Go to Table of ContentsTennessee Technological University's mission is to broaden and enhance its unique role as the state's only technological university through strong emphasis on and support of its academic programs in engineering and basic science and through expansion of its research activities in these and related areas. In addition, it maintains a superior undergraduate program in the arts and sciences, ensuring a liberal arts foundation for all students, supports distinguished business administration and teacher education programs, and offers programs of high quality in agriculture, arts and music, human ecology, and nursing, designed to meet regional needs. Tennessee Tech serves students from throughout the state, nation, and many other countries, but it retains a special commitment to serve the Upper Cumberland region of Tennessee.
The major component of the academic mission is high-quality instruction in the University's undergraduate, master's, specialist, and doctoral degree-granting programs. The University is engaged in scholarly activity, especially basic and applied research, creative endeavors, and public service, with special emphasis on community and economic development. To complement its academic program, the University provides opportunities for participation in a variety of extracurricular activities as integral components of its commitment to student life.
The University's three interdisciplinary Accomplished Centers of Excellence in Electric Power, Manufacturing, and Water Resources and two Chairs of Excellence in Business Administration strengthen the instructional, research, and service mission of the University.
The University is as supportive of women as of men and as supportive of those in the minority as of those in the majority. The University provides educational opportunities to all eligible persons without regard to age, gender, color, race, religion, national origin, or disability. Tennessee Technological University is a member of the State University and Community College System of Tennessee and is governed by the Tennessee Board of Regents. Approved by the Tennessee Board of Regents on September 10, 1999.
GENERAL EDUCATION DEFINITION
General education, the foundation of the undergraduate collegiate experience, encompasses the knowledge, skills, attitudes, and values that are obtained from studies in communication, mathematics, social and natural sciences, and humanities. General education is unbounded by academic disciplines and honors the relationships among bodies of knowledge. General education develops the cognitive process of reasoning essential for effective functioning and self-directed learning. General education provides opportunities for the student:
- to think logically, critically, and creatively;
- to communicate effectively both orally and in writing;
- to read extensively and perceptively;
- to explore moral and aesthetic values, social relationships, and critical thinking through the humanities;
- to understand the importance of key social institutions, ethics and values, and how individuals influence events and function with others in these institutions throughout the world;
- to appreciate creative and aesthetic expressions along with their impact on individuals and cultures;
- to express, define, and logically explore questions about the world through mathematics;
- to use computer technology to communicate and to solve problems;
- to use acquired facts, concepts, and principles of the physical and natural sciences in applying the scientific process to natural phenomena;
- to perceive the importance of wellness and values in human life;
- to manifest a commitment to life long learning.
These outcomes will be acquired in the general education requirements with additional depth obtained in the curriculum of the major and through participation in extracurricular activities.
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