Earning College Credit

Where can students dual enroll in a college-level version of EYW: Engineering Design and Analysis? 

Students can dual enroll at UT Austin in ES 301 (Engineering Design and Problem Solving).

Besides earning college credit, what are the benefits of participating in ES 301?

Students in ES 301 experience the difference between high school- and college-level performance expectations for the same course. Complexity of assignments, communication with instructors, and grading results can be very different in ES 301 from what students are used to in their high school course. Dual enrollment provides a low-risk environment in which students can rise to a new level – and prepare for what is to come.

Will participating in ES 301 impact a student’s chance of admission to a UT System school?

At present, no.

How does dual enrollment work for students who live outside of central Texas?  

ES 301 does not require in-person interaction with university instructors. All dual enrollment coursework is assigned and submitted electronically.

Do students need to apply for admission to UT Austin in order to participate in the dual enrollment course?

No. An application for dual enrollment is separate from, and does not require, an application for admission to UT Austin.

How do students apply for dual enrollment?

Students taking EYW: Engineering Design and Analysis will receive information about dual enrollment from their high school teacher. Interested students should complete a pre-application (i.e., a declaration of intent to apply) no later than September 30. Once they have completed the pre-application, students will receive instructions for completing the full application.

Do students need to apply separately for ES 301?

No. Applications for dual enrollment are handled centrally by Engineer Your World. Applicants specify their school of choice at the time of application.

What type of credit do students earn for ES 301?

ES 301 is a three-unit, freshman-level, elective engineering course on Engineering Design and Problem Solving. A three-unit course is equivalent to a course that requires 10-12 hours of academic work per week for 15 weeks. Most university engineering students who plan to graduate in four years will take five three-unit courses per semester.

Will this credit show up on an official UT transcript? How can students get a copy of their transcript?

ES 301 and the grade earned (letter grade or CR if taken pass/fail) will show up on an official UT Austin transcript even if students never attend UT as a degree-seeking student. Students may order a copy of their transcript, for a fee, through the Office of the Registrar’s Transcript Services at the respective university.

Can ES 301 credit be transferred to other universities?

Decisions about accepting transfer credits and grades are made by the receiving institution (i.e., the university that would accept the transfer credit). UT would report your completion of these credits to any institution that you authorize, by releasing your transcript to that institution. The course is part of the core curriculum fulfilling the Natural Science and Technology Part II core component area at UT Austin, as such public institutions in Texas are required to accept the transfer credit.

Will ES 301 count toward graduation requirements?

This depends on where students enroll and which degree they seek. Students seeking an engineering degree should know that a robust, nationwide conversation is underway among engineering deans to determine the role of credits like ES 301 across institutions. At UT Austin, the course counts as elective credit for engineering majors. Non engineering majors may count the course as part of the core curriculum satisfying the Natural Science and Technology Part II core component area.

How do students earn college credit at UT Austin if they haven’t been admitted as an official undergraduate student?

Credit for ES 301 is granted through University Extension (UEX) within the TEXAS Extended Campus. NOTE: UT Austin specifically requires a letter grade of D- or higher in order for University Extension courses to apply to the core component.

Will enrolling in ES 301 affect the type of credit that students earn for EYW: Engineering Design and Analysis at their high school course?

Some schools offer honors or weighted credit for EYW: Engineering Design and Analysis to students who dual enroll in ES 301. Students should ask their high school counselor for more information about options at their school.

How will student work for the college-level course be graded?

All student work submitted in relation to the dual enrollment program will be reviewed and scored by faculty at a UT System school or by graders working under the supervision of such faculty.

Can students take the course for a letter grade?

Yes. Please note, some institutions may require a letter grade in order for the credit to transfer towards a degree requirement. Students will have the opportunity choose their grading preference (letter grade or pass/fail) during the spring semester. NOTE: UT Austin specifically requires a letter grade of D- or higher in order for University Extension courses to  apply to the core component.

Will student grades in the college-level course affect their grades in the high school course (or vice versa)?

No. Student grades for the college-level course, which are determined by university faculty and graders, are reported only to the student or to people whom they authorize to receive that information. Similarly, student grades for the high school course are determined solely by the high school teacher and are not shared with anyone at a UT System school.

Is there a fee for applying to the program?

No, there is not an application fee at this time.

Is there a fee for dual enrolling in the UT course?

Yes, there is a small course fee. A small number of fee waivers are typically available each year. Please contact eywdualenroll@austin.utexas.edu for details.