Memphis University Class Sizes: How Many Students?

The University of Memphis is a large public research university in Memphis, Tennessee, with a total undergraduate enrollment of 16,771 students as of Fall 2023. The university offers a wide range of academic programs and extracurricular activities, with over 50 majors to choose from and more than 200 campus organizations. While the university does not publicly disclose the average class size, it maintains a student-faculty ratio of approximately 17:1, suggesting that class sizes are relatively small. The university is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) and is classified as a Doctoral University with Very High Research Activity.

Undergraduate enrollment

The University of Memphis is a large public research university in Memphis, Tennessee. Founded in 1912, the university has an enrollment of more than 22,000 students, including 16,771 undergraduate students as of Fall 2023. This makes it the second-largest university in Tennessee.

The gender distribution of undergraduate students is 39.9% male and 60.1% female. The acceptance rate for the University of Memphis is 95%. The university offers a wide range of undergraduate programs, with over 50 majors to choose from. Popular majors include Kinesiology and Exercise Science, Liberal Arts and Humanities, and Nursing. The university also offers graduate programs, with master's students able to study more than 50 subjects.

The University of Memphis has a rich history, having been established as West Tennessee State Normal School in 1912. It has undergone several name changes over the years, reflecting its expansion and evolution. The university is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) and is classified among "R1: Doctoral Universities – Very High research activity".

The campus size is 1,600 acres, and the university offers various housing options for its students. 20% of students live in college-owned, -operated, or -affiliated housing, while 80% live off-campus. The university provides apartments for single and married students, as well as special housing for disabled students.

The University of Memphis is committed to providing a well-rounded education and encourages student engagement through various organizations and sports teams. Outside the classroom, students can join over 200 campus organizations, including about 25 fraternities and sororities, and play for many recreational sports teams. The Memphis Tigers varsity sports teams compete in the NCAA Division I American Athletic Conference.

The University of Memphis offers a vibrant and diverse educational experience, providing students with numerous opportunities for personal and academic growth.

Student demographics

The University of Memphis is a large public research university in Memphis, Tennessee, with an enrollment of over 20,000 students. The student body is predominantly female, with women making up 60% of the full-time undergraduate population and 62% of full-time graduate students. The racial demographics of the university include a large population of Black or African American students, as well as Native Hawaiian or Pacific Islander students. The university has a below-average level of racial-ethnic diversity, with 48% of the student body belonging to racial-ethnic minorities.

In terms of age diversity, the University of Memphis has a high score, with 41.06% of students falling into the traditional college age range of 18-21. This is lower than the national average of 60%. The university also has a high level of student age diversity, attracting students of all ages.

Geographically, the University of Memphis has an average diversity score. 15.08% of students come from out of state, and 1.39% are international, representing 83 countries. The majority of international students come from India, Saudi Arabia, and China.

The University of Memphis offers a wide range of academic programs, with 17 bachelor's degrees, 54 master's degrees, 26 doctoral degrees, and an Education Specialist degree in two areas. The university is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) to award degrees at all levels, including certificates and diplomas.

Campus housing

The University of Memphis offers a range of housing options for its students, with the main campus providing eight different communities to choose from. These include dedicated Graduate and Student Family Housing for married students or those with families, as well as international student housing. The University of Memphis also has an on-campus residence hall at its Lambuth campus.

The University of Memphis offers both traditional-style residence halls and apartment-style living, with a variety of floor plans available. Living on campus is more affordable than living off-campus and has many built-in advantages. Students have 24-hour access to computers and high-speed internet, and residence halls are located close to campus amenities and classrooms, allowing students to get more sleep!

Living on campus is a great way to meet people and make friends, and it provides an inclusive residential experience through communities and programs designed for today's college student. The University of Memphis strives to help students succeed by providing diverse and innovative living and learning environments.

Living Learning Communities are specialized programs that enhance the residential experience by offering support from faculty and integrated resources from sponsoring departments. Members of these communities benefit from frequent interaction with faculty and develop strong relationships with fellow students.

The University of Memphis also provides a list of essential items that students should bring to their residence halls, such as extra-long twin-size bed sheets, towels, and a power strip. They also specify items that should be left at home, such as hot plates, grills, and alcohol paraphernalia.

Overall, the University of Memphis offers a variety of campus housing options to meet the diverse needs of its student body, creating a supportive and inclusive environment that fosters academic success and social connections.

Student life

The University of Memphis, located in Memphis, Tennessee, offers its students a vibrant and diverse campus life. With a total undergraduate enrollment of over 16,000 students as of Fall 2023, the university provides a range of academic programs, extracurricular activities, and social opportunities.

Housing and Residence

The University of Memphis offers a mix of on-campus and off-campus housing options. 20% of students live in college-owned, operated, or affiliated housing, while 80% choose to live off-campus. The university provides various types of campus housing, including apartments for single students, married students, and specialized housing for students with disabilities.

Dining and Social Scene

The university's dining facilities receive high ratings from students, with 67% expressing satisfaction. On-campus dining options include popular franchises like Starbucks, Subway, and Burger King. The social atmosphere on campus is influenced by Greek life, with over 20 social Greek letter organizations present. However, only about 6% of undergraduate men and 8% of undergraduate women are actively involved in the Greek system. The university also offers a variety of clubs and organizations, catering to different interests and providing opportunities for students to connect and engage socially.

Campus Safety and Security

The University of Memphis prioritizes campus safety and security. According to student reviews, 62% of students feel extremely safe and secure on campus. The presence of campus police is noted, with students commenting on their willingness to assist and support the student body.

Athletics and Varsity Sports

The University of Memphis is part of the NCAA I and offers a range of varsity sports for both men and women, including basketball, football, soccer, tennis, and track and field. Varsity sports are an integral part of campus life, with many students actively participating or supporting their teams.

