Meet Online Students

ETSU Online

I AM ETSU ONLINE headline with various students pictured smiling at the camera.

A University for All 

ETSU is committed to creating a supportive environment for all students. Traditional undergraduates, adult learners, military-affiliated students, and more benefit from specialized resources. 

Online learning is ideal for individuals who are working, raising a family, or simply managing a busy schedule. The convenience of studying anywhere, anytime offers flexibility, helping students stay focused on their goals without putting everything else on hold. 

On-campus students can also take advantage of online courses when it makes sense for their schedules. Whether it’s avoiding a time conflict or balancing work and other activities, online options offer flexibility without extra steps or special requirements. Students can work with their academic advisor to register for an online course in the same way they would for any other class. 

ETSU Online Success Stories

patrina james and 7 other people stand outside Warf-Pickel Hall and celebrate Patrina's graduation. Her quote: "I participated in 100% online classes and didn't feel left out of anything. Being an online student made all the difference. It would have been impossible for me to finish otherwise. I'm married, raising a family, and I earned both my bachelor's and master's degrees summa cum laude."

For Patrina James, a nearly four-hour commute to campus wasn’t an option. But thanks to online classes, she didn’t have to choose between her education, her family, and her future.

Her advice? ✅ Set goals. 🕒 Stick to a schedule. 💡 Know that you can do this!

Allison Foster, GIS certificate student says: "Actively participate in discussions, connect with instructors, and set clear goals. You might be surprised to know that geoscience encompasses more than just maps."
Meet Allison Foster, an online GIS Certificate student and epidemiologist with the Tennessee Department of Health.

She's using her GIS skills in powerful ways, like identifying hot spots of Yersiniosis cases and presenting research at the CSTE Conference.

Sara Goodwin sits on the steps of the library. Her quote: "The great thing about Human Services [professors] in general is that all fo the are so good at reaching out to you. They want you to succeed, they want to talk to you and they want to get to know you. I never felt disconnected from campus.

Sara Goodwin, a proud graduate of ETSU’s online Human Services, B.S. program, found the connection, support, and flexibility she needed to reach her goals.

She says the flexibility of online courses allowed her to take time for herself, and now, she encourages others to take advantage of online classes.

Jodi Carlson, Qualitative Studies graduate certificate student. "online classes work for me because I am full time employed and have other obligations. I could do it [coursework] at the times that were convenient for me."

Meet Jodi. Jodi currently is taking classes to earn a graduate certificate in Qualitative Research Methods. 

Jodi holds a Master of Science in Anesthesiology, as well as a post-master's doctorate in nurse anesthesia. After 34 years as a clinical practitioner, she wasn't ready to retire. Instead, she transitioned into teaching and has been bringing new perspectives and knowledge to her students over the past three years.

Pharrin C., MPH student, stands outside in front of some shrubbery.

As a first-generation graduate student, pursuing higher education is more than a degree for Pharrin — it’s a privilege, a purpose, and a way to pave the path for future generations. Her advice? ""Be humble. Ask questions. Use your calendar. Take advantage of resources — and remember, you belong here."

Through ETSU Online, Pharrin balances a full-time graduate assistantship while engaging in a research-based program focused on health equity and community impact. She credits ETSU’s supportive faculty, responsive online courses, and flexibility for helping her thrive - even as an out-of-state student.

Josh Bessinger, Sport Management student, stands in front of Bristol Motor Speedway. The professors really challenge you, it's not just busywork... One of my classes right now, I'm planning an integrated marketing plan for a real local organization that I'm going to give to them."

Josh is studying Sports Management while working at Bristol Motor Speedway.

He grew up in North Carolina with a dream to work with athletic organizations. He went on to play collegiate soccer and continue his education with ETSU Sports Management and Recreation. Josh's passion lies in building a team together and networking with other professionals in the sports field and making sure that individuals feel valued. He also works with a youth soccer team and challenges others to invest in their communities.

Hear firsthand accounts from online students about the impactful experiences they've had with ETSU's online programs. Whatever your situation, ETSU is here to help you achieve your goals!

Chrislyn Shuford, M.Ed. Education Leadership

Vanessa Bentley, ETSU Radiology Graduate

Meet some other classmates!

Michael Fowler, Criminal Justice and Criminology, M.A.

I Am ETSU Online

Meet Lucas

Meet Tangelia

 

Meet Charlie

  • “The sports industry is tough to break into, but I’m in my role as an Account Executive with the Knoxville Ice Bears because of what I learned in ETSU’s MS in Sport Management program. The curriculum gave me a strong foundation in the business of sport, and the online format allowed me to gain real-world experience through internships."

    Grant A., Sport Management, M.S.

  • "I received amazing support from faculty and staff, and the program prepared me for my career."

    Morgan Mu., Health Administration, MHA

  • "Studying Human Services online at ETSU gave me the chance to better support myself financially and have flexibility with factors outside of school. The ETSU HS program taught me to be intentional, accountable, and dependable in all I do. We are typically supporting people in less-than-ideal circumstances, so those three values are critical to practice and uphold."

    Kassie C., Human Services, B.S.

  • "Pace yourself and try to find a mentor. If you work while taking classes, see if your assignments can be real-world applications to your work ... work smarter, not harder!"

    Sarah L.G., Public Administration, MPA

  • "Being out of the classroom for over 25 years, I was a little scared to go back to school as a full-time student … ETSU's online program helped with the intimidation factor!"

    Angelica A., Digital Marketing, M.S.

  • "have a toddler and I work full-time ... having the flexibility to work at my own pace allows me to complete the classes as I can!"

    Derrick N., Marketing, BBA

  • "What the program provided to me this last two years was stability and able to still pursue the degree and, still do what I need to do on the side as a parent, as a husband."

    Nicholas B., Criminal Justice & Criminology, M.A.

  • "As a husband, father to four teenagers, and full-time employee, I knew there would be a delicate dance ... ETSU Online helped prove that I could juggle all three and still be successful!"

    J.D. F., School Leadership, Ed.D.

  • "The professors really challenge you, it's not just busywork... One of my classes right now, I'm planning an integrated marketing plan for a real local organization that I'm going to give to them."

    Josh B., Sport Management, M.S.

  • "If continuing your education is something you've wanted for yourself but you have barriers in your way, ETSU's online programming can truly remove many of those barriers!"

    Dana W., Public Administration, MPA

  • "Be aware of your time management. Maintain a productive learning environment. Reach out for help when you need it. Be mindful of your self-care."

    Caitlin G., Individual, Family, & Community Sciences, M.S.

  • "Realizing this lifelong desire for the doctorate degree would not have been possible, in any way, shape, or form, without the flexibility of the online program. Not only was I able to participate in world-class discussions with fantastic professors, but I also had the opportunity to meet key experts in higher education within and outside the state of Tennessee."

    Dr. Marla C., Educational Leadership

Recognized Among the Best Colleges for Adult and Military/Veteran Students

Abound    is a college guidance system for degree-seeking adults, and helps students age 24 and up find the best place to earn an undergraduate or graduate degree. Abound's Best Online Colleges list features colleges that have undergone thorough vetting for a supportive student experience.

ETSU's New Student and Family Programs   office works to meet adult students’ needs in a variety of ways through Transfer and Adult Services.   Additionally, ETSU is widely recognized for its services for veterans and military-affiliated students. The university’s Office of Military and Veteran Services    provides consistent, personalized support for students who served in the U.S. Armed Forces. ETSU has earned the prestigious Military Friendly® School    designation for 14 consecutive years.

ETSU was recognized by Abound as one of the Best Colleges for Adults seeking to complete their degree.