Political Science
Prepare to work in public, private, and nonprofit sectors in fields like marketing, finance, and human resources management.
Political Science, Public Policy and Management Concentration, B.S./B.A.
The Public Policy and Management (PPM) concentration is ideal for students seeking careers in government, public service, and nonprofit work. Explore government decision-making and the public policy process while cultivating skills in analytical thinking, research, and communication vital to public service and government jobs. PPM courses expose students to key areas of interest including urban affairs, civil rights, immigration, education, health care, labor, and the environment.
PPM faculty members offer a range of professional experiences working in the public sector, non-profit sector, and community service. Faculty bring these experiences into the classroom and use them to shape the curriculum. PPM courses regularly involve hands-on activities, simulations, and interactions with practitioners in the field. In these ways, the PPM concentration in the Political Science major combines theory and practice to prepare students for professional careers.
PPM students also are encouraged to gain knowledge through experiential opportunities outside the classroom. MTSU's proximity to the state capital provides unique opportunities for hands-on training and career placement. PPM students have opportunities to intern with Tennessee's legislature, state and local government offices, lobbying groups, and nonprofits, and top students have the opportunity to participate in the Semester in Washington program.
News Briefs
MTSU scholar discusses religion, government ties in ‘Prayer in Public Life’ lecture
The Free Speech Center at Middle Tennessee State University will bring the First Amendment into focus once again on Tuesday, April 5, with a discussion on “Prayer in American Public Life” and the connection between religion and public policy. Dr. John Vile, dean of the University Honors College at MTSU and one of America’s top [ Read More ]
MTSU media master’s alumnus earns top state award for social media-voting thesis
An MTSU media graduate’s timely research into how social media can affect politics and voting has been chosen as the year’s best thesis by the Tennessee Conference of Graduate Schools. Ben Burnley earned his Master of Science from the Media and Communication Master’s Program in MTSU’s School of Journalism and Strategic Media almost a year [ Read More ]
News Briefs
MTSU scholar discusses religion, government ties in ‘Prayer in Public Life’ lecture
The Free Speech Center at Middle Tennessee State University will bring the First Amendment into focus once again on Tuesday, April 5, with a discussion on “Prayer in American Public Life” and the connection between religion and public policy. Dr. John Vile, dean of the University Honors College at MTSU and one of America’s top [ Read More ]
MTSU media master’s alumnus earns top state award for social media-voting thesis
An MTSU media graduate’s timely research into how social media can affect politics and voting has been chosen as the year’s best thesis by the Tennessee Conference of Graduate Schools. Ben Burnley earned his Master of Science from the Media and Communication Master’s Program in MTSU’s School of Journalism and Strategic Media almost a year [ Read More ]
Political Science, Public Policy and Management Concentration, B.S./B.A.
Public Policy and Management (PPM) graduates find careers not only with government agencies, but also with non-governmental organizations and service groups. Career options for graduates with a PPM background include:
- Administrator in a variety of settings in the public sector and private sector
- Government employee at local, state, and national levels
- Lobbyist
- Loss control director in risk management
- Public servant
- Researcher
Employers of MTSU alumni in this area include:
- American Federation of Teachers
- State of Tennessee, Department of Safety & Homeland Security
- State of Tennessee, Office of the Comptroller
- Tennessee Municipal League
The PPM program is also valuable for students who plan to attend graduate school for a master’s degree in public administration or public policy.
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 Handshake .
Wondering what you can do with your major? Check out our What Can I Do with A Major In guides.
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