Prospective Incoming Students
- Why Choose UTC?
- Why Choose Chattanooga?
- UTC Catalog
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Helpful UTC Links
- Student Testimonials
- Special Exchange Opportunities
Why Choose UTC?
- History - UTC was originally founded as a private university in 1886 and merged with The University of Tennessee in1969.
- Diversity - UTC's approximately 8,600 students represent about 45 states and 53 foreign countries.
- Facilities - UTC has excellent educational, recreational, and residential facilities including:
- UTC Fine Arts Center
- DeSales Harrison Racquet Center
- McKenzie Arena: a 12,000-seat arena
- Well-equipped student center
- A state-of-the-art engineering/mathematics/computer science building ("A $28.8 million structure that houses office space, computational laboratory facilities, with some of them being on-line labs operational on the Internet, state of the art classrooms, and auditoriums... Advanced teaching resources and research facilities were included in the design... New technology, developed at UTC, will allow students the option of doing their work on campus or at home through a continuous Internet connection.
- Variety of undergraduate majors
- Growing number of graduate programs
- Notable UTC Programs, Initiatives, and Facts include:
- Majors, Faculty, & Class Size-
- A UTC education means exceptional academics: more than 100 bachelor's, 40 master's, and 3 doctoral programs. We constantly update our curriculum, majors, and concentrations to ensure you are prepared to meet your career or post-baccalaureate goals.
- Classes are kept relatively small and are taught by faculty (not graduate students) and over 80% of the faculty has completed a terminal degree.
- 4 Colleges at UTC-
- Accolades-
- UTC Ranked Among the Best Universities by U.S. News & World Report
- UTC was named Corporate Business of the Year by the 2002 Minority Enterprise Development Week Award Committee.
- Record Enrollment at UTC- The University of Tennessee at Chattanooga has achieved record enrollment for fall 2007. The total number of students enrolled at UTC for fall 2007 is 9,558, which represents a 7.12 percent increase from fall 2006. The campus also saw a significant growth in freshman enrollment with approximately 1,950 first-time students. Enrollment growth at The University of Tennessee at Chattanooga is on track to be the largest of any campus in the state of Tennessee for fall 2007. “Congratulations to the campus on another enrollment milestone this year! The fact that so many students and their families are choosing UTC is a testament to the tremendous work of the faculty, staff, and students here,” said Chuck Cantrell, Assistant Vice Chancellor.
- Recent News about UTC Programs:
- Asian Studies Program-
- Unique website features Japan teaching module- Asian Studies teachers from across the country who recently met at Columbia University were the first to hear of a unique website created by four UTC faculty members. Dr. Lucien Ellington, Co-Director of the Asia Program at UTC, explained the components of a new Japan teaching module, an online public service tool to assist future teachers, current teachers, students in high school and freshmen and sophomores in survey courses in college. “There is not another one like it in the country,” said Ellington. “The website is unique in that it is designed to provide educators and students in survey courses with basic information about critical Japan-related topics.”
- ROTC Program-
- Southeast Center for Education in the Arts-
- UTC's Southeast Center included in new Dana Foundation book- UTC’s Southeast Center for Education in the Arts (SCEA) is among two-dozen higher-education institutions profiled in the Dana Foundation’s new book Transforming Arts Teaching: The Role of Higher Education, which examines innovations in arts-teacher training.
- Southeast Center for Education in the Arts - (Recipient of one of the 2003 TN Governor's Awards in the Arts)
- UTC Begins Doctoral Programs- UTC has three doctoral programs: physical therapy, educational leadership, and computational engineering.
- New Construction Management Degree Announced- Currently, no colleges or universities in the state of Tennessee offer a baccalaureate or graduate program in Construction Management. The B.S. in Engineering Technology Management (ETM) with the concentration in Construction Management at UTC will provide graduates with the knowledge, skills, abilities, and behaviors that are valued and sought by the construction industry both locally and regionally.
