East Tennessee State University
Appalachian roots, global reach, endless possibilities.
📍 Johnson City, United States 🇺🇸
🏆 #317 in United States
Quick Facts about East Tennessee State University
- Type: Public
- Students: 13,586
- International: 2%
- Campus: Small city
- Tuition: $28,856 – $34,760/year
- Language: English
- Student-Faculty Ratio: 21:1
- Intakes: January, August
About East Tennessee State University
Academics
ETSU provides a diverse academic portfolio across eleven colleges, including the Quillen College of Medicine, Bill Gatton College of Pharmacy, and Colleges of Nursing and Public Health. The university is classified as an "R2: Doctoral Universities – High research activity" institution, emphasizing both rigorous coursework and scholarly contributions. Notable programs include health sciences, which are highly respected for rural health research and practices, as well as unique offerings like an accredited program in Bluegrass, Old Time, and Country Music, and a master's degree in Storytelling. The teaching approach combines a wealth of academic opportunities with personalized attention, maintaining an average class size of 20 students.
International Students
ETSU actively supports its international student community, which comprises over 400 students from more than 65 countries. International Enrollment and Services provides advocacy, cultural and educational programming, and community-building initiatives to foster student success and cultural integration. While specific English-taught program details are best confirmed directly with the university, ETSU considers all international applicants for its International Merit Scholarship, with over $6,000,000 in institutional scholarships offered to international students in 2024-2025. Student organizations like International Buccaneer Buddies (IBB) promote cultural exchange and lifelong friendships.
Campus & Location
Johnson City, Tennessee, offers a vibrant and diverse community set amidst the scenic Appalachian Mountains. The ETSU campus itself spans 340 acres and features over 80 buildings, including modern residence halls and athletic facilities. Students can enjoy city life with diverse dining options, inviting coffee shops, and shopping, while also having easy access to outdoor activities like hiking and biking trails, including the Appalachian Trail. Founders Park, a 5-acre green space with an amphitheater and farmers market, is also within walking distance of the campus.
Career Outcomes
ETSU demonstrates a strong commitment to graduate success, with 89.7% of graduates from the 2021-2022 academic year either employed or pursuing further education within six months of graduation. The average salary for ETSU graduates has risen to $53,777, reflecting a 10% increase. The university's Career Services actively connects students with local employers, leading to increased job placement opportunities. Notable industry connections include Eastman Chemical Company, Ballad Health, and various tech startups in the Tri-Cities region, offering internships and entry-level positions. Graduates with degrees in Registered Nursing and Computer and Information Sciences tend to have higher starting salaries.
Information for International Students at East Tennessee State University
East Tennessee State University in Johnson City, United States welcomes international students, with 2% of the student body coming from abroad.
- 2% of students are international
- Visa support available
- On-campus work allowed
- Student housing available
- Work placement / internship opportunities available
- Teaching languages: English
Admissions Requirements for East Tennessee State University
Here are the key admission requirements for international students applying to East Tennessee State University:
- IELTS minimum: 5.5
- TOEFL minimum: 61
- Duolingo minimum: 85
- GPA minimum: 2.3
- Application fee: $25
- Selectivity: Open (60%+)
- Application deadline: July 1st (Fall semester), October 1st (Spring semester)
Programs at East Tennessee State University (42 programs)
East Tennessee State University offers 42 programs across Bachelor, Master, PhD levels.
Bachelor Programs (20)
- History (BA) — 48 months · English
This program explores past events, societies, and cultures, developing critical thinking, research, and analytical skills applicable to various fields.
Field: Arts and Humanities
Career outcomes: Historian, Archivist, Educator - Nursing (BSN) — 48 months · English
This program prepares students for a career as a registered nurse, focusing on patient care, health promotion, disease prevention, and professional nursing practice.
Field: Health Sciences
Career outcomes: Registered Nurse, Nurse Educator, Healthcare Administrator - Accountancy (BBA) — 48 months · English
This program prepares students for careers in accounting, auditing, and financial management, covering principles of financial reporting, taxation, and business law.
