Thomas Edison State University: A Launchpad for Diverse Achievers
Thomas Edison State University (TESU), a public university located in Trenton, New Jersey, has a rich history of serving adult learners and a diverse alumni network making significant contributions across various fields. Founded in 1972 by the New Jersey State Legislature, TESU was created "to shake up" higher education, primarily catering to adult learners returning to college while working or raising families. The university offers over 100 programs, ranging from associate to doctoral degrees, delivered online with flexible credit transfer policies, including prior education and military training. This structure allows students to balance their education with other life commitments, typically taking no more than two classes at a time through guided study programs and exams.
Academic Structure and Offerings
TESU operates on a monthly start schedule for undergraduate courses and multiple start dates throughout the year for graduate courses. The university reports admission statistics without distinguishing between local and international students and has an open admission policy, requiring only a certificate of attendance, a high school diploma, or a General Educational Development certificate. As of recent data, TESU has a diverse student body, with a significant percentage enrolled in distance education. The university's commitment to flexibility extends to its commencement ceremonies, which were moved to the fall to accommodate older students with family obligations.
Enrollment Demographics
The student body at TESU is diverse, reflecting a broad range of racial and ethnic backgrounds:
- White: 3467 (46%)
- Black or African American: 1142 (15%)
- Hispanic: 1117 (15%)
- Race or Ethnicity Unknown: 1052 (14%)
- Asian: 355 (5%)
- Two or More Races: 320 (4%)
- Nonresident Alien: 76 (1%)
- Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islander: 32 (0.4%)
- American Indian or Alaska Native: 15 (0.2%)
Costs and Majors
Tuition costs vary, with in-district and in-state rates for undergraduates at \$6,638 and out-of-state at \$8,598. Graduate tuition is consistent at \$12,150. TESU offers a wide array of majors across different degree levels, including:
- Multi- & Interdisciplinary Studies
- Liberal Arts and Sciences & Liberal Studies
- Business Administration and Management
- Registered Nursing
- Biological and Physical Sciences
- Social Sciences
- Humanities & Humanistic Studies
- Electrical & Electronic Engineering Technologies
- Mechanic and Repair Technologies
- Military Technologies and Applied Sciences
- Human Resources Management
- Accounting
- Criminal Justice & Safety Studies
- Health Professions and Related Clinical Sciences
- Computer and Information Systems Security
- Business Administration, Management and Operations
- Educational Leadership and Administration
- Operations Management and Supervision
- Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions
- Nursing Practice
- Marketing & Marketing Management
- Statistics
- Cyber & Electronic Operations and Warfare
- Finance
- Information Technology
- Homeland Security
- Public Administration and Social Service Professions
- Human Services
TESU has granted 1,334 bachelor's degrees across 20 programs, 212 master's degrees across 14 programs, and 32 doctorate degrees across 2 programs.
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Notable Alumni
TESU boasts a diverse and accomplished alumni network, with graduates making significant contributions in various fields. The success of TESU graduates underscores the value of a liberal arts education, which fosters communication skills, analytical thinking, and adaptability. From political figures to media moguls, many alumni attribute their successful careers to the education they received at TESU.
Arthur C. Brooks: An American author, public speaker, and academic, Arthur C. Brooks has held prestigious positions such as the Parker Gilbert Montgomery Professor of the Practice of Nonprofit and Public Leadership at the Harvard Kennedy School and a Professor of Management Practice and Faculty Fellow at Harvard Business School. Previously, Brooks served as the 11th President of the American Enterprise Institute. He is the author of multiple books, including "Build the Life You Want: The Art and Science of Getting Happier" (co-authored with Oprah Winfrey) and writes the Atlantic’s "How to Build a Life" column on happiness. Brooks' journey included a "gap decade" as a musician before attending TESU and later earning advanced degrees from Florida Atlantic University and Pardee RAND.
Bonnie Watson Coleman: Serving as the U.S. Representative for New Jersey's 12th congressional district since 2015, Bonnie Watson Coleman is a prominent member of the Democratic Party. She previously served in the New Jersey General Assembly from 1998 to 2015 for the 15th legislative district.
Gary Null: An American talk radio host and author, Gary Null advocates for alternative medicine and produces dietary supplements.
