On August 31, 2026, this endorsement area will be retired by the Tennessee State Department of Education. Thus, as of this date, this program in this catalog will no longer prepare students for licensure. The endorsement area will shift to prepare teachers for the Tennessee Department of Education Early Childhood Education Integrated PreK-3 (birth to grade 3) licensure. Please refer to the 2023 catalog for the Child and Family Studies Early Childhood Education Integrated PreK-3 (birth to grade 3) program of study that prepares students to earn the requirements for this endorsement area.
Program Policies and Progression Requirements
The child and family studies major can provide the undergraduate preparation needed for a student who would like to be licensed to teach early childhood education in the State of Tennessee (PreK-3). The early childhood education licensure option is offered in conjunction with a master’s degree in child and family studies (early childhood education concentration). Upon attainment of junior status (i.e., 60 hours), students will complete the admission to Teacher Education process (see details in the Teacher Education section of this catalog) and simultaneously make application for admission to the MS with a major in child and family studies (see the Graduate Catalog for details). Acceptance into the teacher licensure program is contingent upon acceptance into the department’s master’s program. Students interested in this option should work closely with their advisor to ensure that they understand and meet the Teacher Education program requirements and the requirements for graduate study and that they strictly follow the application process.
uTrack Requirements
Universal Tracking (uTrack) is an academic monitoring system designed to help students stay on track for timely graduation. In order to remain on track, students must complete the minimum requirements for each tracking semester, known as milestones. Milestones include successful completion of specified courses and/or attainment of a minimum GPA. uTrack requirements only affect full-time, degree-seeking students who first entered Fall 2013 or later. uTrack does not apply to transfer students who entered prior to Fall 2015.
Progression Requirements
Students are expected to know the criteria they must meet in order to progress into a practicum (CFS 470 , CFS 472 , CFS 480 , or CFS 490 ) and to regularly monitor their progress in meeting these criteria. Students will not be allowed to progress into the practicum until these criteria are met. If students do not appear able to meet these criteria, they are encouraged to work closely with their advisor to plan an alternative educational program. Specific information on how to apply for the practicum is available from the student’s advisor. Students must work closely with their advisor to ensure that they understand the requirements for progression and that they strictly follow the application process for the practicum experience of their choice.
College of Education, Health and Human Sciences Honors Program
Child and Family Studies majors have the opportunity to participate in the college’s Service Learning Honors Program. For eligibility and requirements, see College of Education, Health and Human Sciences Honors Program .
