East Tennessee State University (ETSU) has language requirements for international students to ensure they are proficient in English, as all courses are conducted in English. Here’s an overview of the requirements:

1. English Language Proficiency Tests

International students must provide proof of English proficiency through standardized tests. The accepted scores are as follows:

• TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language)

  • Internet-Based Test (iBT): Minimum score of 61
  • Paper-Based Test (PBT): Minimum score of 500

• IELTS (International English Language Testing System)

  • Minimum score: 5.5 overall

• Duolingo English Test

  • Minimum score: 85

• PTE Academic (Pearson Test of English Academic)

  • Minimum score: 45

2. Exemptions from English Proficiency Tests

Students may be exempt from submitting English language test scores if they:

• Are from a country where English is the primary language.
• Have completed at least two years of full-time study at an accredited institution in the United States or another English-speaking country.
• Have completed an ETSU-approved English language program.

3. Conditional Admission through ESL Program

• ETSU offers an Intensive English Program (IEP) for students who do not meet the minimum language requirements. Students may be granted conditional admission to complete this ESL program and then transition to their degree programs after achieving the required English proficiency.

4. Graduate Program Requirements

Some graduate programs may have higher English proficiency requirements than the general university minimums. Students should check with their specific program for additional language requirements.

5. Other Accepted Proofs of English Proficiency

ETSU may accept alternative proofs of English proficiency on a case-by-case basis, so students can contact the admissions office if they have other qualifications or test scores that could fulfill the requirement.

These language requirements help ETSU ensure that international students can effectively engage in their studies and communicate well within the academic environment.

Applying to ETSU

East Tennessee State University (ETSU), located in Johnson City, Tennessee, is known for its diverse academic offerings and strengths in various fields. Here are some of its standout course specialties:

1. Health Sciences

• ETSU's College of Public Health and Quillen College of Medicine are well-regarded. The university offers programs in public health, nursing, and other healthcare-related fields, including pharmacy (through the Bill Gatton College of Pharmacy).
• Specializations include Epidemiology, Environmental Health, Health Administration, and Clinical Psychology.

2. Nursing

• The College of Nursing at ETSU provides comprehensive programs from undergraduate to doctoral levels, including the DNP (Doctor of Nursing Practice) and PhD in Nursing. It is known for its focus on rural health and community care.

3. Business and Technology

• The ETSU College of Business and Technology offers programs in business administration, digital media, information technology, and engineering technology.
• The Digital Media program is particularly strong, with concentrations in animation, visualization, and game design.

4. Education

• ETSU has a respected College of Education, offering programs in Early Childhood Education, K-12 Education, Educational Leadership, and Counseling. The university has a strong focus on preparing educators for rural and underserved areas.

5. Arts and Humanities

• The university offers robust programs in the fine arts, music, and theater. Its Bluegrass, Old Time, and Roots Music program is one of the few in the country, attracting students interested in traditional American music.

6. Environmental and Outdoor Recreation

• ETSU’s location in the Appalachian Mountains makes it ideal for programs in Environmental Health, Parks and Recreation Management, and Outdoor Recreation. The university’s research often focuses on regional ecological issues.

7. Social Work and Criminal Justice

• The Social Work and Criminal Justice programs at ETSU provide both undergraduate and graduate degrees. They focus on practical experience and are designed to prepare students for careers in community engagement, rehabilitation, and law enforcement.

8. Biomedical Sciences

• ETSU offers advanced study in Biomedical Sciences, with research in areas like microbiology, pharmacology, and biochemistry, often linked with the College of Medicine.

9. Clinical Psychology

• ETSU’s PhD program in Clinical Psychology has an emphasis on rural mental health, preparing students for careers in clinical settings, particularly in rural communities with limited access to mental health services.

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East Tennessee State University (ETSU) has a number of highly regarded professors, especially in fields like health sciences, digital media, and Appalachian studies, who are known for their contributions to research, teaching, and community service. Here are some notable professors who have made significant impacts in their respective fields at ETSU:

1. Dr. Wilsie Bishop – Health Sciences

• Dr. Bishop has been a prominent figure in ETSU’s College of Public Health and has served in various leadership roles, including Vice President for Health Affairs and University Chief Operating Officer. Known for her contributions to health sciences and her advocacy for rural health, Dr. Bishop has been instrumental in shaping ETSU’s health programs.

2. Dr. Randy Wykoff – Public Health

• Dr. Wykoff is the Founding Dean of the College of Public Health at ETSU. He is recognized nationally for his work in public health, with a focus on rural health, health equity, and health disparities. His work has helped ETSU become a leader in addressing health issues in underserved communities.

3. Dr. Beverly Brockman – Business and Entrepreneurship

• Dr. Brockman, as Chair of the Department of Management and Marketing, has led efforts in entrepreneurship education at ETSU. She focuses on helping students develop entrepreneurial skills and has a strong record in academic research, specifically in small business and entrepreneurship development.

4. Dr. Ron Roach – Appalachian Studies

• Dr. Roach is a key figure in Appalachian Studies at ETSU, which is one of the few universities offering this unique program. His work focuses on the cultural heritage and economic issues of the Appalachian region, and he has contributed to both regional research and community engagement.

5. Dr. Kelly Foster – Environmental Health

• Dr. Foster is a professor in the Department of Environmental Health and is known for her work on environmental and public health issues, especially as they relate to rural communities. Her research often addresses water quality and environmental contaminants, with practical applications that impact the local community.

6. Dr. Chris Dula – Psychology

• Dr. Dula, a professor in the Department of Psychology, is known for his engaging teaching style and his research on stress, health psychology, and risky behaviors. He has received multiple awards for his teaching and is highly respected among psychology students at ETSU.

7. Dr. Thomas G. Laughlin – Digital Media

• Dr. Laughlin is a leader in ETSU's Digital Media program, known for his expertise in animation, visual effects, and digital storytelling. His work in digital media has helped the program earn a strong reputation in the southeastern U.S., attracting students interested in careers in film, gaming, and visual arts.

8. Dr. Robert Pack – Addiction Science and Public Health

• Dr. Pack is an expert in addiction science and serves as Associate Dean for Academic Affairs in the College of Public Health. His research on substance abuse, addiction treatment, and prevention has contributed significantly to efforts in addressing the opioid crisis, especially within rural communities.

These professors are representative of ETSU’s commitment to practical, community-focused research and education, especially in fields that address regional needs. Their work helps ETSU make a meaningful impact on public health, education, and economic development in Appalachia and beyond.

East Tennessee State University (ETSU) does not currently have any faculty or alumni who have received the Nobel Prize. As a regional university primarily focused on serving the educational and healthcare needs of the Appalachian region, ETSU is more focused on practical, community-centered education and applied research rather than the kind of fundamental research often associated with Nobel Prizes.

ETSU’s research and academic strengths are particularly prominent in fields such as public health, rural medicine, nursing, digital media, and Appalachian studies. While these fields contribute meaningfully to local and regional needs, Nobel Prizes are typically awarded for groundbreaking achievements with broad, international impact, often in physics, chemistry, physiology/medicine, literature, peace, and economic sciences.