Tennessee State University institutional logo

Tennessee State University

Nashville, United States Founded 1912 World Rank #2405

Updated Jun 2026

Overview

English Name: Tennessee State University
Acronyms: TSU
Founded: 1912
Institution Type: University
Control Type: Public
Entity Type: Non-profit
World Rank: #2405
Rank in United States: #300
Motto: Think, Work, Serve
Colours: Royal blue and white
Tennessee State University institutional facilities
1 / 4

Established in 1912, the Tennessee State University is a non-profit public higher education institution located in the urban setting of the large city of Nashville (population range of 500,000-1,000,000 inhabitants), Tennessee.

Officially accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges, Tennessee State University (TSU) is a medium-sized coeducational US higher education institution. Tennessee State University (TSU) offers courses and programs leading to officially recognized higher education degrees such as pre-bachelor's degrees (i.e. certificates, diplomas, associate or foundation), bachelor's degrees, master's degrees and doctorate degrees in several areas of study.

The acceptance rate range is 100% making this US higher education organization a non-selective institution. International applicants are eligible to apply for enrollment.

TSU also provides several academic and non-academic facilities and services to students including a library, housing, sports facilities, financial aids and/or scholarships, study abroad and exchange programs, online courses and distance learning opportunities, as well as administrative services.

Location & Contact

Tennessee State University's contact information and physical address — the basics you'll want before applying or visiting. Bookmark this page as a single reference point during the application cycle.

Address: 3500 John A. Merritt Boulevard
Postal Code: 37209-1561
Map:
Phone: +1 (615) 963 5000
Fax: +1 (615) 963 7412

Academic Details

Tennessee State University at the institutional level: enrolment, staffing, and accreditation summary. Accreditation has expiry and renewal cycles worth checking on the awarding body site for currency.

Recognition: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
Total Students: 4,848
Student Enrollment: 8
Academic Staff Range: 400-499
Campus Setting: Urban
Memberships & Networks
Tennessee Board of Regents (TBR) American Association of State Colleges and Universities (AASCU) Association of Public and Land-Grant Universities (APLU) Oak Ridge Associated Universities (ORAU) National Athletic Association (NAA) National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA)

Academic Structures

The schools and colleges that constitute Tennessee State University's academic body are organised below. Each often controls its own admissions criteria, scholarships, and programme entry standards.

Unit 9 items
  • College of Arts and Sciences
  • College of Business
  • College of Education
  • College of Engineering, Technology and Computer Science
  • College of Health Sciences
  • College of Public Service and Urban Affairs
  • School of Agriculture and Consumer Sciences
  • School of Graduate Studies and Research
  • School of Nursing

Programs Offered

Below are Tennessee State University's active programmes grouped by degree level, with search. Use the filter to narrow by keyword and the level groupings to compare options at the same qualification tier.

84 programmes on record. Each level below shows a sample. Compare these on the programs page All programs in United States

Bachelor's Degree 34 programmes

Bachelor's Degree in Accounting and Related Services
Accounting
Bachelor's Degree in Agriculture, General
Agriculture
Bachelor's Degree in Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions
Biomedical & Laboratory Sciences
Bachelor's Degree in Architectural Engineering
General Engineering
Bachelor's Degree in Biology, General
Biological Sciences
Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration, Management and Operations
Business Administration
Bachelor's Degree in Business/Managerial Economics
Economics
Bachelor's Degree in Chemistry
Chemistry
Bachelor's Degree in Civil Engineering
Civil Engineering & Construction
Bachelor's Degree in Communication and Media Studies
Communication Studies

Showing 10 of 34.

Master's Degree 26 programmes

Master's Degree in Agricultural/Animal/Plant/Veterinary Science and Related Fields, Other
Agriculture
Master's Degree in Agriculture, General
Agriculture
Master's Degree in Biology, General
Biological Sciences
Master's Degree in Business Administration, Management and Operations
Business Administration
Master's Degree in Chemistry
Chemistry
Master's Degree in Communication Disorders Sciences and Services
Speech & Language Therapy
Master's Degree in Computer Engineering
Electrical Engineering
Master's Degree in Computer Science
Computer Sciences
Master's Degree in Criminal Justice and Corrections
Criminal Law & Justice
Master's Degree in Curriculum and Instruction
Education & Teaching

Showing 10 of 26.

