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Undergraduate Admissions and Orientation
The Office of Undergraduate Admissions and Orientation serves to recruit, admit, and enroll undergraduate students who are academically prepared to succeed and graduate from the University of Memphis. The Office of Undergraduate Admissions and Orientation attracts freshman, transfer and international undergraduate students to join the University of Memphis student community at Memphis, Lambuth (located in Jackson, Tennessee) and UofM Global (the University of Memphis online degree programs).
The University of Memphis Office of Undergraduate Admissions and Orientation has three locations. The office location for recruitment, campus visits, and orientation are located at 101 Wilder Tower. The office for Undergraduate application operations is located at 204 Wilder Tower. The Admissions and Orientation Office at the Lambuth campus is located at 705 Lambuth Blvd. Jackson, TN 38301. All offices are open from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday. To contact, please call (901) 678-2111, email [email protected] or visit the Admissions website at http://www.memphis.edu/admissions .
Come visit the Undergraduate Admissions and Orientation Office for the following assistance: • Information on general admission—please use the online form • To setup a True Blue Tiger account to check application status • To take a campus tour • To sign up for New Student Orientation
The New Student Orientation program, which is required for all first time degree-seeking students, is held during the summer for new freshmen and transfer students. The New Student Orientation program equips new students and families with the campus knowledge of curriculum, resources and technology to facilitate their transition and development to become successful students at the UofM.
During New Student Orientation, students meet with an academic advisor, plan their course schedule, and register for classes. Even though advisors help students select the appropriate courses, this does not relieve students of their responsibility to study the Undergraduate Catalog and fulfill all of the requirements for their specific degree program . (Note: Before students attain senior standing, they should consult with the college level advisor or graduation analyst of the college regarding fulfillment of requirements for their degree.)
The University of Memphis offers equal educational opportunity to all persons without regard to race, religion, sex, creed, color, national origin, or disability. Inquiries about admission to any college of the University should be addressed to the Office of Undergraduate Admissions and Orientation . This office receives and processes all applications, evaluates credentials, and admits qualified students. Undergraduate applications may receive full consideration for review if received by the priority deadline dates. Applications received after that date will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis.
The University of Memphis encourages all those who feel they can benefit from the educational opportunities offered by the institution to submit an application for admission. Consideration is given to educational background, standardized test scores, high school and/or college grades, any college attendance demographics, and any other special talents and/or special circumstances which may affect the applicant’s academic performance.
Certain instructional programs of the University are subject to special admission requirements and are subject to change according to the availability of institutional resources. Students wishing to enter one of these programs of study should check with the appropriate department or division offering the program in order to become familiar with these special requirements. Undergraduate programs with special admission requirements include, but are not limited to, professional degrees in art, music, or theatre (Bachelor of Fine Arts or Bachelor of Music), teacher education, educational services, nursing, and the College of Professional & Liberal Studies.
Students are encouraged to apply as early as possible. Early admission contributes to better orientation, course planning, class scheduling and financial aid and scholarship consideration. High school students planning to apply as freshmen should submit applications as soon as possible after completion of their junior year. The application for fall is usually available in August of the year preceding the upcoming fall term. The application should be completed and submitted online at http://apply.memphis.edu. The application fee may be paid by credit card or electronic check.
Credentials will be maintained for a 12-month period. After this period, credentials will be destroyed and must be submitted again before an admission decision can be made.
The priority deadlines for submitting an application for admission are: July 1 for the fall semester, December 1 for the spring semester, and May 1 for the summer session. Although application deadlines are listed above, registration for new students occurs much earlier. For example, new fall students register in June. Applications received after these deadlines may be delayed in processing or updated to the next semester.
These regulations are subject to change without notice.
Admission as Degree-seeking Undergraduates
First-time Freshman Applicants
- Transfer Applicants
- International Students Applicants
Dual Enrollment High School Applicant
- Readmission (Returning Students) Applicant
Admission as Non-Degree Undergraduates
Applicants who wish to apply in one of the special categories listed below are encouraged to apply by the same deadlines as stated above. While applications may be accepted until the first day of registration for the term for which the student is applying, no guarantee of admission will be made after the deadline has passed. Special category applicants who have attended other colleges will not have their previous college work evaluated for transfer until they have been approved for admission as regular undergraduates. An applicant who has applied as a degree-seeking undergraduate and was denied admission must generally wait a fall or spring semester or six months before applying for admission at the non-degree level.
Those who are admitted as non-degree students are not required to have an advisor. However, if non-degree students desire an advisor, they are assigned to the Academic Counseling Center for advising. Non-degree undergraduate students may not take more than 18 semester hours of work in a single term nor may they earn more than 24 semester hours total. This limit may be extended if there has been enrollment at another institution since last attending the University of Memphis.
Non-Degree Applicant
Special Non-Degree Admission Categories
Freshman admission requirements.
The University of Memphis evaluates candidates for admission on a rolling, space-available basis. All information provided in support of an applicant, including both academic and non-academic factors, are considered during a comprehensive review of every application. The Admissions Committee evaluates each applicant to determine if there is sufficient evidence to suggest that the student is capable of success at the University of Memphis. At times, more information may be requested by the committee to help make a better, more informed decision.
A high school graduate who has no post-high college enrollment may be considered for admission as a first-time freshman by completing the application for admission and submitting the following to the Admissions Office:
- A final transcript of all high school credits: Early decisions can be made by submitting partial transcripts (6th or 7th semester). Transcripts hand delivered by the student must be received in a sealed envelope with school’s official insignia. If any courses have been taken for dual enrollment credit, the institution(s) granting credit must be contacted by the applicant and asked to send an official transcript to the University of Memphis, Office of Undergraduate Admissions and Orientation. Students who do not present one unit of American History are required to register for the course during their first or second year at the University.
- The score report of the American College Testing program (ACT) or the Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT): The score report is a necessary part of the application and the test date should be no more than five years old at the time of enrollment.
- A non-refundable application fee of $25.00.
- Any additional items and information requested in the application materials by the Office of Undergraduate Admissions and Orientation.
Note: the freshmen admit initiative (approved by the university in 2015) is a unique practice that allows the applicants’ file to be completed and decisioned prior to receipt of an application fee. Moreover, some applicant decisions will be made using self-reported GPA and standardized test scores. All admitted students will receive correspondence to pay the application fee and submit official academic documents prior to enrollment.
High School Curriculum Required For Admission
No high school curriculum can assure that a given student will acquire desired learning outcomes; however, the absence of certain components greatly increases the likelihood that the student will not acquire those outcomes and reduces the likelihood that the student will enjoy maximum benefits of a college experience. The justification for colleges’ recommending or requiring specific high school units for admission is to reduce the likelihood that a student will be unprepared for effective work in college and to increase maximum benefits a student may enjoy.
The following specific high school units will receive strong consideration in the review for admission of a freshman applicant.
Students who do not take one or more of these required courses, may still be considered for admission.
- English (4 units recommended): Units in this category must address reading and literature, writing, speaking and listening, and principles concerning the English language. Extensive experience in reading and writing should characterize all courses.
- Visual And/Or Performing Arts (l unit recommended): Units in this category should include a survey of the arts (visual arts, theater, music, and dance) or active participation in one or more of the arts.
- Mathematics (4 units recommended): Units in this category should include Algebra I, Algebra II, geometry and an advanced course with geometry as a major component. Students are recommended to take a fourth unit in computing, advanced mathematics, or statistics. All college freshmen will benefit by having studied mathematics as seniors.
- Natural And Physical Sciences (2 units recommended): Units in this category should include mathematical skills, fundamental concepts, and some laboratory and field work. At least one unit must address detailed knowledge in the more traditional fields of biology, chemistry, or physics and must include a laboratory.
- Social Studies (1 unit recommended): For students graduating prior to spring 1993, the unit in this category may include: history, government, geography, economics, sociology, psychology, or anthropology. For students graduating in the spring 1993 or thereafter, this unit must come from the following: modern history, ancient history, world history, world geography, or European history.
- US History (1 unit required): This is in addition to the Social Studies requirement.
- Foreign Language (2 units recommended): Two units in a single foreign language are recommended in this category.
These stipulated high school units are not intended to specify what the total high school curriculum should be. Secondary schools seek to meet the needs of various student clienteles, one of which is the college-bound student. The stipulations are an attempt to make a strategic application of academic competencies. They reflect the bridge from specific desired learning outcomes to a list of recommended college admission criteria. That list is composed of high school units presumed most likely to result in the required learning outcomes. For the sake of clarity, one unit constitutes one year of high school study of a given subject.
Applicants who wish to provide additional information regarding special talents or circumstances may do so by contacting the Office of Admissions and Orientation.
