Opportunity awaits at UTC Graduate School Fair

Whether you’re an undergraduate at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga or already have a college degree, you could be a perfect candidate for the UTC Graduate School.

Explore the University’s 60-plus master’s and doctoral degree programs on Thursday, Sept. 7, at the University Center during the 2023 Graduate School Fair.

Connect with faculty and staff about everything from admissions and research opportunities to choosing a program.

“This is a great opportunity for potential students to talk with programs about their aspirations and discuss how graduate education can help them with their goals,” said Dr. Ethan Carver, assistant dean of the Graduate School.

A new master’s program in music education started this fall, and a master’s degree in management will be offered starting in spring 2024.

UTC also now offers “jump” graduate programs for undergraduates in engineering, computer science and environmental science that enable earning both a bachelor’s and master’s degree in five years.

Level up to advance

Orie Hubbard, assistant director of occupancy management in University Housing and Residence Life, graduated in August with a master’s degree in data analytics from the Gary W. Rollins College of Business and the College of Engineering and Computer Science.

“I chose it because it is highly ranked and definitely a competitive program. Plus, it provides a ton of flexibility,” said Hubbard, who has a bachelor’s degree in accounting and master’s degree in education.

What’s more, all UTC employees are eligible for tuition assistance to significantly reduce program costs.

“I was looking for something to broaden my horizons, and I love this program because my job here at UTC is so intertwined with data management. Then I got the business management, leadership, strategy and data analysis sides, and it was great because everything I learned impacts my current position,” said Hubbard, who joined the University nearly a decade ago as a resident director, a full-time, live-in UTC housing manager.

Hubbard said his career horizon is expanding and he is confident his earning potential is too.

“The MSDA opens doors to business operations and information technology, which is what really intrigues me,” he said.

Hubbard’s advice to those exploring graduate school: “Make sure you have a support network because having a family, a career and going to school can be tricky. Just be cognizant of everything before jumping in and it will be a lot easier.”

Flexible programs, individualized services

Each UTC graduate program is structured differently whether in-person, online or a hybrid combination of virtual and traditional classes.

Graduate students in 100% online programs can come to campus anytime for in-person advising, meetings with faculty and staff, and to use campus resources and labs. They can also use the UTC Library’s digital resources, including free access to subscription-only online databases and information portals.

Each of UTC’s four academic colleges manages all aspects of its undergraduate programs, including course schedule, research and enrollment.

UTC graduate program liaisons help prospective and current students navigate their academic journeys. The UTC Center for Global Education also provides international graduate students with special immigration assistance and other services.

UTC faculty support graduate students in their pursuit of knowledge, research experience and networking opportunities to enhance their careers and earning potential.

Research on the rise

The growing culture of research at UTC is led by Dr. Joanne Romagni, dean of the Graduate School and the University’s first vice chancellor for research.

Focused on increasing funding and grants for research and connecting professors and students with research partners, Romagni has expanded UTC research commercialization efforts and ushered in the new UTC Research Institute. The result is growth in UTC graduate student-researchers increasingly are working to advance knowledge in their fields of study.

“We’re expanding research at an unprecedented level and heading in the right direction,” she said.

Many prestigious research entities, government agencies and businesses have partnered with UTC, including: