If you’re looking for the best engineering schools in Tennessee, look no further. In this article, we discuss them in detail and provide Tennessee engineering school rankings. We’ve also included separate lists of the best engineering schools in Tennessee specifically for associate, bachelor’s, master’s, and PhD programs.
This article also contains information about the best engineering jobs you can get with an engineering degree, in addition to advice for choosing the right school for your engineering education.
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How to Choose a Good Engineering School in Tennessee
To choose the best engineering school in Tennessee, consider essential factors that will help set you up for success, such as the school’s location and its career services, plus the cost, format, and specialization options of the programs offered.
Campus Location
The location of the campus of your chosen school is important because you will have to go there often for classes, seminars, exams, and meetings. You also might choose to participate in extracurricular activities, which means more trips to campus.
Cost
You will have to pay not only for your tuition but also for fees and books and other course materials, so be sure to sufficiently research all costs associated with your degree to make sure that you can afford them. Opportunities for financial aid in the form of scholarships, grants, and loans can help reduce the financial burden.
Format
You may be required to work or fulfill other responsibilities while pursuing your degree, so you need a flexible schedule. Many engineering schools in Tennessee have part-time and online options for your degree in engineering.
Specialization Options
If you plan on specializing in a particular area of engineering, it is crucial to make sure that the engineering school offers it via a degree program, or is able to accommodate your educational needs in another way. Supporting resources, like engineering student organizations, clubs, labs, and research facilities, can also be critical to your success.
Career Services
Career services often prove invaluable. Schools offer these services to engineering students to help them secure employment in the engineering industry. They do this by providing internship opportunities, job boards, interview preparation, resume writing tips, portfolio building, and more.
Tennessee Engineering School Rankings: What Schools Have the Best Engineering Programs in Tennessee?
Tennessee Engineering Schools Ranking Methodology: How We Ranked the Best Engineering Schools in Tennessee
To rank the best engineering schools in Tennessee, we used US News & World Report’s breakdown of the best engineering programs as a guide. We also took into consideration the subject-specific rankings conducted by Times Higher Education, as well as factors such as graduation rate, acceptance rate, and affordability.
Best Engineering Schools in Tennessee Explained
The best engineering schools in Tennessee are a mix of private and public universities with multiple options for engineering degree programs. Most of them offer bachelor’s, master’s, and PhD degrees in engineering, and some offer online programs too. Let’s take a closer look at each of them below.
Vanderbilt University was founded in 1873 and today provides students with higher education in a wide variety of fields resulting in bachelor’s, master’s, and PhD degrees. Many of Vanderbilt’s engineering programs are accredited by the Accreditation Board of Engineering and Technology.
Vanderbilt University Overview
- School Type: Private
- Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges
- Acceptance Rate: 12%
- Graduation Rate: 93%
- US News National Ranking: #14
- Times Higher Education Ranking: #113
Vanderbilt University Engineering Overview
- Engineering Degrees Offered: Bachelor’s, Master’s, PhD
- GRE Requirements for Engineering Grad Students: Not required
- Engineering Undergraduate Tuition: $2,422/credit (in state); $2,422/credit (out of state)
- Engineering Graduate Tuition: $2,215/credit (in state); $2,215/credit (out of state)
- Engineering Acceptance Rate: N/A
- US News Engineering National Ranking: #36
- Times Higher Education Engineering World Ranking: #151-175
Best Vanderbilt University Engineering Programs
- Bachelor of Science in Biomedical Engineering. This BS in Biomedical Engineering requires 127 credits, is not available online, and will take four years to complete.
- Bachelor of Engineering in Civil Engineering. This BE in Civil Engineering requires 125 credits, can only be done on campus and can be completed in four years.
- Master of Science in Civil Engineering. This MS in Civil Engineering requires 30 credit hours and can be completed within two years. This program is not available online.
- Master of Engineering in Risk, Reliability, and Resilience. This ME in Risk, Reliability, and Resilience is worth 30 credit hours, takes about two years to complete, and cannot be done online.
- PhD in Chemical Engineering. This PhD in Chemical Engineering will take between four and six years to complete, requires 72 credit hours, and is not available online.
Originally founded in 1794 as Blount College, The University of Tennessee recently had 31,701 students enrolled. With 11 colleges, the school provides over 900 programs of study in the form of degrees and certificates. The Tickle College of Engineering houses the university’s engineering programs.