For additional Information for Non-traditional First-time Freshman Applicants including: GED Applicants (under the age of 21), Homeschooled Applicants, Early Admission Applicants, 21+ First-time Freshman Applicants (21 years of age or older w/a high school diploma or GED) CLICK HERE
Non-Traditional Freshman Admission Requirements GED Applicants (under the age of 21)
Students who have successfully completed the General Education Development (GED) Test or HISET must have official scores sent to the Office of Undergraduate Admissions and Orientation. GED/HISET applicants who apply for admission will be reviewed by the standing internal admissions committee. GED/HISET applicants (under 21 years of age) must take the national ACT/SAT exam or the ACT residual exam (ACT exams used for admission must be less than 5 years old). The minimum GED score that will be considered is 450 (or 45 on the High School Equivalency Test exam prior to the revision). GED/HISET applicants may be asked to submit a statement of academic and career goals. Emphasis should be placed on experiences that the applicant has had since leaving high school that they believe will make them a successful college student (e.g. military, successful vocational training, etc.).
Homeschooled Applicants
Graduates of home schools must comply with state law by submitting proof of registration with the local education agency which the child would otherwise attend. This documentation must be submitted in addition to the high school transcript.
The score report of the American College Testing program (ACT) or the Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT): The score report is a necessary part of the application and the test date should be no more than three years old at the time of enrollment.
Applicants who are offered admission with the enhanced ACT English, reading or math subscores less than 19, or the equivalent on the former ACT, will be required to take special basic/developmental courses to develop academic competencies necessary for success in college level courses. Students without valid ACT/SAT scores and without college level credit in math or English will be required to take the ALEKS and Accuplacer test in the appropriate areas. Students who feel they have been misplaced by their ACT/SAT scores are encouraged to take the ALEKS and Accuplacer test, which can place them in a higher level course.
Early Admission Applicants
Academically outstanding high school juniors who have completed three academic years of high school, accumulating at least 15 units of coursework may be considered for early admission if they have the following:
- A minimum high school cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 3.5 on a 4.00 scale.
- A minimum ACT composite score of 26 on the ACT or the equivalent on the former ACT.
- Written recommendations from high school principal and guidance counselor.
- An interview with U of M faculty/staff committee selecting early admission students.
In addition, they must agree to enroll in freshman English, and, unless successfully completed in high school, courses in American history and economics.
NOTE: Early admission applicants should also check with their high school for specific graduation requirements.
21+ First-time Freshman Applicants (21 years of age or older with a high school diploma or GED/High School Equivalency Test)
Student applicants 21 years old or older who apply for admission will be reviewed by the standing internal admissions committee. All student applicants, in this category, must take the ALEKS and Accuplacer exam; or the national ACT/SAT exam; or the residual ACT exam (ACT exams used for admission must be less than 3 years old). The minimum GED score that will be considered is 450 (or 45 on the High School Equivalency Test exams prior to the revision). Applicants may be asked to submit a statement of academic and career goals. Emphasis should be placed on experiences that the applicant has had since leaving high school that they believe will make them a successful college student (e.g. military, successful vocational training, etc.).
International Undergraduate Admission Requirements
International undergraduate applicants.
The University of Memphis believes that the presence of a balanced representation of international students on campus will enrich the educational environment of all students. Therefore, the University is authorized under federal law to enroll non-immigrant, students who currently possess a visa. Additionally, the university is authorized to issue I-20 forms to students seeking F1 and J1 visas. Applicants must file complete credentials before May 1 for fall admission; September 15 for spring admission; or February 1 for summer admission. Complete credentials include all the documents listed below.
The international application should be completed and submitted online at http://apply.memphis.edu . All additional required credentials should be sent to the Office of Undergraduate Admissions and Orientation, the University of Memphis, 101 Wilder Tower, Memphis, Tennessee, 38152-3370, U.S.A., or upload via the secure site accessible on the Admissions & Orientation webpage.
A non-refundable international application and processing fee of $50 (fifty dollars) is required of every international applicant. Preferred payment of the application fee is by credit card. Applicants unable to pay by credit card should mail a check or money order, made payable to the University of Memphis. Applications will only be processed after the application fee is received.
International applicants should contact the Office of Admissions and Orientation for information on application procedures, qualifications, and admission to the University. Since there is considerable variation among educational systems throughout the world, international applicants will be selected on a competitive basis, after meeting the minimum standards of admission using examination scores, grade point average, relevance of academic background to intended major field of study and recommendations from the World Education Services or any credentialing service who is a member of the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services . More information may be found at http://www.naces.org/ . The University often receives more applications than can be approved; therefore, admission may not be granted to all applicants who meet only the minimum requirements.
All transcripts, test scores, and other credentials must be accompanied by an official English translation of these documents and must be on file in the Office of Undergraduate Admissions and Orientation by the stated deadlines before the beginning of registration for the intended term of entry.
Admission Requirements for International Undergraduate Applicants
- Required Transcripts: Applicants must arrange for the Office of Undergraduate Admissions and Orientation to receive official copies of academic records of the applicant’s attendance at secondary school, college, university, and professional institutions of learning. These transcripts must be sent directly from the high school or college to the University of Memphis. An exception is made for those who hold the bachelor’s degree or its equivalent in that they need not send their secondary school records. Records should list the subjects studied and the grade, mark, or other evidence that each individual subject was completed to the satisfaction of the authorities in charge. If it is impossible for the school to send us an official copy, copies certified by an official at the American Embassy or a known world organization may be acceptable. All records must be in English. Since certificates and records filed for examination are not ordinarily returned, applicants should send certified copies if the documents in question cannot be easily replaced.
- Freshman Test Required: Applicants to the first year undergraduate level must submit scores on the Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT) or the American College Testing Program (ACT) . These tests are available only in English. All test scores should be sent directly from the testing agency or the high school to the University of Memphis.
- Required Test of English Proficiency, for Non-English Speaking Applicants: All applicants whose native language is not English or their primary education was not taught in English must demonstrate English proficiency. The Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL ) or the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) are the standard methods to satisfy the English proficiency requirement. All other methods should be approved by the Office of Admissions and Orientation. The minimum overall TOEFL score considered for undergraduate admission to the University of Memphis is sixty-one (61) on the internet-based test (iIBT) or five hundred (500) on the paper-based test (PBT). The equivalent score on the IELTS is a six (6). TOEFL information may be obtained by writing: TOEFL, Educational Testing Service, Princeton, New Jersey, 08540, U.S.A. IELTS information may be found at their website https://www.ielts.org . All test scores must be sent directly from the testing agency to the University of Memphis.
- Financial Statement: U.S. visa regulations require that certification of admission be based on both academic acceptance and satisfactory evidence of adequate funds to meet the expenses involved in the student’s program of study. Applicants for an “F-1” student visa must supply, on the Affidavit of Support form provided by the university, sufficient evidence of financial support for themselves and all members of their families who will accompany them to Memphis. This requires that applicants certify that their intent is to attend the university full time and that no employment will be required.
Health Certificate Required: Each international student, within 30 days from the first day of classes, must submit a certificate from a licensed U.S. physician or other qualified U.S. medical authority verifying freedom from tuberculosis. Failure to do so shall result in denial of enrollment. In the event that the student either has tuberculosis or has potential tuberculosis requiring medical treatment, continued enrollment will be conditioned upon the determination by a licensed U.S. physician that such enrollment does not present a risk to others and upon the student’s compliance with any prescribed medical treatment program.
In order to enroll, all international students born after January, 1957, must prove that they have been inoculated with the live measles vaccine (MMR) since January, 1980. Exceptions are made for students who are pregnant or allergic to the vaccine.
- All international students must purchase a health insurance policy through the university or provide evidence of government sponsored health insurance before they are allowed to enroll.
- International students will not normally be allowed to register as transient students (those regularly enrolled and in good standing at another institution who desire to attend the University of Memphis for only a limited period of time). During summer sessions, exceptions may be granted only in cases where a student has an outstanding academic record and unusual circumstances are present.
- International students who wish to apply for readmission to the University must meet the deadlines stated above.
- International students must become familiar with the regulations of the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) and assume responsibility for complying with these regulations.
- Prior to the first day of class, international students should be prepared to attend a half-day mandatory new student orientation hosted by the International Students Office. Additionally, all international students must report to the International Students Office with their passport and I-20 for check-in before the first day of classes.
Readmission Requirements
Readmission (returning students).
Former undergraduate students who wish to return to the University at the same level as when they previously attended and have missed a fall or spring term, must submit an application for readmission. The application should be completed and submitted online at http://apply.memphis.edu . If the student has enrolled at another institution since last attending the University of Memphis, a transcript must be forwarded to the Office of Admissions and Orientation. An applicant will receive favorable consideration only if eligible for readmission under all University regulations, including the grade point average (GPA) for transfer students . (NOTE: International students who wish to apply for readmission to the University must meet the deadlines for new admission for international students .)
