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The Texas flag flies over the Texas Capitol in Austin, Texas, on Wednesday, May 22, 2019. (Tom Fox\/The Dallas Morning News\/TNS)<\/p>\n
Tom Fox\/TNS<\/p>\n
Texas agencies could expand hiring and promotion opportunities for workers without four-year degrees<\/a> by replacing some education requirements with experience, training or professional credentials<\/a>, according to a new state review.\u00a0<\/p>\n The Texas State Auditor’s Office reviewed 336 job classification series and found that only 31, or about 9%, must require a degree because of laws, regulations or professional licensing rules.<\/p>\n Related: More North Texans with college degrees are struggling with poverty<\/a><\/p>\n Article continues below this ad<\/p>\n But 31 state agencies reported imposing their own degree requirements, with no substitutions allowed, in 72 additional job classification series. Those requirements were based on agency policies, operational practices, or preferences rather than state law, according to a report released this month.\u00a0<\/p>\n The review was required by House Bill 3923, a law that took effect on Sept. 1, 2025. It directed the State Auditor\u2019s classification officer to identify requirements that could be reduced to expand the applicant pool and examine advancement opportunities<\/a> for current state employees without four-year degrees.\u00a0<\/p>\n Getting promoted without a college degree<\/p>\n Among the 72 job series for which at least one agency reported imposing a degree requirement with no substitution are accountants, auditors, investigators, programmers, data analysts, project managers, human resources specialists and grant specialists. Other examples include librarians, economists, purchasers and environmental protection specialists. Requirements may apply only to certain levels within a job series, and no agency reported requiring degrees for all 72.\u00a0<\/p>\n Related: What AI can\u2019t replace may be the key to getting a job, Dallas leaders say<\/a><\/p>\n Article continues below this ad<\/p>\n The findings could eventually affect applicants for state jobs and advancement opportunities for approximately 150,000 classified state employees. The report does not require agencies to eliminate degree requirements or guarantee that job postings will change immediately.\u00a0<\/p>\n Each agency retains discretion over the minimum qualifications for most positions. The report said implementation will occur gradually as agencies review their job descriptions and postings.\u00a0<\/p>\n The State Auditor\u2019s Office also added language to some state job descriptions reinforcing agencies\u2019 discretion to substitute experience, education, military service, apprenticeships and relevant credentials when appropriate and legally permitted.\u00a0<\/p>\n<\/p>\n