The University of Tennessee-Knoxville Overview
- School Type: Public
- Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges
- Acceptance Rate: 78%
- Graduation Rate: 71%
- US News National Ranking: #103
- Times Higher Education Ranking: #301-350
The University of Tennessee-Knoxville Engineering Overview
- Engineering Degrees Offered: Bachelor’s, Master’s, PhD
- GRE Requirements for Engineering Grad Students: Not Required
- Engineering Undergraduate Tuition: $378/credit (in state); $1,137/credit (out of state)
- Engineering Graduate Tuition: $639/credit (in state); $1,650/credit (out of state)
- Engineering Acceptance Rate: N/A
- US News Engineering National Ranking: #103
- Times Higher Education Engineering World Ranking: #301-350
Best University of Tennessee-Knoxville Engineering Programs
- BS in Electrical Engineering. This engineering program requires the completion of 126 credits, takes four years to complete, and is not available for online learning, only on campus.
- BS in Electrical Engineering: Power and Energy Systems. For this BS in Electrical Engineering, you will complete 127 credit hours on campus as it is not available online, and it takes four years to complete.
- MS in Electrical Engineering. This MS in Electrical Engineering program, which is not available online, requires 30 credit hours whether you opt for the thesis or project option. It usually takes two years to complete.
- PhD in Electrical Engineering. Acquiring this PhD in Electrical Engineering requires 72 credit hours. The program is available on campus and takes a maximum of six years to complete.
- Dual MS-MBA Program: Electrical Engineering and Business Administration. This dual MS in Electrical Engineering and Master’s in Business Administration requires 60 or 63 credits and can only be done on campus. Students have up to six years to complete the program.
Tennessee Technological University recently had almost 10,000 students enrolled and offers a student-to-faculty rate of 18:1. The university’s Angelo & Jennette Volpe Library has more than 600,000 books for students to access and is a Federal Depository for publications of the US government.
Tennessee Tech University Overview
- School Type: Public
- Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges
- Acceptance Rate: 80%
- Graduation Rate: 58%
- US News National Ranking: #277
- Times Higher Education Ranking: Unranked
Tennessee Tech University Engineering Overview
- Engineering Degrees Offered: Bachelor’s, Master’s, PhD
- GRE Requirements for Engineering Grad Students: Quantitative minimum of 150; Verbal minimum of 147; Analytical Writing minimum of 3.5
- Engineering Undergraduate Tuition: $325/credit (in state); $465/credit (out of state)
- Engineering Graduate Tuition: $524/credit (in state); $664/credit (out of state)
- Engineering Acceptance Rate: N/A
- US News Engineering National Ranking: #162
- Times Higher Education Engineering World Ranking: Unranked
Best Tennessee Tech University Engineering Programs
- Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering: Mechatronics. This BS in Electrical Engineering with a mechatronics concentration requires 128 credit hours and can only be done on campus. It takes four years to complete.
- Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering: Vehicle Engineering. A total of 127 credit hours is required for this degree. It usually takes four years to complete and is not available online.
- Master of Science in Chemical Engineering. This MS in Chemical Engineering requires 30 credit hours, takes two years to complete, and can only be done on campus.
- Master of Science in Engineering Management. This MS in Engineering Management program is 100 percent online and requires 33 credit hours, which may be completed within three years.
- PhD in Engineering: Civil Engineering. This PhD in Engineering program requires 48 credits, must be completed within eight years, and can be completed on campus only.
University of Memphis was established in 1912. Today it has over 21,000 students enrolled in its higher education programs. The university provides 17 bachelor’s degrees in more than 250 areas of study, plus master’s degrees, graduate certificates, and PhD degrees in various subjects and disciplines.
The University of Memphis Overview
- School Type: Public
- Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges
- Acceptance Rate: 85%
- Graduation Rate: 50%
- US News National Ranking: #249
- Times Higher Education Ranking: #800-1,000
The University of Memphis Engineering Overview
- Engineering Degrees Offered: Bachelor’s, Master’s, PhD
- GRE Requirements for Engineering Grad Students: Minimum 145 (verbal) and 141 (quantitative)
- Engineering Undergraduate Tuition: $348/credit (in state); $516/credit (out of state)
- Engineering Graduate Tuition: $521/credit (in state); $723/credit (out of state)
- Engineering Acceptance Rate: N/A
- US News Engineering National Ranking: #183
- Times Higher Education Engineering World Ranking: #801-1,000
Best University of Memphis Engineering Programs
- Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering. This BS degree in engineering requires 128 credit hours and four years of study to graduate. Some of the courses are online while others are on campus, making it a hybrid program.
