Most people would assume that the best engineering schools in Tennessee are those in the biggest cities in the state.
If you ask an engineer, however, they might tell you that the best engineering schools in Tennessee aren’t necessarily located in the biggest cities in the state, but rather where they can be most cost-effective and accessible to students of all kinds.
With that said, let’s take a look at the top 21 best engineering schools in Tennessee below.
List of the Best Engineering Schools in Tennessee
These schools are not arranged in any particular ranking order, below is the list of the top engineering universities in Tennessee, you might want to check out other engineering schools across the globe.
University of Memphis
The University of Memphis is one of two public universities in Tennessee.
It was founded more than a century ago and is a member of AACSB International, an association that includes the world’s top business schools.
The school has around 14,000 students enrolled. It offers more than 150-degree programs to choose from at both undergraduate and graduate levels.
Some of its most popular programs include:
- Mechanical engineering
- Computer science, and
- Electrical engineering.
The University of Tennessee at Knoxville
The University of Tennessee at Knoxville is a public research university and is one of the top engineering colleges in Tennessee.
It offers several engineering programs, including:
- Chemical Engineering
- Civil Engineering
- Electrical Engineering and
- Mechanical Engineering
The university has been ranked as one of America’s best colleges by Forbes magazine.
Middle Tennessee State University (MTSU)
Ranked sixth among public colleges, MTSU has its main campus in Murfreesboro, with satellite campuses scattered across nearby communities.
As one of the top engineering schools in Tennessee, the university is known for offering over 250 engineering courses.
In addition to academics, students can also take advantage of free tutoring and career counseling.
There are over 80 clubs on campus to join as well.
Related: The 12 Best Engineering Schools in the Midwest | Latest Rankings
East Tennessee State University
Located in Johnson City, TN, ETSU is home to more than 11,000 students and offers more than 100 undergraduate degree programs.
The university also features a plethora of graduate degrees and is one of only 20 universities nationwide that has been accredited with very high research activity by both NSF and ANPA.
As one of the reputable engineering schools in Tennessee, the school’s engineering program offers B.S., M.S., and Ph.D.
Vanderbilt University
Ranked by U.S. News & World Report as a top 20 engineering school, Vanderbilt University is located in Nashville, Tennessee, and offers undergraduate degrees in:
- Biomedical engineering
- Computer engineering
- Electrical and computer engineering
- Mechanical engineering and
- Biomedical systems engineering
Christian Brothers University
Christian Brothers University, located in Memphis, TN. is an excellent engineering school with a history of academic excellence dating back to 1914.
CBC offers undergraduate programs in:
- Business administration
- Computer information systems
Also offers elementary and secondary education; master’s degrees in:
- Educational leadership and
- Special education
You can also get a doctorate degree in educational leadership.
The university also offers several graduate certificate programs as well as non-degree options for working professionals.
A variety of scholarship opportunities are available through Christian Brothers University including both merit and athletic scholarships.
Lipscomb University
Lipscomb University is a private, comprehensive Christian university located in Nashville, TN.
It offers undergraduate degrees through its College of Arts and Sciences, as well as graduate and professional degrees through its Divinity School, Business School, and Carey Graduate School.
Lipscomb also offers accelerated programs for engineering students at Auburn University and UT-Knoxville.
Students in this school can complete both their bachelor’s degree from Lipscomb and their master’s degree from these partner universities in just five years.
Chattanooga State Community College
Chattanooga State Community College is a two-year public school located just outside of Chattanooga.
As one of the top engineering colleges in Tennessee, the college is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).
Chattanooga State serves a large number of commuting students who take day classes and do not reside on campus.
Classes are taught primarily by adjunct faculty, with an average class size of 30 students.
Tennessee Tech
The Tennessee Technology Center at Cookeville, or Tennessee Tech as it’s more commonly known, is a two-year engineering college in Cookeville.
It offers an array of programs for those who wish to study Engineering.
The campus has many features including an observatory and planetarium.
The University of Tennessee at Chattanooga
This University, located on a bluff that overlooks downtown Chattanooga, features an engineering department that has one of the top engineering programs in Tennessee.
The campus community celebrates diversity and inclusion and actively works to promote sustainability.
