The University of Tennessee’s new civics degree should treat citizenship as a practice

The University of Tennessee is offering a new major in Civic and Constitutional Thought starting in Fall Semester 2026, following approval by the Tennessee Higher Education Commission and the UT Board of Trustees. The curriculum covers American political thought and requires students to complete professional-development practicums. Critics argue that the program must intentionally connect foundational knowledge with media literacy and civic action skills for true effectiveness.