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Political Science, B.S./B.A.

Political Science

As a political science major, you will hone the writing, communications, and analytical skills that are critical to success.

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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 ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½Èë¿Ú'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.

Careers
Requirements
Faculty
Information
Careers
Requirements
Faculty
Information

News Briefs

ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½Èë¿Ú hosted an in-depth and wide‑ranging panel discussion recently titledÌý“War in Iran,â€Ìýbringing together three campus experts to assess the rapidly escalating conflict that has drawn in Iran, the United States, Israel, and several Gulf states.â€

ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½Èë¿Ú will host political science alumnus and nationally recognized civil rights attorney Wesley Clark, whose work is featured in the 2023 award-winning investigative podcast, “The Kids of Rutherford County.â€

News Briefs

ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½Èë¿Ú hosted an in-depth and wide‑ranging panel discussion recently titledÌý“War in Iran,â€Ìýbringing together three campus experts to assess the rapidly escalating conflict that has drawn in Iran, the United States, Israel, and several Gulf states.â€

ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½Èë¿Ú will host political science alumnus and nationally recognized civil rights attorney Wesley Clark, whose work is featured in the 2023 award-winning investigative podcast, “The Kids of Rutherford County.â€

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80% of Students Receive Financial Aid
Careers

CAREERS

Political Science, B.S./B.A.


A bachelor’s degree in Political Science helps students prepare for a wide range of careers in areas including:Ìý

  • GovernmentÌý
  • EducationÌý
  • Law and legal servicesÌý
  • Public serviceÌý
  • Public affairsÌý
  • International affairsÌý
  • Nonprofit foundations for researchÌýÌý
  • Non-governmental organizationsÌý
  • Health care administrationÌý

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.Ìý

Employers of our alumni include:Ìý

  • Alkermes (biopharmaceutical company), in policy & government relationsÌý
  • American Chamber of Commerce QatarÌý
  • Association of American Medical CollegesÌý
  • Austin Peay State UniversityÌý
  • Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater MemphisÌý
  • Graham Insurance, Inc.Ìý
  • Institute for Energy and the EnvironmentÌý
  • Kaiser Permanente Southern CaliforniaÌý
  • Nashville Area Hispanic Chamber of CommerceÌý
  • National University, Vice ProvostÌýÌý
  • New York County District Attorney's Office, Assistant District AttorneyÌý
  • Notgrass Company, producing textbooks for homeschoolersÌý
  • Response America, copywriterÌý
  • Sales and Business Development for HB Litigation ConferencesÌý
  • SALT InternationalÌý
  • ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½Èë¿Ú Municipal LeagueÌý
  • The Equity Alliance, community managerÌý
  • U.S. Air Force, program manager and business analystÌý
  • U.S. Congress, Congressional Staffer
  • U.S. Department of AgricultureÌý
  • U.S. Department of DefenseÌý
  • U.S. Department of StateÌý
MTSU Career Development Center

MTSU’s Career Development Center

MTSU offers a comprehensive Career Development Center that serves students throughout the full student experience and beyond. They collaborate with faculty and staff to equip students with the tools to be marketable to the world of work and continuing education.  

Students can schedule an appointment or check online resources and job boards at mtsu.edu/career

Students can find current internship opportunities by talking to faculty and visiting the University job and internship board called . 

Wondering what you can do with your major? Check out our guides. 

Requirements

REQUIREMENTS

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Faculty

FACULTY

Information

INFORMATION

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 ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½Èë¿Ú 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 ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½Èë¿Ú.

The BS Political Science, Teacher Licensure disclosure provided on MTSU’s 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 ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½Èë¿Ú or who plan to seek licensure or certification outside the state of ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½Èë¿Ú should contact the appropriate state licensing agency or board and discuss their plans with an advisor and the MTSU 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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CONTACT US

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