Political Science

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Political Science, Public Policy and Management Concentration, B.A.

The Public Policy and Management (PPM) concentration is ideal for students seeking careers in government, public service, and nonprofit work. Explore government decision-making and the public policy process while cultivating skills in analytical thinking, research, and communication vital to public service and government jobs. PPM courses expose students to key areas of interest including urban affairs, civil rights, immigration, education, health care, labor, and the environment.

PPM faculty members offer a range of professional experiences working in the public sector, non-profit sector, and community service. Faculty bring these experiences into the classroom and use them to shape the curriculum. PPM courses regularly involve hands-on activities, simulations, and interactions with practitioners in the field. In these ways, the PPM concentration in the Political Science major combines theory and practice to prepare students for professional careers.

PPM students also are encouraged to gain knowledge through experiential opportunities outside the classroom. MTSU's proximity to the state capital provides unique opportunities for hands-on training and career placement. PPM students have opportunities to intern with Tennessee's legislature, state and local government offices, lobbying groups, and nonprofits, and top students have the opportunity to participate in the Semester in Washington program.

Careers
Requirements
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Careers
Requirements
Faculty

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.

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CAREERS

Public Policy and Management (PPM) graduates find careers not only with government agencies, but also with non-governmental organizations and service groups. Career options for graduates with a PPM background include: 

  • Administrator in a variety of settings in the public sector and private sector 
  • Government employee at local, state, and national levels 
  • Lobbyist 
  • Loss control director in risk management 
  • Public servant 
  • Researcher

Employers of MTSU alumni in this area include: 

  • American Federation of Teachers  
  • State of Tennessee, Department of Safety & Homeland Security  
  • State of Tennessee, Office of the Comptroller  
  • Tennessee Municipal League

The PPM program is also valuable for students who plan to attend graduate school for a master’s degree in public administration or public policy. 

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