Undergrad Studies
The state of Tennessee is experiencing significant growth in manufacturing, automotive, aerospace, and energy sectors, increasing the demand for skilled professionals with relevant experience ready to contribute from day one. Our department is committed to training the future engineers needed to meet the needs of this growing sector in our workforce.
Through experiential learning, our students will be knowledgeable in engineering principles and adept at applying them to solve industry challenges. While studying on Rocky Top, our students will have the chance to work inside state-of-the-art laboratories, be a part of collaborative projects that work directly with our industry partners, and engage in real-world work experiences with leading companies in their fields. As part of the curriculum, our students will participate in internships, co-ops, and senior design projects, making connections with industry leaders and giving them a chance to contribute on day one.
Why Study Applied Engineering?
Majoring in applied engineering gives you the chance to build things, solve real-world problems, and start your career with practical industry experience. Our students get hands-on training with the same industrial equipment, software, and systems used by leading companies today.
Our students graduate with real experience that translates directly to the workforce through practical skills like:
- programming robots
- designing aerospace structures
- developing software solutions and infrastructure
In our classrooms, you won’t just learn about engineering; you’ll do engineering. Our curriculum builds the skills and confidence you’ll need to make immediate contributions in your future career.
Concentrations
Our program offers four concentrations, allowing you to select one that aligns with your passion and positioning you for immediate career success. Our curricula are designed around the real skills industries are actively hiring for right now, from advanced manufacturing and automation to cutting-edge software development and aerospace innovation.
These concentrations in high-demand fields allow you to graduate with the specialized knowledge and hands-on experience that make you an essential asset to employers. Whether you’re drawn to building, innovating, or creating, our programs gives you the practical skills needed to advance technology and solve the challenges shaping the future of engineering.
The concentrations for our bachelor’s in applied engineering reflect the changing needs of industry in the state of Tennessee. The selections currently include:
Certificates
As part of the applied engineering program or as a standalone coursework, students can work toward a certificate in energy policy. As part of the program, you will learn more about energy market, the economics of climate change, U.S. energy policy, and the role of technology in facilitating the energy transition.
Reliability and Maintainability Minor
The applied engineering program incorporates a minor in reliability and maintainability engineering to equip students with the ability to identify, manage, and eliminate failures leading to losses in system function management systems. As part of the curriculum, students have the option to pursue industry-recognized certifications, such as AutoCAD, Lean Six Sigma, and PMP.