Doctorate 8 programmes

Doctorate in Agriculture, General
Agriculture
Doctorate in Biology, General
Biological Sciences
Doctorate in Computer Engineering
Electrical Engineering
Doctorate in Curriculum and Instruction
Education & Teaching
Doctorate in Educational Administration and Supervision
Educational Leadership
Doctorate in Psychology, General
Psychology
Doctorate in Public Administration
Public Administration
Doctorate in Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions
Rehabilitation Sciences

Professional Doctorate 1 programme

Professional Doctorate in Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions
Rehabilitation Sciences

Associate's Degree 2 programmes

Associate's Degree in Dental Support Services and Allied Professions
Dentistry
Associate's Degree in Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing
Nursing

Postgraduate Certificate 13 programmes

Postgraduate Certificate in Alternative and Complementary Medicine and Medical Systems
Health Sciences
Postgraduate Certificate in Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology
Biochemistry
Postgraduate Certificate in Biotechnology
Biological Sciences
Postgraduate Certificate in Business Administration, Management and Operations
Business Administration
Postgraduate Certificate in Educational Administration and Supervision
Educational Leadership
Postgraduate Certificate in Educational/Instructional Media Design
Education & Teaching
Postgraduate Certificate in Geography and Cartography
Geography
Postgraduate Certificate in Health and Medical Administrative Services
Healthcare Administration
Postgraduate Certificate in Health Professions Education, Ethics, and Humanities
Health Sciences
Postgraduate Certificate in Public Administration
Public Administration

Showing 10 of 13.

How to apply to Tennessee State University

Step-by-step guidance for applying to Tennessee State University, covering the typical sequence from programme selection to admissions follow-up.

  1. 1
    Browse the programme catalogue

    Begin by reviewing the programmes section above. Tennessee State University offers 84 programmes grouped by qualification level. Decide on a target tier (bachelor's, master's, or doctoral) before narrowing by subject.

  2. 2
    Check eligibility for your chosen programme

    Each programme at Tennessee State University has its own entry requirements — academic minimums, language proficiency, supporting documents, and sometimes interviews or portfolios. Check the programme-specific page or contact admissions to confirm eligibility.

  3. 3
    Get your documents ready

    Most applications require certified academic records, identification documents, language test certificates (IELTS, TOEFL, or equivalent for English-medium programmes), CV/résumé, and a statement of purpose. Allow extra time for document authentication.

  4. 4
    Apply through the official channel

    Apply directly via Tennessee State University's online portal at www.tnstate.edu. Complete the application form, upload supporting documents, and pay any application fee. Confirmation emails typically arrive within a few business days.

  5. 5
    Reach out and track your application

    After submitting, confirm receipt with the admissions office and track your application status through the portal. Reach the institution by phone at +1 (615) 963 5000. Set reminders for any interview requests, additional document submissions, or admission decision deadlines.

Frequently Asked Questions about Tennessee State University

Concise answers to the most-searched questions about Tennessee State University, useful as a quick orientation before exploring the rest of the profile.

In what year was Tennessee State University established?

Tennessee State University was founded in 1912 (approximately 114 years ago).

What city is Tennessee State University in?

Tennessee State University operates from Nashville, United States.

Is Tennessee State University a public or private institution?

Tennessee State University operates as a public institution.

How big is Tennessee State University's student body?

Tennessee State University serves approximately 8,000-8,999 students.

How is Tennessee State University ranked?

Tennessee State University is ranked #2405 globally and #300 in United States.

How is Tennessee State University organised academically?

The institution comprises 9 academic units.

Who recognises Tennessee State University?

Tennessee State University is accredited by Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

Where can I learn more about Tennessee State University?

The institution's website is www.tnstate.edu.

Top-Ranked Universities in the United States

Top the United States universities often run international branch campuses. Tennessee State University's international footprint compared to this benchmark signals global engagement scale.

Members of National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA)

Membership renewal cycles for National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) create periodic quality reviews. Recent renewals or admissions to the network signal currency of standards — older memberships may need re-examination.

Faculties at nearby universities

Regional industry partnerships shape career outcomes across the cluster near Tennessee State University. Comparable employer networks often persist whether you choose Tennessee State University or a neighbour.

Where Else to Study Education & Teaching

If Tennessee State University is on your shortlist for studying Education & Teaching, these peer institutions in the United States offer comparable academic depth, industry links, and graduate outcomes. Cross-applying to multiple is common practice in this discipline.

Universities Compared with Tennessee State University

Joint research consortia among universities at Tennessee State University's level — shared grants, co-supervision arrangements — make peer institutions natural collaborators rather than just competitors.

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