University of Tennessee Graduation Requirements: A Comprehensive Guide

Graduation marks the culmination of years of hard work and dedication. For students at the University of Tennessee (UT), understanding the graduation requirements is crucial for a smooth and successful transition to the next chapter. This article provides a detailed overview of the graduation requirements at UT, covering various aspects from application deadlines to commencement participation.

Application for Graduation

The first step towards graduation is completing the Undergraduate Application for Graduation form. This application is essential for having your degree conferred and awarded. At the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga, the Application for Graduation is located in MyMocsNet on the Academics Tab. At UTK, you may apply for graduation online through MyUTK by the deadline. It is very important that your student profile information is up to date before submitting your application. You may apply for graduation by going to Academic Resources in MyUTK. Before submitting your graduation application, please view your profile information. Undergraduate students should contact their college advising center and/or department to have the correct information entered into the system.

Priority Deadlines

Meeting priority deadlines offers certain advantages, such as eligibility for early registration time tickets.

Apply by October 15 to graduate at the end of Spring Semester.
Apply by February 15 to graduate at the end of Summer Semester.
Apply by March 15 to graduate at the end of Fall Semester.

Commencement Program Inclusion

To have your name included in the commencement program, ensure you apply by the following deadlines:

Apply by March 31 for inclusion in the Spring semester Commencement program (May and August graduates)
Apply by October 31 for inclusion in the Fall semester Commencement program (December graduates)

Note that the names of students who have a privacy restriction on their records will not be included in the commencement program.

Academic Requirements

Degree Audit Report (DARS)

Students are encouraged to review their degree audit report (DARS) often. The audit will list courses that you have taken and requirements that need to be fulfilled in order to successfully complete your degree. You should review your audit with your academic advisor to ensure that you will meet all graduation requirements by your projected graduation date. If you apply for graduation and discover that your degree information (degree title, major(s), concentration(s), minor(s), etc.) is not correct, please contact your academic advisor.

DARS, short for Degree Audit Reporting System, is an automated system that compares a student’s completed coursework with the requirements for their degree and produces a report detailing their progress towards that degree. The report also lists the classes that need to be taken making it a great planning tool for future semesters.

Catalog Year

The catalog year refers to the specific catalog that contains the requirements expected of you to satisfy in order to graduate. Requirements can change from year to year, so the catalog outlines the specific requirements so a student is not surprised with a last-minute program change late in their academic career. Students generally use the catalog under which they entered the university. If you think your catalog year is wrong, please contact your academic advisor to discuss questions about your catalog year and your degree requirements.

General Education Requirements

The College of Arts and Sciences provides a general education to all students enrolled at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville. The central purposes of a liberal education include the encouragement of intellectual tolerance, a dedication to the quest for knowledge as a worthwhile goal in and of itself, and the cultivation of a responsible, creative, individual mind.

All students who earn a degree in the College of Arts and Sciences must have demonstrated skill in the use of the English language, the ability to acquire another language, and the ability to use the tools of quantitative analysis or formal logic.

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English Composition

Students can demonstrate English language proficiency by:

Completing 6 hours in English writing courses - either ENGL 101 and ENGL 102; or ENGL 118 and ENGL 102; or ENGL 131 and ENGL 132.
Students who obtain a grade of A or B in ENGL 118 may complete their freshman requirement with ENGL 102, or with a sophomore course in the English Department, or ENGL 355.
Earning a score of 4 or 5 on the College Board Advanced Placement Test in Literature and Composition.

Eligibility for ENGL 118 will be determined by ACT or SAT scores and a placement exam. Selected students will be placed in ENGL 103 based on ACT or SAT scores and may not drop this course without departmental approval.

To fulfill the University General Education Requirement, all students must complete the first year composition sequence described above, and, upon completion of ENGL 101 and ENGL 102 or their equivalent, take one other course designated as (WC) in the Undergraduate Catalog. The WC course may or may not be within the student’s major.

Oral Communication

The ability to communicate one’s ideas orally is as important as the ability to express them in writing. All students must fulfill the University General Education Requirement by completing one course with an (OC) designation. The OC course may or may not be within the student’s major.