Non-Degree Seeking Admission Requirements
Applicants with college degree.
An applicant who has (1) earned a baccalaureate degree from an accredited institution, (2) who desires to take only a limited number of undergraduate courses, and (3) who is not presently working toward a degree at the University of Memphis may be admitted in this category.
Applicants with Previous College Attendance but No Degree
A student currently or previously enrolled in any accredited college or university may be admitted in this category.
NOTE: Transient students (those regularly enrolled and in good standing at another institution who desire to attend the University of Memphis for only a limited period of time) should apply at the non-degree level.
Applicants with No Previous College Attendance
An applicant who has graduated from high school or the equivalent and has never attended another college or university may be admitted in this category with the following conditions:
- Students are limited to earning a total of 24 credit hours while in the non-degree category.
- Applicants who are offered admission to this category and who do not have appropriate test scores in English and math who wish to take an English or a mathematics course will be required to take a placement examination prior to enrollment. Based on the results of this assessment, these applicants may be required to successfully complete basic or developmental courses prior to enrolling in degree credit courses.
- Applicants in the non-degree category are not eligible to receive federal financial aid.
NOTE: Those applicants under 21 who complete their high school work during the calendar year in which they seek admission will not be considered in the non-degree category. These applicants must apply as first-time freshmen .
All non-degree students may, at any time within the stated deadlines, apply to the Office of Undergraduate Admissions and Orientation for reclassification as degree-seeking students, effective at the beginning of the next semester. Admission procedures and requirements are the same as those for degree-seeking undergraduate applicants. Applicants must file an application to be reclassified into this category and supply the following documentation:
- Provide an acceptable entrance examination score or the equivalent.
- The high school graduation requirement may be satisfied by any of the methods listed in the first-time freshmen section of the Undergraduate Catalog .
After students are admitted as regular undergraduates, any credit that may have been earned as non-degree-seeking students may apply toward degree programs in the college from which a degree is sought as outlined in the Undergraduate Catalog .
Concurrent Enrollment
Outstanding high school students who have completed the sophomore year may be admitted and register for one college course per term of enrollment concurrently provided they supply evidence of the following:
- A minimum high school cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 3.20 on a 4.00 scale.
- An ACT composite score of 22 or above.
- A recommendation from the applicant’s high school principal or guidance counselor.
- The course concurrently enrolled students register for must be taken outside of their established school day.
NOTE: Departments may establish additional criteria for their courses.
Audit Only Admission Requirements
Persons who are not enrolled for credit courses may register for audit courses with the approval of the Office of Undergraduate Admissions and Orientation and the appropriate department chair. These students must have the equivalent of high school graduation or be at least 18 years of age. Tennessee residents who have a permanent and total disability, which totally incapacitates them from working at an income producing occupation, may audit courses at the University of Memphis without paying tuition charges, maintenance fees, student activity fees, or registration fees. Admission to audit will be limited on an individual classroom basis according to space availability. An application fee of $25.00 is required.
Additional Means of Earning Credit
Credit for selected secondary school courses.
- Advanced Placement Credit The University of Memphis participates in the Advanced Placement Program of the College Entrance Examination Board. Appropriate credit is awarded for scores of 3, 4, or 5. Advanced placement credit may also apply to certain university requirements and to major requirements. Information about credit awarded may be obtained from the Office of Admissions and Orientation .
- International Baccalaureate Program The University of Memphis recognizes secondary students’ participation in the International Baccalaureate Program and awards college credit for completion of selected courses. To be eligible for credit, students must earn a score of 4 or higher. Information on credit awarded is available in the Office of Admissions and Orientation.
Credit for Instruction in the Armed Services
An official evaluation of armed services instruction is made after a student is accepted as a regular undergraduate student. Credit awarded for completion of services schools will be governed by recommendations at the baccalaureate level from the current Guide to the Evaluation of Educational Experience in the Armed Services . Military transcripts, for example SMART or AARTS, must be presented to the Office of Admissions and Orientation . Upon presentation of a copy of the veteran’s report of separation (DD Form 214) to the Office of Admissions and Orientation, six semester hours of health and physical education credit will be awarded. Veterans with less than one year of continuous full-time service who have completed basic training while on active duty will be awarded credit as recommended in the Guide to Evaluation of Educational Experiences in the Armed Services .
Credit for Non-collegiate Sponsored Instruction
Credit is awarded for non-collegiate sponsored instruction offered by corporations, associations, labor unions, government agencies, and training providers which has been evaluated by the National College Credit Recommendation Service of the American Council of Education and recommended in the current NCCRS guide. The Office of Admission s and Orientation should be contacted for information.
Credit by Examination
Credit by examination is awarded based upon standardized examinations and upon examinations administered by departments of the University for specific courses and for placement. Students may not take an examination for credit in a course previously taken for credit, with the exception of lower division transfer courses that the student wishes to validate for upper division credit. Students may, however, take an examination for credit in a course that was audited or in courses at a lower level than a course taken for credit.
a. CLEP and DANTES Standardized Examinations
The University of Memphis awards credit for standardized examinations of the College-Level Examination Program (CLEP) of the College Board and for standardized examinations of the Defense Activity for Non-Traditional Education Support (DANTES). Credit awarded is based upon credit recommendations and minimum scores recommended by the American Council on Education. CLEP and DANTES credit may also apply to certain University requirements and to major requirements. For information on credit awarded, test dates, and fees, contact the Testing Center .
b. Departmental Examinations
Almost all courses in the undergraduate curriculum, except for those with laboratory, research, or performance requirements, are available for credit by examination. Students who believe that they have already mastered the material of a particular course offered at the University of Memphis may take a departmentally administered examination for credit in that course.
To apply for credit by examination, a student must be enrolled at the University of Memphis and have a GPA of 2.00 or above. Students can access the online Credit by Exam application to begin the approval process. Students pay $60 per course, plus $15 per credit hour in excess of three (3) credit hours per course ( see Fees and Charges ) prior to taking the exam. To receive credit, the student’s examination grade should be the equivalent of a “C” or above. Credit is indicated on the student’s record as CR.
Upper Division Credit by Validation Examination
Credit for courses at the freshman or sophomore level is transferred as lower division credit even though the content may be equated to University of Memphis upper division (junior/senior) level courses in some cases. In order to receive upper division credit for a lower division course that has an upper division equivalent, the credit must be validated through appropriate departmental examinations, portfolios, or other documentation. Contact the department to see if this option is available, to make application and to obtain information. There is no fee for validation examinations.
Credit for Course Placement and Completion (Retroactive Credit)
Some departments offer the opportunity to receive credit by course placement and completion for selected courses. Students who receive prior approval from the department chair may enroll in a University of Memphis course at the level for which they feel previous instruction or experience qualifies them. Upon completion of the course, they receive credit for certain sequential courses numbered lower than the one in which they enrolled. Recording of credit for the lower numbered course(s) is contingent upon completion of the higher level course with a minimum grade of “C”. Upon completion of the course, approval of the chair of the department and payment of fees are required for credits to be recorded. (See Fees and Charges )
Students who place out of one or more lower-division language courses in the Department of World Languages and Literatures (WLL) and who subsequently enroll in and complete a higher-level course with a C or better may be eligible for retroactive credit in the lower courses (1010 through 2020, as appropriate).
Students may apply for the following credit:
- Completed 1020 with a grade of C or better: may apply for 1010 (3 hours)
- Completed 2010 with a grade of C or better: may apply for 1010 and/or 1020 (3-6 hours)
- Completed 2020 with a grade of C or better: may apply for any of 1010, 1020, 2010 (3-9 hours)
- Completed upper-division course with a grade of C or better: may apply for any of 1010, 1020, 2010, 2020 (3-12 hours)
A student wishing to apply for retroactive credit must contact WLL either by coming to Jones Hall 108 or emailing the department at [email protected] , indicating for which courses credit is being requested. Upon verification that the student has completed the appropriate higher-level course with a grade of C or better, the department will send a request to the Registrar’s Office to register the student in the current term’s retroactive credit sections for which the student will be awarded credits.
Credit for Experiential Learning by Assessment
Students seeking degrees in the College of Communication and Fine Arts, College of Education, and College of Professional & Liberal Studies, and some programs in the Fogelman College of Business & Economics may be granted credit for college level knowledge and understanding related to the student’s major area of study and gained from work experience, life experience, or non-college instruction. The student who wants an assessment of such learning prepares a portfolio that describes and documents the learning. Portfolios are assessed by faculty who teach in that area.
Assessment by portfolio is reserved for knowledge and competencies which do not readily fit into the credit by examination procedures described above. More detailed information about procedures may be obtained from the individual colleges.