Field: Business
Career outcomes: Accountant, Auditor, Financial Analyst - Mathematics (BS) — 48 months · English · STEM
Students develop strong analytical and problem-solving skills through the study of calculus, algebra, statistics, and other mathematical theories.
Field: Natural Sciences
Career outcomes: Mathematician, Statistician, Data Analyst - Digital Media (BS) — 48 months · English · STEM
This program combines artistic creativity with technical skills in areas like animation, game design, web development, and digital video production. Students learn to create compelling digital content for various platforms.
Field: Arts and Design
Career outcomes: Animator, Game Designer, Web Developer, Digital Content Creator - Chemistry (BS) — 48 months · English · STEM
Students gain a strong foundation in chemical principles, including organic, inorganic, analytical, and physical chemistry, preparing them for research or industry roles.
Field: Natural Sciences
Career outcomes: Chemist, Research Scientist, Quality Control Analyst - Psychology (BA) — 48 months · English
Students study human behavior and mental processes, exploring topics such as cognitive psychology, social psychology, developmental psychology, and abnormal psychology.
Field: Social Sciences
Career outcomes: Counselor, Researcher, Human Resources Specialist - English (BA) — 48 months · English
This program focuses on literature, writing, and critical analysis, enhancing communication skills and understanding of diverse cultural narratives.
Field: Arts and Humanities
Career outcomes: Writer, Editor, Teacher - Sport and Recreation Management (BS) — 48 months · English
This program prepares students for leadership roles in the sport and recreation industries. Topics include facility management, event planning, marketing, and finance within sport and recreation organizations.
Field: Sport Management
Career outcomes: Athletic Director, Recreation Manager, Event Coordinator, Sports Marketing Specialist - History (BA) — 48 months · English
This program explores past events, societies, and cultures, developing critical thinking, research, and analytical skills applicable to various fields.
Field: Arts and Humanities
Career outcomes: Historian, Archivist, Educator - Nursing (BSN) — 48 months · English
This program prepares students for a career as a registered nurse, focusing on patient care, health promotion, disease prevention, and professional nursing practice.
Field: Health Sciences
Career outcomes: Registered Nurse, Nurse Educator, Healthcare Administrator - Accountancy (BBA) — 48 months · English
This program prepares students for careers in accounting, auditing, and financial management, covering principles of financial reporting, taxation, and business law.
Field: Business
Career outcomes: Accountant, Auditor, Financial Analyst - Mathematics (BS) — 48 months · English · STEM
Students develop strong analytical and problem-solving skills through the study of calculus, algebra, statistics, and other mathematical theories.
Field: Natural Sciences
Career outcomes: Mathematician, Statistician, Data Analyst - Digital Media (BS) — 48 months · English · STEM
This program combines artistic creativity with technical skills in areas like animation, game design, web development, and digital video production. Students learn to create compelling digital content for various platforms.
Field: Arts and Design
Career outcomes: Animator, Game Designer, Web Developer, Digital Content Creator - Chemistry (BS) — 48 months · English · STEM
Students gain a strong foundation in chemical principles, including organic, inorganic, analytical, and physical chemistry, preparing them for research or industry roles.
Field: Natural Sciences
Career outcomes: Chemist, Research Scientist, Quality Control Analyst - Psychology (BA) — 48 months · English
Students study human behavior and mental processes, exploring topics such as cognitive psychology, social psychology, developmental psychology, and abnormal psychology.
Field: Social Sciences
Career outcomes: Counselor, Researcher, Human Resources Specialist - English (BA) — 48 months · English
This program focuses on literature, writing, and critical analysis, enhancing communication skills and understanding of diverse cultural narratives.
Field: Arts and Humanities
Career outcomes: Writer, Editor, Teacher - Sport and Recreation Management (BS) — 48 months · English
This program prepares students for leadership roles in the sport and recreation industries. Topics include facility management, event planning, marketing, and finance within sport and recreation organizations.
Field: Sport Management
Career outcomes: Athletic Director, Recreation Manager, Event Coordinator, Sports Marketing Specialist - Biology (BS) — 48 months · English · STEM
This program provides a comprehensive understanding of living organisms, covering topics from molecular biology to ecology, preparing students for research or health professions.
