Admissions Policies

Students may progress to a major in communication studies, or journalism and electronic media after completing at least 30 credit hours, including the Communication and Information 150 course, with at least a 2.5 cumulative UTK grade point average. Students will be considered for a major in advertising or public relations after completing the first-year curriculum in advertising and public relations with a minimum 2.75 cumulative GPA in these courses. Transfer students must complete the first-year curriculum and earn a minimum of 15 credit hours at UTK, with a 2.75 cumulative GPA.

Effective Fall 2002, applications are accepted for communication studies and journalism and electronic media at any time. Advertising and public relations accepts applications at the beginning of fall and spring semesters only.

You must progress into a major before completion of 60 semester hours.

2. What if I reach 60 hours, but I can't get the GPA?

Then we need to look for another major for you. An advisor in the Center for Undergraduate Studies will be happy to assist you in finding a home within the University where you can finish a program of study in a timely manner and get on with your life. Remember, there are many ways to achieve your career goals. Just because one door shuts doesn't mean that all doors and windows are shut.

3. Can I ever be released from the College of Communication and Information?

Yes. If you find yourself on academic review for more than one semester, you will likely be notified that you are on Pending Academic Dismissal. This means that if your performance has not greatly improved by the end of the next semester in which you are enrolled, you will be dismissed from the College of Communication and Information. You may find yourself in this predicament if you fall below a 2.0 cumulative gpa, or you fall below a 2.0 for a given semester.You may be dismissed if you've completed 60+ hours and have not yet achieved major status.

If you are dismissed from the College of Communication and Information, you will be moved to Arts & Sciences until you find another major.

4. How many hours can I transfer in from another institution?

You must complete at least 60 hours of your degree at a four-year institution and the last 30 must be in residence as a major here in the UT College of Communication and Information. How specific courses will count toward your UT degree can be discussed with the director of undergraduate advising and/or the director of the school in which you wish to become a major. There may be times when courses you have taken at a previous school will not satisfy requirements of our curriculum (see curriculum sheets for a better idea of what courses you need in order to complete a degree with us).

5. Is it ever too late to apply to be a major?

You must progress into a major before completion of 60 semester hours. Appeals to this policy must be made directly to the director of undergraduate advising and the director of the school to which you are applying.

Post-admission

1. Will American history count for my history requirement?

No, the schools are very strict in allowing only Western Civilization, HIST 241-242, or World Civilization, HIST 261-262.

2. Can I take sign language for my foreign language requirement?

No, while we recognize the usefulness of sign language, we do not accept it as a substitute for intermediate competency in a foreign language.

3. What does intermediate competency in a foreign language mean?

It means completing the 200 level intermediate courses (6 hours).

4. How do I know what level language class to take?

If you have no experience with a language, you should begin with the introductory sequence (100-level).

If you have had two years or more of a language in high school, you are required to take a proficiency exam during summer orientation or during fall, spring or summer semester. Contact the language department in which your language is administered.

Students who place in and complete the transition course (150) will receive three hours credit for the class and must take two semesters of language at the intermediate level.

Students who place into the 200-level of that language will receive 6 hours of elementary level credit.

Students who place into the 300-level language courses will receive 6 hours of language credit at the intermediate level which will satisfy the language requirement. These students would not be required to take any additional language courses.

5. Do I have to take two natural sciences in the same area?

No, you may take your sciences from different areas. However, if you think you may want to transfer to Arts and Sciences or Business, it is better to take both classes in the same area.

6. What math do I take if I want a business minor?

Because Stat 201 is required of business minors, you must have Math 125 as a prerequisite. Students interested in pursuing a business minor (or who want Statistics) should take Math 119 or 123 (depending upon placement score) and Math 125 for their math requirements.

7. What does it mean to be on "academic review"?

If you fall below an overall GPA of 2.0, you will be placed on Academic Review. This means that you are in danger of not meeting the minimum graduation requirements of a 2.0 GPA. These students must be advised by the director of undergraduate advising before they will be allowed to register.

8. I partied too much my freshman year and my gpa stinks. What can I do?

Any student has the option to repeat up to three 100 or 200 level courses in which he/she received a "D" or an "F." The grade will be replaced in computation of the overall GPA.

9. Is it ever too late to apply to be a major in Communication and Information?

Yes. Students who have not progressed to major status before they accumulate 60 semester hours are subject to dismissal from the College of Communication and Information. Any appeal must be directed to the director of undergraduate advising.

10. Are there courses that I shouldn't take if I'm not yet a major?

Yes, according to the catalog, a student may take no College course numbered 300 or above without being admitted as a major.

11. Am I a major or a pre-major?

If you have been accepted into the College of Communication and Information, but have not applied directly to a school, you are considered a pre-major. To become a major, you must meet the progression requirement for your intended major.

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Admission to the College

1. How do I become a major in the College of Communication and Information?