Academics and Programs
Forge Your Own Path
Customize your degree path through innovative, cross-cutting degrees, certificates and gateway courses to prepare you for the future workforce.
The CECS Experience
At CECS, you have the opportunity to forge your own path while attending classes with a cohort of like-minded students on emerging topics that shape and define future careers.
Exploratory Courses
Take a course in an emerging subject area like artificial intelligence, data science, or cybersecurity to develop a foundational understanding of technologies and trends impacting the future of work. These courses are available to all students at the University of Tennessee.
AI 101 – Introduction to the World of AI
This course introduces the foundational concepts, techniques, and applications of Artificial Intelligence (AI) relevant for all disciplines – especially across non-computer science fields. Explore the history and current scope of AI, data sources and tools, and fundamental components of AI solutions and gain experience through hands-on activities using no-code AI platforms.
AI 102 – Natural Language-Based Programming Techniques
Explore the dynamic world of Natural Language Processing (NLP) and its intersection with programming. Learn to manipulate, analyze, and interpret human language through computational methods. Learn about basic string processing, text normalization techniques, and delve into tokenization, stemming, and lemmatization.
Vol Core, Engaged Inquiries
CYBR 101 – Introduction to Cybersecurity Concepts
Develop a broad overview of cybersecurity concepts, including the nature of cyber attacks and the identification and mitigation of attacks from the perspective of applications in real-world scenarios and sectors. Discuss ethics, privacy, and the governance and policy around cybersecurity as well as terminology, approaches, and underlying technologies used in cybersecurity.
DATA 101 – Data Knowledge and Discovery
Learn the essential elements of data science through the examination of data sets drawn from a variety of fields. Explore data collection and management, the exploration and visualization of data, modeling, computing, and ethical and privacy issues associated with data science. Students are introduced to foundational programming through hands-on activities.
Vol Core, Quantitative Reasoning
DATA 102 – Data Stewardship and Ethics
Overview of the data life cycle, including creation, collection, assurance, description, discovery, integration, use, reuse, and preservation. Explore data management principles and the development and implementation of data life cycle management plans. Examine the legal, ethical, and technological challenges in developing and implementing data management policies.
EMER 101 – Gateway to Future Digital Technologies
Develop a comprehensive understanding of the key concepts, principles, and emerging trends in the rapidly evolving landscape of digital technologies. This course serves as an entry point for students in fields such as computer science, information technology, data science, artificial intelligence, and related disciplines. Gain insight into the transformative power of digital technologies and their applications in various industries.
GAME 201 – Introduction to Game Craft
This immersive and hands-on course introduces students to the fundamentals of game design, development, and interactive storytelling. Develop a comprehensive overview of the game creation process, from conceptualization to prototyping. Through discussions, practical exercises, and project-based learning, students gain insight into the dynamic world of game design and development.
ITS 101 – Design Your Degree, Design Your Career
This innovative and student-centered course empowers students to craft a personalized educational journey that aligns with their unique interests and career aspirations. Students are equipped with the tools to shape their academic experience and future career path using methods of Design Thinking to spur curiosity and creativity, pushing them to think both broadly and deeply.
SUST 101 – Transdisciplinary Perspectives on Sustainability
Explore sustainability challenges through holistic and transdisciplinary lens. Students gain knowledge from various fields to address complex issues related to environmental, social, and economic sustainability. Through theoretical frameworks, case studies, and collaborative projects, students develop a foundational understanding of sustainability and cultivate the skills needed for effective problem-solving in a rapidly changing world.
Undergraduate Certificates
CECS offers certificates in emerging fields that can be stacked to create a custom degree path or taken as a standalone certificate to enhance skills in an area of interests.
Undergraduate Minors
CECS minors give students the chance to further their understanding in areas of interest through experiential learning and hands-on experiences.
Undergraduate Programs
CECS offers degrees in emerging fields such as Data Science, Applied Artificial Intelligence, and the CECS signature Innovative Transdisciplinary Services program which gives students the chance to customize their degree.
Programs in Progress
As an agile, collaborative campus hub, CECS has the ability to create new programs in emerging areas quickly in response to industry needs, evolving trends, and student demand.
Applied Computing
*Coming Soon*
Bioinformatics
*Coming Soon*
Healthcare Pathways
*Coming Soon*
Human-Computer Interaction
*Coming Soon*
Nuclear Deterrence
*Coming Soon*
Sports Analytics
*Coming Soon*
Request Information
Interested in learning more? Contact us!