Field: Natural Sciences
Career outcomes: Biologist, Research Scientist, Healthcare Professional - Computer Science (BS) — 48 months · English · STEM
Students learn fundamental principles of computing, including programming, data structures, algorithms, and software development, with applications in various industries.
Field: Computer Science
Career outcomes: Software Engineer, Web Developer, Data Scientist
Master Programs (11)
- Public Health (MPH) — 24 months · English
Students learn to address public health challenges through epidemiology, biostatistics, environmental health, and health policy, promoting community well-being.
Field: Health Sciences
Career outcomes: Public Health Specialist, Epidemiologist, Health Educator - Speech-Language Pathology (MS) — 24 months · English
This program prepares students to become certified speech-language pathologists, specializing in the assessment and treatment of communication and swallowing disorders. It includes clinical practicum and research opportunities.
Field: Health Sciences
Career outcomes: Speech-Language Pathologist, Clinical Specialist, Educator - Master of Business Administration (MBA) — 24 months · English
This program provides advanced business knowledge and leadership skills, covering areas like finance, marketing, operations, and strategic management.
Field: Business
Career outcomes: Business Manager, Consultant, Entrepreneur - Social Work (MSW) — 24 months · English
This program prepares students for advanced social work practice, focusing on direct service, community organization, and policy advocacy to promote social justice.
Field: Social Sciences
Career outcomes: Social Worker, Case Manager, Advocate - Clinical Psychology (MA) — 24 months · English
This program focuses on the assessment, diagnosis, and treatment of mental, emotional, and behavioral disorders, preparing students for clinical practice.
Field: Psychology
Career outcomes: Clinical Psychologist, Therapist, Counselor - Public Health (MPH) — 24 months · English
Students learn to address public health challenges through epidemiology, biostatistics, environmental health, and health policy, promoting community well-being.
Field: Health Sciences
Career outcomes: Public Health Specialist, Epidemiologist, Health Educator - Speech-Language Pathology (MS) — 24 months · English
This program prepares students to become certified speech-language pathologists, specializing in the assessment and treatment of communication and swallowing disorders. It includes clinical practicum and research opportunities.
Field: Health Sciences
Career outcomes: Speech-Language Pathologist, Clinical Specialist, Educator - Master of Business Administration (MBA) — 24 months · English
This program provides advanced business knowledge and leadership skills, covering areas like finance, marketing, operations, and strategic management.
Field: Business
Career outcomes: Business Manager, Consultant, Entrepreneur - Social Work (MSW) — 24 months · English
This program prepares students for advanced social work practice, focusing on direct service, community organization, and policy advocacy to promote social justice.
Field: Social Sciences
Career outcomes: Social Worker, Case Manager, Advocate - Clinical Psychology (MA) — 24 months · English
This program focuses on the assessment, diagnosis, and treatment of mental, emotional, and behavioral disorders, preparing students for clinical practice.
Field: Psychology
Career outcomes: Clinical Psychologist, Therapist, Counselor - Business Administration (MBA) — 24 months · English
This program develops leadership and management skills, covering core business functions like finance, marketing, operations, and strategic planning.
Field: Business
Career outcomes: Business Manager, Consultant, Entrepreneur
PhD Programs (9)
- Nursing Practice (DNP) — 36 months · English
The Doctor of Nursing Practice prepares advanced practice nurses for leadership roles in clinical practice, healthcare systems, and policy development, focusing on evidence-based care.
Field: Health Sciences
Career outcomes: Nurse Practitioner, Clinical Nurse Specialist, Healthcare Administrator - Biomedical Sciences (PhD) — 60 months · English · STEM
This doctoral program focuses on advanced research in areas such as molecular biology, immunology, pharmacology, and neuroscience, contributing to medical advancements.
Field: Biomedical Sciences
Career outcomes: Research Scientist, University Professor, Biotechnology Specialist - Educational Leadership (EdD) — 48 months · English
The Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership prepares professionals for leadership roles in educational institutions, focusing on policy, administration, and curriculum development.
