University of Tennessee launches new degree in civic and constitutional thought

Behind the curtain: The program was an outcropping of UT's Institute of American Civics, which state lawmakers established in 2022 with broad bipartisan support.

What they're saying: Josh Dunn, executive director of the institute, tells Axios he wants students pursuing the new bachelor's degree to emerge "prepared for a range of professional endeavors."

• "We are trying to create thoughtful citizens who will go on to be civic leaders regardless of their profession."

The bottom line: The new degree won approval from UT's board this week, a stroke of lucky timing as the July 4 weekend approaches.

• It will launch in the fall.