MURFREESBORO, Tenn. (AP) -- Middle Tennessee State University broke ground this week on its $147 million Science Building.

The Tennessean reports this is the first increase in space for science education since 1967. During that time, enrollment at MTSU has almost quadrupled.

MTSU granted almost 700 degrees in biology, chemistry and related fields in 2009-2010. University President Sidney McPhee said that number could increase by 25 percent after the new science building opens in spring 2015.

Gov. Bill Haslam included almost $127 million for construction of the building in his 2012-2013 budget, which passed both chambers of the General Assembly on Monday.

Speaking at a ground-breaking ceremony, Haslam said the building will help address the state's need for more college graduates, especially in the vital areas of science, technology, engineering and math.