Credit for ACT Test Scores
a. English Composition
The University of Memphis awards 3 hours of credit for ENGL 1010 to students with an ACT English subscore of 29 or above. Students who have previously taken ENGL 1010 and earned a passing or failing grade are not eligible. ACT scores for this credit are valid for 3 years.
b. Mathematics
The University of Memphis awards 3 hours of credit for MATH 1710 College Algebra to student with an ACT Math subscore of 29 or above. Students who have previously taken MATH 1710 and earned a passing or failing grade are not eligible. ACT scores for this credit are valid for 2 years.
Course Credit vs. PLA, ELA, CLEP, and Test Scores
In the case of an earned grade and an eligible CLEP or ACT/SAT score, the grade will supersede the exam or test score and stand as the official credit on record. ELA, PLA, and/or an exam score will not replace an earned grade for the same course.
Testing and Placement
Learning Support at The University of Memphis permits students to enroll in prescribed courses to develop the academic competencies necessary for success in college level courses. Major components of the program include testing and placement in appropriate level courses. More information can be found at http://www.memphis.edu/acc/learning/index.php .
English
Students admitted to the University of Memphis as beginning freshmen will be placed in appropriate English courses based on ACT/SAT subscores that are less than 5 years old.
- Students with ACT English and Reading subscores below 18 (or the SAT equivalent) are required to enroll in prescribed English courses. Students must check with their advisor to determine which English course is appropriate for them.
- Students with ACT English and Reading subscores below 19 (or the SAT equivalent) are required to enroll in ACAD 1100 .
If students feel they have been misplaced by their ACT subscores in English and reading, they may take the ACCUPLACER test to attempt to place in a higher level course.
Students without ACT or SAT scores will be required to take the ACCUPLACER placement test to determine if they have the appropriate academic skills to successfully complete college level courses. Depending on the results of this test, students may be required to take one or more prescribed courses. ACCUPLACER testing is required of students whose ACT (SAT) scores are more than 5 years old, transfer students with no college level credit in English, and non-degree seeking students before enrollment in English.
Students must successfully complete prescribed course requirements before enrolling in the next level course.
Students admitted to The University of Memphis as beginning freshman are placed in MATH courses on the basis of ACT MATH subscores (or their SAT equivalent) that are less than 5 years old.
Admitted transfer students are placed in MATH courses on the basis of either a valid ACT/SAT MATH subscore or previous college level math coursework.
Students whose scores are expired (more than five years old) or who do not have ACT/SAT MATH subscore are required to take the ALEKS placement assessment ( https://www.memphis.edu/aleks/ ) before enrolling in a math course.
- Students with a ACT MATH subscore less than 15 (or an SAT equivalent) are required to take the ALEKS placement assessment before enrolling in a math course. Student in this category are also encouraged to make use of the ALEKS learning modules at ( https://www.memphis.edu/aleks/learning_module/index.php ).
- Transfer students with no college level credit in math and no valid ACT/SAT subscore must take the ALEKS placement assessment before enrolling in a math course.
- Non-degree seeking students without previous college coursework or without a valid ACT/SAT must take the ALEKS placement assessment before enrolling in a math course.
An ALEKS score is valid for 6 months. Any student who takes ALEKS for placement should be sure to enroll in the appropriate mathematics course as soon after taking the ALEKS as possible. After 6 months, the student must begin the process again (or use a valid ACT/SAT MATH subscore for placement).
Enrollment in MATH courses is restricted to students who have the proper pre-requisites or placement scores. Self-placement without proper pre-requistes or placement scores is not permitted.
Please refer to the table below to determine appropriate placement.
The Best Time to Visit Memphis
Memphis International Airport Guide
Neighborhoods to Know
Public Transportation
Day Trips From Memphis
Top Things to Do
Free Things to Do
Things to Do With Kids
State Parks Near Memphis
The Best Memphis Parks
Museums in Memphis
Live Music Venues
Memphis Music Festivals
Southern Food in Memphis
Best Restaurants in Memphis
Beale Street Nightlife
Top Memphis Breweries
Your Trip to Memphis: The Complete Guide
TripSavvy / Ivey Redding
Memphis has something for everybody. Foodies will delight in the Memphis-style ribs available in old-school joints. Music lovers can go to live shows seven nights a week or visit Graceland and Sun Studios, where rock legends recorded their songs. Families will love the Memphis Zoo (one of the only three zoos in the United States with pandas!), the Pink Palace Museum, and the Children's Museum with a historically protected carousel. There are hikes, biking trails, mighty rivers, and even buffalo.
There is so much to do, it can be hard to pack it all in one vacation. This guide will help you plan your ultimate adventure.
Planning Your Trip
- Best Time to Visit: The weather is moderate and sunny, and there are many fun festivals and events in April and May.
- Getting Around: You'll need to rent a car or download a rideshare app— public transit is sparse and unreliable.
- Travel Tip: While Memphis has many tourist attractions and historical sights, one of the best things to do in the city is hike and ride bikes. There are bike rental places all over the city, and you can explore Downtown, Shelby Farms Park, and midtown all on wheels.
Things to Do
No trip to Memphis is complete without checking out the live music scene and the places where history was made in the genre of blues and rock 'n' roll. Memphis also has some phenomenal museums that take visitors through the history of the south, its people, and its civil rights heroes. Memphis is also home to some rare animal sightings that you can't see anywhere else.
- Music: To see live music head to Beale Street or Lafayette's Music Room in midtown. There is live music in both places seven days a week. Elvis lived in Memphis, and you can tour his home, Graceland . You can also walk in his footsteps at Sun Studio where you can hear never released versions of his songs.
- Museums : The Civil Rights Museum is located at the Lorraine Motel, where Martin Luther King was assassinated . It tells the story of the past and current civil rights struggle in America. The Mississippi River Museum has a replica of the river that you can walk along, learning how it ebbs and flows.
- Rare animals: The Memphis Zoo is one of the three zoos in the United States that has pandas ; watch the 24-hours-a-day PandaCam to get excited before you go. Shelby Farms Park is home to a buffalo herd, one of the only ones in the country.
Explore more attractions with our full-length articles on The Top 20 Things to Do in Memphis , the Top 10 Best Museums to Visit in Memphis , and Top 13 Fun Things to do with Kids in Memphis, TN .
What to Eat and Drink
Memphis is known for its barbecue food . Rendezvous , one of the oldest joints, is credited for having invented Memphis-style meat which involves slow cooking it in a pit and then covering it with salt and spices. Non-meat eaters should head to Cooper Young and Broad Street where there are an array of farm to table restaurants like Bounty on Broad. In every neighborhood you can find delicious pizza, tacos, burgers, and more. There is a wide array of fine dining and casual eateries.
Memphis is also becoming more known for its beer. The city has over a dozen craft breweries like High Cotton Brewing Co. that make everything from hazy IPAs to sours. They have their own tap rooms where you can try them all and enjoy food and live music at the same time. The city also has sprawling bars, some that take up over an acre of land like Railgarten . They are filled with fun things to do from sand pits to absinthe dens to concert stages.
Explore our articles on the what to eat in Memphis, the best breweries to visit in Memphis , and romantic fine dining restaurants in Memphis.
Where to Stay
In Memphis a lot of the main tourist attractions, bars, restaurants, and great views are located downtown. If you stay in a hotel there you can walk to many places you want to be. There are chain hotels as well as boutiques. On the other hand, downtown can be loud, crowded, and dark, and you might not feel safe walking around at night. Another convenient place to stay is in East Memphis. There are a lot of family-friendly brands like the DoubleTree based there, and you will be close to the art museums, the zoo, many parks, and artsy neighborhoods like Cooper-Young and Midtown .
Explore the different neighborhoods you can stay in and our recommendations on the best hotels.
Getting There
The best way to get into the city is flying into the Memphis International Airport . While Memphis has Uber and Lyft, the best way to get around (including getting to and from the airport) is by renting a car. Memphis is served by two bus services—Greyhound and Miller Transportation—but it's far from most other destinations, so the bus ride will be long.
Learn more about the Memphis Airport with our comprehensive guide .
Money Saving Tips
- Memphis has incredible parks that are free to access. Many have playgrounds, sports fields, hiking paths, and bike paths that are available to the public. The top ones include the Mississippi River Park, Overton Park, and Shelby Farms Park .
- In the summer Memphis holds free concerts at the Levitt Shell in Overton Park.
- Memphis museums can be expensive, but many have free days or select activities that don't cost anything. For example, you can explore the grounds of Graceland without paying a dime. The Memphis Brooks Museum of Art is free every Wednesday from 10 am. to 8 p.m. The Dixon Gallery & Gardens is free every Saturday from 10 a.m. to noon.
- Some of Memphis's greatest activities are free of charge. Walking down Beale Street costs nothing. So does sitting on a bench and watching the sunset over the Mississippi River.
- There is a free shuttle that goes between Graceland, Sun Studio, and the Memphis Rock 'n' Soul Museum. While admission is not free to the attractions, transport between them is.
