The University of Tennessee's first engineering classes were held in 1838. The School of Engineering was organized in 1877 and the Tennessee State Legislature authorized the University to grant advanced Engineering degrees in 1879. The engineering program was housed in the Mechanical Building until 1898, when they were moved to the new Estabrook Hall. The School, which later became a College, has occupied several other structures since, including Ferris Hall, Perkins Hall, and the Dougherty Engineering Building. The College has also expanded significantly, adding such sub-specialties as Electrical Engineering and Nuclear Engineering and instituting doctoral programs in the 1950s. Today, the College is very highly regarded and continues to form a valuable part of the University system.