The Tennessee Certiļ¬ed Economic Developer (TCED) Program provides high-quality training, continuing education and professional development opportunities. The program supports Tennessee's economic and community development practitioners, community leaders and elected officials.
The TCED Program offers broad knowledge of economic opportunities, trends, core components and tools required to compete in today’s global economy, with a focus on economic development in Tennessee.
Participants gain practical expertise and build a network of peers who understand the challenges and opportunities of economic development work.
Are you ready? Join the leaders transforming Tennessee together!
The TCED Program offers 92 hours of economic development coursework across the state, providing economic developers with the tools to build stronger communities.
The Tennessee Basic Economic Development Course (TBEDC), an International Economic Development Council-accredited (IEDC) 24-hour course, is the anchor course for the certification program. It is not a prerequisite to other course offerings, and courses may be taken in any order.
To earn the TCED designation, participants must complete the following:
•Tennessee Basic Economic Development Course (TBEDC): 24 hours
•Six core courses: 10 hours each (60 total hours)
•Elective coursework: eight hours*
•Capstone project: including a written report and oral presentation
*Elective options vary based on emerging industry trends and community needs.
Participants are encouraged to complete all TCED core coursework within 2 to 2.5 years.
The TCED Program allows substitution of other IEDC-accredited Basic Economic Development courses in place of TBEDC. Additionally, up to two of the six core courses may be substituted with IEDC-equivalent courses, provided the courses were completed within three years of beginning TCED coursework. Participants must submit proof of completion to the TCED program director for approval.
Timeline: Most capstone projects are completed in two to six months. Candidates must complete the capstone project within two years after finishing their last core coursework.
UT Graduate Credit Opportunities
TCED graduates may be eligible for graduate credit opportunities with UT Chattanooga and the UT Knoxville-Baker School Master of Public Administration programs. Eligibility requirements apply.
UT Chattanooga - https://www.utc.edu/arts-and-sciences/political-science-and-public-service/graduate-studies/prospective-mpa-students
UT Knoxville - https://baker.utk.edu/graduate/
The TCED program provides both new and seasoned economic development professionals with valuable resources through practical information, best practices, knowledgeable subject matter experts and a supportive peer network. The TCED program was a great experience for me!
- Marie Lisco, Senior Development Manager, JLL.