- Bachelor of Science in Engineering Technology. This BS in Engineering Technology is also a hybrid program, with both online and on-campus courses. It requires between 123 and 125 credits to graduate.
- Master of Science in Biomedical Engineering. This MS program in engineering technology requires 33 credits to graduate and must be completed within eight years.
- Master of Science in Mechanical Engineering. This MS in Mechanical Engineering requires the completion of 30 credit hours within a maximum of eight years. It is not available for online learning.
- Phd in Electrical Engineering. This PhD program, offered through the college of engineering, requires 72 credit hours completed within 12 consecutive years.
Tracing its roots back to 1912, Tennessee State University has two campuses located in Nashville. The university has a 12:1 student-to-faculty ratio and offers 77 majors for undergraduates and graduates.
Tennessee State University Overview
- School Type: Public
- Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges
- Acceptance Rate: 100%
- Graduation Rate: 41%
- US News National Ranking: #299-391
- Times Higher Education Ranking: Unranked
Tennessee State University Engineering Overview
- Engineering Degrees Offered: Bachelor’s, Master’s, PhD
- GRE Requirements for Engineering Grad Students: Program specific
- Engineering Undergraduate Tuition: $358/credit (in state); $888/credit (out of state)
- Engineering Graduate Tuition: $533/credit (in state); $1,115/credit (out of state)
- Engineering Acceptance Rate: N/A
- US News Engineering National Ranking: #195-210
- Times Higher Education Engineering World Ranking: Unranked
Best Tennessee State University Engineering Programs
- Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering. Engineering students must complete a total of 128 credit hours for this undergraduate program, which takes four years to complete. It can only be done on campus.
- Bachelor of Science in Architectural Engineering. Complete this 128-credit architectural engineering program on campus within four years. It is not available online.
- Master of Engineering in Civil Engineering. This graduate program is worth 33 credits, may be completed within two years, and is not available for distance learning.
- Master of Engineering in Environmental Engineering. This ME in Environmental Engineering through TSU’s college of engineering is worth 33 credit hours, takes around two years to complete, and is available on campus.
- PhD in Engineering and Computational Sciences. This PhD in Engineering and Computational Sciences program requires 72 credit hours and can only be completed on campus.
Tracing its roots back to 1891, Lipscomb University is a Christian school educating students in various areas of study. Today it has four campuses, one of which is in Austin, Texas. The university has over 170 undergraduate areas of study and more than 60 graduate programs, including many online programs.
Lipscomb University Overview
- School Type: Private
- Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges
- Acceptance Rate: 62%
- Graduation Rate: 63%
- US News National Ranking: #213
- Times Higher Education Ranking: Unranked
Lipscomb University Engineering Overview
- Engineering Degrees Offered: Bachelor’s, Master’s
- GRE Requirements for Engineering Grad Students: Program specific
- Engineering Undergraduate Tuition: $18,576/semester
- Engineering Graduate Tuition: Approximately $1,091/credit
- Engineering Acceptance Rate: N/A
- US News Engineering National Ranking: Unranked
- Times Higher Education Engineering World Ranking: Unranked
Best Lipscomb University Engineering Programs
- Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering. This civil engineering Bachelor of Science degree requires 138 credits, must be completed on campus, and takes about four years to complete.
- Bachelor of Science in Electrical and Computer Engineering. There are 132 credits required for this bachelor’s degree program, which usually takes four years to complete. It is only available for on-campus learning.
- Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering. Undergraduate students must complete 132 credit hours on campus for this BS in Mechanical Engineering.
- Master of Management in Engineering. This engineering graduate degree program requires 30 credit hours on campus, and students have up to five years to complete it.
- Master of Management in Engineering: Sustainability. This on-campus MM in Engineering with a sustainability concentration requires 36 credit hours and must be completed within five years.
East Tennessee State University has been educating students since 1911 and today has more than 14,500 students enrolled at its three campuses. The school has 54 high-tech smart classrooms located throughout the Main Campus and off-campus locations.
East Tennessee State University Overview
- School Type: Public
- Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges
- Acceptance Rate: 78%
- Graduation Rate: 51%
- US News National Ranking: #288
- Times Higher Education Ranking: Unranked
East Tennessee State University Engineering Overview
- Engineering Degrees Offered: Bachelor’s, Master’s
- GRE Requirements for Engineering Grad Students: Required
- Engineering Undergraduate Tuition: $307/credit (in state); $434/credit (out of state)
- Engineering Graduate Tuition: $488/credit (in state); $1,329/credit (out of state)
- Engineering Acceptance Rate: N/A
- US News Engineering National Ranking: Unranked
- Times Higher Education Engineering World Ranking: Unranked
Best East Tennessee State University Engineering Programs
- Bachelor of Science in Engineering. This engineering bachelor’s degree requires 128 credits and is offered via a partnership with Tennessee Tech University. It takes four years to complete and can be done on campus or online.
