East Tennessee State University has received approval from the Tennessee Higher Education Commission for two new degree programs: a Master of Science in Environment, Health and Disaster Sciences and a Bachelor of Business Administration in Hospitality and Tourism Management.
Both programs are set to launch in Fall 2026, and applications are now open.
The approvals reflect ETSU’s ongoing commitment to developing academic programming that responds directly to the workforce needs of the region and state.
“ETSU is committed to addressing the evolving needs of our communities through the development of new academic programs,” said ETSU President Dr. Brian Noland. “These programs have been intentionally designed in direct response to the feedback we receive from our communities, employers and students.”
Master of Science in Environment, Health and Disaster Sciences
The MS in Environment, Health and Disaster Sciences is an interdisciplinary graduate program developed collaboratively by ETSU’s College of Arts and Sciences and the College of Public Health. Drawing on expertise in geosciences, environmental health, infectious disease, epidemiology and disaster sciences, the program prepares professionals to address complex challenges at the human-animal-environment interface through interdisciplinary research and applied problem solving.
The program is designed specifically with Central Appalachia and Tennessee in mind. This region faces distinctive environmental pressures, including extreme weather and geological hazards that create distinctive public health and resilience challenges.
Students will develop knowledge and skills in areas such as air and water quality, environmental toxicology, GIS and remote sensing, hazard and climate modeling and infectious disease dynamics.
The program is the first of its kind in the state and is available both on ETSU’s main campus and online.
Bachelor of Business Administration in Hospitality and Tourism Management
The degree in Hospitality and Tourism Management elevates what was previously a concentration within ETSU’s Management major into a fully dedicated degree.
Tourism is among Tennessee’s largest and fastest-growing industries, and the region is at the center of that growth. The program will be offered at both ETSU’s main campus in Johnson City and the ETSU Sevierville Center, positioning it directly in one of the state's most tourism-intensive corridors.
Enrollment in the previous concentration grew from 18 students in 2023 to 47 in 2025, a trajectory that made the case for a dedicated degree.
“Students are looking for degrees that connect directly to real-world impact,” said ETSU Provost and senior vice president for Academic Affairs Dr. Kimberly D. McCorkle. “Whether addressing environmental and public health challenges or helping drive one of Tennessee’s fastest-growing industries, these programs give students opportunities to build careers that make a difference in the communities they serve.”
How do I apply?
Any student interested in applying to ETSU can do so from this site.
Once you begin the application process, you will have the option to select your program.
If you have questions about the application process for the MS in Environment, Health and Disaster Sciences, email gradschool@etsu.edu or call (423) 439-4221. For application questions about the BBA in Hospitality and Tourism Management, email admissions@etsu.edu or call (423) 439-4213.
