The Engineering and Computer Science building on the UTC campus. Photo by Angela Foster.
The University of Tennessee at Chattanooga has made history as the first university in Tennessee to have its Master of Science in Engineering Management program certified by the American Society for Engineering Management (ASEM).
The recognition places UTC among an elite group as one of only 15 programs certified—and only the second in the Southeast—to meet ASEM’s rigorous graduate program standards. The certification is valid through 2029.
Housed in the College of Engineering and Computer Science, the Engineering Management master’s program offers four concentrations designed to help professionals advance into leadership roles in engineering, technology and industrial settings. The ASEM recognition places UTC’s program among an elite group of engineering management programs worldwide that meet ASEM’s rigorous standards for excellence in faculty, curriculum, admission and administrative support.
Receiving certification from ASEM signals that UTC’s program meets a rigorous national standard tied to industry expectations, academic excellence and workforce needs.
“This certification represents national recognition of the outstanding work our faculty and staff have done to ensure quality, relevance and student success,” said Dr. Kumar Yelamarthi, dean of the College of Engineering and Computer Science. “It reinforces that our program produces graduates who are ready to lead in today’s technology-driven industries while advancing the mission of our college to provide applied, workforce-focused education.
“This achievement fits perfectly within our college’s strategic goals. It supports our focus on regional leadership while helping position UTC as a destination for applied engineering education with national recognition.”
The effort to obtain certification was led by Dr. SeongDae Kim, associate professor in the Department of Engineering Management and Technology, under the leadership of Dr. Erkan Kaplanoglu, the department head and director of UTC’s Biomechatronic and Assistive Technology Lab.
“This ASEM certification is a significant milestone for the future of the Master of Science in Engineering Management at UTC,” Kim said. “For our students, this certification signals that their degree meets nationally validated standards and is trusted by industry, strengthening their confidence and their competitiveness in the workforce.”
ASEM’s graduate certification represents a mark of quality for both UTC and its students. Graduates of certified programs are eligible for professional recognition as a Certified Associate in Engineering Management® (CAEM®) or a Certified Professional in Engineering Management® (CPEM®), depending on experience.
Certification also assures students that their coursework aligns with the Engineering Management Body of Knowledge, the core framework defining essential skills for success in engineering and technology management careers.
Kaplanoglu said the certification highlights the department’s culture of collaboration and continual improvement.
“Earning this recognition took a total team effort, and I would like to extend my sincere thanks to all the faculty members who contributed and supported the process,” Kaplanoglu said. “This demonstrates that our faculty members are not only keeping pace with evolving standards and technologies but helping define what quality looks like in engineering management education.
“ASEM certification sends a clear signal to students, employers and industry partners that UTC graduates are prepared to communicate, collaborate and solve complex problems as engineering leaders.”
The distinction strengthens UTC’s competitive position in a growing landscape of graduate engineering and technology management programs nationwide. For prospective students, particularly working professionals seeking to advance into leadership roles, ASEM certification provides confidence that UTC’s program has been independently reviewed and endorsed by the discipline’s governing body.
Certification also reflects positively on faculty leadership, curriculum design and continuous improvement. It affirms the program’s commitment to staying current with emerging technologies, management philosophies and assessment practices that align with the college’s mission.
Certified programs are recognized on the ASEM website and may display the certification badge in program materials. Graduates may also use an electronic badge credential on résumés and digital communications, further demonstrating the program’s commitment to professional standards.
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