- Bachelor of Science in Engineering Technology: Biomedical Engineering Technology. This BS in Engineering Technology with a concentration in biomedical technology consists of 128 credits, takes four years to complete, and is available both online and on campus.
- Bachelor of Science in Engineering Technology: Industrial Technology. This undergraduate engineering program is worth 120 credits and takes four years to complete through ETSU’s college of engineering, whether on campus or online.
- Master of Science in Engineering Technology. This MS in Engineering Technology is worth between 40 and 42 credits, and you have up to six years to graduate. You can complete this program on campus or online.
Christian Brothers University traces its roots back to 1871 and recently had an enrollment of 1,746 students. Its college of engineering offers various engineering degree programs for undergraduates and two degree programs for graduate students. The university follows the Lasallian tradition as an apostolic ministry of the Catholic Church.
Christian Brothers University Overview
- School Type: Private
- Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges
- Acceptance Rate: 50%
- Graduation Rate: 52%
- US News National Ranking: Unranked
- Times Higher Education Ranking: Unranked
Christian Brothers University Engineering Overview
- Engineering Degrees Offered: Bachelor’s, Master’s
- GRE Requirements for Engineering Grad Students: Not required
- Engineering Undergraduate Tuition: $17,760/semester (in state); $17,760/semester (out of state)
- Engineering Graduate Tuition: $630/credit (in state); $630/credit (out of state)
- Engineering Acceptance Rate: N/A
- US News Engineering National Ranking: Unranked
- Times Higher Education Engineering World Ranking: Unranked
Best Christian Brothers University Engineering Programs
- Bachelor of Science in Engineering Management. This engineering management BS degree program provided by the Herff College of Engineering requires 122 credit hours and is available for both on-campus and online learning.
- Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering. Engineering students in this BS in Chemical Engineering program must complete 131 credits either on campus or online.
- Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering: Biochemical. There are 131 credits to be completed for this bachelor’s degree with a biochemical concentration. The program is available on campus and online.
- Accelerated Bachelor of Science and Master of Science in Engineering Management. This combined five-year program requires 155 credits. You can complete them on campus or online.
- Master of Science in Engineering Management. The Master of Science in Engineering Management program requires 33 credits and can only be done on campus.
Austin Peay State University started educating higher-education-seekers in 1927. The school is located in Clarksville, a mid-sized city, and provides more than 50 bachelor’s and 20 master’s degree programs with an average class size of 18 students. In addition to its main campus in Clarksville, APSU also has a campus in Fort Campbell and offers online programs.
Austin Peay State University Overview
- School Type: Public
- Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges
- Acceptance Rate: 91%
- Graduation Rate: 42%
- US News National Ranking: Unranked
- Times Higher Education Ranking: Unranked
Austin Peay State University Engineering Overview
- Engineering Degrees Offered: Associate, Bachelor’s
- GRE Requirements for Engineering Grad Students: N/A
- Engineering Undergraduate Tuition: $284/credit (in state); $515/credit (out of state)
- Engineering Graduate Tuition: N/A
- Engineering Acceptance Rate: N/A
- US News Engineering National Ranking: Unranked
- Times Higher Education Engineering World Ranking: Unranked
Best Austin Peay State University Engineering Programs
- Associate of Applied Science in Engineering Technology: Electronics. This AAS degree requires engineering students to complete 63 credit hours, takes two years to complete, and can only be done at the Fort Campbell campus.
- Associate of Applied Science in Engineering Technology: Mechatronics Engineering Technology. Engineering students must complete 62 credits within two years. The program is only available on the Clarksville campus.
- Bachelor of Science in Engineering Physics. This engineering physics bachelor’s degree program will take about four years to complete and requires 120 credits. It can only be completed on the Clarksville campus.
- Bachelor of Science in Engineering Technology: Mechatronics Engineering Technology. This BS program is only available for on-campus study at the Clarksville campus. Engineering students must complete 120 credits to earn the degree.
Middle Tennessee State University was founded in 1911, offering a two-year program for training teachers. Today, the university provides over 300 undergraduate and graduate degree options for students. It offers a rich social life for on-campus students with a wider variety of events, recreational activities, and more.
