This fall the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, is introducing two new undergraduate degrees and one new graduate degree, all the first of their kind in the state. The programs advance UT’s strategic mission of preparing students to tackle challenges across Tennessee and beyond, showcasing the university’s leadership in creating opportunities and developing leaders for some of the nation’s most in-demand fields.
“As the needs of our society and state evolve, the University of Tennessee will rise to meet them,” said Provost and Senior Vice Chancellor John Zomchick. “These new degree programs demonstrate our commitment to developing innovative academic opportunities that prepare students to lead, solve complex challenges, and make their mark in their professions and communities.”
Preparing thoughtful leaders
The new Bachelor of Arts degree in civic and constitutional thought is the first academic program for the Institute of American Civics, housed in the Baker School of Public Policy and Public Affairs. Designed to pair easily as a second major, the program helps students develop foundational civic knowledge along with skills in critical thinking and persuasive communication, preparing them to become thoughtful leaders in a range of public-facing careers such as law, education, government, nonprofit work, business, communications and public service.
The new major reflects a growing national interest in strengthening civic knowledge and preparing graduates to engage thoughtfully with the workings of American democracy. Through interdisciplinary coursework, students explore American political thought and development, constitutionalism, political philosophy and economy, and the institutions that shape public life, while building responsible leadership skills and the ability to engage in civil disagreement.
“This major complements UT’s existing academic strengths by giving students a coherent interdisciplinary pathway through American political thought, constitutionalism, political economy and political theory,” said IAC Executive Director Joshua Dunn. “It also introduces new courses designed specifically to integrate these fields and give students a sustained understanding of the ideas and institutions that shape American public life.”
Addressing global challenges
The new Bachelor of Science in bioinformatics, housed in the Department of Entomology and Plant Pathology within the Herbert College of Agriculture, is the only program of its kind offered in the Southeastern Conference. Bioinformatics combines biology with computational science to analyze and interpret complex sets of biological data. The innovative major focuses on leveraging bioinformatics to address critical challenges in food security, ecosystem health and sustainable agriculture.
Through a combination of coursework, research opportunities and hands-on experience with cutting-edge computational tools, students learn how to harness large datasets, artificial intelligence, genomics, and related tools and resources. Graduates will be well prepared for careers at the intersection of biology, data science and agriculture, with the skills needed to help find practical solutions for pressing global needs such as sustainable food systems and environmental resilience.
“This program represents the future of agriculture and environmental stewardship,” said David White, dean of the Herbert College of Agriculture. “Tomorrow’s leaders will need to understand both biology and technology. They will use data to improve crop production, protect natural resources, combat emerging pests and diseases, strengthen food security and help feed a growing global population. Our bioinformatics program is designed to prepare students for exactly that future.”
Innovative programs to meet workforce demands
The university is introducing the state’s first fully online Master of Science in retail, hospitality and tourism management, housed in the College of Education, Health, and Human Sciences. The program was developed in response to increasing demand for professionals equipped to address complex business challenges and foster innovation in rapidly changing consumer markets.
Designed for working professionals seeking to advance their careers in RHTM and related fields, the program blends academic rigor with practical industry experience in a flexible asynchronous format that lets students complete coursework on their own schedule. The curriculum includes courses in data analytics, strategic leadership, consumer and market research, customer experience management, entrepreneurship, sustainable tourism and organizational management, immersing students in case studies, applied projects and real-world problem solving to build advanced skills in leadership, analysis and decision-making.
“Because our Master of Science in RHTM is delivered 100% online, asynchronously, industry professionals don’t need to relocate or leave their current positions while advancing their careers by completing this program, which enhances their communication, problem-solving and data-informed decision-making skills,” said Clinical Associate Professor Hongping Zhang, the program’s head.
“We designed our curriculum to help students move beyond simply analyzing data to making data-driven decisions,” said RHTM Department Head Junehee Kwon. “Students can apply course concepts to real operational data from their own organizations, transforming everyday business information into actionable insights that improve decisions and organizational performance.”
The UT Board of Trustees and the Tennessee Higher Education Commission have approved another first-in-the-state degree program, a Bachelor of Fine Arts in industrial design. Set to launch in fall 2027, the new major will be housed in the School of Design within the College of Architecture and Design. Students will make use of existing college facilities such as woodshops and the Fab Lab multidisciplinary maker space, and they will have opportunities to collaborate with organizations in the community and industry partners across Tennessee.
“Industrial design shapes nearly every product and experience we encounter and must remain nimble to address the demands of a rapidly changing world,” said School of Design Director Sarah Lowe, who will head the new program. “The program at UT will integrate a shared foundation in design principles with a forward-looking focus on interaction design and emerging technologies while staying rooted in the core goals of a traditional industrial design education.”
—
MEDIA CONTACT:
Erica Estep (865-974-2225, [email protected])