Message from the Dean

Welcome to the College of Education, Health, and Behavioral Sciences. Our mission below expresses quite clearly what we are all about! We prepare those whose careers revolve around service to communities. Social workers, psychologists, police officers, nurses, sociologists, teachers, counselors, principals, and exercise and sports management personnel all work to impact the quality of living in the cities and towns in which they reside. All of our majors have "hands-on" experiences through service learning projects, clinical experiences, internships, and student teaching to integrate theory and practice. The college is also home to the Bachelor of Interdisciplinary Studies Program which is an interdisciplinary and individualized route to a bachelor’s degree for non-traditional students with some prior college work.

Many of our students choose to go on to graduate school after completing undergraduate requirements. A dedicated and qualified faculty prepares students for either work or graduate studies.

Student organizations also provide further opportunity for service and leadership in a chosen area, such as Psi Chi National Honor Society in Psychology, Student Social Work Association, the SHAPE Club, Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society of Nursing, Alpha Phi Sigma National Criminal Justice Honor Society, or the Student Tennessee Education Association. I am also very proud that nursing, social work, and teacher education are accredited by national specialty organizations.

Mary Lee Hall, Dean

About the College: Mission Statement

The College of Education, Health, and Behavioral Sciences has as its primary mission the preparation of a diverse clientele of students through a variety of program offerings which meet state, regional, and national accreditation standards, for either entry into the world of work or further academic study at the graduate level. Those who choose to enter the world of work include those prepared to teach Pre K-12 students and perform other school service functions as well as others who may choose to embark upon careers in such public service areas as nursing and other health-related services such as sports management or exercise science and wellness, government, social and psychological services, personnel management, and the criminal justice system. Those who continue academic study at the graduate level may pursue a Master’s of Science in education degree leading to educational leadership licensure or school counseling as well as mental health counseling or an advanced degree in a wide range of occupations related to education and the behavioral sciences.