National Park Service. "Tennessee: The Lorraine Motel."
Pandas International. "Pandas in the United States."
Memphis Tourism. "Why Memphis-Style Barbecue is World Famous."
Memphis Gay Guide and Events Calendar
20 Top Things to Do in Memphis
A Complete Guide to the Mississippi River Road Trip
48 Hours in Memphis: The Ultimate Itinerary
The 10 Best Parks in Memphis
A Travel Guide for Visiting Graceland on a Budget
Every Memphis Neighborhood You Need to Know
The 12 Best Things to Do in Midtown Memphis
The Best Outdoor Activities in Memphis
13 Best Things to Do With Kids in Memphis, Tennessee
Your Trip to Minneapolis: The Complete Guide
10 Best Things to Do for Couples in Memphis, Tennessee
10 Neighborhoods You Need to Know in New Orleans
10 Things To Do For $10 Or Less In Memphis
12 Best Things to Do in Memphis for Free
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TravelAwaits
Our mission is to serve the 50+ traveler who's ready to cross a few items off their bucket list.
11 Fantastic Things To Do In Memphis
- Destinations
- United States
Memphis is a Mississippi River town defined by the assassination of the Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., its rich music history, and delicious barbecue. It’s a city you won’t want to rush through and will need at least 3 days to explore, giving you time to take in all of the experiences.
These are 11 fantastic things to do in Memphis, Tennessee.
1. National Civil Rights Museum
The lorraine motel.
The National Civil Rights Museum is an extremely moving experience as one might expect. If you arrive without doing much research, you may think the focus will be on that fateful day in April of 1968. It is so much more. The museum takes visitors from the beginning of slavery through today. Each exhibit immerses you in a significant time during the Civil Rights Movement, walking you through the strategy, persistence, and danger involved with each step.
The room where the Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. spent his last night is exactly as it was when he was assassinated, as are the cars out front. Seeing as it was in 1968 stops you in your tracks.
Part of the visit also includes visiting the boarding house across the street where James Earl Ray stayed, the view he would have had of Room 306, and the search for him after he assassinated King.
2. Graceland
The home of elvis presley.
Graceland , the pride and private home of The King of Rock and Roll, is today a complex of buildings filled with his memorabilia. His home and its grounds are still as they were — the jungle room, downstairs entertainment area, swimming pool, and racquetball building.
Across the street are Elvis’s planes and exhibits featuring his cars, dozens of jumpsuits, gold records, golf carts, and more. It may feel over the top, but that’s Graceland.
Graceland offers a variety of tours . We chose the least expensive, a self-guided audio tour, and thoroughly enjoyed it.
3. Sun Studio
The birthplace of rock and roll.
You don’t need to be a music fan to get goosebumps when you walk into Sun Studio . Elvis, B.B. King, Jerry Lee Lewis, Johnny Cash, and Roy Orbison first recorded here. Knowing you’re standing where they and so many extraordinary musicians recorded, you may feel all shaken up.
The tour takes you into mainly three rooms, but it was amazing, thanks in large part to a fantastic tour guide. Our guide vividly set the scene and relayed the historic events so well, it felt like we were there when they happened.
The highlight of the tour is the hands-on experience at the end where everyone is able to take a picture with the original Shure 55 microphone used by the likes of Elvis, Johnny Cash, and others. You can see Elvis holding the exact same microphone in a photo hanging on the wall and you’re able to do the same.
Tours of the studio take place every day and in the evening. It’s open for nightly recording sessions for $200 per hour.
4. Stax Museum Of American Soul Music
The Stax Museum details the history of soul music. Otis Redding, Isaac Hayes, Rufus and Carla Thomas, The Mar-Keys, and others collaborated here. The museum starts where soul music began — a Mississippi Delta church. Artists are then featured with highlights of their accomplishments and memorabilia. There’s a spot to take a spin on a small dance floor and you can stand in the same room where the historic recordings took place.
The most fascinating part of the museum is the story of the people who worked together to create this amazing music utopia. It was a place where talent and collaboration prevailed and skin color didn’t matter at a time when the opposite was true pretty much everywhere else. But the events happening in Memphis and around the country eventually became too much. The atmosphere at Stax changed and eventually, business decisions led it into bankruptcy. To think of what could have been will sit with you when you leave.
5. Beale Street
Home of the blues.
One of the most well-known streets in the country, Beale Street is the heartbeat of Memphis. It’s attracted blues musicians since the late 1800s . The names we still know today — Louis Armstrong, B.B. King, and Muddy Waters — performed here from the 1920s through the 1940s and are credited with creating the Memphis Blues sound.
Spend time drinking in the live music at the many blues clubs that line the street like B.B. King’s Blues Club , Jerry Lee Lewis Cafe & Honky Tonk , and Rum Boogie Cafe . Stumble into anyone you like, any time of day, and it’s sure to be a great time!
While on Beale Street, don’t miss A. Schwab . Started in 1876, it’s the oldest shop on the street.
6. Peabody Duck March
The peabody memphis.
You don’t want to miss the Peabody Duck March when visiting Memphis. It may seem odd to plan a day around watching five mallard ducks quickly waddle from the hotel elevators to the lobby fountain at 11 a.m. or waddle back at 5 p.m. to go up to their home on the roof, but it’s an entertaining 30 minutes or so.
The Duckmaster (real title) marches the ducks to and fro with the help of an honorary Duckmaster . Arrive at least 30 minutes ahead of the march to make sure you find a spot where you can see. I would recommend arriving even earlier, especially if it’s a weekend, and grabbing a cocktail to enjoy while you wait. Kids are allowed to sit along the red carpet which runs from the elevators to the fountain; gather to wait in that area if you have tweens or younger with you.
If you’re not interested in the pomp and circumstance, visit the ducks swimming in the fountain anytime between 11 a.m. and 5 p.m.
7. Memphis Pyramid
Bass pro shops and big cypress lodge.
Once home to the University of Memphis and Memphis Grizzlies basketball teams, today, the Memphis Pyramid is an outdoor lover’s mecca that’s ironically mostly indoors. While some just come to shop at Bass Pro Shops and wander through the cypress swamp, there’s more to do than you might think. Go bowling at The Fishbowl ; ride the glass elevator to eat at The Lookout or just take in a great view of Memphis and the Mississippi River; enjoy happy hour; or roast some s’mores on the Mississippi Terrace .
You can spend the night at the Pyramid. Big Cypress Lodge has 103 rooms, some with screened-in porches, overlooking the cypress swamp.
8. Johnny Cash Statue
Memphis art project.
You’ll find a statue of Johnny Cash holding his guitar outside the former Galloway Methodist Church. Cash was asked to perform for a church fundraiser — his first public performance. The Memphis Art Project has put together an interactive map to help visitors see all of the unique pieces of public art and statues throughout the city.
9. Memphis Barbecue
I’m sure you can visit Memphis without eating barbecue, but I wouldn’t recommend it. We tried Central BBQ , Rendezvous , and Cozy Corner and would eat at all of them again. Central BBQ is located next to the Civil Rights Museum if you happen to visit around lunch or dinner.
10. Blues Hall Of Fame Museum
Take a walk through Blues history at the Blues Hall of Fame Museum . The museum features 400+ members of the Blues Hall of Fame, showcasing their accomplishments and memorabilia. A few unique items not to miss: Stevie Ray Vaughan’s kimono, Donald “Duck” Dunn’s Lakeland electric bass, and Pee Wee Crayton’s Fender Stratocaster guitar.
11. Memphis Music Hall Of Fame
The Memphis Music Hall of Fame showcases many of the artists you’d see at the other museums in town like Elvis, Otis Redding, Johnny Cash, and Carl Perkins. It’s a perfect stop if you want to see a little bit of everything and don’t have time to see the others. It’s located just off Beale Street.
Bonus: More To Explore In Memphis
We were only in Memphis for a quick weekend and could have stayed longer. The Slave Haven Underground Railroad Museum wasn’t open when we visited, but a friend who lives in Memphis says it is absolutely worth a visit. She also recommended the Memphis Botanic Garden and Shelby Farms Park .
I’m likely a bit biased as a Cardinals fan, but I can’t wait to go back and see the Memphis Redbirds play at AutoZone Park. We were there right before the season started. NBA fans might also want to catch a Grizzlies game at FedEx Forum.
Where To Stay
We stayed at The Memphian located in Overton Square, about 10 minutes from downtown. The hotel has a great vibe — comfortable yet chic. The Tiger & Peacock on the top floor is an eclectic spot to grab a nightcap and we enjoyed our breakfast at Complicated Pilgrim. You can take it to go or sit down and eat.
Overton Square is a very walkable area with a variety of great restaurants and shops, including a fantastic candy and ice cream store called Sweet Noshings .
