Welcome Future Students!

At the University of Tennessee, the College of Arts & Sciences is the oldest and largest college. The term “Arts & Sciences” reflects the connectedness of all the categories of learning offered by the College. This connectedness stems from the human desire to understand the origins, nature, and workings of all things in the universe, including human beings.

The College’s programs emphasize not only the importance of the world around us but also the challenge of the intellectual process, the need for communication skills, and the ability to respond to change.

While the other colleges at UT have a practical focus on preparation for specific careers or professions, the College of Arts & Sciences emphasizes life-long learning and adaptability. You receive a broad, holistic education which you can channel in many directions as you prepare for a lifetime of productive work and service to society.

The College of Arts & Sciences provides instruction leading to undergraduate and graduate degrees in the following broad areas of study:

The Humanities are studies of human values, capacities, and achievements focusing on the evolution of linguistic and artistic expression, religion, and philosophy. Humanities courses are designed to develop your analytical ability, critical reasoning, language proficiency, and aesthetic appreciation. You will learn to interpret and evaluate significant literary, artistic, philosophical, and religious works, as well as to improve your writing and other communication skills.

The Arts are written, visual, and performed interpretations of the worlds in which we find ourselves—physical, emotional, psychic. As a student of the arts, you will learn how to use the components of an art form to create original works. Artists design or compose a work for both beauty and functionality; their interpretations of natural phenomena may be realistic or non-representational. These aspects of the artist’s work reflect his or her personal creative vision.

The Natural Sciences examine the natural world and the universe, their structure and components. You will learn how to use the tools of science, to devise and test hypotheses, and to solve problems from a scientific or mathematical perspective. You will also learn about significant discoveries in the various fields and their importance
to current mathematical and scientific theories.

The Social Sciences explore the relationships among human beings, with areas of study concentrating on individual, economic, political, and social behavior. The social sciences promote an understanding of our numerous societal and individual relationships and help you learn to analyze current social, economic, or political problems, their origins and possible resolutions.

Contact Information

College of Arts & Sciences
Arts & Sciences Advising Services
1 Alumni Memorial Building
University of Tennessee
Knoxville, TN 37996-1325

Phone: (865) 974-4481
Email: asadvising@utk.edu