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Department of Political and Global Affairs

Welcome

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Our Political and Global Affairs faculty and degree programs help to prepare students for a wide range of careers in government, law, public service, public affairs, international affairs, non-governmental organizations, 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.

Degree Programs and Concentrations are offered in

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

MTSU Political and Global Affairs Department Preview 2024 featuring Dr. Amy Atchison (Chair), Dr. Jon DiCicco (MAIA Graduate Program Director), Dr. Francis Koti (Global Studies), and PGA students in 2024
Dr. Jon DiCicco (PGA Faculty & MAIA Graduate Program Director) speaking on the PGA’s Masters in International Affairs Program

PGA Student Services Portal

Click on STUDENT RESOURCES > Student Services Portal in the navigation for

Information on: Academic HelpCareer and JobsInternship OpportunitiesStudy AbroadResearch OpportunitiesLaw SchoolsGrad SchoolsGetting Involved in the Community, and Getting Involved on Campus. You can also check out our Student Organizations & Honors Societies.

Internships & Experiences

Gain hands-on experience in your career path by doing an internship locally, nationally, or even abroad!

All students will benefit from doing internships. Internships allow you to investigate your chosen career path, gain practical work experience, and prepare for the next step after you graduate. We have many excellent options, including local, national, and international opportunities. Additionally, competitive programs allow students to intern in Washington, DC and the Tennessee State Capitol in Nashville, TN.

Student & Department News

MTSU students help ‘take over’ state Capitol chambers for Tennessee Intercollegiate State Legislature

A cohort of Middle Tennessee State University students recently convened at the Tennessee Capitol in Nashville to learn about local government, exchange ideas and opinions and propose legislation at the 55th General Assembly of the Tennessee Intercollegiate State Legislature, also known as TISL.[ Read More ]

In conversation with Bill Frist, right, former U.S. senator and heart surgeon from Nashville, Tenn., retired U.S. Marine Corps four-star Gen. Jim Mattis joins Frist in laughing about a comment made during a Thursday, Oct. 10, fundraising breakfast at the Hutton Hotel in Nashville to benefit the Middle Tennessee State University Charlie and Hazel Daniels Veterans and Military Family Center, located on the MTSU campus in Murfreesboro. (MTSU photo by Andy Heidt)

MTSU fundraiser featuring Gen. Mattis generates $400K-plus for Daniels Center [+VIDEOS]

Partnerships, Daniels Center, Daniels Veterans Center, Charlie and Hazel Daniels Veterans and Military Family Center, Veterans, Fundraiser, Alumni News, Jim Mattis, Bill Frist, Sidney A. McPhee, Mark Byrnes, Jay Strobino, Keith M. Huber, Deron Hall, Beth Harwell, Daron Hall, CoreCivic Foundation, Tennessee Valley Authority, Baker Group Strategies, BNA/Nashville International Airport, Haury & Smith Contractors, Jamie Teachenor, Steve Smith, MTSU, Middle Tennessee State University[ Read More ]

From left, Middle Tennessee State University Provost Mark Byrnes, political science professor; former Tennessee House Speaker and MTSU Distinguished Visiting Professor Beth Harwell; and former Tennessee Gov. Phil Bredesen attend the Oct. 1 exhibit opening inside Todd Gallery on the MTSU campus in Murfreesboro, Tenn. The trio are posing before the “Titular Head,” a humorous representation of the late Don Sundquist, Tennessee governor from 1995-2003, that was used by Bredesen’s 2002 campaign and is part of the exhibit showcasing American democracy through political memorabilia curated by the Albert Gore Research Center. (MTSU photo by James Cessna)

MTSU’s new Gore Center exhibit tells story of U.S. democracy through political memorabilia

Middle Tennessee State University leaders and prominent Tennessee policy makers recently unveiled an exhibit by the Albert Gore Research Center celebrating American democracy through a display of campaign posters, political buttons, and other political memorabilia.[ Read More ]

Constitution Day pence feature

Former Vice President Mike Pence speaks to packed house at MTSU for Constitution Day observance [+VIDEOS]

Former U.S. Vice President Mike Pence spoke to a packed house at Middle Tennessee State University’s Tucker Theatre on Tuesday, Sept. 17, to round out the university’s annual Constitution Day activities.[ Read More ]


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