- High Tech Incubator Opens at UTC-"The new Hamilton County High-Tech Incubator-Accelerator focuses on the creation and development of high-tech companies, operates under the auspices of the Center for Entrepreneurial Growth, a Chattanooga Area Chamber of Commerce program."
- Thriving Campus Recreation Program- The UTC Campus Recreation Department is a student oriented and student led organization that is a part of the UTC Student Development division of The University of Tennessee at Chattanooga. The program includes intramurals, outdoor recreation, club sports, and non-credit classes.
- Asian Studies Program-
- Facilities-
- Challenger Space Center
- UTC's Jones Observatory- The first large public observatory and telescope in the south.
- Planning begins for new library- The University has been approved for funding in the amount of 48 million dollars to design a new library building of approximately 180,000 gross square feet, a gain of just over 60,000 square feet from the existing library building.
- University receives 200 acres from federal government- Nearly 200 acres of property at Enterprise South (the former Volunteer Army Ammunitions Plant (VAAP) was formally gifted to The University of Tennessee at Chattanooga from the U.S. Department of Education. This new property at Enterprise South provides space that in the future could almost double the size of the current campus. University biologists have already begun to explore the wildlife and plant life on the site, allowing students to conduct research in the field.
- High Speed Internet Connection- As a result of a partnership with Oak Ridge National Laboratory, UTC has a high speed network connection "that will link it with Oak Ridge National Laboratory 200,000 times faster than the average Internet dialup...It places UT Chattanooga among an elite few higher education institutions with computational power necessary to perform 21st century high tech research. Two ways it will be used: enhanced research opportunities for a new UTC computational engineering and design team, and by the UTC College of Business Administration to analyze the stock market."
- Global Campus Initiatives-"UTC Chancellor Roger Brown has proclaimed globalization of the UTC campus to be among his primary initiatives. He hopes undergraduate and graduate students from around the world will apply to UTC in increasing numbers, and he is encouraging UTC students, faculty, and staff to look for opportunities to study and research abroad. “Our world is getting smaller, and we must prepare our students to succeed in a global marketplace of commerce and ideas,” said Brown. “Not only will our graduates be working side-by-side with colleagues from around the world, but with today’s technology, they will develop professional and personal relationships with individuals who are living on the other side of the planet. Understanding and appreciation of the cultures and customs of others must be part of the college experience.”
- Majors, Faculty, & Class Size-
- Some Notable Honors/Facts about UTC Academic Departments and Majors:
- Art-
- Art lecturer creates graphic design for film The Invasion- A new hire in the Department of Art is also the graphic designer in the movie The Invasion starring Nicole Kidman and Daniel Craig.
- Biological and Environmental Sciences-
- "In addition to classroom and office space, the department has research and teaching laboratories, a scanning electron microscope, a GIS computer laboratory, animal quarters, greenhouse, and an aquatic field station on the Tennessee River. The department is affiliated with the Gulf Coast Research Laboratory in Ocean Springs, Mississippi, which provides facilities and equipment for studies in marine biology and oceanography and Highlands Biological Station in North Carolina which is a regional field station for biological research and education in the southern Appalachian Mountains." Professors in the department are leading programs and research including: re-instituting the American Chestnut tree and cataloging the fish population in the streams that flow into the Tennessee River. Also, it has an excellent track record of placing UTC graduates in professional and graduate schools.
- Business (College of Business)-
- CityScope magazine business issue features UTC College of Business
- Princeton Review includes UTC College of Business- The UTC College of Business (COB) has been featured for the second consecutive year in the Princeton Review’s Best Business School guidebook. The New York-based education services company listed the COB as one of the top five schools with opportunities for women.
- Accounting programs earn distinction with AACSB accreditation - "UTC's accounting programs have received AACSB accreditation, a distinction representing the highest standard of achievement for business schools and accounting programs... AACSB accreditation is the hallmark of excellence in business education. One in six business schools worldwide have earned this prestigious accreditation; one in seventeen accounting programs have earned this distinction. These accredited institutions are able to attract excellent faculty and provide students with the highest quality education."
