants with Pending Bachelor Degrees ).
  • Former UHCL graduate students, who have completed a graduate degree, and will apply to a new graduate program.

Returning UHCL Graduate Students

Former graduate students are those who have previously attended UHCL but have not enrolled during the past three-consecutive semesters. Former students can return immediately to their prior program, by submitting the following:

  • Graduate Re-admit Application (via the online Apply Texas Application site)
  • Application fee
  • Official transcript(s) of any coursework completed since the last semester of enrollment at UHCL. Other transcripts of completed coursework may be required, if not previously submitted or if that information is no longer on file.

Former students applying to enroll in a different degree program. These students must meet current admissions requirements for the new program and apply by the deadline for New UHCL Graduate Students.

Classifications:

New and Returning students can enroll under the following classifications:

Degree-seeking students

Degree-seeking students are those applying for admission to academic degree programs.

Non-degree-seeking students

Non-degree-seeking students are those applying to UHCL for reasons other than the pursuit of degrees (e.g., personal enrichment, job enhancement or graduate certificates).

Non-degree-seeking students are not eligible for financial aid and must reapply as degree-seeking, to pursue degrees at UHCL in future semesters.

Credit earned in non-degree status will not automatically be applicable to academic degree programs.

A maximum of 12 semester credit hours can be taken in non-degree-seeking status. (Some graduate-level courses are restricted to only degree-seeking students and the number of hours that can be applied to their Candidate Plans of Study (CPS) may be limited.)

Certificate program students are applying to complete a specific, non-degree certificate, prior to enrolling in the coordinating degree-seeking program.

These programs require the completion of 12 hours of coursework, prior to entering the coordinating degree program. All transcripts are required for admission and students must have earned a 3.000 GPA or higher on the last 60 hours of coursework (some certificates have different GPA requirements).

For specific policies regarding course availability, application procedures and GPA requirements, please refer to the appropriate academic department’s program section of this catalog.

Visiting Graduate Students

Visiting students generally plan to enroll in non-degree-seeking status at UHCL for only one semester, in order to transfer coursework back to their current graduate school.

Visiting graduate students must provide:

  • An official transcript that includes their highest degree earned.
  • Correspondence directly from their adviser (letter or email) verifying the student’s enrollment in a graduate program at their home school, their current academic standing, as well as the coursework they are approved to complete at UHCL.

To enroll in a subsequent semester, visiting students must submit a new application and fee to the Office of Admissions. Because the application fee is non-refundable, students should obtain permission from the associate dean’s office of their academic program, prior to submitting a new application.

Graduate Application Fees

Application Fees

The current Application Fees are as follows:

  • Graduate applicants (general programs) - $45
  • College of Education Doctoral applicants - $105

Applicants, who do not enroll in the semester they applied for, can update their application for the next two available semesters. To request an update to a new semester, applicants should submit a Transfer/Graduate Application Update Form, found on the Office of Admissions’ website.

Application fees are non-refundable and can be paid by credit card (MasterCard, VISA, American Express or Discover) during online application or after the application’s submission. To submit the application fee online after applying, students may use their E-Services account (under Application Fees), pay in person at the university’s Student Business Services Office, or send a check or money order to the Office of Admissions.

(Some graduate departmental programs have separate applications and fees. These will be listed in the specific department’s section of the catalog or on their website.)

Graduate Deadlines - General Programs

Fall - Aug. 1

Spring - Dec. 1

Summer - May 1

General deadlines may be extended. For extension information of general programs, see the Office of Admissions’ website.

Transcripts and Records Information

Records Information

Applicants must indicate all previously attended institutions on their application for admission. The Office of Admissions must receive all documents by the appropriate deadline (see Deadlines). If students knowingly withhold information or submit fraudulent information regarding enrollment at another college or university, their application to University of Houston-Clear Lake will be considered invalid and the students may be administratively withdrawn from classes, without a refund of fees paid.

U.S. Transcript Requirements

For Admission purposes, UHCL will accept applicable credit listed on official transcripts, from regionally accredited colleges and universities. UHCL will also consider credit from institutions recognized by The Council on Higher Education (CHEA) and The Department of Education (DOE). The Electronic Download method (EDI or SPEEDE download) is the fastest and UHCL’s preferred method of transcript delivery. Some other common electronic transcript services widely used include National Clearinghouse, eScrip-Safe and Parchment services.