Foreign Language

Skills necessary to learn the basic structures and vocabulary of a foreign language; to read, write, understand, and, for modern languages, speak a foreign language; to understand how to learn another language; to better understand one’s own native language; and to complement the study of other cultures or civilizations.

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This requirement can be fulfilled through:

Completion of the intermediate-level sequence of a foreign language.
Completion of a 6-hour intensive intermediate-level foreign language course.

All students who wish to enroll in a foreign language course, who have completed at least two years of this language in high school and who have not yet taken a college course in the language, must take a placement examination before enrolling. Placement in the appropriate course will be determined by the score on the examination. Examinations for most languages will be given online prior to orientation and at any time during the fall, spring, and summer.

Students who place into 200-level courses will receive 6 hours of elementary language credit upon successful completion of a 200-level course in the same language, provided that they do not subsequently enroll and receive credit for any 100-level course in the same language. Students who place into 300-level courses will receive 6 hours of intermediate language credit upon successful completion of a 300-level course in the same language, provided that they do not subsequently enroll and receive credit for any 200-level course in the same language. If they do, intermediate placement credit is forfeited and removed from the student’s transcript.

Science and Technology

A two-course laboratory sequence and an additional course that will introduce students to the increasingly important role of science and technology in all aspects of modern life. This requirement will introduce students to the basic discoveries, knowledge and logical organization of scientific disciplines and to development and testing of hypotheses.

Bachelor of Arts students may meet this requirement by completion of four courses from at least two departments listed below. To meet the University General Education Requirement, two of the courses selected must be from List A. The other courses can be chosen from List A or List B. Bachelor of Science students must complete two courses from different departments.

Humanities and Social Sciences

Bachelor of Arts students must complete three courses. At least two of the three courses must be chosen from those indicated by asterisks (). In addition, one course must be selected from List A, one from List B, and one from List A, B, or C. Bachelor of Science students must complete two courses. Both courses must be chosen from those indicated by asterisks ().

Diversity Requirement

A two-course sequence to enhance appreciation of the diversity of the world’s societies, their cultures, and histories. Students may meet this requirement by completion of one of the following sequences. Courses that use skills and knowledge acquired in the basic skills and divisional distribution areas to understand and analyze a highly interdependent world system and to make informed comparisons among contemporary cultures. These courses develop understanding of United States society, of national and international diversity, and of critical issues of the modern world. All students must complete one course from each list. This list is subdivided by geographic area and topic.

Major and Minor Requirements

Requirements for specific majors vary by program and are discussed under each department or program. A major consists of at least 24-40 credit hours in courses numbered 200 or above as specified by the department or program. Courses taken to satisfy the university’s OC and WC requirements may, when appropriate, be used in the major. An additional 6 credits taken in the major may also be used to satisfy basic skills or divisional distribution requirements. A minimum grade of C must be earned in every course counted as part of the major.

Students may declare a major as soon as they have met required standards; however, they must officially declare a major by the time they have earned 75 credit hours. Transfer students who have earned more than 75 hours before entering UT must declare a major upon completing 15 hours of UT credit. The requirements for declaring a specific major are stated under the department or program listing. To declare a major, students should go to the academic department which houses the major.

Students transferring from other institutions must complete at least 9 credit hours at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, in each major awarded on this campus. Students may elect as many courses as desired in any department or program. After the general requirements of basic skills, distribution and a major have been satisfied, additional majors may be recorded on the transcript without regard to course overlap among majors or among the additional majors and basic skills and distribution requirements, provided a minimum of 18 distinct credit hours differentiates the primary major from the additional majors. Students developing multiple majors must declare this intent at the time of application for graduation.

Students who satisfy the requirements of a degree in a college other than Arts and Sciences may also major inside the College of Arts and Sciences with the approval of the degree-granting unit. These students need complete only the major requirements, not the basic skills or distribution requirements for Arts and Sciences degrees.