- The College of Business partnered with the US Dept of Commerce and International Trade Center to offer seminars on international trade in April 2005.
- The UTC School of Business has several executives-in-residence. These are accomplished business persons who volunteer their time to share expertise and talents with faculty and students.
- The UTC School of Business has several chairs of excellence. The purpose of the J. Burton Frierson Chair of Excellence in Business Leadership "is to conduct and sponsor cutting-edge research on leadership and management, and to spread that knowledge throughout the local community, the nation, and the world." The position is held by Dr. Mark Mendenhall, a professor who is an "internationally recognized scholar in the field of international human resource management, his area of expertise being the cross-cultural adjustment of expatriate managers." The Clarence E. Harris Chair of Excellence in Business Administration "was established to give students and faculty the opportunity to study and work with an individual who is experienced in education and/or business." Currently, Dr. Richard Becherer occupies this position. " He has had extensive experience both as an academic Marketing Professor and as an entrepreneur. He co-founded one of the first for-profit Health Maintenance Organizations in the United States, and has also been involved in several other business start-ups, including a marine business and a plastic injection molding business."
- Chemistry Department-
- Ranked #2 in the U.S. for the Percentage of Undergraduate Female Chemists Produced; listed among the top 100 schools in the country in the number of male and female chemistry graduates. The department has an excellent track record of placing UTC graduates in professional and graduate schools.
- Criminal Justice Department-
- The department partners with the Law Enforcement Innovation Center (LEIC) in Knoxville and the Tennessee Coalition Against Domestic and Sexual Violence (TCADSV). In conjunction with LEIC, it provides specialized training and educational programs to senior, command level police officers in leadership positions. The department also provides an annual victim training academy to train and educate victim advocates in the state of Tennessee.
- Education Department-
- Engineering & Computer Science Program-
- "The reviewer for the UTC Engineering Graduate program praised the program's highly qualified faculty, noting that more than 95% are Registered Professional Engineers. The reviewer was also impressed with the SIM Center, applauding its emphasis on funded research and collaborative projects as well as its potential to attract new students to the program. The reviewer found that UTC's graduate program in engineering has a strong infrastructure, noting as an example that the new Engineering, Mathematics, and Computer Science Building has contributed significantly to the program's academic environment."
- Engineering students win first place in ASEE competition
- Dr. Joseph Kizza, UTC computer science professor, released book, Securing the Information Infrastructure.
- SimCenter: National Center for Computational Engineering
- Description: "In the quest to position The University of Tennessee at Chattanooga as a national leader in technology, Chancellor Roger Brown joined Congressman Zach Wamp in the public unveiling and demonstration of a campus fuel cell project that could meet the goals of energy independence outlined by President Bush... Through the federally funded research project, the UT SimCenter at Chattanooga will independently test the fuel cell performance in terms of compliance with Department of Energy standards and long-term usage."
- Sim Center: National Center for Computational Engineering established at UTC-When the U.S. Department of Defense needs to know how to steer a submarine through rough waters or how an airborne chemical contaminant might spread throughout a city, the computational engineers at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga’s SimCenter give them the answers.Armed with this level of expertise and almost $20 million in private support, the UTC SimCenter announced Tuesday, November 20, 2007 that it is becoming the SimCenter: National Center for Computational Engineering.
- National Center for Computational Engineering approved to expand fuel cell research- With the passage of the defense appropriations bill by the United States Senate, $3.5 million has been earmarked for the SimCenter: National Center for Computational Engineering to house and test a powerful new fuel cell that would provide the energy needs of a 30,000 square foot building or supermarket. Congressman Zach Wamp discussed passage of the bill and its implications for UTC at a special event held to announce the SimCenter’s elevation to a national center.
- English Department-
- The department has both an undergraduate and graduate program. It coordinates special programs including Works in Progress lectures by faculty, the Take Five public lecture series, visiting lecturers, the Meacham Writers Workshop, the Southern Writers Conference, and various publications by students. For information about upcoming and recent events as well as faculty honors, refer to the UTC English Department's web site.
