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Political and Global Affairs, B.S./B.A.

Explore the institutions of government, the political process, and global affairs as a Political and Global Affairs 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 and Global Affairs.

The Political and Global Affairs 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 Tennessee'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 and Global Affairs 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 and Global Affairs major at MTSU.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why did the political science degree recently change its name to Political and Global Affairs, and did anything change besides the name?

The Department of Political and Global Affairs was created by merging MTSU's former Department of Political Science and International Relations with the Department of Global Studies and Human Geography. The new name better reflects the interdisciplinary education our students receive and the wide range of topics our faculty teach and research.

The merger made sense because the two departments already shared many students, courses, and academic interests. Many students double majored or minored across the two departments, and both emphasized experiential learning through internships, study abroad, undergraduate research, and other hands-on opportunities. In addition to the new department name, we created an interdisciplinary Political and Global Affairs major that combines political science, geography, and global studies. Students can also choose from three concentrations—Public and Policy Management, International Relations, and Pre-Law—giving them the flexibility to tailor their degree to their academic interests and career goals.

What types of jobs can you get with a Political and Global Affairs degree?

A Political and Global Affairs degree prepares students for careers in government, public policy, law, nonprofit organizations, education, research, diplomacy, intelligence and national security, international organizations, public administration, and political campaigns. Graduates also work in business, consulting, real estate, tourism, international trade, and other industries where strong communication, research, critical thinking, and cross-cultural skills are valued.

Because our department emphasizes experiential learning through internships, study abroad, undergraduate research, and community engagement, our students graduate with practical experience and transferable skills that prepare them for careers in both the public and private sectors, as well as graduate or professional school.

What are common political career paths and roles?

Our graduates regularly go on to careers in state government in Nashville, including the state Comptroller's Office, the Attorney General's Office, Customer Focused Government, TN Department of Safety & Homeland Security, and a host of other State agencies. We also have alumni who are staff members in the Tennessee General Assembly. At the federal level, our grads work at agencies like the GAO, the State Department, and the Department of Justice. Our Public Policy & Management grads are well positioned to work in local government, and with the population growth in middle Tennessee, there are a lot of local governments who are interested in hiring! Another popular post-college career is in non-governmental organizations, like SALT International, the Tennessee Chamber of Commerce, the American Federation of Teachers, or the Tennessee Municipal League. Our alumni are frequently employed as paralegals in local law offices, too.

Does the online program cover the same curriculum as the on campus program?

Yes, the general Political and Global Affairs major is obtainable online; However, our concentrations—Pre-law, International Relations, Public Policy and Management are not. Rather they are a blend of hybrid, online, and in-person (on campus) courses.

What graduate programs pair well with Political and Global Affairs?

A Political and Global Affairs degree provides excellent preparation for graduate and professional programs in law, public administration, public policy, political science, international affairs, global studies, geography, business, and related fields. Our graduates have gone on to pursue advanced degrees at universities across the United States and around the world. The program also helps students build the research, communication, and analytical skills needed to succeed in graduate school and a wide range of professional careers.