Official transcripts may also be mailed directly from issuing institutions to the Office of Admissions. Additionally, UHCL may accept hand-delivered transcripts as official, if they are printed within the past60 days and are received in sealed envelopes, from the issuing institutions. Unofficial transcripts, student grade reports, emailed documents, or transfer work listed on transcripts from different institutions, will not be accepted as students’ official record of coursework.

Generally, UHCL only considers academic credit in transfer. Consideration of other transfer credit toward UHCL graduate degrees must be reviewed for applicability by the program department and approved by the college dean (see Graduate Transfer Credit Information).

International Document Requirements

School Accreditation Status

UHCL applicants, who attended international institutions, must provide the Office of Admissions with official transcripts confirming all academic studies attempted and completed for the admissions review. Required transcripts must also include:

  • Individual Mark sheets and
  • Any earned or pending degree(s) or diploma(s).

Confirmation of course completion or graduation is required for re-enrollment at UHCL. A course syllabus may also be requested, if needed.

Transcripts and/or mark sheets must be in the original language and accompanied by English translations (if applicable). These documents should clearly indicate dates of attendance, subjects taken, marks (grades) earned and reflect any degrees/diplomas awarded.

Students requesting to transfer specific coursework completed outside of the U.S. should be prepared to provide an official evaluation of coursework completed, by an acceptable evaluation service such as:

  • SDR,
  • AACRAO, or
  • any member of NACES

Official transcripts for U.S. students must be sent directly to University of Houston-Clear Lake Office of Admissions, by the registrar of each institution attended. When this is not possible, documents certified by an embassy or consular official as “true copies” may be accepted. Copies of documents without certification will not be accepted.

Any appropriate credit will be granted according to UHCL degree requirements in effect, at the time of enrollment or reapplication to the university. If all required documentation is received, an official evaluation for transferring students will be completed in the first semester of enrollment.

Repeated Transfer Courses

Generally, graduate programs consider only the last 60 hours of coursework taken from regionally accredited institutions, in determining the admissions GPA. Any applicable coursework attempted, including repeated courses, will be used to determine the cumulative transfer GPA for admission purposes.

Records Retention and Release

Records from transfer institutions are kept on file for a period of five years, after students’ final enrollment at UHCL. Former students, who did not enroll during the past five years, must reapply, pay the application fee and resubmit transcripts and/or required documentation, if those documents are no longer available.

Once documents are submitted to University of Houston-Clear Lake, they become the property of the university and will not be returned to students or sent to other transfer institutions or entities via email, fax or U.S. mail. Students may receive copies of their previously submitted transcripts or scores in person, by bringing a valid Texas Driver’s License or State Issued ID to the Office of Admissions. Completion of an Information Request Form is required.

University Policy Regarding Discretionary Authority

The university reserves the right to reject applicants whose records do not indicate potential success at University of Houston-Clear Lake, as well as other requirements deemed necessary. It also reserves the right to further evaluate applicants by using psychological, achievement and/or aptitude tests and personal interviews.

Additionally, the university reserves the right to reject applicants who falsify information that was submitted for admission consideration or used to determine admissibility to the university. UHCL may also reject applicants who display (during the application process) acts of misconduct or conduct unbecoming of UHCL students, as defined in Section B of the UHCL Student Conduct Code policies.

Readmission may be denied to former students who have falsified university documents or who have used a university official’s signature inappropriately, for personal benefit or gain.

Notification of Admission

Upon receipt of required documentation, the Office of Admissions and/or program department will determine applicants’ eligibility to the university. Applicants will be notified of their admissions decision by the Office of Admissions or the program department, as applicable. If accepted, important information regarding registration dates and additional procedures will be sent by email or letter. Important enrollment information is also available on the university’s website.

Acceptance into a Degree Program

Acceptance into a degree program is determined by each academic college or department’s admissions standards. Any applicable transfer credit from other institutions, or previous credit earned at UHCL, is not automatically applied toward the completion of UHCL degrees.

Course requirements and applicability to UHCL degree requirements are confirmed, once the Candidate Plan of Study has been completed by college departments and provided to students. Students who do not enroll for 12 months must reapply for admission and contact their academic adviser to receive a revised CPS, based on new or revised degree requirements.

Admissions Requirements and Procedures

Applicants will be considered for admission to University of Houston-Clear Lake, if they have earned bachelor’s degrees or higher (as applicable) from regionally accredited institution(s) of higher education and are eligible to return immediately to the last institution attended.

  • All applicants are encouraged to apply online and must present documented evidence that they meet the appropriate admission requirements.
  • All graduate score reports being sent online or by paper to the university, should be directed to the Office of Admissions, so that they download into the UHCL Student Information System. In order for information to be applied to your official admissions record and to be available for departmental access, students should not include department codes on their test score requests.

