We accept applications for the Bridging Disciplines Programs (BDPs) twice a year, during the fall and spring semesters. The next application deadline will be Thursday, Oct. 8, 2026 by 8:00 a.m. The fall online application form will open at the beginning of the fall semester.
Before You Apply
Eligibility
Degree-seeking undergraduates in good academic standing at The University of Texas at Austin are eligible to apply to the BDPs.
Students must be in at least the second semester of their freshman year to be eligible to apply. Students may not apply to a BDP during the first semester of their freshman year.
Students must plan to be enrolled at UT as a degree-seeking undergraduate for at least two semesters after the semester in which they apply to the BDP.
The BDPs are open to undergraduate students from every college and school at UT. However, because there is significant overlap in program focus and coursework, the following majors and BDP certificates may not be combined.
Information Sessions
View an information session. Learn more about the program and the application process and get a chance to ask questions.
Planning Resources
As you are preparing your application, review the application tips and criteria.
If you are graduating within the next four semesters, you will be asked to upload a semester course planner that outlines your plans for completing the BDP and your remaining degree requirements (summer classes should also be included). Please reference the coursework planning guide for information on when certain foundation course requirements are offered.
Deadlines
Application Opens -> Monday, Aug. 24, 2026
Final Deadline -> Thursday, Oct. 8, 2026
Decision Posting -> Prior to the beginning of Winter Break
Apply Now
Application Process
Application Timeline
Bridging Disciplines Programs
Step 1 Learn about the BDPs
Join our Prospective Student Canvas Page and check out the info session information. We have online or in person info session options!
Step 2 Meet with advisors
Book an appointment with a BDP Advisor and your college advisor to ask any questions about how the BDP fits into your plan. Ensure that you meet eligibility as well.
Step 3 Submit your Application
Review our admissions essay criteria and curriculum sheets for your preferred program. Submit your application for review through the MyBDP portal.
Step 4 Revise
Make an appointment with a BDP Graduate Assistant to talk through essay and course selection feedback. Appointments will be made available via Canvas after the app deadline.
Step 5 Resbumit
Resubmit your final application for review. Each BDP has a Faculty Panel that makes admissions decisions.
Step 6 Admission Decision
You’ll be notified via Secure Academic Note (SAN) on your admission decision!
Reach out to bdp@austin.utexas.edu for any questions!
Completing Your Application
- Complete the online application, which includes a two to three-page essay and a proposed plan for the coursework and Connecting Experiences you wish to complete for the BDP. We recommend downloading the essay guidelines and writing your essay before beginning the online application.
- As you are preparing your application, review the application tips and criteria.
- If you are graduating within the next four semesters, you will be asked to upload a semester course planner that outlines your plans for completing the BDP and your remaining degree requirements (summer classes should also be included). Please reference the coursework planning guide for information on when certain foundation course requirements are offered.
- If your cumulative GPA at The University of Texas at Austin is in the 2.0-3.0 range, you will be asked to upload a GPA statement. In this brief (one to two-paragraph) statement, please explain any extenuating circumstances regarding your grades and academic progress of which you wish to inform the faculty panel who will be reviewing your application.
- After you submit your online application and the application deadline has passed, the BDP office will contact you regarding a required online applicant workshop. The purpose of this workshop is to provide applicants with information to help them strengthen their applications, and all applicants will have the opportunity to revise and resubmit their applications based on information provided through this workshop.
After You Apply
- The BDP faculty panel will review your application during the week of finals of the semester in which you applied. A BDP advisor will send you a secure academic note to inform you of the panel’s decision once the semester’s grades have been reported.
- If you have been admitted to the BDPs, you will be invited to attend a mandatory orientation session at the start of the following long semester.
Questions? Email the BDP office for more information.