Middle Tennessee State University Overview
- School Type: Public
- Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges
- Acceptance Rate: 94%
- Graduation Rate: 49%
- US News National Ranking: #288
- Times Higher Education Ranking: Unranked
Middle Tennessee State University Engineering Overview
- Engineering Degrees Offered: Bachelor’s, Master’s
- GRE Requirements for Engineering Grad Students: Not required for most engineering programs
- Engineering Undergraduate Tuition: $306/credit (in state); $1,099/credit (out of state)
- Engineering Graduate Tuition: $522/credit (in state); $1,445/credit (out of state)
- Engineering Acceptance Rate: N/A
- US News Engineering National Ranking: Unranked
- Times Higher Education Engineering World Ranking: Unranked
Best Middle Tennessee State University Engineering Programs
- Bachelor of Science in Engineering Technology: Electromechanical Engineering Technology. This engineering technology bachelor’s degree requires 124 credits and usually takes four years to complete. It is not available for distance learning, only on campus.
- Bachelor of Science in Engineering Technology: Mechanical Engineering Technology. Engineering students must complete 124 credits for this degree and concentration, which must also be completed on campus.
- Master of Science in Engineering Technology. This MS in Engineering Technology is worth 30 to 36 credits, depending on the option you select. Graduate students must finish this degree within six years. It is not available online.
- Master of Science in Engineering Technology: Occupational Health and Safety. This MS degree program also requires between 30 and 36 credit hours and must be finished within six years. Applicants of the program typically have a GRE minimum quantitative score of 148 and a minimum verbal score of 143.
- Master of Science in Engineering Management: Professional Science. This MS in Engineering Management degree program requires 36 credits and must be completed within six years. A composite GRE score of 286 is strongly recommended for acceptance into the program. It is not available for online learning.
Best Undergraduate Engineering Schools in Tennessee
The best undergraduate engineering schools in Tennessee provide diverse areas of study for your Associate or Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering. Additionally, they provide excellent facilities, activities, events, clubs and organizations, internships, and research facilities that benefit your education. They also have various options for financial aid, scholarships, and grants.
Best Engineering Associate Degree Schools in Tennessee
- Southern Adventist University | Associate of Science in Engineering. This school states on its website that the average aid package granted to students in scholarships, grants, and loans is $22,700. This can certainly help to pay for your associate degree education.
- Chattanooga State Community College | Associate of Science in Engineering Technology. Chattanooga State Community College recently had one of its students and one of its programs recognized by the American Technical Education Association (ATEA) for “ATEA Outstanding Technical Student of the Year” and “Outstanding Technical Program by ATEA” respectively.
- Cleveland State Community College | Associate of Applied Science in Engineering Systems Technology. This school’s Advanced Technologies Institute allows select students to gain experience and get paid for their time. Students can work in various areas, including automotive, food processing, welding, heating and air, power production, refrigeration, electronics manufacturing, surveying, or robotics.
- Nashville State Community College | Associate of Applied Science in Electrical Engineering Technology. This program is accredited by the Association of Technology, Management, and Applied Engineering (ATMAE). Engineering students must complete at least 12 credit hours of technical courses.
- Pellissippi State Community College | Associate of Applied Science in Media Technologies: Audio Production Engineering. This program covers five avenues of audio production: recording, broadcast, sound design, live sound, and production management. Students learn the art of audio and production engineering in this program through acquired skills and knowledge.
Best Engineering Bachelor’s Degree Programs in Tennessee
- Vanderbilt University | Bachelor of Science in Biomedical Engineering. Ethan Lippmann, one of the school’s faculty, was recently awarded the inaugural $2.5 million Chan Zuckerberg Initiative grant for neurodegenerative disorders research. This is proof that engineering faculty are both instructing students and conducting innovative engineering research.
- University of Tennessee-Knoxville | Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering. The university is home to the Center for Ultra-wide-area Resilient Electric Energy Transmission Networks, an NSF Engineering Research Center. This provides students with opportunities for hands-on learning and for making a contribution to the field of electrical engineering.
- Tennessee Tech University | Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering. The school has seven departments within its College of Engineering, and three research centers, including the Hixson Student Success Center. There are 89 faculty and 46 staff to support engineering students.
- University of Memphis | Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering. The Herff College of Engineering has five academic departments, providing world-class research opportunities and real-world experience in research areas such as biomedical imaging and signal processing, nanotechnology, electric power, biomedical electronics, and advanced sensors.
