Department of Political and Global Affairs
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Our Political and Global Affairs faculty and degree programs help prepare students for a wide range of careers in government, law, public service, public affairs, international and global affairs, non-governmental organizations, geographic research and planning, and education, and prepare students for advanced degrees in these areas.
The program prepares you to succeed in an increasingly globalized world. Our students study global change and the movement of people and resources in the world, focusing in particular on the spatial aspects of issues, communities, and cultures. They develop skills in critical thinking and complex analysis, written and verbal communications, and how to work effectively across cultures – the skills needed to work and thrive in the modern world.
Many of our majors and minors go abroad during their studies, often on study abroad trips led by our faculty. These opportunities are life-changing experiences; our students gain confidence, friendships, and experiences working internationally that allows them to thrive after graduation. Our students go on to leadership positions in NGOs and non-profits, government, and business, as well as on to graduate schools and law schools around the world.
PGA offers numerous degree programs and concentrations, as well as many minors and areas of concentration. Students looking for MTSU minors, MTSU majors, MTSU graduate programs, and MTSU double major options can find information below.
Degree Programs and Concentrations are offered in
- Global Studies and Human Geography, Global Studies Concentration, B.S.
- Global Studies and Human Geography, Human Geography Concentration, B.S.
- International Relations, B.S./B.A.
- Political Science, Pre-Law Preparation Concentration, B.S./B.A.
- Political Science, B.S./B.A.
- Political Science Public Policy and Management Concentration, B.S./B.A.
- International Affairs, M.A.
Minors are offered in
- Geography
- Global Action and Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOS)
- Global Studies
- International Relations
- Political Science
- Political and Civic Engagement
- Political and Social Thought
- Pre-Law
- Public Policy and Management
- Paralegal Studies
The Department also coordinates several world regional minors
- African Studies
- Asian Studies
- Jewish and Holocaust Studies
- Latin American Studies
- Modern European Studies
- Russian Studies
- Urban Studies
The faculty of the Department of Political and Global Affairs is committed to excellence in teaching, scholarship and service. Our faculty members and instructors work hard to provide you with an exceptional undergraduate education that combines traditional classroom experiences with applied and practical training, as well as relevant experience through fieldwork, internships, and active student organizations.
If you have any questions concerning our programs, please do not hesitate to email us at PGA@mtsu.edu or contact me directly.
— Dr. Amy Atchison, Chair
Student & Department News
MTSU graduate students gain nonprofit leadership training in Washington, D.C.
Two students in Middle Tennessee State University’s Master of Arts in International Affairs program, Kehinde Olomu and Sumaya Tasnim, had their interest in the nonprofit sector reinforced after attending The Washington Center’s Nonprofit Leadership and Advocacy Seminar in Washington, D.C.[ Read More ]
MTSU students gain hands-on state government experience at TISL Conference
NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Middle Tennessee State University students recently took part in the Tennessee Intercollegiate State Legislature conference, gaining hands-on experience inside the Tennessee Capitol in Nashville. The annual event allows college students from across the state to step into the roles of legislators, lobbyists and attorneys while debating and shaping mock legislation. This year, [ Read More ]