In common with the majority of graduate liberal studies programs, the MALS program at ETSU aims to serve adult students who have existing full-time careers as well as those seeking a degree for personal enrichment. A large number of MALS students at ETSU have been those who have returned to the academic world after a number of years away, but there are also traditional graduate students who completed their bachelor’s degrees shortly before beginning the program. Most MALS students come from East Tennessee and the bordering counties in North Carolina and Virginia, although a few do come to the region specifically to attend ETSU.The MALS program has had a few international students originally from countries such as Russia, Liberia, Brazil, and England. The majority of MALS students attend classes part-time, but many do attend full-time Overall, the MALS program consists of a diverse group of students with unique interests guiding their graduate programs of study.
"The value of my MALS degree cannot be measured since I believe it reflects who I am as a person - a person committed to lifelong learning. I utilize my skills I acquired through my degree ever day, particularly in my classroom where interdisciplinarity is at the heart of my syllabus."
-Darcy Martin, MALS Graduate; Medical Education Coordinator and Adjunct Faculty, ETSU