Department of Political and Global Affairs
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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.
PGA offers numerous degree programs and concentrations, as well as many minors and areas of concentration. Students looking for MTSU minors, MTSU majors, and MTSU double major options can find information below.
We also have a MA in International Affairs program, which you can visit here.
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

Hannah Ferreira becomes MTSU’s 2nd Gilman-McCain Scholarship recipient
Middle Tennessee State University sophomore Hannah Ferreira has been named a recipient of the U.S. Department of State’s John S. McCain International Scholarship for Military Families.[ Read More ]

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 ]

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 ]

MTSU celebrates 2024 Constitution Day with live readings by students, faculty and staff [+VIDEO]
For Middle Tennessee State University freshman Noah Milner, celebrating the U.S. Constitution is deeply personal. [ Read More ]