- Health and Human Performance-
- The head of the department was named to Tennessee Governor's Council on Physical Fitness and Health- Dr. Gregory Heath is one of the only twenty members that make up this important council. Heath, DHSc, MPH, also serves as Co-Director of Research at the University of Tennessee College of Medicine, Chattanooga Unit. Heath was the former lead health scientist in the Physical Activity and Health Branch, Division of Nutrition and Physical Activity with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in Atlanta. Among Heath's numerous awards and honors is the Secretary's Award for Distinguished Service for his 1997 contributions to the Surgeon General's report on Physical Activity and Health.
- UTC professor contributes to ACSM Updated Physical Activity Guidelines
- History Department-
- "An external reviewer recently rated the UTC History Department 100% on Tennessee Higher Education Commission’s assessment standards, commending the department for its extraordinary accomplishments. The review was part of the department’s academic program review process, with exemplary faculty cited as the major strength of the History Department. The reviewer noted that the faculty deserves recognition for maintaining high standards by continuing to require rigorous essay examinations and research papers despite heavy teaching loads...The reviewer also applauded the addition of courses in African American History, a development which has broadened and diversified the curriculum and provided additional opportunities for community outreach...Through the coordination of the history department, a number of students engage in internships at museums and other history-related sites. Students also benefit from opportunities to work closely with faculty in research projects. Current students and alumni enthusiastically support these observations, having provided comments about the generally positive atmosphere in the History Department."
- Interior Design Program-
- "The Interior Design Program in the Department of Human Ecology is accredited by the Council for Interior Design Accreditation (formerly the Foundation for Interior Design Education Research), the National Association of Schools of Art and Design, and the National Kitchen and Bath Association. It is the only Interior Design Program of its kind that is endorsed in Tennessee... An active external advisory council provides suggestions for improvement to the curriculum, and members serve as jurors and guest lecturers for classes...Study trips are offered annually to give students historical perspective and these trips are open to non-majors and community citizens... Students are active in community associations and volunteer to help with such activities as the Chattanooga Opera Symphony ShowHouse, the Goodwill ShowHouse, Downtown Chattanooga Partnership Tour of Downtown Living, The Junior League’s Tour du Jour and the March of Dimes Gala. The program also hosts the James Avery Design Conference, where students and professionals participate in seminars and design charrettes."
- Mathematics Department-
- "The Mathematics Department and classrooms are located in a brand-new state-of-the-art facility that most other Mathematics departments only dream of. The modern mathematics labs are equipped with the latest computers and software such as Maple and Matlab. All classrooms are wired for internet connections." The department also provides tutoring as well as a regular math colloquiums.
- Music Department-
- "As one of the largest departments in the College of Arts and Sciences, it boasts a low student-teacher ratio, assuring individualized instruction of the highest quality. The Department of Music offers undergraduate degrees in performance, music education, sacred music, and theory and composition, as well as graduate degrees in performance and music education. Affiliations with the Cadek Conservatory of Music and the Southeast Center for Education in the Arts provide numerous additional educational opportunities for faculty and students."
- Assistant Professor Kenyon Wilson's "Kerfuffle" draws attention from The Wall Street Journal.
- Philosophy and Religion Department-
- Dr. Charles Lippy named president-elect of American Society of Church History- The purpose of this national professional organization, which began in 1888, is “to promote the scholarly study of Christianity and its relationship to the culture around it across time and across the globe.”
- Physics and Geology Departments-
- "Both the Physics and Geology programs received perfect scores on Tennessee Higher Education Commission's (THEC’s) assessment standards and were lauded for their impressive accomplishments. The reviewer for the Physics program was particularly impressed with the exceptional dedication of the faculty to educating students, noting their extraordinary efforts to maintain current offerings, especially of upper level courses, while shouldering heavy teaching loads...The reviewer also praised UTC's extensive public astronomy program, which is operated by the Physics program...The Geology program faculty's commitment to providing students with research opportunities and field experiences was also noted by the reviewer. The program's annual trip to Costa Rica and its new NSF-funded analytical x-ray lab were cited as evidence of this commitment."
