{"id":24735,"date":"2025-04-09T13:15:24","date_gmt":"2025-04-09T13:15:24","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/cehhs.utk.edu\/tpte-dev\/?page_id=24735"},"modified":"2026-04-15T14:30:32","modified_gmt":"2026-04-15T18:30:32","slug":"majors-and-minors","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/cehhs.utk.edu\/tpte\/undergraduate-programs\/majors-and-minors\/","title":{"rendered":"Majors and Minors"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Majors and Minors<\/h1>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
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Jump to Majors<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Jump to Minors<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Jump to How to Apply<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

TPTE Majors<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

TPTE prepares undergraduate students for meaningful careers and further graduate study in education-related fields. The Department offers a Bachelor of Science Major in areas that include Audiology and Speech Pathology, Deaf Studies, Educational Studies, Elementary Education (grades K-5), Interdisciplinary Early Childhood (birth – grade 3), Secondary Education (grades 6-12), and Special Education.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Below is a complete listing of majors organized by areas of study listed in alphabetical order.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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BS in Audiology and Speech Pathology<\/h3><\/div><\/div>
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The Bachelor of Science in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology is designed to introduce undergraduates to the fields of Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology and to prepare them for applying to graduate school. This program is a joint undergraduate degree program offered between the Department of Theory and Practice in Teacher Education (TPTE) and the Department of Audiology and Speech Pathology at the University of Tennessee Health Science Center (UTHSC).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Area of Study Overview<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

UT Catalog<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Email for More Information<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

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BS in Education, Deaf Studies Major<\/h3><\/div><\/div>
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Deaf studies includes the following three Concentrations: ASL Translation and Interpreting, ASL Education, and Deaf Education. The Deaf Studies undergraduate program is designed to provide students with a strong foundation in ASL, ASL linguistics, Deaf history and culture, and educational trends and issues. Teaching and learning in the Deaf Studies program, including class activities, discussion, and demonstration of knowledge, occur in either ASL or English. Integral to the coursework is the goal of preparing culturally competent teachers and interpreters who can provide equitable and quality education for all students. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Area of Study Overview<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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ASL Education Concentration <\/strong><\/h5>\n\n\n\n
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The ASL Education Concentration includes two Specializations:<\/p>\n\n\n\n


Traditional Program Specialization with Undergraduate Internship<\/strong> <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

UT Catalog<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n


5-Year Program Specialization with Graduate Internship<\/strong> <\/p>\n\n\n\n

UT Catalog<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/div>\n\n\n\n
American Sign Language (ASL) Translation and Interpreting Concentration <\/strong><\/h5>\n\n\n\n
<\/div>\n\n\n\n

The ASL Translation and Interpreting Concentration at UTK is an immersive program built for those aiming to become skilled interpreters in educational environments.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

UT Catalog<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Deaf Education Concentration<\/strong><\/h5>\n\n\n\n
<\/div>\n\n\n\n

The Deaf Education Concentration includes two Specializations:<\/p>\n\n\n\n


Traditional Program Specialization with Undergraduate Internship<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

UT Catalog<\/a>
<\/p>\n\n\n\n

5-Year Program Specialization with Graduate Internship<\/strong> (Post-Baccalaureate Professional Year)<\/p>\n\n\n\n

UT Catalog<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/div>\n\n\n\n

Email for More Information<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

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BS in Education, Educational Studies Concentration (Non-Licensure)<\/h3><\/div><\/div>
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The Bachelor of Science in Education program with a Concentration in Educational Studies prepares students to work within the field of education in areas not requiring a teaching license. Students complete courses in theory and methods of teaching along with professional electives of their choosing. While not required, a minor can also easily be incorporated into this major.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Area of Study Overview<\/p>\n\n\n\n

UT Catalog<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Email for More Information<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

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BS in Education, Elementary Education Concentration<\/h3><\/div><\/div>
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The Bachelor of Science in Education program with a Concentration in Elementary Education is designed to introduce undergraduates to the field of teacher education grades K-5\/K-8. The program provides a number of program areas and pathways to prepare students in becoming elementary teachers, in earning a teaching license in this area, and\/or laying the foundation for graduate studies. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Area of Study Overview<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Elementary Education Concentration includes six Specializations:<\/p>\n\n\n\n


Traditional Specialization with Undergraduate <\/strong>Internship<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

UT Catalog<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n


5-Year Program Specialization with Graduate Internship<\/strong> <\/p>\n\n\n\n

UT Catalog<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n


English as a Second Language (ESL) Specialization with an Undergraduate Internship<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

UT Catalog<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n


Interventionist Special Education Specialization with an Undergraduate Internship<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

UT Catalog<\/a>
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Interventionist Special Education K-8 Dual Licensure Specialization with an Undergraduate Internship<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

