Academic Programs
Departments
The UT College of Engineering is comprised of seven departments on the Knoxville campus and oversees the University of Tennessee Space Institute (UTSI) in Tullahoma, Tenn.
Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering
Chemical engineering deals with the development, design, operation and management of plants and processes for economical, safe conversion of chemical raw materials to use fuel products. Biomolecular engineering encompasses system biology, protein engineering, and personalized and nano medicine. The department also offers a program of study in sustainable energy, which includes biofuels, photovoltaics and fuel cells.
Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering
Civil engineering is concerned with designing the infrastructure of a society. This encompasses construction, transportation, energy needs and the design and development of urban areas. Environmental engineering works to solve problems with pollution and waste disposal and managing and minimizing damage to communities from water and other natural sources.
Min H. Kao Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science
Electrical engineering deals with the application of physical laws governing charged particles. This field impacts many aspects of modern life, from miniature integrated circuits to power systems spanning international boundaries. Computer engineers work with digital processing of images and signals. The study of computer science emphasizes hardware, software and theory.
Department of Industrial and Information Engineering
Industrial and information engineering is concerned with the design of integrated systems involving people, materials, information, equipment and energy in order to achieve the most efficient function possible while still taking human factors into consideration.
Department of Materials Science and Engineering
Materials science and engineering is primarily involved with the search for basic knowledge of the internal structure and properties of materials. Developments in materials science and engineering are on the cutting edge of modern technology, as new and improved materials are critical to the development of advanced products.
Department of Mechanical, Aerospace and Biomedical Engineering
Mechanical engineering focuses on the development of mechanical and thermal-fluid science systems that emphasize energy conversion and fluid dynamics. Aerospace engineering involves the design, testing and manufacturing of aircraft and spacecraft. Biomedical engineering is concerned with the design, development and manufacturing of artificial extensions and implants to assist movement in the human body, such as knee joint replacements.
Department of Nuclear Engineering
Nuclear engineering focuses on the application of sub-atomic processes for the benefit of both humanity and the environment. Traditional nuclear engineering involves working with reactor system analysis, safety and design, as well as other factors involved with reactor operation. The department also offers a track in radiological engineering, which involves the design and safe use of radiation in industry and medicine.
The University of Tennessee Space Institute (UTSI)
UTSI is a graduate education and research institution located in Middle Tennessee adjacent to the U.S. Air Force Arnold Engineering Development Center. It was established in 1964 as part of the University of Tennessee and has become an internationally recognized institution for graduate study and research in engineering, physics, mathematics and aviation systems.
Multidisciplinary Programs
In addition to its traditional engineering degrees, the College of Engineering offers several innovative programs in conjunction with other colleges and departments.
Biosystems Engineering
Biosystems engineering uses engineering science and mathematics to address opportunities and problems in biological, environmental, ecological and agricultural systems. Biosystems engineering degrees are offered through a collaboration between the College of Engineering and the Department of Biosystems Engineering and Soil Science in the UT College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources.
MS-MBA Program
The College of Engineering has joined forces with the UT College of Business Administration to establish the innovative MS-MBA dual-degree program allowing students to simultaneously earn a Master of Business Administration and a Master of Science degree in one of several engineering disciplines.
Reliability and Maintainability Engineering (RME)
The Reliability and Maintainability Engineering academic program was developed to meet the needs of industry and government by providing formal undergraduate and graduate education in the RME area. Undergraduate students can receive a minor in RME, while graduate students can receive either a graduate certificate or M.S. degree.
Support Programs
The college has several unique programs designed to ensure the success of its students:
Distance Education Degrees and Certificates in Engineering
Distance Education (DE) provides motivated individuals with an opportunity to further their engineering education without having to attend instructional sessions in traditional classroom settings. The COE offers both conventional academic degree programs and graduate certificate programs through DE.
Engineering Advising Services (EAS)
The Engineering Advising Services Office provides academic program planning services to undergraduate students in the College of Engineering.
Engineering Diversity Programs
The COE has numerous programs in place designed to recruit, retain and graduate African-American, Hispanic American and Native American students. These noteworthy initiatives have enabled the college to build and sustain a very successful and nationally prominent diversity engineering program.
Engineering Fundamentals Division (EFD)
Freshman students admitted to the College of Engineering are automatically enrolled in one of the nation’s most innovative freshman engineering programs -- the Engineering Fundamentals Division -- a cutting edge, success-oriented approach to first-year engineering education The EFD’s curriculum is built around teaming students for project-oriented, hands-on activities.
Engineering Honors Program
In association with the university-wide Chancellor's Honors Program, the College of Engineering Honors Program provides an opportunity for academically qualified students to experience a more challenging preparation for their chosen engineering discipline.
International Opportunities
The college works with several organizations, both on and off campus, to enable interested students to participate in significant engineering experiences abroad. Students who want to pursue an international engineering assignment should begin developing plans during their freshman year. The Office of Professional Practice offers international internship assignments, and has already sent students to postings in England and China.
Office of Professional Practice (OPP)
Since 1926, the OPP has provided income-generating opportunities for thousands of COE students to experience real-world engineering challenges through cooperative education (co-op) and internship programs. Both programs offer structured learning environments where students develop increasing responsibilities by holding full-time, paid positions in a professional setting related to their academic and career goals.