- University of Tennessee-Chattanooga | Bachelor of Science in Engineering Technology Management. Engineering technology management students have stated that the school provides a comprehensive education via hands-on, real-world experience, and the program recently had a 100 percent employment rate for its graduates.
Best Online Associate Degrees
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Best Online Bachelor’s Degrees
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Best Graduate Schools for Engineering in Tennessee
Tennessee’s best graduate engineering schools provide various options for master’s and doctoral degrees, meaningful and challenging research activities, and excellent facilities and student organizations. Many have career services to help you land the engineering job of your dreams.
Best Schools for Master’s in Engineering in Tennessee
- Vanderbilt University | Master of Science in Risk, Reliability, and Resilience. The graduate engineering faculty is highly qualified, and the school has nine diverse research areas for students to pursue, including risk, reliability, and resilience.
- The University of Tennessee-Knoxville | Master of Science in Electrical Engineering. The Min H Kao Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science leads research in high-performance computing, power systems, machine learning, and cyber security. The university’s research expenditures amount to around $320 million per year.
- Tennessee State University | Master of Engineering: Civil Engineering. Tennessee State University’s college of engineering has more than 30 years of experience in research in critical areas of technology, including data fusion and analytics, cyber security, networking, materials, transportation, and mechatronics.
- Tennessee Technological University | Master of Science in Electrical and Computer Engineering. The faculty work closely with the National Science Foundation on various projects. They also collaborate with the Department of Defense and the Tennessee Valley Authority. Many also serve as leaders in professional societies such as The American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA), the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE), and Women in Cybersecurity (WiSyS), which Tennessee Tech founded.
- University of Memphis | Master of Science in Engineering Management. The Herff College of Engineering focuses on areas that make an impact on our immediate and global world, including healthcare improvements, clean drinking water, medical devices, electricity generation, smart grid technologies, and earthquake-safe structures. You can contribute as a student and make an impact.
Best PhD in Engineering Universities in Tennessee
- Vanderbilt University | PhD in Chemical Engineering. Vanderbilt’s School of Engineering graduate programs have a student-to-faculty ratio of 6:1, ideal for technical subjects such as chemical engineering. US News & World Report also ranked Vanderbilt as number 73 in its list of the Best Global Universities.
- The University of Tennessee-Knoxville | PhD in Electrical Engineering. The Tickle College of Engineering has seven research areas. It honors alumni who have made significant contributions to the engineering field in Tennessee through their professional careers and research activities with the prestigious Dougherty Award.
- Tennessee State University | PhD in Engineering and Computational Sciences. TSU is ranked number 46 on US News & World Report’s list of the Top Public Schools in America. The school has various research facilities to support graduate engineering students and a cyber security lab, mobile robots, routers, CAD/CAM workstations, and more.
- Tennessee Technological University | PhD in Engineering: Civil Engineering. This school has six areas of research for graduate engineering students to participate in, including acoustics and vibrations, dynamics and smart systems, robotics, and automation, among others.
- University of Memphis | Phd in Electrical Engineering. In keeping with the university’s culture of “driven by doing,” UofM provides not only hands-on learning but also various options for internal, external, and international funding for research.
Best Online Master’s Degrees
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Best Online PhD Programs
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Admission Requirements for Engineering Schools in Tennessee
The admission requirements for engineering schools in Tennessee are different for undergraduate and graduate students. Most have online applications and application fees that have to be completed and paid. The process also usually includes submitting documents such as transcripts for any previous education, one or more personal statement essays, and letters of recommendation.
You also might need to have a minimum GPA and minimum SAT, ACT, GRE, or GMAT scores. International students normally have to provide proof of their proficiency in English via a test.
Graduate students must already have a bachelor’s degree. Some schools also have placement tests to test students’ readiness for the desired degree program.
Engineering Schools in Tennessee: Undergraduate Admission Requirements
- Application form and application fee
- High school diploma or equivalent
- Official transcripts
- Minimum GPA
- ACT or SAT scores
- Admissions essay or interview
Engineering Schools in Tennessee: Graduate Admission Requirements
- Application form and application fee
- Bachelor’s degree
- Official transcripts
- GMAT or GRE scores
- Letters of recommendation
- Resume
- Admissions essay or personal statement
Is It Hard to Get Into a School for Engineering in Tennessee?
No, it is not very hard to get into a school for engineering in Tennessee. Our research for this article shows acceptance rates between 12 and 100 percent, with five having acceptance rates of 80 percent or more. The schools that have 100 percent acceptance rates have open admissions, making it very easy to be accepted.