Degree-seeking Applicants

Degree-seeking applicants must submit:

  1. Admissions application - Online applications are accessible via the Office of Admission’s website. Some programs have a dual application process and require the submission of both a university application through Apply Texas and a program application, to the department. Late applications that are submitted online, after the posted deadlines, may not be considered or maybe automatically updated to the next available semester.
  2. Non-refundable application fee (see Application Fees)
  3. Official transcript(s) from each institution attended
  4. Official Graduate Score Report requirements:

A Graduate Management Assessment Test (GMAT), Graduate Records Examination (GRE) or Miller Analogies Test (MAT) is required, based on the specific requirements of academic programs or departments. (Department codes should not be used when requesting that score reports be sent to the university)

College of Education will allow applicants to the Ed.D. in Educational Leadership to take the UHCL Doctoral Writing Assessment examination, in lieu of the GRE.

Transcripts should reach the Office of Admissions by published deadlines, in which students plan to enroll. Students who are currently enrolled at transfer institutions, at the time admission is granted to UHCL; or, those who enrolled in coursework at other institutions after enrollment at UHCL, should send completed documentation to the Office of Admissions, immediately upon completion of that coursework.

Applicants with Pending Bachelor’s or Master’s Degrees

Applicants transferring to University of Houston-Clear Lake or current UHCL undergraduate students applying to a graduate program, may be admitted while pending the receipt of bachelor’s or master’s degrees. To qualify, students must:

Currently Enrolled Transferring Students

Applicants transferring to UHCL, from another institution, must have already completed graduation requirements or be currently enrolled in coursework that will complete graduation requirements for their intended program. Students pending a required degree, must meet graduation requirements at their current institution, prior to the first day of classes at UHCL. An official Letter of Standing from their home institution’s program adviser, registrar or associate dean is required. The letter must document that the appropriate degree will be earned, prior to enrollment at UHCL.

Current UHCL Undergraduate Students, applying to a Graduate program

Current UHCL students may apply to a masters or doctoral program, prior to the conferral of the required degree. To be accepted, students must have a Pending Graduation Application on file, in the Office of Academic Records. The Office of Admissions must verify that pending student applications for graduation have not been denied, before admission to graduate or doctoral programs are granted.*

Admitted students must earn required degrees, prior to the first day of classes. Students requiring additional time to complete pending degree requirements, will be returned to their previous undergraduate or master’s status, to complete the current degree, prior to being eligible to enroll in a new program.

*Programs may accept certification of pending graduation from UHCL advisers, in lieu of the application for graduation being filed with the Records office.

Non-degree-seeking Graduates

Non-degree-seeking graduate students are those who will enroll in classes, but do not plan to pursue a degree at University of Houston-Clear Lake. These students must submit an official transcript from the last institution attended and an official transcript showing their highest degree conferred, if different.

Non-degree-seeking students, who plan to enroll in graduate coursework in the College of Business, must have permission from the associate dean or designee, prior to registering for classes.

Students may earn up to 12 semester credit hours in non-degree status and must reapply and pay the application fee, in order to change to degree-seeking status (see Degree-seeking Applicants).

Credit earned in non-degree-seeking status will not automatically be applicable to a specific academic degree program. Additionally, some graduate level courses are restricted to only degree-seeking students and the number of hours that can be applied to a Candidate Plan of Study (CPS) may be limited.

For specific program policies regarding course availability and application of credit, please refer to the appropriate section of this catalog or contact the departmental adviser.

Graduate Transient Status

Graduate students in good standing at other institutions, may be admitted to University of Houston-Clear Lake as non-degree-seeking transients on a per-semester basis. These students generally plan to transfer coursework back to their home institution. Transient students must submit an official transcript(s), showing proof that a bachelor’s degree or higher has been conferred. Due to prerequisite requirements, some programs may also require a Letter of Standing from the transfer institution, indicating the specific coursework being requested at UHCL.

Transients who wish to enroll in a second semester must again obtain permission from the associate dean, of their academic program. Approved students must then reapply, by submitting a new application and application fee to the Office of Admissions.

Students enrolling in transient status, who subsequently decide to become degree-seeking, must reapply, pay the general application fee, and meet the university’s and academic program’s current admission requirements.

Certificate Programs (Non-degree-seeking)

Applicants who only wish to earn a graduate certificate, must apply for admission, pay the application fee and submit transcripts from all previously attended institutions. Graduate test scores are not required.

