Undergraduate Catalog 2017-2019

1 Undergraduate Catalog 2017-2019 2 tennessee State university Undergraduate Catalog 2017-2019 The provisions of this Catalog do not constitute a contract between a student at TSU and the university . The sole purpose of the Catalog is to provide regulations, course listings and degree programs that are in effect at the time of publication. TSU reserves the right to change the regulations in this Catalog at any time during the period for which it is in effect and to add, modify, or withdraw courses at any time. All changes will be published under the TSU webpage at Scope of Catalog The provisions of this Catalog do not constitute a contract between the university and a student who commences any program of study insofar as it relates to the degree requirements for that program during the effective period of this Catalog .

2 Degree requirements are subject to change during such period only to the extent required by federal or state laws or accreditation standards. The specific courses or activities constituting the degree requirements for any program are subject to substitution at any time prior to completion by the student. The remaining provisions of this Catalog reflect the general nature of and conditions concerning the educational services of the university in effect at this time, but do not constitute a contract or otherwise binding commitment between the university and the student. Any fee, charge, or cost and all academic regulations set forth in this Catalog are subject to cancellation or termination by the university or the tennessee Board of Regents at any time.

3 The university provides the opportunity for students to increase their knowledge by providing programs of instruction in the various disciplines and programs through faculty who, in the opinion of the university , are trained and qualified for teaching at the college level. However, the acquisition of knowledge by any student is contingent upon the student s desire to learn and his or her application of appropriate study techniques to any course or program. As a result, the university does not warrant or represent that any student who completes a course or program of study will necessarily acquire any specific knowledge or skills, or will be able to successfully pass or complete any specific examination for any course, degree or license.

4 The Graduate Catalog is published under separate cover and may be obtained from the Graduate School Office. Graduate students interested in graduate work should refer to the Graduate Catalog or inquire at the Office of the Dean of the Graduate School. Purpose of Catalog The tennessee State university Catalog is the primary general information publication for the university . It is intended to provide information for students and other persons interested in the academic programs and organizations of TSU. In order to understand the activities and programs of the institution, it is important for students to know how to use this Catalog effectively. Student guides to the Catalog are the index, the table of contents, and the glossary. Major events, holidays, and semester schedules are listed in the university Calendar.

5 Student guides to the Catalog are the index, the table of contents, and the glossary. Major events, holidays, and semester schedules are listed in the university Calendar. Students who have already made decisions concerning the area of study in which they are interested, such as English, Mathematics, Engineering or some other field, should turn to the section of the Catalog dealing with their particular interests for information about courses and degree requirements. The colleges and schools are arranged in alphabetical order, with course listings by department and course number. Students who have questions concerning their academic progress, curricula, or academic standing should consult their advisors or their department chairs.

6 Those students with specific questions concerning specialized areas of study should consult with each specific department. The TSU Undergraduate Catalog is published biennially by: tennessee State university 3500 John A. Merritt Blvd. Nashville, tennessee 37209-1561 TSU 14 0133-(B) 1 12900 tennessee State university is an AA/EEO employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, disability or age in its program and activities. The following person has been designated to handle inquiries regarding the non-discrimination policies: Stephanie Roth, Director, Title I Coordinator Office of Equity and Inclusion (OEI) tennessee State university General Services Building, Heiman Street 3500 John A. Merritt Blvd. Nashville, TN 37209 615-963-7435 Mailing Addresses Main Campus tennessee State university 3500 John A.

7 Merritt Boulevard Nashville, tennessee 37209-1561 Avon Williams (Downtown) Campus tennessee State university 330 10th Avenue North Nashville, tennessee 37203-3401 3 Contents General Information ..6 The Division of Student Affairs .. 18 Academic Information .. 34 Academic Colleges, Schools and Programs .. 45 The College of Agriculture, Human and Natural Sciences .. 47 The College of Business .. 60 The College of Education .. 79 The College of Engineering .. 89 The College of Health Sciences .. 116 The College of Liberal Arts .. 148 The College of Life and Physical Sciences .. 198 The College of Public Service and Urban Affairs .. 208 Aerospace Studies .. 218 Testing Center .. 221 university Honors Program .. 222 Avon Williams Campus Center for Extended Education and Public Service.

8 225 university Personnel and Instructional Faculty .. 229 university Administration .. 240 Academic Calendar Calendar Subject to Change The calendar is subject to change during an academic term due to emergencies and/or situations beyond the control of the university . The academic calendar can be found at: Final exam schedule can be found at: 4 General Information Historical Statement university Mission Statement university Vision Statement university Core Values The Campus The university , Programs, Accreditation, and Institutional Memberships Undergraduate Degree Programs General Fee Information 5 GlossaryHistorical Statement The present-day tennessee State university exists as a result of the merger on July 1, 1979, of the former tennessee State university and the university of tennessee at Nashville.

9 Through successive stages, tennessee State university has developed from a normal school for Negroes to its current status. By virtue of a 1909 Act of the General Assembly, the Agricultural and Industrial State Normal School was created, along with two other normal schools in the State, and began serving students on June 19, 1912. In 1922, the institution was raised to the status of four-year teachers college and was empowered to grant the bachelor s degree. The first degrees were granted in June, 1924. During the same year, the institution became known as the Agricultural and Industrial State Normal College; and in 1927, Normal was dropped from the name of the College. The General Assembly of 1941 authorized the State Board of Education to upgrade substantially the educational program of the College, which included the establishment of graduate studies leading to the master s degree.

10 Graduate curricula were first offered in several branches of teacher education. The first master s degree was awarded by the College in June 1944. Accreditation of the institution by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools was first obtained in 1946. In August, 1951, the institution was granted university status by approval of the State Board of Education. The reorganization of the institution s educational program included the establishment of the Graduate School, the School of Arts and Sciences, the School of Education, and the School of Engineering. Provisions were also made for the later addition of other schools in agriculture, business, and home economics, respectively. The university was elevated to a full-fledged land-grant university by the State Board of Education in August, 1958.