UT Catalog<\/a>
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Middle Grades Math Specialization with an Undergraduate Internship<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

UT Catalog<\/a>

Middle Grades Science Specialization with an Undergraduate Internship<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

UT Catalog<\/a>
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Email for More Information<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

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BS in Education, Interdisciplinary Early Childhood Concentration <\/h3><\/div><\/div>
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Program Types: Campus Based and Digital Learning Options<\/strong>
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Interdisciplinary Early Childhood Concentration<\/strong> (Licensure)<\/h5>\n\n\n\n

The undergraduate Interdisciplinary Early Childhood Education program is designed to prepare students to obtain a Tennessee teacher endorsement in either Integrated Birth to Kindergarten or Integrated Pre K- 3 Grade. This endorsement certifies graduates to teach young children, birth through age 8 with or without disabilities. The Interdisciplinary Early Childhood pathways emphasize studying child development in context and developing fundamental instructional strategies within authentic field experiences.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Area of Study Overview<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Interdisciplinary Early Childhood Concentration Specializations with licensure include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Integrated Birth to Kindergarten (B-K) Specialization with Student Teaching<\/strong> <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Program Type: Campus Based and Digital Learning<\/p>\n\n\n\n

UT Catalog<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

I<\/strong>ntegrated PreK-3 Specialization<\/strong><\/strong><\/strong> with Student Teacher<\/strong><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Program Type: Campus Based and Digital Learning<\/p>\n\n\n\n

UT Catalog<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

For more information about the 5-Year Integrated PreK-3 Specialization with Graduate Internship program, please contact Melody Hobbs at email mhobbs@utk.edu <\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

5-Year <\/strong>Integrated PreK-3 Specialization<\/strong><\/strong><\/strong> with Graduate Internship<\/strong><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Program Type: Campus Based and Digital Learning<\/p>\n\n\n\n

UT Catalog<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

For more information about the 5-Year Integrated PreK-3 Specialization with Graduate Internship program, please contact Melody Hobbs at email mhobbs@utk.edu <\/a>
<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Interdisciplinary Early Childhood, Early Care, and Education Concentration (Non-licensure)<\/strong> <\/h5>\n\n\n\n

The Interdisciplinary Early Childhood, Early Care and Education Concentration (non-licensure) is designed for students who do not want to obtain teacher licensure, but want to work in early childhood education and care settings (e.g., federally-funded Early Head Start or Head Start centers, early intervention, family service providers, non-profit agencies, private schools, international teaching, and Child Care Resource and Referral). Completion of this program results in a Bachelor of Science degree without teacher licensure. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

UT Catalog<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

For more information about the Integrated Birth to Kindergarten (B-K) Specialization with Student Teaching, please contact Melody Hobbs at email mhobbs@utk.edu<\/a>.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

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Secondary Education Focus – Education Major, BS<\/h3><\/div><\/div>
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The Bachelor of Science in Education undergraduate program with Concentrations in Secondary Education is designed to prepare students in becoming middle school and\/or high school teachers in the areas of English as a Second Language, Math, Science, Social Sciences, or World Languages and in earning a teaching license in their chosen area(s). In addition, the program lays the foundation for graduate studies. Note that TPTE also offers graduate pathways for teacher preparation in Secondary Education. Visit our graduate programs for more information.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Graduate Programs<\/a>
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Secondary STEM (Math) Concentration<\/strong><\/h5>\n\n\n\n
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The Secondary STEM (Math) Concentration is includes two Specializations.  More information can be found on the Area of Study overview page and the UT catalog:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Area of Study Overview<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n


VolsTeach Math (Grades 6-12) Specialization with Undergraduate Student Teaching<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

UT Catalog<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n


VolsTeach Middle Grades Math (Grades 6-8) Specialization with Undergraduate Student Teaching<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

UT Catalog<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Secondary STEM (Science) Concentration<\/strong><\/h5>\n\n\n\n
<\/div>\n\n\n\n

The Secondary STEM (Science) Concentration includes five Specializations focusing on middle school and\/or high school teaching and includes an Undergraduate Student Teaching Capstone Experience. Learn more through the Area of Study Overview and the UT Catalog: <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Area of Study Overview<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n


VolsTeach Biology (Grades 6-12) Specialization <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

UT Catalog<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n


VolsTeach Chemistry Specialization <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

UT Catalog<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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VolsTeach Earth Science (Grades 6-12) Specialization <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

UT Catalog<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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VolsTeach Physics (Grades 6-12) Specialization<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

UT Catalog<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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VolsTeach Middle Grades Science (Grades 6-8) Specialization<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