Certificate programs are awarded upon the successful completion of 12 hours of coursework in non-degree-seeking status. Once completed, this coursework can be applied toward meeting the course requirements in the coordinating degree-seeking program.

When applying via the online Apply Texas website, applicants must apply directly for a specific Certificate program. Since Certificate Programs are considered non-degree-seeking, students in these programs are not eligible for either financial aid or scholarship awards.

Teacher Certification

Degree-seeking students, enrolled in master’s degree programs, may also be simultaneously enrolled in a Teacher Certification Program. Students applying to undergraduate teacher certification programs, without the intention of pursuing graduate degrees, should apply as undergraduate students in post-baccalaureate status.

Teacher certification applicants are encouraged to seek appropriate advising through their academic department.

English Proficiency Requirements for Students Educated Outside of the United States

Applicants educated in countries where English is not the official language must demonstrate English Proficiency. This requirement must be met, during the admissions process. The intent of this policy is to ensure applicants have reasonable chances to succeed academically, based on their ability to comprehend, speak and write in English. The English proficiency requirement may be met, by meeting one of the following criteria:*

  • Earning a U.S. high school diploma or conferral of a U.S. associate degree or higher from regionally accredited institutions of higher education. (Applied Science degrees cannot be used to waive the English Proficiency requirement.)
  • Earning qualifying test scores from the SAT, ACT, TAKS, STAAR or Stanford exams. (see TSI Assessment Exemptions through Test Scores)
  • Achievement Tests (for deaf students only). Specific exemption information can be obtained by contacting the Office of Admissions.
  • Earning 12 or more transferrable hours in the following subjects (English, Speech and heavy reading-related subjects such as Government, Political Science, History, etc.) from regionally accredited institutions of higher education. Grades earned must be C or higher; and 6 of the 12 hours must be in English Composition. English as Second Language courses (ESL or ESOL) do not count toward English proficiency exemptions.

To satisfy English Proficiency by Test Results, one of the following is required:

  • Official Pearson Test of English (PTE) score of 53 or higher,
  • Official International English Language System (IELTS) score of 6.0 or higher,
  • Successful completion of ELS Level 112 - Intensive English Program, or
  • iBT TOEFL Test total of 79 or higher
  • Duolingo Test of 105 or higher
    • Duolingo will be accepted until December 2022

* Applicants for Teacher Certification may require additional criteria for English Proficiency, see Teacher Certification.

Teacher Certification English Language Requirements

Students may complete a Teacher Certification program, with or without earning a degree at UHCL. Those who have already earned bachelor’s degrees and have plans to complete undergraduate teacher certification, without simultaneously enrolling in graduate degree programs, can complete certification coursework in post-baccalaureate (PB) status.

Required Scores are as follows:

Students must earn UHCL’s minimum scaled total score requirement of 79 on the Test of English as a Foreign Language Internet- Based TOEFL (iBT) examination.

Other required minimum scores that must be submitted directly to the TEA, agency code 8225, as well as degree requirements are as follows:

  • Speaking: 24
  • Listening: 22
  • Reading: 22
  • Writing: 21
  • Completion of an undergraduate or graduate degree at an accredited institution of higher education in the United States, not including U.S. Territories.
  • Completion of an undergraduate or graduate degree, at an institution of higher education in a country outside of the U.S. that is approved by the State Board for Educator Certification (SBEC) as listed below:*
American Samoa Anguilla Antigua and Barbuda
Australia Bahamas Barbados
Belize Bermuda British Virgin Islands*
Cayman Islands Canada (except Quebec) Dominica
Gambia Ghana Gibraltar
Grand Canyon Grenada Guyana
Jamaica Liberia Nigeria
Saint Kitts and Nevis Saint Lucia Trinidad/Tobago
Turks and Caicos United Kingdom* U.S. Pacific Trust

*British Virgin Islands include - England, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales. United Kingdom includes - West Indies.

Examinations for Graduate Candidacies

All new graduate students must provide official standardized test results from GRE, GMAT or MAT examinations, as required by the appropriate academic department. Test scores must be sent directly to the Office of Admissions, in order to be viewable by campus departments and for completion of applicant admissions files.

Former students, who pursue new degrees in different programs or academic departments, must apply by the posted deadlines for New Graduate Students and may be required to submit a different graduate examination for admission purposes. In these situations, students are encouraged to contact their academic department for more information.

