How long should it take me to complete this degree program if I go part-time?

Part-time students can complete their requirements with as little as two or three 3-week sessions in residence during the summers. Most part-time students end up doing four or so summer sessions plus distance and transferred credits to complete the degree. Whether you elect the thesis or the non-thesis option the ultimate judge of how quickly you complete the coursework and requirements would be you--but in our experience, students who are taking the course on a distance basis can complete the course in any time frame from two summers and an intervening year to as much as six years (the Graduate School limit).

There is only one online courses per se--Research Methods --but there are other requirements, such as Linguistics of Reading or certain electives, that can be transferred in from other local institutions, and Practicum, independent study, and Capstone Project courses which can be taken on a distance basis. As much as 9 hours of coursework can be transferred towards the degree from other accredited graduate institutions. If you take classes here before applying and being accepted into the program, those courses taken before entrance will count as transfer courses towards the degree—so don’t wait too long before filing your application

What kinds of financial assistance are available to part-time students?

There are two principal sources of financial aid for part-time and distance students: the Academic Common Market (a consortium of mostly Southern states with reciprocal waivers of out-of-state tuition) and our Instructional Credit Agreement with the National Storytelling Network, which allows us to offer instate tuition rates on all summer, online, or distance-oriented courses for members of that organization. For further details on our NSN tuition agreement click on this link. You might also investigate tuition reimbursements and grants offered by employers, by job-training or re-training agencies in your local area, or by foundations, arts councils, etc.

How long will it take me to complete the degree and what kinds of financial aid are available to me if I go full-time?

Full-time students generally spend from two to four semesters plus one or two summer sessions to complete their degree programs. There are graduate assistantships and tuition scholarships available to students enrolled on a full-time, in-residence basis. These assistantships come from several sources: the Graduate School, the Department of Curriculum and Instruction (in which the Storytelling Program is housed), and from outside grants. They include full tuition reimbursement and stipends of $3000 per semester, in exchange for work assignments of 20 hours per week. There are numerous different sorts of work assignments available to GAs. You will need to discuss specific assignments with the program coordinator. The full-time experience is much more intensive and immersive, and is a good choice for students who have not yet initiated a full-time career or family responsibilities (or are seeking refuge from them!).

Does the program require GRE scores for admission?

GRE scores are not required for admission, only a Bachelors degree from an accredited university, transcripts, admissions forms, and 3 letters of recommendation.

How many credit hours are required to complete the degree?

The standard credit hour requirement is 30 hours with a thesis, 36 hours with the non-thesis option. If you have a previous Masters degree some of those hours can be waived--minimums drop to 21 hours with a thesis, 24 hours without.

Where can I stay when I come to study at ETSU?

Dorm housing is cheap and convenient for the 3-week sessions, or for fall and spring in-residence students. There are also reasonably priced off-campus housing units available. For assistance with your housing needs, call the ETSU Housing Office at 423-439-4446, and ask for Kathy Graves.

How much do courses at ETSU cost?

Tuition costs tend to change on the regular basis, inexorably upwards--but the recent figures are $257 per credit hour for in-state students and students in the Academic Common Market (a consortium of mostly southern states with reciprocal tuition arrangements), and $537 per credit for out-of-state tuition. We have developed a partnership arrangement with the National Storytelling Network in Jonesborough that lets us offer all our summer and distance courses at the in-state tuition rates to members of that organization (http://www.storynet.org/etsu/index.htm). This would mean that a typical 3-hour required course at in-state rates would cost approximately $700 plus textbooks and fees (www.etsu.--bursars office).

How far in advance do I need to apply to the ETSU Graduate School before I can begin the Program?

It takes an average of about three to four weeks from receiving your complete application until you are able to register for classes as a storytelling major, so bear that in mind when calculating your timetables. It generally takes somewhat longer to receive an appointment as a Graduate Assistant—we would like to have your application in by early May in order to assign these positions for the Fall semester.

Who can I contact for further specific information and assistance?

Our liaison to the Graduate School is Robin O'Dell, at 423-439-6148, and she is very helpful about all kinds of details regarding application, registration, and the like. You're welcome to call the Program Coordinator, Dr. Joseph Sobol (423-439-7863), any time during regular office hours with additional questions, or just email.