Students and working adults in Oak Ridge can now earn a degree from Tennessee Tech University without leaving their hometown, thanks to a new effort from the university’s College of Interdisciplinary Studies.

Tech’s popular “2+2” program, which has long allowed students to complete a bachelor’s degree in select areas of study at local community college campuses, is set to expand with new offerings at the Oak Ridge campus of Roane State Community College.

Beginning this fall, students can earn a degree in interdisciplinary studies with concentrations in project management and environmental and sustainability studies – all from Oak Ridge. Classes are tailored to the needs of working adults and are offered once weekly on Tuesday evenings.

Jo Ann Foster, site coordinator and advisor for Tech’s Oak Ridge programming, explained that Roane State’s Oak Ridge campus was a natural fit for Tech’s collaboration.

“Oak Ridge is centrally located and is truly a hub for several of the surrounding counties,” said Foster. “Roane State has been a valuable partner to Tech, and we’re excited to come alongside them and offer students a pathway to a bachelor’s degree in these sought-after fields of study from the convenience of the Oak Ridge campus.”

Foster added that the fields of project management and environmental and sustainability studies are attractive degree options intended to meet key workforce needs.

“We consistently hear from employers that project management is one of those highly desired skillsets as they are seeking to fill roles,” said Foster. “Likewise, environmental and sustainability studies is valuable for students wanting to work nearby at Oak Ridge National Laboratory, for the many contractors who do work in the area or in related fields.”

Tammy Keylon, recruitment specialist for Tech’s College of Interdisciplinary Studies, adds that the 2+2 program supports efforts to make higher education more accessible to more Tennesseans.

“Tennessee Tech believes strongly that education can be for anyone, regardless of background or age. We want to remove those roadblocks to higher education and make it simpler for nontraditional students and working adults to complete their degree,” said Keylon. “In this case, that means bringing a little bit of Cookeville to Oak Ridge. We’re excited to equip students with the benefits and reputation of a Tennessee Tech degree, all from the convenience of their home community.”

Classes offered at Oak Ridge in the interdisciplinary studies degree pathway include courses such as global sustainability issues and initiatives; intro to environmental law; workplace conflict and resolution; critical thinking and problem solving; business communications; project management: risk mitigation, assessment and quality; nonprofit organizations and the environment, and others.

Students in Tech’s 2+2 program must earn their associate’s degree or equivalency to begin at the university to complete their remaining credit hours toward a bachelor’s degree from the community college site. Tech has an established learning assessment process which helps students earn maximum allowable credits, including military credit and credit for prior learning.

Interested students can learn more by contacting Foster at [email protected] or Keylon at [email protected].