Related Reading:
- What Happens When An Elvis Fan Girl Finally Visits Graceland In Her 60s
- 6 Experiences Not To Miss During A Visit To The National Civil Rights Museum
- 16 Fantastic Day Trips From Memphis
Missy Glassmaker is an Emmy-nominated producer and writer. She spent most of her career in broadcast television news, working in Providence, Rhode Island; Knoxville, Tennessee; and St. Louis, Missouri. Missy enjoys cooking, entertaining, and of course, traveling. Her favorite travel companions are her twin sons, who are always ready to explore.
Visit Campus
Once you’re here, you’ll know—there’s simply no college experience quite like Rhodes. Our close-knit, residential campus fosters community like no other. Our Memphis location inspires our students to not only explore, shop, and dine off campus, but also volunteer, intern, and work off campus.
We invite you to visit and see for yourself!
Plan a Visit
There are several options for you to explore our beautiful, nationally ranked campus.
Campus Visits
Guided visits are available each weekday and select Saturdays for high school students and counselors interested in Rhodes!
Admission Programs
Events are available throughout the year to provide additional panels and resources for high school students interested in Rhodes.
Virtual Visits
Current high school students can register in advance for a virtual tour that includes a tour given by a Rhodes student and an information session led by an admission counselor.
Virtual Resources
Check out our virtual resources to explore Rhodes on your own from the comfort of your home.
Group Visits
Group visits are available on select days of the week for high schools and organizations with high school students.
Prepare for Your Visit
We're so lucky to have our beautiful campus located in Memphis—a city with a rich history, fantastic food, an amazing community and ample opportunities! We can't wait for you to visit.
Located in Midtown, we are close to Binghampton, Cooper Young, Downtown, and East Memphis. Get to know the city we love by exploring our neighboring communities!
Find Hotels & Directions
Memphis hotels offer a wide range of levels of service and price, and often offer discounted rates for Rhodes Visitors.
Plan your trip .
Get to Know Memphis
Memphis is a city like no other, so be sure to make time during your visit to experience its history, arts, music, and restaurants.
Explore Memphis .
PRESENTED BY TENNESSEE TOURISM
The essential guide to visiting Tennessee
Here’s everything you need to know before exploring the Volunteer State—when to go, where to stay, what to do, and how to get around.
Why you must visit Tennessee
Great Smoky Mountains National Park and Lookout Mountain . Vibrant big cities and charming small towns. Country music in Nashville and the blues in Memphis . Tennessee whiskey and Nashville hot chicken .
Best time to visit
Spring: Warm weather brings colorful wildflowers, blooming magnolias, and flowering redbuds. Enjoy the bloom boom at the Flower & Food Festiva l at Dollywood or Nashville ’s Cheekwood . In April, Mule Day in Columbia features livestock races and Appalachian music, crafts, and food.
Summer: There’s a great debate about whether those glow-by-night insects are fireflies or lightning bugs , but regardless, you’ll find them making summer nights in Tennessee a little brighter, particularly in Great Smoky Mountain National Park. The state is geographically landlocked, but visitors can still make a splash by launching a boat in Nashville’s Percy Priest Lake , whitewater rafting along East Tennessee’s Nolichucky River , or chasing more than 150 waterfalls in Cookeville .
Autumn: Leaf peepers will love Tennessee’s orange, red, and golden hues in the fall. The Great Smoky Mountains National Park offers more than 800 miles of trails to explore by foot, or take a scenic drive along the Natchez Trace Parkway that begins in Nashville and winds south into Mississippi . Thanks to colorblind viewfinders , installed at lookouts statewide, more people can see fall foliage.
Winter: Get cozy during colder months at one of the state’s mountain hotels and resorts. Many flock to Gatlinburg during winter for a chalet stay in the mountains or skiing at Obe r . Other overnight choices include the cabins of Windy Hill Farm , the plush wellness resort Blackberry Farm , or Coffee Ridge Resort , a new mountaintop retreat with a spa, fly-fishing, and lodgings.
Lay of the land
Major cities: Music is the common thread through Tennessee’s biggest cities, with country artists performing in every honky-tonk on Nashville’s Broadway and the blues blaring down Memphis ’ Beale Street . Adventurers and outdoor enthusiasts will enjoy Chattanooga ’s rock climbing and mountain biking, and Knoxville —home to the University of Tennessee —for its forested hiking trails.
Small towns: Johnson City is a jumping-off point for hiking and biking, plus a few sites related to 20th-century mobsters like Al Capone . Visit Franklin for its charming main street lined with shops and restaurants, plus battlefields, hospitals, and historic homes related to the American Civil War .
Tennessee Whiskey Trail: The Tennessee Whiskey Trail maps 26 of the state’s distilleries, including the famed Jack Daniel’s Distillery in Lynchburg. Visit the Nearest Green Distillery in Shelbyville , which pays tribute to Daniel’s original mentor and the first known African American master distiller, Nathan “Nearest” Green .
Getting around
By plane: Nashville International Airport (BNA) is the state’s largest, with 19 passenger airlines offering routes throughout the United States and nonstop international flights to London , Canada , and Cancun . Memphis International Airport (MEM) offers nonstop flights to cities around the U.S. and Cancun. Smaller regional airports include Knoxville’s McGhee Tyson Airport (TYS) and Chattanooga’s Chattanooga Airport (CHA).
By car: Tennessee has more than 1,200 miles of interstate highways , allowing travel by car to major cities and neighboring states. Major routes include I-65 from north to south , I-40 from east to west , and the slow and scenic Natchez Trace Parkway which winds from Nashville to Tupelo, Mississippi.
By train: Tennessee offers one passenger train route connecting Memphis to both Chicago and New Orleans via Amtrak .
Know before you go
Cultural History: Tennessee is the ancestral homeland of two Indigenous groups: the Chickasaw in the west and the Cherokee in the east. The name Tennessee is derived from a Cherokee village called Tanasi. The Trail of Tears National Historic Trail runs across the state. To learn more about Tennessee’s Indigenous history, discover mounds at Pinson Mounds State Archaeological Park in West Tennessee and the Mound Bottom State Archaeological Area near Nashville, or visit the Sequoyah Birthplace Museum that dives into Tennessee’s Cherokee history.
Tennessee was the last state to join the Confederacy during the American Civil War, though residents in the east remained loyal to the Union. Outside of Virginia , Tennessee saw the most fighting of any state. Many preserved sites are available to visit today, including one of the war’s deadliest battlefields, Shiloh National Military Park .
Tennessee cast the deciding vote that ratified the 19th Amendment, granting women the right to vote. Nashville’s historic Hermitage Hotel housed the lobbyists from both sides of the suffrage movement and has historic artifacts throughout the property. The state also holds tragic significance in the Civil Rights movement. Martin Luther King, Jr., was assassinated at Memphis’ Lorraine Motel, which is now the National Civil Rights Museum . Following the Brown v. Board of Education Supreme Court ruling stating state-sanctioned segregation in public schools was unconstitutional, Clinton High School in East Tennessee became the first in the South to integrate classes. Learn more about the tumultuous transition at the Green McAdoo Cultural Center .
Cuisine: No one leaves Tennessee hungry. Southern soul food and Memphis-style barbecue are primary draws for visitors. Try an iconic “meat and three” plate, choosing between one protein option—usually including fried chicken, catfish, or pot roast—and a collection of vegetables. We use the term “vegetables” loosely here, as options include anything from macaroni and cheese to baked apples and fried okra.
Festivals: This musical state hosts a range of tuneful festivals, including Bonnaroo Music & Arts Festival in Manchester, CMA Fest in Nashville, and Beale Street Music Fest in Memphis (paused for 2024).
LGBTQ+: In the 2023 24/7 Wall St. report for LGBTQ+ friendly states, Tennessee ranked last. The state’s conservative lawmakers have passed discriminatory bills impacting transgender people and prohibiting public education institutions from requiring implicit bias training. Major cities like Nashville and Memphis regularly host Pride events, such as the Nashville Pride Pageant and the Nashville Pride Festival each June, or run the Rainbow Dash 5K in Memphis each March.
How to visit sustainably
Outdoors: Tennessee State Parks have implemented “ Go Green With Us ” guidelines, which focus on conservation and sustainable operations. The program encourages visitors to lower energy usage by turning off lights when not needed, planting trees to provide shade, and unplugging appliances when not in use, along with efforts like planting community gardens and using sustainably produced and packaged products.
Dining: With vast farmlands in Tennessee, it’s not difficult to find restaurants that source their ingredients locally. Try Nashville’s Miel , which saved more than 12,000 pounds of compostable material from landfills in 2023, or The Old Mill in Pigeon Forge. Dating from 1830, The Old Mill grinds 700,000 pounds of corn, grits, and other grains annually to be used in breads, sweets, and spirits. Plus the restaurant makes its own ice creams, jams, confections, and even pottery pieces for serving.