Scores must be received directly from the testing agency. Hand-carried or student copies of test score results or those that are more than five years old at the time of application, are considered unofficial and will not be accepted.

Students enrolling as non-degree-seeking are generally exempt from standardized test requirements (please check the appropriate program’s requirements). Non-degree-seeking students who change to degree-seeking status are required to meet current admissions requirements, submit any required documentation not yet received, and must reapply and pay the appropriate application fee.

Examination Exemptions

University of Houston Clear Lake may provide both University and College Examination Exemptions. The university will waive graduate test score requirement for applicants with conferred academic doctorate degrees, from accredited U.S. institutions (e.g. Ph.D. or Ed.D.). Graduate score exemptions will also apply to applicants who have earned other doctorate degrees such as M.D., D.D.S. or J.D. degrees, who are also licensed to practice in the United States.

Applicants who do not meet the university waivers, may meet requirements for some college or departmental graduate test score waivers, as follows:

College of Science and Engineering

College of Science and Engineering’s graduate acceptance committee may request a dean’s examination exemption. This exemption may apply to applicants who have earned graduate degrees, from regionally accredited institutions of higher education, in programs related to their field of study. Other exemptions may apply, by program. For the most current waiver information, consult the appropriate program’s requirements in the catalog or on their website.

College of Human Sciences and Humanities

College of Human Sciences and Humanities will waive the graduate examination requirement for applicants who have earned a 3.000 GPA or higher on the last 60 hours of coursework or who hold doctorate degrees. Examination exceptions do not apply for applicants in the following degree programs:

  • Behavior Analysis M.A., Psychology and I/O Psychology M.A. programs, all Professional Psychology degree programs and the Doctor of Psychology degree program.
College of Education

College of Education will waive the graduate examination requirement for applicants who have earned a3.000 GPA or higher on the last 60 hours of coursework and have earned a bachelor’s degree or higher, as well as for Counseling applicants who have earned a master’s degree.

College examination exemptions do not apply for applicants to the Doctor of Education programs. However, students may complete the UHCL Doctoral Writing Assessment Examination, in lieu of the GRE. Please contact the department for details.

College of Business

Criteria that requires the submission of a standardized test score:

  • Earning less than a 3.000 cumulative GPA on the last 60 hours of coursework

Criteria that waives the standardized test requirements for:

Applicants to MHA**, MHA/MBA**, MBA, Human Resources Management M.A., Finance M.S., Management Information Systems M.S. and Environmental Management M.S., must have earned the following:

3.000 cumulative GPA on the last 60 hours of coursework and only one (1) of the following:

  • Earned a bachelor’s, graduate or professional degree from a college or university in a country where English is the native language, from an accredited college or university in a country on the SBEC-approved list of countries (see Teacher Certification English Language Requirements); or
  • Earned a graduate or professional degree from a country where English is the native language or from an accredited college and university in a country on the SBEC-approved list* of countries; or
  • Earned a Ph.D., Ed.D., M.D., D.D.S. or J.D. (from an AACSB accredited institution or have U.S. licensure).

* *MHA and MHA/MBA applicants must also upload to their checklist, three letters of recommendation, a current resume, and a statement of career goals.

Applicants to the Master of Science in Accounting program, who meet the following requirements, will be admitted.

UHCL Business Students, who have:

  • Earned a cumulative GPA of 3.000 or higher in upper-division courses at UHCL and a minimum of12 semester credit hours in Upper Level Accounting courses at UHCL, with a GPA of 3.000 of higher

Transfer Students, who have:

  • Earned a cumulative GPA of at least 3.250 in upper-division courses at institutions with AACSB Business accreditation, and
  • Earned a minimum of 12 credit hours of upper-division Accounting courses at an institution with AACSB Business accreditation, with an overall GPA of 3.250 or higher, in those courses.

Advanced Degree Holders, who have:

  • Earned a graduate degree in business from an AACSB-accredited university or a Ph.D., M.D., Ed.D., D.D.S., or J.D. from an accredited U.S. institution (or U.S. licensure).
Test Center Telephone Numbers and Information

Test Center Information for the Graduate Record Examination (GRE), Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) and Miller Analogies Test (MAT) is listed below. For more specific examination requirements by college, program or plan, please refer to the appropriate college’s section of the catalog.