Field: Education
Career outcomes: School Administrator, University Dean, Education Policy Analyst - Environmental Health (PhD) — 60 months · English · STEM
This program focuses on advanced research into environmental factors affecting human health, including toxicology, risk assessment, and public health interventions.
Field: Environmental Science
Career outcomes: Environmental Scientist, Public Health Researcher, Policy Advisor - Nursing Practice (DNP) — 36 months · English
The Doctor of Nursing Practice prepares advanced practice nurses for leadership roles in clinical practice, healthcare systems, and policy development, focusing on evidence-based care.
Field: Health Sciences
Career outcomes: Nurse Practitioner, Clinical Nurse Specialist, Healthcare Administrator - Biomedical Sciences (PhD) — 60 months · English · STEM
This doctoral program focuses on advanced research in areas such as molecular biology, immunology, pharmacology, and neuroscience, contributing to medical advancements.
Field: Biomedical Sciences
Career outcomes: Research Scientist, University Professor, Biotechnology Specialist - Educational Leadership (EdD) — 48 months · English
The Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership prepares professionals for leadership roles in educational institutions, focusing on policy, administration, and curriculum development.
Field: Education
Career outcomes: School Administrator, University Dean, Education Policy Analyst - Environmental Health (PhD) — 60 months · English · STEM
This program focuses on advanced research into environmental factors affecting human health, including toxicology, risk assessment, and public health interventions.
Field: Environmental Science
Career outcomes: Environmental Scientist, Public Health Researcher, Policy Advisor - Education (PhD) — 60 months · English
This program prepares scholars and leaders in education through advanced study in educational theory, research methods, and policy, focusing on improving educational systems.
Field: Education
Career outcomes: University Professor, Educational Administrator, Policy Analyst
Scholarships & Tuition at East Tennessee State University
Annual tuition for international students: $28,856 – $34,760/year
✅ East Tennessee State University offers scholarships for international students. Check the official website for eligibility, amounts, and deadlines.
Rankings of East Tennessee State University
- National Ranking: #317 in United States
- Ranking tier: Research University
- Research output: High
Campus & Facilities at East Tennessee State University
- Student housing available
- Sports facilities available
- Disability support available
- Campus type: Small city
- Average class size: 20
Key Highlights
- Appalachian region public research university
- Strong health sciences programs
- Unique music and storytelling degrees
- R2 high research activity institution
- Generous international student scholarships
Accreditation
- Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)
- AACSB International - The Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business
- National Association of Schools of Music (NASM)
Notable Alumni
- Kenny Chesney
- Timothy Busfield
- Bill Lee
- Erik Estrada
- Ron Ramsey
Frequently Asked Questions about East Tennessee State University
What is East Tennessee State University?
East Tennessee State University is a public university located in Johnson City, United States. It has approximately 13,586 students, with 2% being international students.
How much does it cost to study at East Tennessee State University?
Tuition fees at East Tennessee State University for international students range from $28,856 – $34,760/year. Scholarships are available for international students.
What are the admission requirements for East Tennessee State University?
IELTS minimum: 5.5. TOEFL minimum: 61. Duolingo minimum: 85. GPA minimum: 2.3. Application fee: $25. Selectivity: Open (60%+). Application deadline: July 1st (Fall semester), October 1st (Spring semester).
What language are courses taught in at East Tennessee State University?
Courses at East Tennessee State University are taught in English. International students need a minimum IELTS score of 5.5.
How many programs does East Tennessee State University offer?
East Tennessee State University offers 42 programs: 20 Bachelor's, 11 Master's, and 9 PhD programs across various fields of study.
What is East Tennessee State University ranked?
#317 in United States.
Does East Tennessee State University offer scholarships?
Yes, East Tennessee State University offers scholarships for international students. Visit the university's official financial aid page for current opportunities, eligibility criteria, and deadlines.
Does East Tennessee State University provide visa support?
Yes, East Tennessee State University provides visa support for international students. Student housing is also available. On-campus work opportunities are available.
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