Situated in the Southeastern United States, the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga (UTC) is a metropolitan institution known for its outstanding undergraduate and graduate academic programs. Its scholarly and creative achievements, diversity and inclusiveness, and critical partnerships provide solutions with industry and government organizations to challenging problems of global concerns, through the institution’s commitment to achieving excellence in teaching, research, and service.
Located in Southeast Tennessee along the Tennessee River, the city of Chattanooga is surrounded by Signal Mountain to its north, Lookout Mountain to its south, Racoon Mountain to its west, and Missionary Ridge to its east. For its beauty, Chattanooga is known as the Scenic City and rated one of the best mid-size cities for people to live in the country.
The university was established in 1886 as a private school, staying private until 1969 when it became part of the University of Tennessee system and was renamed the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga in 1969. Home of the Mocs, it offers over 800 undergraduate and master’s degree and Ph.D. programs with over 11,000 students from across the U.S. and the world.
The College of Engineering and Computer Science (CECS) at UTC is highly recognized for its education and training in engineering, management, and computer science. The college, first envisioned by Drs. Lynn Russell, Terry Carney, Bob Wynn, and Ron Cox, came into existence in 1969, with the support of community leaders and elected officials. Initially, the primary focus of the program was industrial manufacturing, which turned out to be a strong economic driver in the Tennessee Valley Corridor. The name of the college changed in 1977 when the engineering and computer science departments joined forces.
CECS aims to discover new knowledge while engaging with communities through scholarships, service with leadership, distinction, and economic development. The college focuses on cultivating excellence in teaching and learning, enhancing research capabilities, and enriching student experience.
“We are dedicated to meeting the diverse needs of the region through strategic partnerships and community involvement,” said Dr. Daniel J. Pack, Dean of College of Engineering and Computer Science at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga.
Extensive Approach to Technical Education
The college was founded to train and educate the future technical workforce. In a little over 40 years of its existence, CECS has produced over 5,000 engineers, engineering managers, computer scientists, and technologists. Presently, it enrolls over 1,600 undergraduate and graduate students in 13 disciplinary-specific programs. The college currently offers fully accredited degrees in seven undergraduate programs (one new program is to be reviewed for accreditation this year), four master’s degrees, and Ph.D. degrees.
