Political Science
As a political science major, you will hone the writing, communications, and analytical skills that are critical to success.
Political Science, B.S./B.A.
Explore the institutions of government, the political process, and global affairs as a Political Science major in the College of Liberal Arts at MTSU. Cultivate skills in research, analysis, and communication, as well as critical thinking and creative collaboration with others, as you pursue either a Bachelor of Arts or a Bachelor of Science degree in Political Science.
The Political Science major combines classroom learning with practical training through fieldwork, internships, student organizations, and competitive intercollegiate academic teams like Mock Trial and Model United Nations. The department also organizes workshops and sponsors speakers on political topics, including an annual lecture sponsored by Pi Sigma Alpha, the political science honor society.
MTSU's proximity to the state capital provides unique opportunities like paid internships with Tennessee's legislature. Students also enjoy hands-on training and career placement through internships with area law firms, political campaigns, and nonprofit organizations, and the Department of Political and Global Affairs helps to place students in internships in Washington, D.C.
Experienced faculty members guide students toward professional careers and lifelong engagement with politics at every level, from the local to the global. Students who major in Political Science can choose a general focus or a concentration in Public Policy and Management, Pre-Law, or Teaching Licensure.
No matter what the focus, students interested in government, politics, and the law will find exciting opportunities for learning and career preparation with a Political Science major at MTSU.
News Briefs
Special classes, speakers supplement study
Students benefit from special advanced studies courses, with recent topics like Sustainable Development in Cities, India on the Eve of Independence, and American Politics in the Information Age. Guest speakers have included Jackie Sims, founder/director of "Beloved Community" Sustainability Project; Dr. Charles Lamb, constitutional law/civil rights expert; and Joseph Ingle, prison reform activist.
MTSU intern drafts bill into law
To say recent Middle Tennessee State University spring graduate Dalton Slatton "fit the bill" during his legislative internship would be somewhat of an understatement. Slatton, 21, of Whitwell, Tennessee, interned during the most recent session of the Tennessee General Assembly in Nashville, Tennessee, for state Sen. Jeff Yarbro, the Senate Democratic leader. Before graduating with a degree in political science (pre-law concentration) and a minor in criminal justice, Slatton finished up his paid internship, obtained through MTSU's legislative intern program, knowing that he had successfully crafted and lobbied for a bill that passed both houses of the General Assembly — a feat veteran Capitol staffers told him may very well have been a first for an intern.
News Briefs
Special classes, speakers supplement study
Students benefit from special advanced studies courses, with recent topics like Sustainable Development in Cities, India on the Eve of Independence, and American Politics in the Information Age. Guest speakers have included Jackie Sims, founder/director of "Beloved Community" Sustainability Project; Dr. Charles Lamb, constitutional law/civil rights expert; and Joseph Ingle, prison reform activist.
MTSU intern drafts bill into law
To say recent Middle Tennessee State University spring graduate Dalton Slatton "fit the bill" during his legislative internship would be somewhat of an understatement. Slatton, 21, of Whitwell, Tennessee, interned during the most recent session of the Tennessee General Assembly in Nashville, Tennessee, for state Sen. Jeff Yarbro, the Senate Democratic leader. Before graduating with a degree in political science (pre-law concentration) and a minor in criminal justice, Slatton finished up his paid internship, obtained through MTSU's legislative intern program, knowing that he had successfully crafted and lobbied for a bill that passed both houses of the General Assembly — a feat veteran Capitol staffers told him may very well have been a first for an intern.
A bachelor’s degree in Political Science helps students prepare for a wide range of careers in areas including:
- Government
- Education
- Law and legal services
- Public service
- Public affairs
- International affairs
- Nonprofit foundations for research
- Non-governmental organizations
- Health care administration
Programs in Political Science also help students establish foundations for more advanced degrees, including master’s degrees in public policy, public administration, international affairs, and of course, law degrees. Political Science graduates also use their skills in the private sector, especially in the areas of international business, trade, labor, and government relations.
Employers of our alumni include:
- Alkermes (biopharmaceutical company), in policy & government relations
- American Chamber of Commerce Qatar
- Association of American Medical Colleges
- Austin Peay State University
- Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Memphis
- Graham Insurance, Inc.
- Institute for Energy and the Environment
- Kaiser Permanente Southern California
- Nashville Area Hispanic Chamber of Commerce
- National University, Vice Provost
- New York County District Attorney's Office, Assistant District Attorney
- Notgrass Company, producing textbooks for homeschoolers
- Response America, copywriter
- Sales and Business Development for HB Litigation Conferences
- SALT International
- Tennessee Municipal League
- The Equity Alliance, community manager
- U.S. Air Force, program manager and business analyst
- U.S. Congress, Congressional Staffer
- U.S. Department of Agriculture
- U.S. Department of Defense
- U.S. Department of State
MTSU offers a Political Science teacher licensure option. The requirements are listed in the Requirements drop-down above.
Major or Minor in Political Science with Teacher Licensure
Students who want to teach government in high school should minor in Secondary Education; complete 12 hours of history (may include General Studies requirements); minor in History (highly recommended), Economics, or Geography; and take 33 hours in political science.
Students with teacher licensure in History, Geography, and Economics may also seek an add-on endorsement in government.
Professional Licensure Disclosure
MTSU discloses that the Bachelor of Science (BS) in Political Science, Teacher Licensure is a teacher licensure preparation program accredited by the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP) and approved by the Tennessee Department of Education. Admission to an undergraduate teacher licensure preparation program does not guarantee that students will obtain a teacher license. Successful program completion meets the educational requirements to apply for a practitioner teacher licensure in Tennessee.
The BS Political Science, Teacher Licensure disclosure provided on MTSU’s professional licensure disclosure website indicates the states and territories where MTSU has determined, through reasonable and good faith effort, that the program does or does not meet the educational requirements for other US states and territories. Licensing authorities for each state set and enforce their own requirements and standards, which are subject to change. Current and prospective students not located in Tennessee or who plan to seek licensure or certification outside the state of Tennessee should contact the appropriate state licensing agency or board and discuss their plans with an advisor and the MTSU Office of Teacher Licensure before enrolling in the program to ensure they have the most up-to-date information and guidance regarding licensure requirements.
The licensure program is available fully online.
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