Lodging: Southall Farm & Inn in Leiper’s Fork collects rainfall to water its grounds and serves produce and meat grown onsite in its restaurants.
What to read and watch
Dolly: My Life and Other Unfinished Business , by Dolly Parton. The country music icon’s autobiography details her rags-to-riches story growing up in the foothills of Tennessee’s Great Smoky Mountains.
There are many music themed shows and biopics that focus on Tennessee artists both real and fictional, including the story of Johnny Cash in Walk the Line , the TV series Nashville , and the 2022 blockbuster Elvis .
Love & Whiskey: The Remarkable True Story of Jack Daniel, His Master Distiller Nearest Green, and the Improbable Rise of Uncle Nearest , by Fawn Weaver. This 2024 summer release explores the forgotten history of the enslaved man who taught Jack Daniel to make whiskey.
( For more tips on what to do in Tennessee, see our Explorer’s Guide .)
Related Topics
- CITY GUIDES
- CULTURAL TOURISM
- FOOD TOURISM
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7 things you should absolutely do in Memphis
Feb 27, 2024 • 7 min read
Memphis’ most famous attraction, Graceland, is gaudy and garish. And that’s the whole point © Jon Hicks / Getty Images
Laid-back, eccentric Memphis is a city built by music, where the streets can often feel like a throwback to another era.
Whether you’re strolling the brick-lined byways of downtown or sliding into a booth at a Midtown dive bar, there’s often a whiff of the past lingering in the alleyways and between the stage curtains here. In Memphis, it’s still easy to imagine a young BB King carrying his guitar along Beale St, or a teenage Elvis Presley deploying the lessons he learned there to thrill a crowd at the Overton Park Shell . Little imagination is needed to envision Otis Redding and Isaac Hayes strolling beneath the studio signs at Stax Records, or to walk in the footsteps of Johnny Cash at Sun Studio .
Memphis has kept its music history alive. And while the city’s most popular tourist attraction, Graceland , can be seen as a kitschy shrine to the late King of Rock ’n’ Roll, other corners of this soulful, Southern city invite travelers to cut a rug and help its sounds continue to thrive.
Here are the best ways to get to know Memphis.
1. Reflect at the National Civil Rights Museum
Anchoring downtown Memphis, the National Civil Rights Museum is a solemn reminder of the price paid for progress. The institution encompasses the former Lorraine Motel, whose balconies became known globally as the site where civil rights hero Martin Luther King Jr was gunned down by an assassin in 1968.
A wreath marks the location of the tragedy outside; inside, an immersive story of America’s civil rights movement unfolds – a difficult but critical starting point that no visitor to Memphis should miss. The history here is grim, defiant and powerful. And it’s impossible to truly appreciate the city’s connection to the nation without exploring that past in depth.
2. Find bonafide blues on Beale St
The electric glow of neon signs arching over Beale St in downtown Memphis is impossible to miss. This famous street rose to fame as a magnet for the city’s Black-owned businesses – from a newspaper edited by Ida B Wells to department stores owned by Robert Church, the South’s first Black millionaire. In the early 20th century, musicians ranging from jazz maestros WC Handy and Louis Armstrong to blues legends like Muddy Waters and BB King cut their teeth on Beale. Their music, and the music of early rock ’n’ roll and soul pioneers can still be heard live on Beale St, seven days a week.
Though tunes are on deck year-round, blues hounds from across the globe make the pilgrimage to Beale St sidewalks each January for the International Blues Challenge , during which hundreds of artists square off in an epic, four-day battle of the bands.
Planning tip: The best plan for Beale St? To have no plan on Beale St. The thoroughfare is home to dozens of bars, restaurants and juke joints all featuring some of the most talented musicians in the area. While larger venues like BB Kings Blues Club and the Rum Boogie Cafe host full bands, save room for smaller venues like Blues Hall or The Pig on Beale to check out acts like solo artists and trios.
3. Explore the birthplace of rock ’n’ roll at Sun Studio
Perhaps no recording studio in the country was as perfectly positioned to take advantage of the evolution of the Delta blues as the one operated by Sam Phillips on Union Ave. The doors of Sun Studio sit just over a mile off of Beale St, and they house one of the most captivating collections of music history in the country – one where even minute details have immense stories to tell.
An unassuming vinyl record sits behind glass in the upstairs museum here. Its label doesn’t bear the name of any of the artists this legendary recording service is famous for – no Elvis Presley, no Jerry Lee Lewis, no Johnny Cash, no Carl Perkins. But this dusty relic, from 1951, might be more important than them all. One of the first pressings of an album that would make its way north to Chess Records in Chicago, the record is labeled “Rocket 88,” and it is widely credited as the very first rock ’n’ roll hit.
Rock ’n’ roll was literally born in Memphis, and seven decades after giving birth to the sounds that permanently transformed pop music across the globe, Sun Studio remains a sacred site that’s well worth the two-hour tour.
4. Make your way to Midtown
Performing arts take center stage in Midtown, where a cluster of theaters host exciting productions year-round. Take in a show at the Hattiloo Theatre , the only freestanding Black repertory theater in the region. Cozy up to a live performance at historic Playhouse on the Square or marvel at the movements of Ballet Memphis .
Each theater flanks Overton Sq, a historic entertainment district where some of the city’s best fusion restaurants – we love The Second Line , Boscos Squared and Complicated Pilgrim – showcase a side of the city’s food scene that goes beyond barbecue. Meanwhile, newly opened boutique hotel The Memphian serves up sunset views of the square from its rooftop cocktail bar, Tiger & Peacock .
5. Saunter through Soulsville
Nestled into a neighborhood just south of downtown, Soulsville encompasses a musical history just as rich as Beale St and Union Ave.
The Southern rival to Motown – one with an all-star roster featuring Otis Redding, Isaac Hayes, and Booker T & the MG – Stax pumped out a staggering 167 Top 100 hits in just 15 years while showcasing a mixed-race house band, which brought together the best of Memphis’s blues and rock ’n’ roll artists.
The Stax Museum of American Soul Music is the modern-day centerpiece of Soulsville. Carved out of the studio’s former digs, the museum spotlights the chart-topping hits of Stax artists, as well as the resounding impact those artists created in the era’s civil rights movement.
Local tip: Swing by The Four Way Soul Food Restaurant to satisfy your appetite in one of the city’s most famous spots for home cooking, or stretch your legs at Memphis Rox , a world-class nonprofit community climbing center that welcomes guests daily.
6. Get lost in the glamor of Graceland
Nearly fifty years after Elvis Presley’s death in 1977, the grounds of his former Memphis home and headquarters at Graceland remain hallowed ground for music fans. Presley and members of his family are buried on the grounds of a home that is as bizarre as it is grandiose.
Visitors to Graceland gain access to a 200,000-sq-ft (18,580-sq-m) entertainment complex that showcases the life of one of the planet’s first global superstars. Though travelers are unlikely to find many locals at Graceland, they’re virtually guaranteed to encounter a host of other world travelers soaking in the ambiance of the Jungle Room, Elvis’s hall of gold records and the gold-plated bathroom on his private jet.
If you want to really do it up, Graceland recently completed a $137-million renovation that includes a full-scale concert venue, Graceland Live , and a four-star luxury retreat, The Guest House at Graceland
Planning tip: A hidden gem of history hides just around the corner from Graceland. Hernando’s Hide-A-Way was once a favorite haunt for rock ’n’ rollers like The King, as well as The Killer, Jerry Lee Lewis. Disused for decades, Hernando’s is now a restored rockabilly roadhouse welcoming visitors with live music and a full menu of Southern-fried treats.
7. Spend a weekend night on South Main
A former warehouse district just two blocks from the Mississippi River boasts some of the best weekend nightlife in Memphis. Broadly encompassing the remainder of downtown south of Beale St, the South Main Arts District is home to rooftop views of the Mississippi River at Beck & Call , hyper-popular craft-beer maker Wiseacre Brewing Co. , iconic barbecue joint Central BBQ , and a host of cocktail and dive bars serving a range of libations from bargain-basket beer buckets to artfully crafted craft cocktails.
Local tip: One of the best dive bars in America sits on the corner of South Main St and GE Patterson. On weekend nights at Earnestine & Hazels , visitors can dance the night away to a house band featuring live horns, rock ’n’ roll, soul and blues. But the bar’s real secret lies upstairs, at Nate’s Bar. There, Nate Barnes has been tending to a low-lit corner bar since the 1990s – in a space that once housed a brothel.
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MLK Immersion Travel Day: Minneapolis to Memphis
A group of students huddle in a circle in the midst of a crowded Charlotte Douglas International Airport. This is just the beginning of their journey over spring break to learn more about civil rights history and present through the University of Minnesota’s Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. program’s immersion trip.
