General NSM Degree Information

Baccalaureate Degrees

The college offers the Bachelor of Science degree in all departments and the Bachelor of Arts degree in biochemical and biophysical sciences, biology, chemistry, earth science, mathematics, and physics. Students interested in teaching biology, chemistry, earth science, mathematics, or physics at the secondary level should contact the Office of the Dean for advisement.

Requirements for a Baccalaureate Degree

The following requirements must be met by students who expect to earn a Bachelor of Arts or a Bachelor of Science degree with a major in the College of Natural Sciences and Mathematics. Students will also be required to meet special requirements listed in the Academic Regulations and Degree Requirements section of this catalog

  1. Completion of a minimum of 120 semester hours. At least 36 of the 120 semester hours are to be advanced according to the respective degree plans. Any change or substitution must have the College Dean's written approval. Students must earn a 2.00 minimum cumulative grade point average in all courses attempted at the university.
  2. Completion of the core curriculum requirements.

    Core Curriculum Requirements
    Courses
    Hours
    ENGL 1303, 1304. First Year Writing I, II
    6
    MATH 1310. College Algebra
    3
    Three hours in approved math, logic, statistics, computer science, or music theory courses
    3
    Approved courses in Natural Sciences
    6
    Approved courses in Social and Behavioral Sciences
    3
    Approved courses in Writing in the Discipline
    3
    Approved courses in Humanities
    3
    Approved courses in Visual/Performing Arts
    3
    American History: HIST 1377 and 1378 or equivalent
    6
    American Government: POLS 1336 and 1337 or equivalent
    6
  3. Completion of college degree requirements (B.A. or B.S.) to include a major (29 to 50 semester credit hours of which at least 18 must be advanced) and NSM Capstone course work (at least 6 advanced hours)
    • Of all courses attempted in the major (including both required and "elective" courses in the major), no more than six semester hours with grades below C-. Students exceeding that limit must retake sufficient courses and obtain acceptable grades (C- or above), so that they do not exceed the two course limit. Students may choose the course(s) to retake unless prohibited by specific catalog language. Substitutions must be approved by the major department and the Dean's Office.
    • Students must earn a minimum 2.00 grade point average in all courses in the major (both required and elective) attempted at the university.

Special Requirements - Bachelor of Arts Degree

In addition to meeting the core curriculum requirements, students must complete the following (see major department for specific course work which may be required):

  1. Major department courses: 29-50 hours
    Of all courses attempted, (including both required and elective courses in the major), no more than six semester hours with grades below C-. Students exceeding that limit must retake sufficient courses and obtain acceptable grades (C- or above), so that they do not exceed the two-course limit. Students may choose the course(s) to retake unless prohibited by specific catalog language. Substitutions must be approved by the major department and the Dean's Office. Students must earn a minimum 2.00 grade point average in all courses (either required or elective) attempted in the major at the university .
  2. Foreign Language: 6 hours
    Courses at the 2000-level or above in the same language are required. International students may not take English or their native language (more information is available in the Regulations and Requirements in this catalog).
  3. Mathematics: 6 hours
    These must be selected from courses approved for NSM majors.
  4. Natural Sciences: 7 hours
    Two approved courses in the same discipline, chosen from biochemical and biophysical science, biology, chemistry, earth and atmospheric sciences, and physics. These courses must be from outside the student's major, and only include those courses approved for NS&M majors.
  5. NSM Capstone: 6-21 hours
    The NSM Capstone requirement may be satisfied by completing one of the following options:
    • A double major.
    • A double or previous four-year degree.
    • A six hour senior research project.
    • A senior honors thesis.
    • 6 hours of NSM-designated paired capstone courses - GEOL 3355-3360; COSC 3351-4352.
    • an approved minor.
    • Completion of TeachHouston requirements
    • Computer Science (Business Option) majors may satisfy the capstone requirement by completing six approved advanced hours from MIS 3360 and one of MIS 4374, or 4379, or 4478.

Students should consult the Academic Regulations and Degree Requirements section of this catalog for general information on the requirements for minors. Students must earn a 2.00 minimum cumulative grade point average on all courses attempted in the minor discipline at the University of Houston. Courses which by catalog statement cannot be applied toward a degree in Natural Sciences and Mathematics, or which have other relevant catalog restrictions will not be included in the minor grade point average.

Special Requirements - Bachelor of Science Degree

In addition to meeting the general requirements, students must complete the following (see major department for specific course work which may be required):

  1. Major department courses: 29-50 hours
    Of all courses attempted, (including both required and elective courses in the major), no more than six semester hours with grades below C-. Students exceeding that limit must retake sufficient courses and obtain acceptable grades (C- or above), so that they do not exceed six hours. Students may choose the course(s) to retake unless prohibited by specific catalog language. Substitutions must be approved by the major department and the Dean's Office. Students must earn a minimum 2.00 grade point average in all courses (either required or elective) attempted in the major at the university.
  2. Natural Sciences: 14 hours
    Approved courses, including two laboratories in the same discipline, chosen from biochemical and biophysical science, biology, chemistry, earth and atmospheric sciences, and physics. These courses must be from outside the student's major, and only include those courses approved for NS&M majors.
  3. Mathematics: 12 hours
    These must be selected from courses approved for NSM majors.
  4. NSM Capstone: 6-21 hours
    The NSM Capstone requirement may be satisfied by completing one of the following options:
    • A double major.
    • A double or previous four-degree degree.
    • A six hour senior research project.
    • A senior honors thesis.
    • 6 hours of NSM-designated paired capstone courses - GEOL 3355-3360; COSC 3351-4352.
    • an approved minor.
    • Completion of Teach Houston requirements
    • Computer Science (Business Option) majors may satisfy the capstone requirement by completing six approved advanced hours from MIS 3360 and one of MIS 4374, or 4379, or 4478.

Students should consult the Academic Regulations and Degree Requirements section of this catalog for general information on the requirements for minors. Students must earn a 2.00 minimum cumulative grade point average on all courses attempted in the minor discipline at the University of Houston. Courses which by catalog statement cannot be applied toward a degree in Natural Sciences and Mathematics, or which have other relevant catalog restrictions will not be included in the minor grade point average.

Graduate Programs

The college offers both the Master of Science and Doctor of Philosophy degrees in all departments. Entry into any graduate program requires a bachelor's degree from a recognized institution and an adequate background in the subject to be studied.

Through reciprocal agreements, graduate students at certain components of the University of Texas System, Rice University, and Baylor College of Medicine may take courses for credit at the University of Houston. University of Houston graduate students may take courses for credit at any of these three institutions. Charges for enrollment (registration) and tuition are made by the parent institution.

For more information on graduate and professional programs and a listing of courses, refer to the Office of the Dean, the appropriate department, or the Graduate and Professional Studies catalog.


Catalog Publish Date: August 22, 2012
This Page Last Updated: August 8, 2011