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 Birth to Kindergarten Integrated licensure. Please refer to the 2023 catalog for the Child and Family Studies Early Childhood Education Integrated Birth to Kindergarten 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 provides the undergraduate preparation needed for a student who would like to be licensed to teach early development and learning (PreK-K) in the State of Tennessee. This licensure program prepares students to teach children with and without disabilities, birth through age 6. Upon completion of 60 undergraduate hours, including completion of CFS 350 , students will complete the admission process to the early development and learning (PreK-K) licensure program. Students interested in this licensure should work closely with their advisor to ensure that they understand and meet Teacher Education program requirements and that they strictly follow the application process.
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.
Service Learning Honors Program
Child and Family Studies majors have the opportunity to participate in the college’s honors program. For eligibility and requirements, see College of Education, Health and Human Sciences Honors Program .
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.