At the time of application for graduation, single or multiple minors may be recorded on the academic record without regard to course overlap among minors and major or among minors and basic skills and distribution requirements. Students who satisfy the requirements of a degree in a college other than Arts and Sciences may also minor inside the College of Arts and Sciences with the approval of the degree-granting unit. The minimum requirement for a minor is 15 credit hours in courses numbered 200 or above.

Minors are available in most departments or programs in which majors are offered and also in astronomy, Portuguese, Chinese, Japanese, and cinema studies. Minors may be developed in other colleges or schools of the university, but must be approved by the head of the department in which the minor is proposed.

Electives

At least one-fourth of each student’s curriculum in the basic program will be made up of courses selected according to the individual’s interests to supplement and support the work being done in the major and basic skills and distribution requirements. This dimension of the student’s experience at the university represents that freedom within which total education may be rounded out and enriched.

Satisfactory/No Credit (S/NC) Courses

A few courses in the college are offered only on a Satisfactory/No Credit (S/NC) basis and students may elect to take others on this basis, except in areas where the option is specifically prohibited. Such courses, if successfully completed, will count as hours for graduation although neither S nor NC grades will be calculated in the student’s grade point average. Satisfactory is defined as C or better work on the traditional grading scale and No Credit is defined as less than C. S/NC courses, except those offered only on this basis, may not count for basic skills or distribution requirements or major and minor requirements unless specifically permitted by petition. A transfer student with S/NC or equivalent credit earned prior to admission to the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, in a course which satisfies a basic skills or distribution requirement may count it for that purpose.

Note: Students planning to seek admission to graduate or professional schools (especially in the health sciences) should discuss with their advisors possible limitations on exercise of the S/NC option before registering for courses on this basis.

Additional Requirements at UT Southern

To receive a degree from the University of Tennessee Southern a student is required to earn at least the minimum number of hours specified for the chosen curriculum and degree, but never fewer than 120 hours for the baccalaureate degree and 60 hours for the associate degree. ESL and developmental courses do not count toward the minimum number of hours required for graduation. A minimum number of hours for each degree must be earned at the University of Tennessee Southern (see specific requirements for each degree). Correspondence courses cannot be used to satisfy any portion of the residence requirements, nor can credit gained by advanced standing examinations.

Once students enroll in a major at the University of Tennessee Southern, they must complete a Transfer Credit Request Form for any courses at other institutions if they plan to transfer credits toward a UT Southern degree. Failure to obtain prior written approval could render the courses non-transferable. Students who wish to register for courses at another institution must complete a Transfer Credit Request Form, provide a catalog description, the dates the course will be offered, the reason the course cannot be taken at the University of Tennessee Southern, and any other information deemed appropriate by the Provost and/or Registrar before the request will be considered.

Any student receiving a degree from the University of Tennessee Southern must present a minimum cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 2.00 on all work attempted at UT Southern. Students maintaining continuous enrollment at the University of Tennessee Southern may graduate according to the requirements of the catalog in effect at the time of initial enrollment or according to the requirements of any catalog in effect during subsequent terms of continuous enrollment unless explicitly prohibited by the major (e.g., teacher licensure and nursing).

Transfer Credits

Prior to enrolling in the last class make sure to meet with your academic advisor to confirm that the course will transfer to UTK and satisfy the intended requirement. Once an official grade has been entered at the end of the term make sure to send an official electronic transcript to the UTK Transfer Center here. Any exception to the UT Residency Requirement must be approved by your academic advisor and the dean of your college.

Double Majors

Students may earn a double major by completing core requirements for the degree sought and then all requirements for the second major, including any additional core courses required within that major. The same issue of the University Catalog must be used throughout. If one major has sufficient elective credits, students may meet major requirements of another department by using these electives. There is no requirement for additional degree credits, provided all requirements for both majors are completed when the degree is posted.

Typically, if one degree is awarded for two or more majors, only one diploma is awarded but all majors will be indicated on the student’s transcript; however, students selecting two majors that culminate in two different degrees (e.g., B.A. and B.S.) will be awarded two different diplomas and fees apply.

