Degrees Offered at the University of Memphis
The University of Memphis appears in our ranking of the Top 50 Most Affordable MPH Online Programs.
The University of Memphis offers 17 bachelor’s degrees in over 250 different areas of studies as well as 54 subjects at the masters level. Doctoral students can choose from 26 unique disciplines and those who wish to become educators can find education specialist degrees in two different areas. The University of Memphis hosts a law school where students can receive their Juris doctor. Graduate students can also acquire certificates in 44 areas of study. Some of the most popular major divisions at the University of Memphis include business and finance, information technology services, research and innovation, and development. The University of Memphis also hosts Tennessee Centers of Excellence:
- Center for Applied Psychological Research (CAPR)
- Center for Earthquake Research and Information (CERI)
- Center for Research and Educational Policy (CREP)
- Center for Research Initiatives and Strategies for the Communicatively Impaired (CRISCI)
- Institute of Egyptian Art and Archaeology
Undergraduate students seeking virtual degrees can select from business professions such as real estate with a major in finance, management, marketing management, professional studies, and business information and technology. Those who are pursuing degrees in health can receive their RN-BSN or a BPS with a concentration in health services. The Department of Communication offers a B.A. in English, a B.A. or M.A. in History and a B.A. in Philosophy with a Concentration in Applied Ethics. Graduate students can receive a master’s in music education and a number of graduate certificates including ones in entrepreneurial journalism and multimedia storytelling. Students can also receive a virtual EdD in Higher and Adult Education as well as an EdD in Instruction and Curriculum Leadership with a concentration in Instructional Design and Technology. Those who are fond of teaching can receive an M.A. in Teaching Secondary Education or an M.A. in Teaching Special Education.
About the University of Memphis
The University of Memphis was founded in 1912 and is recognized as a major research institution. With over 21,000 students living on campus, diversity is a focal point. The University of Memphis was originally named West Tennessee State Normal School. After its founding, over the course of a decade, the university opened its first library, its first administration building, a dining hall, and a dormitory building that is known today as Scates Hall. In 1925, U of M was known as West Tennessee State Teachers College. By 1928, the Brister Library was erected. The year 1931 was when students created the first campus newspaper named The Tiger Tag. By 1941, the name of the school was changed to Memphis State College. In 1946 Jay Millard Smith became president of the institution. He was the first alumnus to obtain the position. In 1957 the University of Memphis gained university status and in 1959 the first black students were admitted. The doctoral program started in 1966 and new building construction was underway by 1970. The University of Memphis became the very first public university in the state of Tennessee to receive accreditation throughout its entire curriculum. In 1994 the University of Memphis officially received its current name.
Today the university boasts three doctoral institutions and has awarded over 3,000 degrees in that program. One of the campus’s main attractions is the Heritage Room located in Brister Hall. Items such as letterman jackets, yearbooks, class photos, diplomas, and many other photos documenting the progress of the university are all on display. Students can visit the Heritage room on Mondays and Thursdays during the fall and spring semesters.
The University of Memphis rests upon 1,607 acres of land and comfortably displays 239 buildings. U of M takes pride in a set of values including accountability, collaboration, diversity and inclusion, innovation, service, and student success. All of these ideas make up the highest priorities at the University of Memphis.
The University of Memphis Accreditation Details
The University of Memphis holds university-wide accreditation from the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.
The College of Arts & Sciences
- Planning Accreditation Board (American Planning Association, American Institute of Certified Planners, and the Association of Collegiate Schools of Planning)
- American Chemical Society
- Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology/Computing Accreditation Commission (ABET/CAC)
- Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Management Education
- National Association of Schools of Public Affairs and Administration
- American Psychological Association
- National Association of School Psychologists
Business and Economics
- Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business-International
Communication and Fine Arts
- Accrediting Council on Education in Journalism and Mass Communications
- National Architectural Accreditation Board
- National Association of Schools of Art and Design
- Council for Interior Design Accreditation
- Accrediting Council on Education in Journalism and Mass Communications
- National Association of Schools of Music
- National Association of Schools and Theatre
Education
- Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Education Programs
- National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education
- Council on Rehabilitation Education
School of Law
- American Bar Association
School of Nursing
- Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
The University of Memphis Application Requirements
First-year undergraduate students will need to submit a completed application, satisfactory SAT or ACT scores of 1090-1300 or 19-25, an average high school GPA of 3.3, a ranking in the upper 75th percentile of the high school class, an application fee of $25, and AP credit test scores (if applicable). Prospective undergraduate students can access a complete admissions checklist via the admissions page. Graduate admissions vary by respective programs, but some of the basic requirements for consideration include a $35 application fee, updated health forms, official transcripts, letters of recommendation, satisfactory GRE or MAT scores and an official baccalaureate degree. Students looking to be admitted virtually must follow the same procedure to be considered.
Tuition and Financial Aid
Undergraduate students who are residents of the state will pay $342 per credit hour with a $71 university service fee per credit hour. Students who are not residents of the state will pay $502 per credit hour with a $71 university service fee per credit hour. Students who are participating in the online degree program will pay $463 per credit hour. Graduate students who are residents of the state will pay $512 per credit hour along with an $85 university service fee per credit hour. Nonresident graduate students will pay $704 with an $85 fee per credit hour. Graduate students participating in the virtual classes will pay $647 per credit hour. Housing fee varies depending on which resident hall students choose to reside in. A full comprehensive list of choices and prices can be found on the Housing and Residence Life homepage. Undergraduate students can receive financial assistance in the form of Federal grants, loans, work-study programs, state programs, and scholarships. At the University of Memphis, 39% of undergraduate students receive aid in the form of scholarships with an average award amount of $5,794.
Grants
- Federal Pell Grant
- Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (SEOG)
- Tennessee Student Assistance Corporation (TSAC)
Loans
- Subsidized Stafford Loan
- Unsubsidized Stafford Loan
- Aggregate Loan
- Federal Direct Parent Loan for Undergraduate Students (PLUS)
State Program
- Tennessee Student Assistance Corporation (TSAC)
The University of Memphis’ main goal is to provide students with the highest quality of education while simultaneously making the experience feel like a second home.