- Political Science Department-
- Dr. Robert Swansbrough, professor of political science, released the book, Test By Fire: The War Presidency of George W. Bush.
- Innovative courses: International Political Cultural & Society and State & Local Government
- Psychology Department-
- "Psychology is one of the largest majors at UTC... The Department of Psychology offers two graduate programs designed to develop the research and professional skills necessary to function as applied or basic scientists in psychology. Concentrations include industrial/organizational (I/O) psychology and research psychology...The Psychology Department is also home to Modern Psychological Studies, a publication devoted to undergraduate research.
- Sociology, Anthropology, and Geography Department-
- "Majors consistently do very well on comprehensive exams given to UTC's graduating seniors, and they have achieved an outstanding record of success in applying to graduate programs in sociology and anthropology."
- Dr. Nick Honerkamp, Professor of Anthropology and Director of the Archeology Institute, was among those honored by the Historic Preservation Division (HPD) of the Georgia Department of Natural Resources, with a Preservation Achievement Award. Honerkamp was awarded for conducting the annual Fort Frederica National Monument Teacher’s Workshop and his public outreach projects and archaeological research on Sapelo Island resources. For more information about Dr. Honerkamp's work, click here.
- Women Studies Program-
- "UTC established a women's studies minor in 1989. The minor is interdisciplinary in nature, and the curriculum includes courses from many different departments and schools. The program is coordinated through the department of Interdisciplinary Studies of Arts and Sciences."
- "UTC established a women's studies minor in 1989. The minor is interdisciplinary in nature, and the curriculum includes courses from many different departments and schools. The program is coordinated through the department of Interdisciplinary Studies of Arts and Sciences."
Why Choose Chattanooga?
Location of Chattanooga, TN- Home of UTC
Chattanooga is located in the Southeastern U.S. and in the far southeastern corner of Tennessee. It is within a short drive to the following locations:
Chattanooga Map and Driving Directions
Description of Chattanooga,TN
"One of the best cities in the world." - U.S. News and World Report
"A Top Ten Dream Town!"- Outside Magazine
"One of Six Cities That Work"- U.S. News and World Report
"The Reborn American City"- Parade Magazine
"Top Ten Family-Friendly Cities" - Family Fun Magazine
"Technology Makes Chattanooga Great Place for Business"- Forbes Magazine
"Chattanooga No. 2 on Best Towns to Live List"- Outside Magazine
"Chattanooga is Third-Best Place to Live in U.S."- RelocateAmerica.com
"Chattanooga Recognized as a Great Place to Walk & Bike"- Journal of the Association of Pedestrian and Bicycle Professionals
"Chattanooga Saluted as Eco-Friendly Destination"- CBS News Early Show
"Splashy River Town- Chattanooga Just Keeps Getting Better"- Southern Living
"Chattanooga is Tennessee's Undiscovered Gem"- New York Times
"Chattanooga Named Fastest Growing Major City in Tennessee." -U.S. Census Bureau
ADDITIONAL NEWS & NATIONAL PRESS COVERAGE OF CHATTANOOGA
UTC ADMISSION OFFICE'S ENTRY ABOUT CHATTANOOGA
CHATTANOOGA: THE SCENIC CITY
"Called the Scenic City, Chattanooga sits in a bend of the Tennessee River between Lookout Mountain and Signal Mountain. The area's breathtaking natural beauty combines with opportunities for outdoor fun and distinct business advantages to make Chattanooga one of the nation's most livable cities. Through a remarkable sense of community spirit and a process of public-private partnership, Chattanoogans have made their home a hub for successful business enterprise, a regional tourism center, and a gracious place to live. In the process, Chattanooga has received recognition in scores of national publications.
