The Department of Theory and Practice in Teacher Education at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville (UTK) and the Department of Audiology and Speech Pathology at the University of Tennessee Health Science Center (UTHSC) offer a joint undergraduate degree program focusing on coursework in the scientific study of human communication sciences and disorders. The degree program requires 90 credit hours of general education, major requirements, and elective courses. Students then complete 30 hours of major requirements in their final year through UTHSC. All courses are taught on the Knoxville campus. The 3+1 joint degree program culminates in a Bachelor of Science degree in Audiology and Speech Pathology awarded jointly through the College of Education, Health, and Human Sciences at UTK and the College of Allied Health at UTHSC. Tuition for this program is the same for both campuses.
The joint degree undergraduate major is preparatory to graduate work and to professional certification in some aspect of speech, language, and hearing disorders. A master's degree in Speech Pathology or Doctor of Audiology degree is required for professional certificates and employment. Admission to the joint UTK/UTHSC undergraduate program does not guarantee admission to the graduate program at UTHSC. Detailed information about the joint degree program may be obtained from the departmental office in Audiology and Speech Pathology, 578 South Stadium Hall or through the CEHHS Student Services advisors, A332 Bailey Education Complex. Students are strongly encouraged to consult with the undergraduate advisors in the department as early as possible in their programs.
Once 60 credit hours have been completed with a UT GPA of 3.0 or above, students in the joint degree program will seek conditional admission to UTHSC. For transfer students, this would be completed after one semester at UT and a 3.0 GPA in UT coursework. Full admission will be granted for those students who have completed 90 hours (minimum 30 hours at UT for transfer students) with a GPA of 3.0 or better and have completed the course, AUSP 300 Introduction to Communication Disorders with a grade of B or better. If admitted to the UTK/UTHSC joint degree program, the final year of the undergraduate program will be completed as an Audiology and Speech Pathology major. The admitted students will remain in Knoxville, where the Audiology and Speech Pathology Department is located. Tuition will be assessed based on UTK tuition rates.
Please note that many graduate schools will look at a combined GPA including all coursework from The University of Tennessee, UTHSC, and any additional transfer work when being considered for admission.
Advising
Students in the 3+1 joint degree program will be advised by UTK and UTHSC advisors in their first three years and then exclusively by the UTHSC Department of Audiology and Speech Pathology in their final year. A transition advising meeting will be arranged for each student at the end of the sophomore year. To meet accreditation at both institutions, all transfer students must complete 30 credit hours at UTK and 30 credit hours at UTHSC, regardless of how many credits are transferred.