Second Bachelor’s Degree

Students may earn a second bachelor’s degree by simultaneously completing the requirements for more than one bachelor’s degree (e.g., B.A. and B.S.). The curriculum for the second degree must include at least 25 percent of the minimum credit hours required for the degree not applied to the first degree. These credit hours must consist of courses taken at UTC. The additional credit hours beyond the first degree shall include a minimum of 12 credit hours taken at UTC in the major department of the second bachelor’s degree.

Once a baccalaureate degree has been awarded, the institutional cumulative grade point average at the time the degree is posted is locked. No changes are made to course work completed prior to the posting of the degree to change the institutional cumulative grade point average at graduation. Course work completed as part of the first degree may be repeated but the subsequent grade will not replace the initial grade. Course work which repeats credit (earned hours) applied toward the first degree does not count toward the required 30 additional hours in residence for a subsequent degree. Students may repeat course work in the second degree for which they did not earn hours in the first degree.

Minimum Credit Hours

A minimum of 120 credit hours is required for a bachelor’s degree. Some degree programs require additional credit hours. Developmental courses completed at another institution to meet specific course prerequisites do not apply to the hours required for graduation, major requirements, general education requirements, or electives.

American History Requirement

By act of the General Assembly of the State of Tennessee, students who have not had one year of American history in high school must complete six credit hours of American history if they receive an undergraduate degree after July 1, 1978.

Residency Requirements

The last 24 credit hours must be completed at UTC. Students in combined or pre-professional programs must complete the last 24 credit hours of undergraduate study at The University of Tennessee at Chattanooga before entering the professional or combined program.

Non-Academic Requirements

Senior Exit Exam

Graduation requirements for all undergraduate students include completion of the Senior Exit Exam. Note: in order to receive your diploma, all graduation candidates are asked to complete the Senior Exit Exam (ETS Proficiency Profile). Although called an exam, it is not what you may think. The exam is NOT GRADED and you don’t have to “pass” to have your diploma released-you just have to take it and answer the multiple choice questions to the best of your ability. Your completion of the Senior Exit Exam allows us to evaluate how well we are preparing you in areas of general education and thus improve our curriculum for future students. The Exam will take about an hour of your time. Remember, you must complete this Exam to receive your diploma, so don’t wait-register for a test date now. For more information and testing dates, contact the Testing Center.

Financial Aid Exit Interview

Students who have had financial aid loans must complete an exit interview. For more information, contact Financial Aid. Diplomas will be withheld until the loan interview is completed.

Clearing Holds

All financial obligations to the University such as fees, tuition, parking fines, library fines, transcript fees, or return of any rented or borrowed equipment must be cleared. To clear financial obligations, please visit One Stop Student Services.

Commencement Ceremony

Participation in the commencement ceremony is optional. Candidates for graduate degrees (master’s, education specialists, and doctoral) must also purchase a commencement hood through the VolShop. Contact the VolShop for additional information. If you are a graduating student and wish to participate in a university commencement ceremony, you are REQUIRED to reserve a seat. The invitation/RSVP for the fall ceremony will be sent to all fall applicants and summer graduates in October.

Students are eligible to participate in graduation ceremonies upon completion of all requirements for the degree. Students with extenuating circumstances may request to participate in a graduation ceremony by completing the Request to Walk form. Students participating in the graduation ceremonies will not receive the degree until they have fulfilled all degree requirements.

There are two commencement ceremonies held each year: one at the end of the fall term and one at the end of the spring term. Note: There is not a commencement ceremony at the end of the summer term. Please note there is not a commencement ceremony at the end of the summer term. Summer graduates have the option to walk in the spring prior or the fall following the summer term in which they will complete their degree requirements.

Commencement Registration

Your graduation application does not reserve your seat at commencement as participation is optional. Commencement registration is conducted by a separate process.

Name on Diploma

Your name and the degree awarded to you are included on the diploma. A duplicate or replacement diploma can be ordered for a charge of $25. To order an additional copy, complete the Duplicate Diploma Order Form.

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