Chattanooga is a mid-sized city (312,000 in Hamilton County) that combines the best of large and small. Area residents enjoy the friendly atmosphere, moderate housing costs, and easy commuting typically associated with smaller communities, but Chattanooga's cultural and recreational opportunities rival those in much larger metropolitan areas."
-Chattanooga Chamber of Commerce
Location of UTC
UTC is located only a few blocks from the heart of downtown Chattanooga, TN. Students can easily access downtown by foot or by free public transportation. (The downtown electric shuttle bus is free for everyone while the rest of the Chattanooga bus routes are free to all UTC students, including its exchange students.)
Also, UTC is one block away from the 20 mile Tennessee Riverwalk/Riverpark System that is not only perfect for jogging, walking, biking, and rollerblading but also connects the campus to downtown as well as to the park, shops, and restaurants on the other side of the river.
Why go on an exchange to Chattanooga?
Because Chattanooga has something to offer everyone:
Nature/Attractions/History
With the Tennessee River flowing through it and the mountains surrounding it, Chattanooga possesses great beauty and in fact is referred to as the "Scenic City." The area has 300 kinds of trees and 900 varieties of wildflowers- more than anywhere except central China.
Chattanooga offers not only places to rock climb, spelunk, canoe, hang glide, hike, whitewater raft, and golf, but it also has a revitalized downtown and art district for shopping, dining, walking, and site seeing. The downtown theatres also provide opportunities to enjoy traveling Broadway shows, community theatre and dance productions, the local symphony, the latest movies, as well as IMAX 3D showings.
Chattanooga is home to the historic Chattanooga Choo Choo, the first Coca Cola bottling plant, the longest pedestrian bridge, the world's largest freshwater aquarium, the largest mall in Tennessee and the steepest single passenger rail car. Also, Chattanooga has a rich historical heritage and as a result possesses important Civil War (The Campaign for Chattanooga was a pivotal battle) and Native American sites (the start of the Cherokee Nation's Trail of Tears was here).
Business/Economics
Chattanooga is a growing city, and nationally recognized businesses have placed their headquarters in the metropolitan area. According to the Chattanooga Chamber of Commercer, these businesses include:
- Brach's Confections (candy maker)
- BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee ("Tennessee's leader in healthcare financing with 35% of the market share")
- Chattem Drugs ("maker of Flexall, Aspercreme, Bull Frog, Gold Bond, Selsen Blue, Pamprin, Dexatrim, and other well-known products")
- Covenant Transport (one of ten largest U.S. truckload carriers)
- CBL & Associates Properties (one of largest U.S. shopping center developers)
- Chattanooga Bakeries (maker of Moon Pies)
- Covista ("a facilities-based, long distance telecommunications Internet and data services provider")
- Double Cola
- Gold Bond ("maker of advertising specialty pens, pencils, rulers and other products")
- Krystal Corporation (fast food restaurant)
- McKee Foods (maker of Little Debbie snack cakes)
- Miller Industries Towing Equipment, Inc. ("world's largest integrated provider of vehicle towing and recovery equipment, systems, and services")
- Olan Mills ("worldwide leader in portrait photography")
- S.I. Corporation ("second largest provider of backings for the carpet industry")
- Siskin Steel & Supply Company (steel and aluminum product processer and distributor)
- Top Flight, Inc. (paper office product maker)
- U.S. Xpress Enterprises("fifth-largest publically owned truckload carried in the United States")
- Unum Provident Corporation ("world's largest underwriter of disability insurance")
In addition, Chattanooga is in the midst of the Tennessee Technology Corridor and is at the northern terminus of a developing economic corridor that extends southward to Atlanta.
Other Business Highlights:
- "Volkswagen Chooses Chattanooga"- University of Tennessee at Chattanooga Chancellor Roger Brown joined other local and state leaders to celebrate Volkswagen’s plans to build an automobile plant in Chattanooga. As we look forward to a new school year, our community has received wonderful news that Volkswagen officials have chosen Chattanooga as the home for the company’s new automobile plant,” said UTC Chancellor Roger Brown. “This campus has been involved in the discussions with Volkswagen, and we anticipate working with local and Volkswagen officials as the plant becomes operational. This brings many job opportunities for our students, alumni, and their families. I suspect that some departments and individual faculty members will find research opportunities working with Volkswagen and other businesses that follow the plant to Chattanooga.