It is worth mentioning that you should have a foundational grasp of technical subjects like math and science before enrolling in an engineering degree program.
Easiest Colleges to Get Into in Tennessee for Engineering
- Tennessee State University | Acceptance Rate: 100%. Tennessee State University has open admissions. It provides degree programs in architectural, mechanical, civil and environmental, and electrical engineering.
- Middle Tennessee State University | Acceptance Rate: 94%. This university provides degree programs in mechatronics and technology engineering. A 94 percent acceptance rate is exceptionally high among colleges and universities in America, meaning that you have an excellent chance of getting accepted.
- Austin Peay State University | Acceptance Rate: 91%. APSU provides computer science, physics, electrical, mechanical, manufacturing, and mechatronics technology engineering associate, bachelor’s, master’s, and PhD degrees. Its high acceptance rate gives you a great chance to get into this school.
- The University of Memphis | Acceptance Rate: 85%. A college acceptance rate percentage in the 80s is still considered high. This school offers degree programs in biomedical, civil, computer, electrical, and technology engineering.
- Tennessee Tech University | Acceptance Rate: 80%. Tennessee Tech’s 80 percent acceptance rate means you have a very good chance of gaining acceptance. The school provides various degrees in areas such as general, chemical, civil, electrical and computer, mechanical, and manufacturing engineering.
How to Get Into the Best Colleges and Universities
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Best Online Schools for Engineering in Tennessee
The best online schools for engineering in Tennessee are also ranked highly among the best for on-campus engineering degree programs. The degree programs they offer are plentiful and varied. They have opportunities for financial aid and excellent graduation rates. The graduation rates below were sourced from the National Center for Education Statistics.
| School | Graduation Rate | Top Online Engineering Program |
|---|---|---|
| University of Tennessee-Knoxville | 71% | Master of Science in Civil Engineering: Public Works |
| Tennessee Tech University | 58% | Master of Science in Engineering Management |
| University of Memphis | 50% | Master of Science in Engineering Technology |
| University of Tennessee-Chattanooga | 49% | Master of Science in Engineering Management |
| Vanderbilt University | 12% | Master of Engineering in Engineering Management |
The Most Affordable Colleges for Engineering in Tennessee
The most affordable colleges for engineering in Tennessee are Tennessee State University, Middle Tennessee State University, East Tennessee State University, University of Memphis, and University of Tennessee.
Tennessee State University provides affordable tuition for engineering students in science, technology, engineering, and math. Degree programs are available for undergraduate and graduate studies, and there are research opportunities in networking, data fusion and analytics, transportation, mechatronics, and more.
Middle Tennessee State University provides engineering degree programs for graduates and undergraduates at an affordable cost. Past projects for engineering students include a line-following tennis ball shooter, a robotic cat, and a Rubik’s cube solving machine, among many others.
East Tennessee State University provides affordable tuition for degree programs in engineering. Additionally, it offers seven professional organizations for engineering students to join. The school also has career services to help you land a job in your field.
In addition to its affordable tuition, University of Memphis also provides engineering career services, such as its Engineering Career Fair. It claims that many engineering students secure employment before even graduating from their degree programs.
On top of the affordable tuition rates, University of Tennessee-Chattanooga also provides engineering students with co-op and internship programs. You can earn money while studying and acquire valued experience in your field, which may propel your career faster than without it.
How to Attend the Top Engineering Schools in Tennessee With Financial Aid
The top engineering schools in Tennessee with financial aid provide a combination of federal and state, university, and private scholarships, grants, and funding. The federal government uses the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, or FAFSA, to provide students with various opportunities for scholarships and grants.
These help pay for tuition, books, materials, and room and board, depending on the defined terms. Below are some examples of financial aid funds available in Tennessee.
Best Engineering Scholarships for Tennessee Students
- Tennessee Reconnect Grant | Amount: Varies, covers tuition. Independent engineering students, or those at least 23 years old, seeking an associate degree or certificate for the first time may apply. Students must be enrolled in at least six credits and maintain a GPA of 2.0 to renew the grant.
- TCAT Reconnect Scholarship | Amount: Varies. Independent students who are residents of Tennessee enrolled in a full-time program through the Tennessee College of Applied Technology may apply.
- Ned McWherter Scholars Program | Amount: $6,000. This amount is paid in equal amounts by the state and the college you attend. Students must be Tennessee residents, maintain a minimum GPA of 3.5, and have an ACT composite score of 29 or higher.
