How do I run and read UT Austin’s degree audit?
Run UT Austin’s Interactive Degree Audit (IDA) from Texas One Stop for your intended degree, then read the requirements still left. Rerun the audit after a grade, registration or transfer-credit change because a saved audit doesn’t update itself.
In this guide
Which audit should I run?
Choose the degree you’re working toward and check its catalog year. A degree audit for another major can help you plan, but it doesn’t approve a major change.
After new credit or a grade posts, run the audit again and compare the requirement that changed.
What looks wrong in your degree audit?
Did my classes or credit change after this audit?
A saved audit doesn’t update when a later grade or credit posts.
- Check that the change is on your transcript or schedule.
- Run a fresh audit for the intended degree.
- Ask advising about a class that still isn’t counting where expected.
Is the program or catalog year wrong?
Degree requirements depend on the program and the catalog year that applies to you.
- Note the program and year shown.
- Compare the degree plan and ask advising which version applies.
- Keep a planned major change alongside its own application process.
Why doesn’t a class fill the requirement I expected?
A matching title or enough total hours doesn’t automatically approve a class for a requirement.
- Write down the course, term and requirement.
- Check credit exclusions and any approved substitution.
- Ask the responsible adviser what change or review is needed.
What if a prerequisite blocks my next class?
A missing prerequisite can determine the next semester you can take a required class.
- Check the current prerequisites and when the classes are offered.
- Choose a feasible prerequisite and backup section.
- Use advising and RIS to plan registration.
Am I ready for my final semester?
IDA doesn’t complete the graduation application or separate school requirements.
- Review your remaining requirements with advising.
- Check official degree-audit filing and graduation application steps.
- Use your school’s deadline and verify the required action is complete.
What should I look at first?
Start with an unfinished requirement and the class you expected to fill it. That gives your adviser a question they can answer.
Scroll the table to compare every column.
| What you see | What to ask |
|---|---|
| Enough hours, but the degree is unfinished | Which required class is still missing? |
| A class is in the wrong place | Does an equivalency or exception need approval? |
| A later class fits my plan | Which prerequisite must I take first? |
| A recent grade or credit is missing | Has it posted, and have I run a new audit? |
| The class is right but doesn’t fill this requirement | Am I using the right program and catalog year? |
Why don’t total hours tell the whole story?
Canfield’s first-year continuation rule calls for at least 12 letter-graded UT hours in each fall and spring semester. That’s 24 across the year, but an uneven split won’t meet a 12-per-semester rule.
BAX 304, BAX 305 and MIS 304 each have three hours, yet the catalog says only one may count. Three listings don’t become nine degree hours.
Scroll the table to compare every column.
| Example | What the rule changes |
|---|---|
| Canfield first-year hours | 12 in fall + 12 in spring = 24; check each semester |
| BAX 304 / BAX 305 / MIS 304 | Only one 3-hour course may count, not all 9 listed hours |
How do I turn it into next semester’s plan?
Make three columns: remaining requirement, proposed class and backup. Add each prerequisite and when the class is offered.
Use the current Course Schedule and your RIS window to turn the plan into enrolled sections.
What should I bring to advising?
Bring the course code, term, the requirement you expected it to fill and any earlier written approval. Ask who can make the change and when you should run IDA again.
Does a better GPA mean I’m closer to graduating?
Not always. GPA measures included grades; IDA checks degree requirements. An elective can improve your GPA while leaving a required prerequisite unfinished.
Does IDA finish my graduation application?
No. You still need required advising, the official degree-audit filing and your graduation application in the final semester.
Auditing a class is different again: it means attending without earning university credit, not checking your degree progress.
Questions
Where do I run IDA?
Start with One Stop’s official Interactive Degree Audit link and select your degree.
Why is a recent class or credit change missing?
Check that it has posted, then request a new audit. Saved audits don’t add later changes.
Can I compare another major?
Yes, as a planning comparison. It doesn’t transfer you into the major or approve credit.
Does a complete IDA mean I applied to graduate?
No. Complete the graduation application and any separate school requirements.
Who approves a substitution?
Your adviser or the responsible program office. Bring the exact course and requirement.
Is this the same as auditing a class?
No. IDA checks degree progress; auditing a class means attending without university credit.
How we got this
IDA instructions and the Canfield and BAX catalog rules were checked October 27, 2026. The Canfield 24-hour comparison is 20% of a 120-hour degree; that arithmetic doesn’t show any student’s progress.
The examples are for planning. Your applicable degree plan and approved exceptions determine where your own credit counts.
Sources and dates
- Texas One Stop — Interactive Degree Audit and student responsibilities2026-10-27
- Texas One Stop — registration planning2026-10-26
- UT Catalog — GPA computation2026-10-26
- UT current catalog — Canfield first-year continuation and 120-hour degree requirements2026-10-27
- UT current BAX catalog — three-hour listings and only-one-counted rule2026-10-27
- UT catalog — auditing a course without credit; different from IDA2026-10-27
- MyMcCombs — degree plans by major and catalog year2026-10-27