SB 2847

relating to innovations in core curriculum to accelerate the award
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:
SECTION 1.  Sections 61.822 (b), Education Code, is amended
(b)  Each institution of higher education shall adopt a core
curriculum of no less than 42 semester credit hours, including
specific courses comprising the curriculum.  The core curriculum
shall be consistent with the common course numbering system
approved by the board and with the statement, recommendations, and
rules issued by the board.  An institution may have a core
curriculum of other than 42 semester credit hours only if approved
by the board.  The board by rule may approve a core curriculum of
fewer than 42 semester credit hours for an associate degree program
if the board determines that the approval would facilitate the
award of a degree or transfer of credit consistent with this
(b-1)  The board by rule may approve a core curriculum of
fewer than 42 semester credit hours for a bachelor's degree program
at an institution of higher education if the board determines that
the approval would accelerate student completion of workforce
aligned credentials, as defined by board rule.
(c)  If a student successfully completes the core curriculum
at an institution of higher education, that block of courses may be
transferred to any other institution of higher education and must
be substituted for the receiving institution's core curriculum.  A
student shall receive academic credit for each of the courses
transferred and may not be required to take additional core
curriculum courses at the receiving institution unless the board
has approved a larger core curriculum at the institution.
(d)  A student who transfers from one institution of higher
education to another without completing the core curriculum of the
sending institution shall receive academic credit from the
receiving institution for each of the courses that the student has
successfully completed in the core curriculum of the sending
institution.  Following receipt of credit for these courses, the
student may be required to satisfy further course requirements in
the core curriculum of the receiving institution.
(e)  The governing board of a general academic teaching
institution that offers a joint baccalaureate degree program under
a contract with a foreign college or university may, in
consultation with the foreign college or university, identify and
approve courses offered by the foreign college or university that
are equivalent to, and may substitute for, courses in the core
curriculum of a student enrolled in the joint degree program who is
considered to be primarily a student of the general academic
SECTION 2.  This Act takes effect September 1, 2025.