This trip takes 15 students across three states in the southeast United States, learning from the sites and stories of the Black freedom movement and those involved.
Their first stop? Memphis, Tennessee, home of the National Civil Rights Museum, I Am a Man Plaza and Clayton Temple.
But before experiencing the monuments in Memphis, the students and faculty involved in the trip first need to make it down to Memphis. This involves a 4:15 am meeting at the Minneapolis-Saint Paul International Airport Saturday morning.
Although groggy and tired, the class boarded its first flight from Minneapolis to Charlotte, North Carolina. While waiting two and a half hours for their next flight to depart to Memphis, students and faculty pass the time by playing card games, conversing with one another and treating themselves to the various snacks available at the terminal.
The flight, which departed at 1:31 pm., lasted only around half the length of the layover, delivering the immersion trip members to Memphis at 2:49 pm.
While the day didn’t involve any historical places or people, there was still learning and bonding to be had.
Whether it be people conversing next to one another on the plane, killing time with card games or ending the day with a dinner at Cracker Barrel, the preliminary travel of these scholars will not only help to build their community on this trip, but to build the foundation of their learning as well.
By Alec Zadra
This article is one in a documentary series about the MLK 3000 Immersion Experience.
The rev. dr. martin luther king, jr. program in the college of liberal arts at the university of minnesota–twin cities provides educational programming that fosters students' engagement with and understanding of the complex issues of power, privilege, and social justice. to learn more about the program, visit the mlk program's about page . students interested in taking the mlk 3000 immersive experience course in a future year can email [email protected] ., related news.
MLK Immersion Day 4: Montgomery, Alabama
Students visited the Legacy Museum, National Memorial for Peace and Justice, and Freedom Monument Sculpture Park.
MLK Immersion Day 3: Birmingham, Alabama
Sarah Collins Rudolph shared about her time with the Children’s Crusade, when more than 5,000 school students marched in 1963.
MLK Immersion Day 2: Selma, Alabama
Students learned from JoAnne Bland and Betty Mae Fikes about their experiences in the Civil Rights Movement in 1965.
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Visit the Campus. We're so glad you're interested in the University of Memphis and can't wait to have you on our main campus in Memphis, Tennessee! Tigers Together. Every Tiger has a role to play in protecting our campus community and preventing the spread of COVID-19. Explore this site to see what UofM is doing and learn how you can do ...
Campus Tours. We're so glad you're interested in the University of Memphis and can't wait to have you on our main campus in Memphis, Tennessee! Student-led tours are held Monday through Friday at 9:30 am and 1:30 pm (with the exception of University closings). The tour consists of an information session led by an admissions representative ...
On the day of your scheduled campus visit, please check in for your on-campus experience no more than 10 minutes prior to your visit time. You can do so at the welcome desk located in Wilder Tower (3675 Alumni Avenue, Memphis, TN 38152). Parking
Meet Your Tour Guides. Our campus tour experience is led by actively-involved current students from different majors, areas of interest, and backgrounds. When you visit the University of Memphis, one of these students will be your tour guide, giving you a sneak peek into life on campus and the exceptional academic and social opportunities on ...
The University of Memphis, also U of M, a public research university in Memphis, Tennessee. Founded 1912 and has an enrollment of more than 21,000 students. ... For more information, visit The University of Memphis Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action.
Visit the Campus. We're so glad you're interested in the University of Memphis and can't wait to have you on our main campus in Memphis, Tennessee! Self-Guided Campus Tours ... Visitors to the University of Memphis are eligible for special rates with the Holiday Inn-University of Memphis. Please call 901-678-8200 to book your stay with a ...
There are many ways you can explore the beautiful campus. Clicking on the images will take you to virtual tours of the Main campus, UofM Lambuth, Cecil C. Humphreys School of Law, and residence halls. To navigate through the virtual tours: Click on the forward facing arrow to start walking around. Jump to the next stop by clicking on the "Next ...
For more information, visit The University of Memphis Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action. Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 protects people from discrimination based on sex in education programs or activities which receive Federal financial assistance.
As a major urban research university, the UofM enrolls roughly 4,000 graduate students in more than 120 degree programs, many of which are ranked among the best in the nation. Learn more, visit Graduate School or explore degree programs in the 2020-2021 Graduate Catalog. Law School
The University of Memphis enjoys welcoming school and community groups to campus. High school groups are offered a 60-minute guided campus tour led by a student tour guide, and we offer an engaging scavenger hunt for all our elementary and middle school aged visitors. Visits are coordinated on a first come, first served basis.
The University of Memphis (Memphis) is a public research university in Memphis, Tennessee. Founded in 1912, the university has an enrollment of more than 22,000 students. ... This would allow professors and students to go home and visit their relatives. The other three schools established through the General Education Act evolved into East ...
Schedule a Tour >. Your education. Your way. UofM uniquely provides two campus environments that help students find their perfect match: the Memphis Campus and UofM Lambuth in Jackson, TN. Or, if you prefer the flexibility of completing your degree online, the nationally-ranked UofM Global provides just that. University of Memphis:
UofM Lambuth Tours. We are pleased to host you for a guided on-campus visit to the University of Memphis Lambuth! The University of Memphis Lambuth is offering 30-minute walking tours of campus that will be led by an admissions staff member. The capacity for on-campus tours has been reduced to allow for appropriate social distancing.
Open the accessible version of University of Memphis's virtual experience. Experience University of Memphis Virtually explore University of Memphis in a fully immersive 360-degree experience.
YaYa, a female Giant Panda that calls the Memphis Zoo home, enjoys a sunny day. 6. Memphis Rock 'n' Soul Museum. Chronicling the artists and the music that shaped the legacy of "Memphis Sound," this museum features the Smithsonian's "Rock 'n' Roll: Social Crossroads" exhibition.
For more information, visit The University of Memphis Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action. Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 protects people from discrimination based on sex in education programs or activities which receive Federal financial assistance.
Memphis has something for everybody. Foodies will delight in the Memphis-style ribs available in old-school joints. Music lovers can go to live shows seven nights a week or visit Graceland and Sun Studios, where rock legends recorded their songs. Families will love the Memphis Zoo (one of the only three zoos in the United States with pandas!), the Pink Palace Museum, and the Children's Museum ...
Spring Break Visit Day. Monday, March 11, 2024 at 9:30 AM until 1:30 PM Central Daylight Time. Map and Directions. University of Memphis - University Center. 505 Zach H. Curlin Street.
Located in a quiet residential neighborhood of Memphis, Tennessee, the UofM is a major research institution. What you learn here builds a sense of intellectual engagement that will empower you to make a difference in life and throughout your career. Founded in 1912, we welcome more than 21,000 students to campus every year.
Memphis music is authentic, diverse and influential. Music-lovers visit to pay tribute to legends with ties to the city, including Elvis Presley, B.B. King, Johnny Cash, Jerry Lee Lewis, Aretha Franklin and Isaac Hayes.And they visit to experience the city that continues to inspire modern-day musicians, from Three 6 Mafia, Justin Timberlake and Julien Baker to Al Green.
Central BBQ is located next to the Civil Rights Museum if you happen to visit around lunch or dinner. 10. Blues Hall Of Fame Museum. Take a walk through Blues history at the Blues Hall of Fame Museum. The museum features 400+ members of the Blues Hall of Fame, showcasing their accomplishments and memorabilia.
History Museums. Explore Memphis' past at these Tennessee history museums — and while you're on a history kick, be sure to visit the historic Victorian homes along Millionaire's Row.. National Civil Rights Museum. Located at the Lorraine Motel, where Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was assassinated, the National Civil Rights Museum covers 400 years of civil and human rights history, from ...
Prepare for Your Visit. We're so lucky to have our beautiful campus located in Memphis—a city with a rich history, fantastic food, an amazing community and ample opportunities! We can't wait for you to visit. Located in Midtown, we are close to Binghampton, Cooper Young, Downtown, and East Memphis. Get to know the city we love by exploring ...
For more information, visit The University of Memphis Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action. Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 protects people from discrimination based on sex in education programs or activities which receive Federal financial assistance. Title IX states: "No person in the United States shall, on the basis of sex ...
Why you must visit Tennessee. Great Smoky Mountains National Park and Lookout Mountain.Vibrant big cities and charming small towns. Country music in Nashville and the blues in Memphis. Tennessee ...
4. Make your way to Midtown. Performing arts take center stage in Midtown, where a cluster of theaters host exciting productions year-round. Take in a show at the Hattiloo Theatre, the only freestanding Black repertory theater in the region.Cozy up to a live performance at historic Playhouse on the Square or marvel at the movements of Ballet Memphis.
The Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Program in the College of Liberal Arts at the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities provides educational programming that fosters students' engagement with and understanding of the complex issues of power, privilege, and social justice. To learn more about the program, visit the MLK Program's about page.