The University of Tennessee at Knoxville --- approximately 40 miles northwest or a one hour's drive from the Great Smoky Mountains National Park --- is a public research university accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools. It offers bachelors, masters and doctoral degrees in over 300 degree programs, including arts and sciences, architecture and design, law, nursing, social work, business administration and veterinary medicine. The University's library promotes research and events in the National Park.
Located in Maryville, Tennessee, approximately 40 miles west --- a one-hour drive --- of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Maryville College is a four-year, coeducational liberal arts college accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools and the National Association of Schools of Music. The College offers bachelor of arts, bachelor of science and bachelor of music degrees in over sixty areas of study. These include history, math, fine arts, music and pre-professional programs in medicine, law and dentistry.
The College's Mountain Challenge programs uses the challenges of outdoor experiences --- such as rock climbing or canoeing in the nearby Smoky Mountains --- to learn, gain confidence and grow personally. Students who participate in 15 challenge events earn three credit hours --- which can fulfill Maryville's experiential education requirement that is part of the College's core curriculum requirements.
Brevard College is a four-year, private liberal arts college located in the southern Appalachian Mountains approximately 120 miles (a two-hour drive) east of the Great Smoky Mountains in Brevard, North Carolina. The College's mission is to offer an education that integrates theoretical liberal arts knowledge with practical experiences beyond the classroom. These practical experiences are varied and can include environmental field trips, working at a business or helping disadvantaged children.
The College holds several accreditations, including the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools and The United Methodist Church. Students can earn a bachelor of arts, a bachelor of science or a bachelor in music in a variety of majors; these include theatre studies, criminal justice, environmental science, music education and wilderness leadership and experiential education.
With views of the Great Smoky Mountains and approximately 55 miles north (a 90-minute drive) from the National Park headquarters in Gatlinburg, Carson-Newman College is a Christ-centered, coeducational four-year liberal arts college located in Jefferson City, Tennessee. With an average class size of 16, Carson-Newman offers over 50 majors with programs ranging from English, chemistry, art painting, child and family studies, communication (advertising), church music, army ROTC, teacher licensures and dietetics. Students can also major in religion with an emphasis in several areas --- including biblical studies, ministry, leadership and ethics and spirituality and the arts.
Located approximately 62 miles east --- a one-hour drive --- of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park in Asheville, North Carolina, Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College is a public, two-year coeducational college recognized by the North Carolina Community College System and the North Carolina State Board of Education. The Community College offers a range of programs, including associates degrees in accounting, baking and pastry arts, civil engineering technology, medical sonography and welding technology.