- Southern Living Magazine Features Chattanooga's Southside Revitalization
- Chattanooga Still Booms During Economic Slowdown According to Christian Science Monitor
- "Technology Makes Chattanooga Great Place for Business"- Forbes Magazine
Weather
The weather is mild yet Chattanooga experiences all four seasons: crisp falls with colorful foliage, mild winters with a touch of snow; warm springs with blossoming plants and trees; and sunny summers with luscious vegetation. For more information about average number of days of rain and snow as well as temperature variations, visit the Chattanooga Chamber of Commerce's Chattanooga climate web page.
- Chattanooga Visitor's Bureau: Includes a narrated online video tour of Chattanooga.
- The Chattanoogan.com: News, dining, local events, etc. in Chattanooga.
- Chattanooga Times Free Press:Chattanooga's daily paper
- Chattanooga Weather
- National Public Radio Article and Broadcast about Chattanooga:
NPR's Morning Edition featured Chattanooga in its "What Makes a City Great" series. Find out why Chattanooga was included among London, Paris, Amsterdam, and Chicago as one of the highlighted cities. - Chattanooga Bridge:Chattanooga's Online Source for Dining, Shopping, Attractions, Events, & More.
- National Publications: Find out what is being said about Chattanooga
- Community Profile: Chattanooga Chamber of Commerce's profile of many statistics including information about population numbers, transportation, and distances to major cities in the eastern U.S. (Go to "About Chattanooga" to access the community profile.)
- Interactive Regional Map: Shows the highways, waterways, and major cities within a 100, 200, and 300 mile radius of Chattanooga.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q:Does UTC offer Plan A and Plan B tuition plans?
A: Yes and when possible UTC's NSE Office will accept students on their preferred tuition plan.
Q: Are any UTC academic classes and programs closed or limited to NSE students?
A: UTC's physical therapy, occupational therapy, and nursing programs are closed to NSE students. All education majors above sophomore level must meet UTC's Teacher Preparation Academy standards for admission to education courses.
Q: Does UTC offer full academic year and single semester exchanges to NSE students?
A: Yes, UTC accepts single semester exchanges but gives first preference to students requesting full academic year exchanges.
Q: Does UTC offer summer exchanges to NSE students?
A: Yes, NSE students can attend UTC in the summer on Plan A but only if they combine the summer semester with a full term enrollment (e.g. the preceding spring semester or following fall semester).
Q: Can international students go to UTC through the NSE Program?
A: Yes, international students may apply on either Plan A or Plan B.
Q: Does UTC accept linked exchanges?
A: Yes, UTC will consider students who want to go on exchange with a friend. UTC's NSE Office has accepted linked students from the same school as well as linked students from two different NSE universities.
Q: Does UTC require NSE participants to live on campus?
A: No, but we strongly encourage NSE students to live on campus. It is easier for exchange students to learn about the university and meet UTC students if they live on the UTC campus.
Q: Is family housing available?
A: Yes, family housing is available in UTC Place Apartments. Refer to UTC Housing's web site for more information.
Q: Is off campus housing available?
A: Yes, upon request, UTC's NSE office will provide students with information about rentals close to the UTC campus.
Q: Are NSE students required to purchase a UTC meal plan?
A: Yes, all NSE students who live in UTC housing are required to purchase a $525 meal plan (referred to as Club Funds) per semester. This plan can be used at any of the dining facilities on campus. In addition, expanded meal plan options are available for interested students.
Q: Can NSE students bring a car to UTC?
A: Yes, UTC has enough parking for all students to bring their cars. However, there are very few free parking spaces on or near campus so students who plan to park on campus will need to purchase a parking decal for either a reserved or general lot. Although all residence halls and classrooms are within walking distance of one another, UTC has a campus shuttle for students who want to ride from one part of campus to another.
