The University of Tennessee Board of Trustees approved new degree programs at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, that will provide flexible opportunities for students and meet workforce needs. The board also approved moving forward with two campus parking projects and entering a master lease agreement for additional space to support growth.
New Online Degree Programs
The board approved three new degree programs. Each program is online and asynchronous, allowing students to complete coursework on their schedule from anywhere.
The new Bachelor of Science in communication and information in the College of Communication and Information is specifically designed for transfer students who have completed an associate’s degree program. The program offers an interdisciplinary degree in the college’s four main disciplines: advertising and public relations, communication studies, information sciences, and journalism and electronic media.
The program is the first in the state to offer an interdisciplinary communication and information degree fully online with asynchronous delivery.
The board approved a Master of Science degree in retail, hospitality and tourism management in the College of Education, Health, and Human Sciences. The leisure and hospitality industry is expected to generate close to 114,000 additional positions statewide by 2030. The new degree will provide flexibility for industry professionals looking to advance their careers.
The College of Emerging and Collaborative Studies’ Master of Science degree in sustainability will prepare graduates to meet the growing demand for sustainability professionals in private and public sectors. The flexible design of the program allows students to customize their degree based on their professional goals.
Degree Program Updates
The board also approved changes to two current degree programs. The current Bachelor of Science in recreation and sport management offers concentrations in sport management and therapeutic recreation. The concentrations will be elevated into two stand-alone degree programs.
To better reflect the program’s focus, the Bachelor of Science in environmental and soil sciences will become the Bachelor of Science in environmental science with concentrations in conservation agriculture and environmental sustainability and soil science.
The new degree and program changes will launch in August pending approval from the Tennessee Higher Education Commission and other state approvals.
New Parking Garages
The board approved the next step in building two new institutionally funded campus parking garages.
The first is a multistory parking garage with 1,200 spaces at the site of the current G10 parking garage. Beginning this fall, part of the existing garage will be demolished and rebuilt.
Campus parking will be limited due to construction, and first-year students are encouraged not to bring a car to campus this fall. These parking changes are not expected to affect returning students.
The second garage is a multistory parking garage that will hold up to 4,000 cars on the southeast side of campus.
While no state funds will be used, the state Legislature must still approve the projects as part of the state building process. If approved, the university will seek appropriate approvals from the Tennessee State School Bond Authority and State Building Commission for design and construction.
Cherokee Mills Master Lease
The board approved the university to enter into a master lease agreement for the Cherokee Mills property located at 2200 Sutherland Ave. for educational, operational, research and technology uses.
The university currently occupies 53,285 square feet of the 192,117 square-foot building and plans to move into the rest of the complex as current third-party releases expire.
Cherokee Mills is less than two miles from campus and within the current campus master plan boundary.
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MEDIA CONTACT:
Lisa Leko (865-974-8698, lleko@utk.edu)