History
Founded in Knoxville in 1794 as Blount College, the institution that would become the University of Tennessee began as a struggling higher education institution with a small student body and faculty. Rev. Samuel Carrick served as its first president, forming the first academic programs from the seminary courses once taught from his home.
Education
We embody excellence in teaching, research, scholarship, creative activity, outreach, and engagement.
11 Colleges
900+ Programs of study
360+ Undergraduate programs of study
547 Graduate programs of study
300 Study abroad programs
Academic calendar Semesters
Research
The following centers, institutes, and bureaus are the research, service, education, and resource centers at UT Knoxville that have been approved and are reviewed by a process in partnership with the UT Faculty Senate Research Council.
Campus-Level Research Centers and Institutes Office of the Chancellor:- The Howard H. Baker Jr. Center for Public Policy
- Institute for Nuclear Security
- Bredesen Center for Interdisciplinary Research and Graduate Education
Office of Research & Engagement:
Housing services
Choosing where to live is an important aspect of university life. University Housing is committed to assisting students as they select the residential environment that will enhance their overall university experience. We acknowledge that students may have specific accommodation requests or needs. Therefore, it is important that you contact University Housing as soon as possible. We will consult with you regarding available options. Please be specific and communicate all of your specific needs or requests.
Library services
The University of Tennessee Libraries serves the flagship campus of Tennessee’s premier public research university. The John C. Hodges Library in the heart of campus houses the majority of the UT Libraries’ collections and many unique services. Research assistance and technology services are available almost all hours of the week in the student-centric Commons
ICT services
The OIT Help Desk provides information and support for computer and network services managed by OIT (for instance device support, email, password resets). You can also check out a laptop, learn how to use a media lab called The Studio, check out cameras, use media workstations, watch a video for class, get help using one of the library’s many databases, and ask reference questions.
Medical services
The Student Health Center believes every person should be able to reach their health potential. The cost of all Student Health Center visits is covered by each semester’s health fee. However, if you receive any of the following services, including all lab work, immunizations, injections, x-rays, and durable medical goods there will be additional, nominal charges associated with your visit.
Campus life
Our campus is just a short walk or trolley ride away from downtown Knoxville, a thriving modern city with small town charm. UT is also perfectly situated for outdoor adventure: our front yard is the Tennessee River, and our backyard is the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
University Housing is much more than a bed, a desk, and a roof over your head. We provide safe, comfortable spaces you’ll be happy to call home during your time at UT—spaces where you’ll sleep, eat, study, play, discover friends, and make great memories—but that’s just the beginning.
Sports facilities
The Tennessee Recreation Center for Students (TRECS) boasts four basketball courts and a 1/7th-mile indoor circular track. The main fitness area includes over 80 pieces of cardiovascular and over 100 strength training stations, which includes a variety of selectorized and free-weight equipment. As part of the cardiovascular selection there are 18 treadmills, 33 elliptical machines along with an in-house entertainment system that allows participants to watch and listen to their favorite TV stations or XM radio as you workout. For those looking for a more relaxing experience, participants can lounge around the pool either on our outdoor patio overlooking the pool or from an upper pool deck connected to the pool.
Student clubs
- "Your Portion" -What is it?
- 1794 Scholars Advisory Council
- 1794 Scholars Program
- 1993
- Academy of Student Pharmacists
- Active Minds at the University of Tennessee
- Ad Club
- Advancement of Neuroscience at UTK
Since 1897, the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, has been continuously accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges to award baccalaureate, master's, and doctoral degrees. For questions, contact the Commission on Colleges at 1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, Georgia.