A new degree program for nontraditional students might start this fall at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga.
The Education, Research and Service Committee of the University of Tennessee Board of Trustees adopted a resolution to approve the bachelor of applied science in applied leadership degree at UTC in its Thursday meeting.
The fully online program will serve students with previous college, military or work experience in order to complete their degrees. It also lines up with associate's degrees like the associate's in applied science that transfer students may already have.
"While the program's primary focus is on cultivating leadership at all levels, students will also develop and refine skills in critical thinking, problem-solving, motivating and empowering others and communicating effectively and persuasively," the meeting agenda states.
Jerold Hale, provost and senior vice chancellor at UTC, gave a brief presentation about the degree to the committee. He said the program will include seven-week semesters, is aimed at non-traditional students and that over the next eight years, 2,000 jobs in the Chattanooga metropolitan area will be compatible with the degree.
"UTC has, as a tradition and as part of the fabric of its being, a commitment to connect to the larger Chattanooga community and to the region, and we believe this degree program also will do that," Hale told the committee.
The program would be housed in the College of Health, Education and Professional Studies and is ready to begin this fall. The UT Board of Trustees will vote on the degree during its afternoon meeting Friday. After board approval, the program requires approval from the Tennessee Higher Education Commission.
Contact Anika Chaturvedi at achaturvedi@timesfreepress.com or 423-757-6592.