Mike Davis: Michael Davis is an American basketball coach at the University of Memphis. Prior to that he was most recently the head men's basketball coach at the University of Detroit Mercy. Davis also served as the head men's basketball coach at Indiana University Bloomington, the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB), and Texas Southern University.
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Steven L. Herman: A journalist and author, Steven L. Herman is the Voice of America's chief national correspondent. He previously served as senior White House correspondent and VOA's White House bureau chief.
Walter E. Fountain: Walter E. Fountain is a retired United States Army officer who attained the rank of major general. In his final assignment, he served as Director of Domestic Operations and Force Development at the National Guard Bureau.
Michael D. Reynolds: An American author and educator, Michael David Reynolds served as professor of astronomy at Florida State College at Jacksonville and as the director of Chabot Space and Science Center. He was known for his work in science education and astronomy outreach.
Bob Kulp: Bob Kulp is an American businessman and politician who served as a member of the Wisconsin State Assembly from 2013 to 2021.
Other notable alumni include:
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- Peter Baldacchino: Bishop of Las Cruces.
- Raj Mukherji: New Jersey State Senator.
- Riley (politician): Missouri State Representative.
- Troy Wright: Lawyer and advocate.
These individuals exemplify the diverse paths and significant achievements of TESU alumni, highlighting the university's role in fostering success across various fields.
Campus and Facilities
Thomas Edison State University's campus is located in downtown Trenton and includes several key buildings:
- The Kelsey Building: Modeled after the Palazzo Strozzi in Florence, the Kelsey Building is an architectural landmark that houses classrooms, administrative offices, and the Prudence Townsend Kelsey Memorial Room, which features a collection of art and porcelain.
- The Townhouse Complex: A series of restored mid-19th-century brick townhouses that provide additional office and meeting spaces.
- The Center for Learning and Technology: A modern facility equipped with advanced technology to support online learning and educational programs.
- Kuser Mansion: A historic mansion that serves as a venue for special events and university functions.
- The Academic Center and Canal Banks Building: Located on West Hanover Street, these buildings house additional classrooms and administrative offices.
The university also features a number of art collections, including the Bradshaw Collection by George A. Bradshaw, displayed in the Kelsey Building's Prudence Hall.
Publications and Research
Thomas Edison State University has published 196 scientific papers with 2,367 citations. The research profile covers a range of fields, including Liberal Arts & Social Sciences, Political Science, Physics, Law, Engineering, Sociology, Computer Science, Psychology, and Medicine.
Publication and Citation Count by Topic
- Liberal Arts & Social Sciences: 133 / 2,046
- Political Science: 92 / 1,908
- Physics: 78 / 1,048
- Law: 78 / 505
- Engineering: 75 / 238
- Sociology: 72 / 1,010
- Computer Science: 68 / 1,643
- Psychology: 67 / 1,837
- Medicine: 60 / 590
- Quantum and Particle physics: 58 / 1,015
- Business: 54 / 1,810
- Chemistry: 51 / 411
- Mathematics: 51 / 822
- Biology: 45 / 399
- Environmental Science: 41 / 848
- Economics: 40 / 292
- Management: 36 / 1,643
- Philosophy: 36 / 104
- Education Majors: 35 / 118
- Math Teachers: 34 / 97
- Electrical Engineering: 32 / 106
- Materials Science: 30 / 142
- Health Science: 29 / 400
- Development Studies: 28 / 215
- History: 27 / 17
- Geography and Cartography: 23 / 789
- Communications and Public Relations: 23 / 1,498
- Art & Design: 23 / 119
- Mechanical Engineering: 22 / 36
- Biochemistry: 20 / 290
- Artificial Intelligence (AI): 19 / 67
- Statistics: 19 / 730
- Pathology: 19 / 123
- Physical chemistry: 18 / 81
- Acoustical Engineering: 18 / 18
- Geology: 18 / 64
- Social Psychology: 17 / 1,579
- Linguistics: 17 / 34
- Nursing: 16 / 317
- Library and Information science: 15 / 21
Accreditation and Recognition
Thomas Edison State University is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE). Specific programs, such as the bachelor's degree programs in Electronic Systems Engineering Technology and Nuclear Energy Engineering Technology, are accredited by the Engineering Technology Accreditation Commission of ABET. The university's nursing programs are also accredited by relevant accrediting bodies.
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