Our Programs

From humble beginnings in 1911 as a normal school educating teachers, with 29 students enrolled on opening day, ETSU has evolved into a regional university preparing students for the 21st century.

East Tennessee State University is one of a limited number of institutions to be classified by the Carnegie Foundation as "doctoral research intensive." Over 100 degree programs offer a variety of educational possibilities through nine colleges and schools:

College of Applied Science and Technology

College of Arts and Sciences

School of Graduate Studies

College of Business

James H. Quillen College of Medicine

School of Continuing Studies

College of Nursing

College of Education

College of Public and Allied Health

ETSU provides unique programs for students who have career goals out of the ordinary. Our bluegrass and country music program encourages numerous musicians who perform throughout the area, and our master's degree in storytelling and reading is the only such degree offered in the world. ETSU's Advanced Visualization Lab, located in the new Scott M. Niswonger Digital Media Center, is recognized as an international leader in animation graphics, training students to use the software needed to create special effects across movie screens. ETSU's School of Graduate Studies and Sherrod Library are recognized as international leaders in the electronic submission and dissemination of graduate theses and dissertations.

ETSU's James H. Quillen College of Medicine continues to attract national attention. The "2002 Best Graduate Schools" issue of U.S.News & World Report ranked the Quillen program in rural medicine as tied for fourth in the nation and tied for the 13th position among the top schools for family medicine training.

In addition, the publication listed the Quillen College as tied for 24th place among the top primary care schools. In 2001, the American Academy of Family Physicians recognized the medical college among the leading 25 schools in the nation for the number of graduates entering family medicine. Recent publications have also singled out the ETSU College of Nursing master of science in nursing program as a national leader.

Because of its efforts to extend the opportunity for a university education to as many students as possible, ETSU is recognized as a statewide leader in articulation, represented by the university's relationships with neighboring community colleges to accommodate students who intend to transfer to ETSU.

Athletics are important in the university experience, and ETSU participates in the Southern Conference and NCAA through a highly competitive 17-sport intercollegiate program. The ETSU Buccaneers have as their home a unique athletics facility, Memorial Center -- the "Mini-Dome"-- seating 12,000 fans in indoor, climate-controlled comfort.

A diploma from ETSU can take a student anywhere, as our graduates from Alaska to Saudi Arabia can attest. Our alumni may help you set up a small business, treat your gall bladder, educate your children, amuse you with films full of special effects, create artwork for your walls, clean your teeth, and rise through the ranks of the military to protect your nation. There is no limit to the possibilities offered by a degree earned at ETSU.