Q: Is it necessary to have a car in Chattanooga?
A: Many exchange students come to UTC without a car and manage to get around by walking, riding the city bus, and getting rides with friends. Students don't need a car to get around the UTC campus or to access the vibrant downtown and northshore areas (sites of Tennessee Aquarium, history and art museums, an art district, the Tennessee Riverwalk, clubs, numerous restaurants, convenience stores, Coolidge Park, the Walnut Street pedestrian bridge, a movie theatre, a community performing arts theatre, auditoriums, specialty shops, and many churches). To get to large shopping malls, a Wal Mart, or to large grocery stores, students will need transportation. Most students make friends with UTC students or fellow exchange students who have cars and join them to visit these stores. Others take advantage of the free Chattanooga bus pass that all UTC students receive when they enroll at the University. There are several bus stops around the UTC campus that students can easily access.
Q: Can NSE students get involved in student organizations and/or athletics at UTC?
A: Yes, there are many student organizations and sports opportunities open to NSE students. After you are accepted on an exchange to UTC, feel free to contact UTC's NSE Office to find out if and how you can get involved with a particular campus organization or team. If you want to explore how you might become involved, check out the Helpful UTC Links section below.
Q: What modes of public transportation can a student use to get to and from Chattanooga?
A: Chattanooga has an airport and a Greyhound bus station as well as frequent airport van shuttles to the Nashville, Tennessee and Atlanta, Georgia airports.
Helpful UTC Links
The following includes UTC information and office links which may be helpful as you consider and/or plan for an exchange:
UTC Home Page
Academic Calendar
Campus Map
Event Calendar
Fact Book
Student Handbook
Student Newspaper "The Echo"
Student Organizations
Virtual Campus Tour
UTC Offices:
UTC Athletics
UTC Honors Program
UTC Housing
UTC Office for Students with Disabilities/College Access Program
UTC Student Development
UTC Food Service
UTC Campus Recreation
Student Testimonials/Pictures (from students who have gone on exchange to UTC) 
- "Being in Tennessee put me in the center of the universe I want to create. It was a wonderful way to see another party of the country while pursuing my major in communications. I became self-sufficient in ways I never had to before and gained a new glorious sense of confidence... I got a sense of the history...Also, visiting (Tennessee) put me in the direct contact with the birth of blues and the rockabilly sound that I enjoy so much." - Angela, Mesa State College (Pictured above: Angela and Loooie, the mascot of the Chattanooga Lookouts, during an exchange student outing.)
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"I absolutely loved it (UTC). The faculty was helpful, the school and campus is beautiful." - Jessica, Murray State University
- Exchange students from The University of Arizona, & Illinois State University rafting on the nearby Ocoee River, site of the 1996 Olympic kayaking/canoeing events, during an exchange outing.
- Exchange students from The University of Arizona and The University of Louisville (with the UTC NSE Coordinator, Hugh Prevost, and a UTC student back on exchanges from The University of Hawaii at Hilo and The College of Charleston) at a Chattanooga Lookouts baseball game.
Special Exchange Opportunities
Resident Assistant Exchange Program
UTC encourages resident assistants (RAs) from NSE member schools to apply for an RA exchange to UTC. For more information about eligibility requirements and application information, refer to the RA Exchange section of the main NSE web site. Be aware that the RA exchange has a December deadline and requires students to go on exchange and act as an RA for a full academic year.
For more information about the UTC RA amenities and payment as well as the UTC Housing contact information, refer to UTC's listing on the RA Exchange section of the main NSE web site.
Honors Program
UTC opens its University Honors Program (UHON) to qualified NSE students. To participate exchange students must have a minimum overall GPA of 3.5. For more information about UTC's UHON Program as well as the amenities and special courses it makes available to exchange students, refer to UTC's entry in the Honors Exchange section of the main NSE web site.