Diversity and Inclusion

The student body at the University of Memphis is diverse, with 60% of students reporting that the campus is very diverse in terms of race, ethnicity, and cultural background. The university also has a significant international student population, with 53% of students agreeing that the campus is very diverse in this regard.

Student Newspaper and Media

The student-run newspaper, "The Daily Helmsman," has a rich history on campus, dating back to its early days as "The Tiger Rag" in 1931. The publication has won several awards over the years and is a valued part of student life, providing a platform for student expression and campus updates.

Overall, the University of Memphis offers a well-rounded and engaging student life, providing academic support, extracurricular involvement, and a vibrant social scene to enhance the overall college experience.

Majors and courses

The University of Memphis offers a wide range of majors and courses across its various colleges and schools. Here is a detailed overview:

College of Arts and Sciences

The College of Arts and Sciences offers a diverse range of programs, including:

• Journalism and Strategic Media
• African and African American Studies
• American Sign Language and Deaf Studies
• Anthropology
• Art with various concentrations such as Art Education, Fashion Design, Photography, and Studio Arts
• Chemistry with concentrations in Biochemistry, General Chemistry, and Chemistry
• Communication with a Communication Studies concentration
• Computer Science with concentrations in Artificial Intelligence, Cybersecurity, Data Science, and General Computer Science
• Criminology and Criminal Justice
• Earth Sciences
• Economics
• Film and Video Production
• Mathematics with concentrations in Data Science, Statistics, and a Second Major option
• Music with concentrations in Composition, Jazz, Music Education, Music History, Performance, and Commercial Music Performance
• Philosophy
• Physics with concentrations in Astronomy, General Physics, Materials Science, and Physics for Medical Sciences
• Political Science
• Psychology
• Sociology
• World Languages and Literatures

College of Communication and Fine Arts

This college offers programs that foster creativity and expression, including:

• Advertising
• Architecture
• Art with concentrations in Global Art Histories, Graphic Design, and Visual Arts
• Communication with a Broadcast Journalism concentration
• Film and Video Production
• Journalism with concentrations in Creative Mass Media and Sports Media
• Public Relations with a Strategic Social Media concentration
• Theatre with concentrations in Dance, Design and Technical Production, Musical Theatre, and Performance

College of Education

The College of Education is dedicated to training future educators and offers programs such as:

• Human Development and Learning
• Integrative Studies with concentrations in Educational Careers, Secondary Math, and Youth Development
• Physical Education Teacher Education with School and Sport Coaching concentrations
• Teaching All Learners, which leads to Elementary and Special Education licensure

Fogelman College of Business and Economics

Future business leaders and economists can pursue majors such as:

• Accounting
• Advertising
• Business Economics, including a Financial Economics concentration
• Business Information and Technology
• Finance, including a Real Estate concentration
• Human Resource Management
• International Business
• Management, including an Entrepreneurship concentration
• Marketing
• Supply Chain Management

Herff College of Engineering

The Herff College of Engineering offers a range of engineering programs:

• Biomedical Engineering
• Civil Engineering
• Computer Engineering
• Electrical Engineering
• Engineering Technology
• Mechanical Engineering

College of Professional and Liberal Studies

This college offers a diverse range of programs catering to various interests and careers:

• African American Literature
• Alcohol and Drug Abuse Services
• American Sign Language and Deaf Studies
• Apparel and Accessory Merchandising
• Area Studies (International Studies)
• Asian Studies and International Trade
• Banking and Financial Services
• Behavioral Neuroscience
• Child Life Specialist
• Community Action and Social Change
• Computer Engineering
• Construction Engineering
• Criminology and Criminal Justice
• Design and Technical Production
• Disability Studies and Rehabilitation
• Early Care and Learning Administration
• Early Care and Learning
• Early Intervention Specialist
• Emergency Management
• English as a Second Language
• Environmental Engineering
• Environmental Studies
• Exercise, Sport, and Movement Sciences
• Global Processes (International Studies)
• Healthcare Leadership
• Hospitality and Resort Management
• Information Technology
• Instruction and Curriculum
• International Business
• International Organizational Leadership
• International Studies
• Jazz and Studio Composing/Arranging
• Journalism and Strategic Media
• Law Enforcement Administration
• Legal Thought and Liberal Arts
• Management Information Systems
• Manufacturing Technology Management
• Marketing Management
• Mathematical Sciences
• Merchandising - Home Furnishings
• Middle Grades Licensure
• Music & Entertainment (Lambuth Campus Only)
• Nonprofit Development and Administration
• Nonprofit Management
• Organizational Leadership
• Performance (Theatre)
• Professional Studies
• Public and Nonprofit Administration
• Recording Technology
• Risk Management and Insurance
• Nutrition, Health & Wellness
• Society Services Non Licensure
• Sport and Leisure Management
• Structural Engineering
• Supply Chain Management
• Teaching All Learners
• Technology Management Services
• Transportation Engineering
• Women's and Gender Studies

Loewenberg College of Nursing

The Loewenberg College of Nursing prepares students for a career in nursing, offering a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree.

School of Communication Sciences and Disorders

This school offers programs related to communication disorders, such as:

• Journalism and Strategic Media
• Speech-Language Pathology
• Audiology

School of Public Health

The School of Public Health addresses public health issues and offers a Bachelor of Science in Public Health degree.

Rudi E. Scheidt School of Music

The Rudi E. Scheidt School of Music provides musical education and offers a range of music-related programs, as mentioned earlier.

Helen Hardin Honors College

The Helen Hardin Honors College likely offers enhanced or specialized versions of the majors available at the university, providing a more rigorous academic experience for high-achieving students.

Frequently asked questions