- Tennessee Student Assistance Award | Amount: $1,000-$4,000. Parents of eligible students must be Tennessee residents. Students must enroll in at least a half-time program at an eligible Tennessee postsecondary institution and can’t yet have a bachelor’s degree. They must maintain institutional satisfactory academic progress.
- Dependent Children Scholarship Program | Amount: Varies. Students with a parent who either has passed away or is permanently disabled as a result of working as a law enforcement officer, firefighter, or emergency medical service technician are eligible. They must be a Tennessee resident and be enrolled in a full-time program.
Tennessee Employment Outlook for Engineering
Tennessee’s employment outlook looks strong. Between November 2021 and April 2022, the state’s unemployment rate dropped from 3.6 percent to 3.2 percent, meaning that more people in Tennessee are employed.
On top of this, engineering is listed among the most in-demand jobs in the state of Tennessee. Acquiring a degree in your desired subfield of engineering may put you among these in-demand professionals, who often earn high-paying salaries.
Highest-Paying Engineering Careers in Tennessee
| Engineering Job | Engineering Degree | Average Salary in Tennessee |
|---|---|---|
| Architectural and Engineering Managers | Bachelor’s degree | $136,560 |
| Chemical Engineers | Bachelor’s degree | $114,290 |
| Electrical Engineers | Bachelor’s degree | $98,630 |
| Bioengineers and Biomedical Engineers | Bachelor’s degree | $98,600 |
| Aerospace Engineers | Bachelor’s degree | $97,370 |
Best Engineering Jobs in Tennessee Explained
The best engineering jobs in Tennessee are architectural and engineering manager and aerospace, biomedical, chemical, or electrical engineer. These jobs represent diverse fields and come with excellent salaries and good job outlooks. Let’s have a closer look.
Architectural and engineering managers manage one or more teams and plan, direct, and coordinate architectural and engineering activities in various types of companies. Pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Architectural Engineering in Tennessee will help you qualify for this job.
Chemical engineers apply their knowledge and skills in principles of chemistry, biology, physics, and math to resolve concerns involving the production or use of chemicals, fuel, food, drugs, and other products. Job responsibilities also include designing processes and equipment for large manufacturing, planning and test methods, and managing operations. A degree in chemical engineering from a top engineering school in Tennessee will prepare you for this career path, which has a good job outlook.
Electrical engineers’ work involves designing, developing, testing, and supervising the manufacture of electrical equipment, electrical systems for automobiles and aircraft, broadcast and communications systems, and global positioning systems. Graduating with a Bachelor's Degree in Electrical Engineering from one of the best engineering schools in Tennessee can help you get a job as an electrical engineer.
Bioengineers and biomedical engineers use engineering principles and science to design and create devices, computer systems, software, and equipment. Acquiring a Bachelor of Science in Biomedical Engineering can help you become a bioengineer or biomedical engineer.
Aerospace engineers primarily design aircraft, spacecraft, satellites, and missiles. They also create and test prototypes to ensure functionality based on their designs. Graduating with an aerospace technology bachelor’s degree can assist you in securing employment in this field.
Does It Matter What Engineering School in Tennessee I Go To?
Yes, it does matter what school in Tennessee you go to for your engineering education. Depending on the degree you choose to pursue, you should do your research to ensure that the school has the facilities, the projects, the clubs and organizations, the career services, and any other resources you require.
Checking as many of these boxes as possible will help ensure that you get the challenging, high-quality education you need for this technical degree. Luckily, the state of Tennessee has many outstanding schools that provide the education you seek.
Additional Reading About Engineering
[query_class_embed] https://careerkarma.com/blog/cheapest-software-engineering-schools/ https://careerkarma.com/blog/cheapest-mechanical-engineering-schools/ https://careerkarma.com/blog/cheapest-aerospace-engineering-schools/
Best Engineering Schools in Tennessee FAQ
Yes, you can get a remote engineering job with an engineering degree from Tenessee. Many remote jobs are available on Indeed and ZipRecruiter for engineers with a Tennessee engineering degree.
Yes, you can attend engineering schools in Tennessee for free. The Tennessee Reconnect Grant helps state residents acquire degrees tuition-free. You can find the specific eligibility requirements on the website.
You can find engineering jobs in Tennessee on reputable job boards such as Indeed, ZipRecruiter, and LinkedIn.
Yes, you can get an engineering job without a Tennessee engineering school degree. Some engineering fields don’t require an engineering degree, such as quality control inspector, construction and building inspector, carpenter, and electrician, to name just a few.
About us: Career Karma is a platform designed to help job seekers find, research, and connect with job training programs to advance their careers. Learn about the CK publication.
