The first UTC BAS-IT CyS cohort at December 2023 commencement ceremonies. From left: Jaeden Adami, Mischka Scott, College of Engineering and Computer Science Interim Dean Ahad Nasab, Dr. Chang Phuong, Amber Gordy and Noah Syler. Photo courtesy of Dr. Chang Phuong.
Responding to the growing demand for skilled tech professionals, the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga is working in close partnership with the Chattanooga Technology Council (ChaTech) to grow the new Bachelor of Applied Science: Information Technology in Cybersecurity accelerated degree program.
The BAS-IT CyS degree program pairs technical expertise with important interpersonal skills to set students and local employers up for success.
A cornerstone in fostering Chattanooga’s tech economy for the past 20 years, ChaTech has been instrumental in nurturing and expanding the new IT degree program at UTC, said Dr. Chang Phuong, the program’s director and a lecturer in the UTC College of Engineering and Computer Science.
Dr. Chang Phuong
“Through industry insights and opportunities, ChaTech has been an invaluable partner for the BAS-IT CyS program, helping us bridge the gap between academic preparation and real-world demands. They’re effectively connecting UTC students and UTC with the vibrant Chattanooga tech community,” Phuong said.
Launched by the College of Engineering and Computer Science in spring 2023, the 12-month format provides students with equal parts rigorous classroom work and practical, on-the-job training through a paid internship in the community.
“The collaboration between UTC and ChaTech on this program is a game-changer because it creates a direct pathway to employment in the tech industry, benefiting both graduates and local employers,” said ChaTech Executive Director Austin Corcoran.
UTC and ChaTech are leveraging the power of each other’s network to open new doors for students while helping drive Chattanooga’s growing technology industry.
Students in the program undertake a rigorous schedule, diving into courses on computer architecture, programming, systems analysis and networking while working in paid internships in the community Monday through Friday.
With a curriculum that emphasizes hands-on experience and the development of soft skills such as effective communication and teamwork, students are prepared for the multifaceted challenges of the tech industry.
Corcoran said this approach is key to student success and attractive to local companies that partner with UTC for the internship component—and those looking to hire graduates.
“For many tech jobs, it’s not enough to be technically proficient. Our industry needs people who can collaborate, communicate and innovate. That’s what makes UTC’s program so vital,” he said.
Corcoran said there’s a big difference between those roles and strictly technical positions.
“Jobs focusing primarily on soft skills often require more direct interaction with clients or non-technical team members and involve translating technical concepts into business solutions, as opposed to roles more focused on coding or systems management, which can be more solitary and technical,” he said.
The program’s structure—divided into two seven-week terms per semester, coupled with weekday internships—ensures a deep immersion in theory and practice.
“This isn’t just about getting a degree. It’s about building a career,” Corcoran said.
UTC is targeting individuals with an associate degree or higher and a foundational knowledge of IT system principles. Prospective students who are passionate about technology, regardless of their formal background, are encouraged to apply.
“This program is about harnessing that passion and turning it into professional expertise,” said program coordinator Lisa Tarr.
The relevance of the BAS-IT CyS program is underscored by the burgeoning demand for cybersecurity professionals in Tennessee and beyond. With more than 6,700 cybersecurity positions open in the state at the program’s inception and an expected growth rate of 22-24% in tech jobs over the next five years, graduates are entering a field ripe with opportunity.
Success stories like that of Mischka Scott, a former social worker turned system administrator at PlayCore, illustrate the program’s impact.
Scott, a member of the inaugural BAS-IT CyS cohort, transitioned seamlessly into her IT career thanks in part to the program’s emphasis on real-world experience.
The work she started as an intern is now her full-time job. What’s more, PlayCore created the position for her, she said.
“It was awesome,” said Scott, adding that the program’s 12-month format was a big draw for her.
As UTC continues to recruit for this dynamic program, the focus remains on attracting individuals eager to make their mark in the tech world with a curriculum designed to propel them into successful careers.
Corcoran said the BAS-IT CyS program prepares individuals for immediate employment and contributes to the broader tech ecosystem in Chattanooga and beyond.
“By aligning education with industry needs, UTC is helping to drive innovation, economic development and community growth,” he said, “and ChaTech is thrilled to be working with the University to change lives and help shape the future of our Chattanooga community.”
Learn More
Bachelor of Applied Science: Information Technology in Cybersecurity
UTC launches BAS-IT Cybersecurity degree
Mischka Scott, who graduated from the UTC BAS-IT CyS degree program in December 2023, now works as a system administrator at PlayCore. Photo by Angela Foster.
