Rick Sluder, Dean
John Burchfield, Associate Dean
Peggy Carpenter, Assistant Dean
Rodney Robbins, Advising Manager
University College exists for the purpose of helping make student success possible for the traditional and nontraditional students it serves.
The Academic Outreach unit serves adult and online students including all off campus programs, the Adult Degree Completion Program (ADCP), and corporate partnerships.
The Summer and Winter Sessions unit provides the administrative support necessary to operate the summer and winter session programs at MTSU. Students can make either of these sessions a part of their graduation strategy. Summer and Winter sessions can help a student stay on track or shorten the time to graduation, reduce the course load in other terms, or focus on courses that need full-time attention.
The University Studies Department offers the Bachelor of Science in Integrated Studies degree to students electing a broad-based educational experience. It also offers the Bachelor of Science in Professional Studies and the Master of Professional Studies degrees. In addition, the department provides a variety of support services to first-year and transfer students at MTSU. Their purpose is to provide academic placement support, transition support, and academic instruction and assistance where it is most appropriate for its target audience.
Academic Advising provides academic advising services for University College majors including students listed as Undecided. Services include assisting students with course selection and registration while providing guidance and information to meet their educational goals. Specialized advisors also assist undecided students with major exploration.
The Dual Enrollment unit works with high schools and high school students to offer MTSU courses that count both as high school and college credit.
The overriding mission in all departments is to provide programs that meet the ongoing educational and support needs of the adult nontraditional and traditional students they serve. A sense of customer service and student focus is pervasive throughout the culture of the college and its staff.
Credit Area and Programs
Academic Outreach/Adult Degree Completion Program (ADCP)
Adult Degree Completion Program
Some students may earn credits toward the B.S. in Integrated Studies; B.S. in Integrated Studies, Applied Leadership concentration; or the B.S. in Professional Studies through a portfolio evaluation of prior learning. For more information, call (615) 494-7714 or visit www.mtsu.edu/adcp.
Off-campus Program
Credit courses are regularly scheduled at several off-campus locations in middle Tennessee, including Smyrna, Motlow, and Columbia State Community Colleges. These are scheduled as a result of requests made by business and industry, school systems, and agencies. For more information, contact (615) 494-7714 or visit www.mtsu.edu/university-college/outreach/off-campus.php.
University College directs the MTSU Summer and Winter Sessions and is charged with the responsibility for providing a comprehensive and balanced selection of high-quality academic course offerings to enable students to pursue undergraduate and graduate academic degree programs. Working in partnership with all academic departments and campus units, MTSU Summer and Winter Sessions is committed to offering outstanding learning opportunities that both complement and enhance the educational experiences offered during the other academic terms. More information is available by contacting the Office at (615) 898-5783 or by visiting www.mtsu.edu/summer.
University Studies Department
The University Studies Department of the University College is committed to providing a firm foundation on which the students it serves can build a clear pathway leading to success within the university structure. Dedicated faculty and staff provide targeted instruction, support, and direction to entering students and those pursuing a Bachelor of Science or a master’s degree. Additionally, the department helps students determine their ideal academic placement while providing an environment that helps them adapt and transition successfully to the university culture. More information is available at www.mtsu.edu/university-college/university-studies/. Students may also contact the University Studies Department at (615) 898-2568 or visit the office in JUB 310[.
Experiential Learning Scholars Program (EXL)
The Experiential Learning Scholars Program formalizes and organizes several existing experiential learning activities such as applied learning, service learning, study abroad, internship, and new experiential opportunities into a comprehensive program of study for students. Students formally admitted to the EXL Scholars Program must complete several activities: EXL coursework, an external service component, an MTSU internal service component, and assessment activities (including development of an e-portfolio in the EXL 4000 capstone course). After their completion of EXL program requirements, students will receive an EXL Scholar designation on their transcripts and will wear special cords at commencement to signify their achievement. Some students may elect to take EXL courses, but may not complete all the requirements for the EXL Scholars Program transcript designation. More information can be found at www.mtsu.edu/exl/.
Professional Development
The Professional Development Office offers a wide variety of programs and topics specializing programs to those interested in developing their professional expertise. We offer our programs in a variety of modes, helping people of all ages achieve CEUs and certificates, accomplish professional development goals, and pursue recreational and intellectual interests. Our diverse educational opportunities, quality programs, and dedicated service give lifelong learners access to the vast and valuable resources of our university. Hundreds of courses are available online or on demand covering topics as diverse as test preparation, software mastery, professional development, and personal enrichment. The department also offers and designs training programs for the State of Tennessee health and education departments. More information regarding this program can be found at www.advanceyourskills.com.
Emergency Medical Technician (EMT)
The Professional Development Office manages a state-certified program designed to meet the educational requirements of individuals who seek to become licensed Emergency Medical Service (EMS) personnel in the State of Tennessee. The program is developed with two courses (1) Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) and (2) Advanced Medical Technician (AEMT). Students who successfully complete these courses are eligible to take the National Registry of EMT’s psychomotor and cognitive exams which lead to certification at the EMT and Advanced EMT levels in Tennessee, as well as with the National Registry of EMTs/AEMTs. More information regarding this program can be found at www.mtsu.edu/university-college/training/emt.
Continuing Education Units
Professional Development also certifies, monitors, and tracks the issuance of continuing education units (CEUs) and continuing professional education units (CPEs) for the University and various professional groups and organizations. More information can be found at www.mtsu.edu/university-college/training/ceu.php.
More Information
More information can be obtained by calling the University College at (615) 494-7714 or by visiting www.mtsu.edu/university-college/.
Master of Professional Studies
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Professional Studies, Human Resources Leadership Concentration, M.P.S.
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Professional Studies, Leadership in Nutrition Concentration, M.P.S.
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Professional Studies, Operations Research Concentration, M.P.S.
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Professional Studies, Strategic Leadership Concentration, M.P.S.
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Professional Studies, Training and Development Concentration, M.P.S.
