Tennessee Tech University (TTU) was the first in the state to possess the faculty-led Learning Village, where students can become life-long members. Sounds great, right? Well, there’s plenty more to the Engineering program at TTU! My College Guide spoke with Bobbie Maynard, marketing director at the Cookeville, Tennessee school, for the details.
If you’re not a dreamer, or an “out-of-the-box” thinker, you might not enjoy engineering.
Why choose Engineering?
Applying math and science, engineers design practically everything from bridges to electrical systems. If you are a creative person who wants to know the fundamentals of how something works and to design your projects, then engineering is for you! Engineering is also a desirable career, with many graduates landing high-paying jobs right out of college.
Forget the Myths about Engineering: What are the Facts?
Engineers make a difference in people’s lives. Look around you. Everywhere you can see the effect engineering has on the world. Engineers have designed buildings, cars, computers and machines used by medical professionals. They take a problem and seek a solution. They study the current methods of doing things and develop new and better ways of doing them. Engineering is exciting and rewarding, and its results are beneficial to the lives of everyone.
Engineering is not just sitting behind a computer. In fact, you can make a huge difference in the lives of millions of people through your work. It’s not all about drafting and crunching formulas. Engineers envision the world that could be, not just the world that is.
"Engineers determine what people need or want and figure out the best way to deliver it."
Engineers determine what people need or want and figure out the best way to deliver it. It can be something as simple as an improved garbage bag that is tear-resistant or as complex as designing a large deluxe cruise ship to accommodate thousands of people.
What about Engineering Majors?
At Tennessee Tech, students can choose a major in Chemical Engineering, Civil Engineering, Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, as well as Industrial Technology or Computer Science. Sub-concentrations are offered within many of these majors. See the chart below.
| Chemical Engineering
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Mechanical Engineering
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| Civil Engineering
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Industrial Technology
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| Electrical Engineering
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| Computer Science
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"Freshmen students who have not decided on a specific engineering discipline may enter Basic Engineering rather than a specific major."
Freshmen often need time to decide what engineering major best fits their interests and talents. Basic Engineering faculty prepare TTU engineering majors with the foundation, knowledge and skills required to succeed. Freshmen students who have not decided on a specific engineering discipline may enter Basic Engineering rather than a specific major. This is a common situation for many entering students, who often have not had sufficient exposure to the various engineering disciplines to make a selection.
The Basic Engineering curriculum in your freshman year typically includes: fundamental subjects, such as calculus, chemistry, and English writing; engineering skills, such as engineering graphics and computer programming; an overview of the engineering profession, including laboratory activities and a team-based design project; and elective courses in the area of humanities and fine arts.
Did we see something about military service members completing an Engineering degree and being guaranteed a job?
At Tennessee Tech, we have many options for future, current and former military service members. One program in particular is the Scientific, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) Program. STEM is an opportunity for military service members to complete an Engineering degree in Tennessee, with a job waiting for them with one of Tennessee’s leading companies. The program primarily matches the military service, discipline and skills of non-commissioned officers to our region’s future technical needs.
STEM works with each participant’s unique situation and when necessary helps veterans find part-time employment, provides community sponsors, and offers academic mentors and match graduates with engineering jobs.
"All students majoring in Engineering are eligible to participate in the co-op program."
In addition to STEM, Tennessee Tech is home to a chapter of the Society of American Military Engineers (SAME). SAME is the premier professional military engineering association in the United States. The Society connects public sector and private industry professionals in the architecture, engineering, construction, and environmental and facility management fields to strengthen the nation’s security. Membership in this organization provides students with valuable professional development opportunities.
What are a few of Tennessee Tech University’s Engineering program highlights?
Tennessee Tech University has the largest undergraduate College of Engineering in the state as a percentage of the entire university. We have a very vibrant Co-Op Program. Co-op stands for cooperative education program. All students majoring in Engineering are eligible to participate in the co-op program. This is when a student has an off-campus work assignment in industry or with a governmental agency. Employers determine the salaries and pay students directly. Students must submit a work report and will receive a grade.
Our Engineering alumni are currently working all over the world. Some of the companies that have hired our recent graduates include IBM, TVA, Motorola, Nissan and NASA. They may also work for banks, hospitals, mining companies, consulting firms, national laboratories and many other places. Average starting salaries across the nation for bachelor’s degree graduates in Engineering range from $50,000 to $60,000, depending on the particular major (see list below). TTU has a high placement rate for engineering graduates in their chosen field at or immediately following graduation.
National Averages for Engineering Graduates
Chemical Engineering: $64,641
Civil Engineering: $48,885
Computer Engineering: $59,298
Electrical Engineering: $61,690
Mechanical Engineering: $60,598
What’s on the agenda for 2011?
At Tennessee Tech, our programs undergo continual self-assessment and program renewal. We offer strong programs that provide engineers a broad education in the fundamental principles of their selected discipline that can carry them forward for successful and lasting careers. We provide an education as contrasted with training.
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