3500 John A Meritt Blvd, Nashville, TN 37209-1561, USA


Tennessee State University was established in 1912 as the Tennessee Agricultural & Industrial State Normal School for Negroes, reflecting its original mission to provide higher education to African American students during a period of segregation. Over the decades, it evolved, expanding its academic programs and infrastructure to meet the changing needs of its student body. The institution gained university status in 1968, marking a significant milestone in its development and broadening its scope of research and professional studies.
Throughout its history, Tennessee State University has maintained a commitment to offering diverse educational opportunities, supporting both undergraduate and graduate students in a variety of fields. The university has played an important role in advancing educational access and fostering leadership within the African American community and beyond. Its legacy is characterized by perseverance and growth, adapting to social changes and increasing its contributions to academic excellence and community engagement.
Tennessee State University offers a broad range of academic divisions designed to cater to diverse interests and career goals. Its faculties encompass areas such as Agriculture, Human and Natural Sciences; Business; Education; Health Sciences; Liberal Arts; Engineering; and the College of Life and Physical Sciences. Within these faculties, students can explore specialized departments that focus on disciplines including, but not limited to, Agricultural Sciences, Biological Sciences, Business Administration, Computer Science, Nursing, and Engineering Technology.
The University emphasizes interdisciplinary learning, allowing students to engage with multiple departments to broaden their academic experience. The College of Business, for example, comprises programs in accounting, marketing, and management, aiming to prepare students for the dynamic world of commerce. Similarly, the College of Education offers extensive coursework geared toward teacher preparation and educational leadership.
For students interested in the sciences, the College of Life and Physical Sciences provides opportunities in environmental science, chemistry, and physics, while the College of Engineering is committed to developing skills in civil, electrical, and mechanical engineering. The College of Health Sciences covers fields such as health care administration and public health, reflecting the growing demand for professionals in these sectors.
Tennessee State University is situated in Nashville, Tennessee, specifically at 3500 John A Merritt Boulevard, with the ZIP code 37209-1561. This location places the university within the southern part of the city, providing access to the various cultural and social amenities Nashville offers.
Nashville itself is a significant urban center known for its dynamic atmosphere. Students attending Tennessee State University can benefit from proximity to a range of local resources, entertainment venues, and professional opportunities inherent in a city of this size.
For travel purposes, the nearest major airport is Nashville International Airport, which serves as a convenient gateway for students and visitors traveling to and from the university.
Tennessee State University is dedicated to providing a high-quality, comprehensive education that prepares students for leadership and service in a diverse and global society. The university emphasizes accessible learning opportunities that foster intellectual growth, critical thinking, and professional development across a wide range of disciplines.
The institution strives to cultivate an environment where innovation, research, and community engagement enrich the academic experience. Its vision is to be recognized as a premier, student-centered university known for academic excellence and its commitment to fostering inclusive educational opportunities that empower students to thrive in their careers and personal lives.
The university supports an educational philosophy that values diversity, equity, and the development of ethical and socially responsible individuals. By integrating rigorous scholarship with community outreach, Tennessee State University aims to create graduates who contribute positively to society and lead with integrity in their respective fields.
Name of the institution
Tennessee State UniversityLevel of institution
Four or more yearsControl of institution
PublicSetting type
City: LargeInstitutional Category
Degree - granting, primarily baccalaureate or aboveInstitution size category
5,000 - 9,999School type
Comprehensive higher education institutionMain student body
CoeducationalCalendar system
SemestersFoundation year
1912
Associate's degree
Bachelor's degree
Postbaccalaureate certificate
Master's degree
Post-master's certificate
Doctor's degree - research/scholarship
Doctor's degree - professional practice
Certificate of less than 1 year
Certificate of at least 1 year, but less than 2 years
Certificate of at least 2 years, but less than 4 years
Doctor's degree - other
Other degreeDegrees
Accounting and Related Services
$44,583Agriculture, General
$32,281Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions
$35,635Architectural Engineering
Data not availableBiology, General
$31,151Business Administration, Management and Operations
$38,743Business/Managerial Economics
Data not availableChemistry
Data not availableCivil Engineering
Data not availableCommunication and Media Studies
$28,280Computer Science
$40,421Criminal Justice and Corrections
$30,977Dental Support Services and Allied Professions
Data not availableElectrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering
Data not availableEnglish Language and Literature, General
Data not availableFamily and Consumer Economics and Related Studies
$28,266Fine and Studio Arts
Data not availableHealth and Medical Administrative Services
$34,111Health and Physical Education/Fitness
$26,208Health Professions and Related Clinical Sciences, Other
$30,839History
Data not availableLiberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities
$34,561Mathematics
Data not availableMechanical Engineering
$59,601Mechanical Engineering Related Technologies/Technicians
Data not availableMusic
Data not availablePolitical Science and Government
Data not availablePsychology, General
$30,184Public Health
Data not availableRegistered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing
$51,247Social Work
$34,791Sociology
$30,757Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods
$33,244Urban Studies/Affairs
Data not available