News
Tech adds two new academic programs to begin in 2020
Two new Tennessee Tech academic programs in engineering and counseling will help meet
the needs of society and industry by producing trained professionals ready to make
an impact.
Last week, the Tennessee Higher Education Commission approved a master’s degree in engineering management and a doctoral degree in counseling and supervision. Both programs will start in fall 2020.
“These programs will enhance Tech’s mission to be recognized as a leader in providing research and instruction in order to meet the needs of the Upper Cumberland region and the State of Tennessee,” said Tech President Phil Oldham. “They align very well with our vision and mission as the state’s comprehensive university known for offering high-quality, technology-related programs at an affordable cost.”
The online Master of Science in Engineering Management is an interdisciplinary program of study offered collaboratively by Tech’s College of Engineering and the College of Business. The degree is designed to provide early-career engineering and related professionals with leadership and management knowledge and technical skills to enhance their job performance, expand career opportunities and add value to their organizations.
“This master’s degree will prepare Tech graduates for technology-based jobs and the future,” said Jessica Oswalt, assistant dean for assessment. “It is designed to provide graduates with leadership, analytical and program management skills applicable in their technology-focused jobs and industries.”
Michael Mullaney, Jr., the president of Eastern Plating, LLC, says his company supports and understands the need for an engineering management program to assure workers can further their education and enter the workforce with all the skills needed to succeed.
“Too often college graduates, and even experienced professionals, are behind the curve because of a lack of management skills or experience managing people,” said Mullaney. “With technical/scientific degrees focusing more and more on the core fundamentals of the chosen discipline, it is imperative for these individuals to have a pathway to gain the management-focused skills needed to be relevant for a job opportunity, and/or succeed in their line of work.”
The Ph.D. in Counseling and Supervision will provide currently licensed and/or licensure eligible mental health professional and school counselors with instruction in advanced therapeutic techniques. Doctoral candidates will also gain experience and expertise in both teaching and supervision of licensure preparation programs which currently exist with Tech’s College of Education’s Department of Counseling and Supervision.
“This program will increase degree production in an area where there is an increased societal need for trained professionals,” said Barry Stein, chairperson of counseling and psychology. “The program will add to existing strong Ph.D. programs at Tech and expand impactful research that improves the lives of Tennesseeans.”
Greg Lewis, the clinical director for Volunteer Behavioral Health Care Services, who has been collaborating on various projects with Tech and working with students for the past 30 years, supports the doctorate program.
“Tennessee Tech is an excellent partner in placing practicum students as well as a great source for future employees,” said Lewis. “Volunteer relies heavily on Tennessee Tech for well-trained staff who are an asset to the agency as well as the community.”