Graduate Record Examination (GRE)

  • Phone 1-609-771-7670 or 510-654-1200
  • Institution code - R6916

Miller Analogies Test (MAT) Miller Analogies Test (MAT)

  • Phone 1-800-622-3231

Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT)

  • Phone 1-800-717-4628
  • Select code by program of interest as follows: Select code by program of interest as follows:
    • 1FD-BS-78 Master’s in Healthcare Administration
    • 1FD-BS-76 MBA, Full-Time
    • 1FD-BS-08 MBA, Part-Time
    • 1FD-BS-45 M.A. in Human Resource Management
    • 1FD-BS-29 M.S. in Accounting
    • 1FD-BS-71 M.S. in Environmental Management
    • 1FD-BS-86 M.S. in Finance
    • 1FD-BS-81 M.S. in Management Information Systems
    • 1FD-BS-93 MHA/MBA Joint Degree
    • 1FD-BS-97 M.S. in Computer Information Systems

Majors that accept both GMAT and GRE scores are as follows:

  • MHA
  • M.S.-M.I.S.
  • M.A.-HRM
  • M.S.-Environmental Management
  • M.S. -Computer Information Systems

Majors that accept the UHCL Doctoral Writing Assessment Examination

  • Ed.D. in Educational Leadership

Readmission or Status Change Process

Former UHCL Students

Former students seeking readmission to UHCL, after three semesters of non-enrollment, should submit the following:

  • Completed admissions application
  • Non-refundable $45 application fee, and
  • Official transcript(s) of any coursework completed since enrolled at UHCL or coursework that was pending receipt when last enrolled at University of Houston-Clear Lake

Former students, who have not been enrolled at UHCL within the past five years or whose information is no longer on file, are required to resubmit documents from other institutions.

Students who leave the university on academic probation will be readmitted on academic probation.

  • Degree-seeking students, whose ability to enroll was terminated due to academic deficiency, must be reinstated by the appropriate associate dean or designee, before readmission.
  • Non-degree-seeking students must be reinstated by the Associate Vice President of Enrollment Management or designee.

Changing Careers or Enrollment Status

Enrolled students who would like to change their academic careers from undergraduate to graduate (vice versa) or who would like to change their classification from non-degree-seeking to degree-seeking, must reapply to the university.

To reapply, students must submit a new application to the Office of Admissions, pay the application fee and meet appropriate admission criteria and deadlines. Students who enrolled as degree-seeking and wish to change to non-degree-seeking, the following semester, should complete an Academic Records Change form (ARC). This form is available through their program’s academic advising office.

Applicants to the university, who applied to either an undergraduate or graduate career and would like to change their career before officially enrolling, can do so once without submitting a new application. These students should complete a Graduate Application Update Request Form.

If an additional career change is needed, students must reapply and submit a new application fee. (Some applicants may be asked to submit a new application, if applicable; however, the fee will not be assessed.)

Applicants interested in changing their program or degree status, while remaining in the same career, can do so prior to the first day of classes.

Records Retention and Release

Records from other institutions are kept on file for a period of five years after enrollment. Former students who did not enroll during the past five years must resubmit transcripts, documentation and pay the application fee, when reapplying to the university. Once documents are submitted to University of Houston-Clear Lake, they become the property of the university and will not be returned or otherwise sent to other institutions or entities via email, fax or U.S. mail.

Students may receive a copy of their previously submitted transcripts or scores in person, by bringing a valid Texas driver’s license or state-issued ID to the Office of Admissions and completing a request form to release the information.

Graduate Transfer Credit Information

Transfer of Graduate Credit

Course equivalencies for any graduate transfer work is determined through the student’s academic program department.

Master’s degree programs require a minimum of 30 semester credit hours. A minimum of 24 semester credit hours must be earned through instruction at UHCL. No more than 25% of the semester credit hours required for a graduate degree can be accepted in transfer, from other institutions. Therefore, the possibility of transferring credit toward a master’s degree is in most cases limited to no more than 6hours for a master’s degree requiring 30 semester credit hours and no more than 9 hours for programs requiring 36 semester credit hours.

Doctoral degree programs require a minimum of 69 hours beyond the master’s degree. The possibility of transferring credit toward doctoral degrees is limited to no more than 21 hours, but in most cases may not exceed 12 semester credit hours.

Credit applied toward previous graduate degrees may not be used to fulfill requirements of a different degree. Additionally, this credit is not necessarily applicable to subsequent degree programs.

Only graduate courses with grades of B- or above are transferrable; grades of C or below are non-transferrable.

The dean of the academic program will determine whether the content of such coursework is pertinent to current degree objectives. Courses completed more than five years prior to admission into graduate programs at UHCL, may not be counted toward fulfilling the required number of hours, unless approval is granted by the dean.