UT Catalog<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Second Language Education Concentration<\/strong><\/h5>\n\n\n\n
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The Second Language Education Concentration is designed to prepare students to teach World Languages and\/or English as a Second Language in secondary school settings. The Concentration includes two Specializations. Learn more through the Area of Study Overview and the UT Catalog: <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Area of Study Overview<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n


World Language Education and English as a Second Language Specialization<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

UT Catalog<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n


World Language Education Specialization<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

UT Catalog<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/div>\n\n\n\n
Secondary Social Science Concentration<\/strong><\/h5>\n\n\n\n
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The Secondary Social Science Concentration is designed to prepare students to teach social sciences in secondary school settings. Learn more through the Area of Study Overview and the UT Catalog.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Area of Study Overview<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

UT Catalog<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Email for More Information<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

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Special Education Major, BS in Education<\/h3><\/div><\/div>
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The Bachelor of Science in Special Education Program is designed to prepare highly skilled Special Education teachers to support students with a wide range of abilities and needs.  The program offers an undergraduate and a graduate pathway to becoming a special education teacher. The graduate pathway results in licensure in three areas related to special education. The non-licensure is designed for students who are interested in working in disability-related fields other than teaching. Completion of this program results in a Bachelor of Science degree without teacher licensure <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Area of Study Overview<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n


Traditional Specialization with Undergraduate Internship <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

UT Catalog<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n


5-Year Program Specialization with Graduate Internship <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

UT Catalog<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n


Non-licensure concentration <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

UT Catalog<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Email for More Information<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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TPTE Minors<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Expand your knowledge and broaden your opportunities with an undergraduate minor. TPTE minors offer focused, practice-based preparation for students interested in teaching, learning, and leadership across a range of fields. Whether you’re planning a career in education or want to strengthen your expertise in a related area, a minor can help you make a greater impact. Explore how adding a TPTE minor can enrich your academic and professional path.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Below is a complete listing of minors organized by areas of study listed in alphabetical order.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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American Sign Language Minor<\/h3><\/div><\/div>
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The American Sign Language Minor designed to provide students with a background in American Sign Language and Deaf Culture. Although there will be exposure to Deaf Education and Educational Interpreting topics, the minor does not lead to interpreter certification or teacher licensure.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Area of Study Overview<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

UT Catalog<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Email for More Information<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

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Art Education Minor<\/h3><\/div><\/div>
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Students seeking licensure to teach art in the schools pursue the Bachelor of Fine Arts degree with a Major in studio art or the Bachelor of Arts degree with a Major in art in the College of Arts and Sciences and will complete a minor in art education at the undergraduate level.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Area of Study Overview<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

UT Catalog<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Email for More Information<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

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English as a Second Language (ESL) Minor<\/h3><\/div><\/div>
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Students interested in becoming PreK-12 English as a Second Language teachers typically earn a Bachelor of Arts degree in the College of Arts and Sciences with a Major in English, linguistics, or a world language. While completing requirements for the baccalaureate degree, students are encouraged to earn a minor in English as a Second Language education.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Area of Study Overview<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

UT Catalog<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Email for More Information<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

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Secondary Education Minor<\/h3><\/div><\/div>
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Students interested in becoming secondary school teachers (Grades 6-12) in English or social sciences earn a Bachelor of Arts or a Bachelor of Science in the College of Arts and Sciences (e.g., English, history). While completing requirements for the baccalaureate degree, students are encouraged to complete a minor in secondary education. Learn more through the Area of Study Overview and the UT Catalog. Students interested in becoming secondary school teachers in math and science will enroll in the VolsTeach minor<\/strong><\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

English Education Area of Study Overview<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Social Science Education Area of Study Overview<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

UT Catalog<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Email for More Information<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

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Secondary Math and Science (VolsTeach) Minor<\/h3><\/div><\/div>
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Students pursuing a Major in selected programs in the College of Arts and Sciences are eligible to participate in the University’s VolsTeach program<\/strong><\/a>, which permits students to simultaneously complete a Major in mathematics or science and receive secondary education teaching licensure in math and\/or science within this 4-year undergraduate degree minor.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Area of Study Overview<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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VolsTeach Math Minor<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

UT Catalog<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/div>\n\n\n\n

VolsTeach Science Minor<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

UT Catalog<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Email for More Information<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

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World Language Education Minor<\/h3><\/div><\/div>
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Students interested in becoming PreK-12 World Language teachers can earn a Bachelor of Arts degree in the College of Arts and Sciences with a Major in a world language (e.g., French, German, Latin, Spanish) and a minor in World Language Education. While completing requirements for the baccalaureate degree, modern language students must matriculate a study abroad semester (minimum requirement) to be eligible for the Board of Admissions interview and admission to the Teacher Education Program.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Area of Study Overview<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

UT Catalog<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Email for More Information<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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How to Apply<\/h2>\n\n\n\n