Study Overseas

Do you want an internship with a multi-billion dollar recording studio leading to a degree in Music Business? How about the opportunity to complete lab requirements in nuclear engineering at a world-renowned nuclear facility? What about hiking, water sports, and some of the best college sports programs in the United States? These are just a few things you may find yourself doing if you choose to study in the state of Tennessee, home to more than 50 universities. And the variety of educational offerings in these institutions is as diverse as the state where they reside.

Studying in Tennessee

The Tennessee Board of Regents, the University of Tennessee, and the state's regionally accredited Independent Colleges and Universities make up one of the 16st systems of higher education in the nation, serving more than 366,000 students. Tennessee's colleges are rooted by proud, varied traditions as they grow and change with the demands and new challenges of the future. They offer more than one hundred degree programs, many of which tie study and research to the state's network of growing and emerging industries. These unique opportunities provide students a quality educational experience and the opportunity to explore the rich, diverse culture of Tennessee.

Tennessee's colleges and universities provide skilled instruction at all levels and in all disciplines. Our institutions offer certificates, associate degrees, bachelor's degrees as well as numerous graduate and professional degrees. More than 39,000 students are enrolled throughout the state in masters, educational specialist, doctoral, and professional degree programs. The graduate and professional degree programs available in our state range from traditional programs in law, medicine, and philosophy to emerging fields such as Theoretical Physics and Nanomaterials.

Tennessee has seen unparalleled growth in recent years, with the relocation of several major corporations to the state, as well as many exciting new public/private partnerships. This has created a wealth of new opportunities and resources available for collaborative education initiatives, internships, and employment. As these opportunities continue to grow, and quality of life continues to rise for all Tennesseans, our graduate programs will play a key role in that progress.

More and more students over the age of 25 are returning for post-baccalaureate and advanced training. Improvements have already been implemented to better serve adult students and the goal of lifelong learning across the state and across disciplines, through initiatives of strategic master planning and performance funding. Thus, the range of graduate education programs, opportunities for basic and applied research, and partnerships with business allow the State of Tennessee to attract quality graduate students from around the world.

Living in Tennessee

Take a road trip from Memphis in the southwest corner of the state to Bristol in the northeast corner, and the 500 miles you travel in between will provide a glimpse of all the great things Tennessee has to offer. Along the way, you can visit Graceland, the home of Elvis Presley, the Grand Ole Opry in Nashville, and the Great Smoky Mountains National Park - the most visited national park in the country. These are just a few of the things about Tennessee that attract millions of visitors each year.

Those who have made Tennessee home will tell you it has something to offer everyone; from the music buff to the nature lover, you can find it here. Tennessee offers vibrant cities, open country, unparalleled wild places, and a rich history and culture. But our greatest wealth is our people: strong and welcoming communities with a deep sense of tradition and an eye on the future and the exciting opportunities that it holds.

Phil Bredesen
Governor
State of Tennessee