About 1/3 of students study engineering and technology-related fields.
Union University
This is a private Christian liberal arts school with an emphasis on community.
It also has one of the best engineering programs in Tennessee, which will allow you to study a wide variety of subjects under award-winning faculty members.
You’ll learn to use state-of-the-art technology and equipment, which will be essential to your success once you graduate and start your own business or pursue employment.
There are many openings for engineers at one of the state’s booming engineering companies, such as Vipond Incorporated and Prodco PLC.
Tickle College of Engineering
Founded in 1942, Tickle College of Engineering has a rich history of producing successful graduates.
With an enrollment of just more than 3,000 students, it is one of the largest engineering colleges in Tennessee.
Undergraduates at Tickle are able to choose from various engineering degree paths including:
- Electrical and computer engineering
- Mechanical engineering
- Civil engineering and
- Systems engineering among others
The college also offers programs such as bioengineering.
SAE Institute of Technology Nashville
Located in Nashville, SAE Institute of Technology-Nashville was founded in 2006 and has approximately 120 students.
Students can choose from a selection of seven majors, including:
- Computer information systems and
- Engineering technology
The tuition is about $18,000 per year. Graduates of SAE Institute are prepared for entry-level careers or to continue their education at a four-year college or university.
The University of Tennessee at Martin
The University of Tennessee at Martin has an engineering program with about 300 students, as well as programs for students with other academic interests such as business and science.
The college also has a good student-to-faculty ratio of 16:1.
It offers 10 bachelor’s degrees and five master’s degrees across its six departments:
- Computer Science
- Electrical Engineering
- Mechanical Engineering
- Civil Engineering
- Computer Systems Technology and
- Technical Communication
Students have opportunities to do internships both on and off campus.
Belmont University
Located in Nashville, Belmont University is a small liberal arts school that specializes in engineering.
Students can study to become petroleum engineers, civil engineers, or electrical engineers.
Plus, there are concentrations and specialties within these majors as well.
As one of the best engineering schools in Tennessee, most classes focus on learning by doing, so it’s important for students to get out into their community and experience engineering first-hand.
Austin Peay State University
Located in Clarksville, Tennessee, Austin Peay State University is a great place to study engineering.
In fact, it ranks among the best universities for engineering in Tennessee by The Center for Measuring University Performance.
That ranking aside, there are plenty of other reasons why you should consider APSU for your education.
Southern Adventist University
Located about an hour east of Nashville, Southern Adventist University is home to Tennessee’s first engineering program.
The university was founded by Seventh-day Adventists and has been accredited by ABET for more than 50 years.
It offers several engineering degrees, including:
- Mechanical engineering
- Electrical engineering and
- Civil engineering.
Trevecca Nazarene University
Ranked as one of U.S. News & World Report’s top engineering schools, Trevecca Nazarene University is one of the best engineering colleges in Tennessee that offers bachelor’s degrees in:
- Bioengineering
- Chemical engineering and
- Mechanical engineering
The school also offers a master’s degree in nuclear engineering.
According to Trevecca Nazarene, 93 percent of graduates land a job within six months of graduation.
Carson-Newman University
This is a school for those seeking a Christ-centered, liberal arts education that includes professional training. Carson-Newman is an engineering university with a focus on energy conservation and renewable energy.
The school features traditional academics and gives students an opportunity to participate in intercollegiate athletics. Graduate degrees are offered through Carson-Newman’s School of Engineering, Technology, and Business Administration.
Freed-Hardeman University
Founded in 1922 by two graduates of Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, Freed-Hardeman is a liberal arts college with an emphasis on Christian education.
As one of America’s top engineering schools, Freed-Hardeman also has a robust engineering program with undergraduate and graduate programs in numerous disciplines.
With both part-time and full-time programs available, students can earn an online bachelor’s degree at Freed-Hardeman Engineering.
Maryville College
Established in 1819, Maryville College is a private college near Knoxville that offers degrees and certificates at both undergraduate and graduate levels.
The school offers both associate’s and bachelor’s degrees in engineering technology, as well as master’s degrees for prospective engineering professionals.
Students can learn about topics such as:
- Mechanical systems design
- Thermodynamics and
- Energy efficiency
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