Middle Tennessee State University (MTSU)

Middle Tennessee State University (MTSU) is a public research university located in Murfreesboro, Tennessee. It offers a variety of nationally recognized degree programs at the bachelor's, master's, and doctoral levels.  MTSU offers many interdisciplinary minors and majors.

MTSU is a first choice for numerous undergraduates from within the state of Tennessee, and beyond. It has many prestigious programs, including the Buchanan Fellowships awarded to talented students enrolled in the MTSU Honors College. Among the highest quality graduate-level programs at MTSU are the English, Economics, Human Performance and Public History programs. The aerospace, recording industry and concrete management programs also receive high marks. The Center for Popular Music at MTSU is a top destination for many visitors who want to see its renowned sheet music collection. MTSU's College of Liberal Arts sponsors top national programs in Debate, Mock Trial and Model United Nations. 

Perhaps the most famous alumnus of MTSU was U.S. Senator Albert Gore, Sr., the father of former Vice President Al Gore, Jr. The Albert Gore Research Center at MTSU was named after Gore Sr. donated his papers to the university. The center is a repository for manuscripts and materials of value to the history of Middle Tennessee. Al Gore, Jr., has served as a visiting professor at MTSU.

History 

MTSU was founded in 1911 as "Middle Tennessee State Normal School." It was one of three state normal schools established for teacher training. Middle Tennessee State University is now the oldest and largest public university in Middle Tennessee. MTSU expanded from a two-year training school to a four-year college in 1925. In 1943 it became a state college. The graduate school was established in 1951, and began granting master's degrees. The college's name became "Middle Tennessee State University" in 1965. The doctoral degree programs were added in the 1970s. In the 1990s, the university's six schools, and its Honors Program, became colleges. 

MTSU has graduated more than 90,000 students since it was founded in 1911.

Academics 

The academic calendar for Middle Tennessee State University follows the semester format, with fall and spring semesters, and several short summer "terms."

Colleges and Schools 

Middle Tennessee State University (MTSU) has nine academic colleges, and several centers and institutes, as well as numerous academic departments. 

Colleges

• Basic and Applied Sciences
• Behavioral and Health Sciences
• Business
• Education
• Graduate Studies
• University College
• Liberal Arts
• Mass Communication
• University Honors 

Centers and Institutes  

• Undergraduate Research Center
• Center for Advancement of Research and Scholarship
• MTSU Interdisciplinary Microanalysis and Imaging Center
• TN Center for Child Welfare 

Other Centers 

• The Albert Gore Research Center
• TN Math, Science and Technology Education Center TMSTEC
• Center for Environmental Education
• Center for Cedar Glade Studies
• Biotechnology Resource Group
• Center for Study and Treatment of Dyslexia
• Center for Health and Human Services
• Center for Popular Music
• Center for Historic Preservation
• Business and Economic Research Center
• Tennessee Center for Labor Management Relations
• Tennessee Small Business Center
• Instructional Technology Support Center
• Center for Economic Education
• Center for Energy Efficiency
• Child Development Center
• Learning, Teaching, and Innovative Technologies Center

Student Life 

An active student life is encouraged at MTSU, with more than 200 student organizations available on campus. Everything from honor societies, to intramural sports and spirit teams, or service and leadership clubs are represented. There are local chapters of fraternities and sororities at MTSU, and there is an active Greek Life on campus. 

Student resources are plentiful, and include academic advising, computer labs, student-athlete enhancement, testing services, support services, a university writing center, a library, child care services, student health services, student government, a bookstore, and more.

On campus living is available at MTSU. More than 3,500 students and their families live in the 21 residence halls and apartments on the MTSU campus. Each living area is unique, with professional staff and student leaders living and working in each area to coordinate services and programs. Some of the many amenities and programs available to on-campus residents include computer facilities, student leadership training, recreational activities, academic support services, and more.

Traditions 

The school colors for Middle Tennessee State University are blue and white, and the teams are called the "Blue Raiders." The school mascot is a winged horse named "Lightning."

Athletics 

The "Blue Raiders" athletic teams of Middle Tennessee State University compete in many intercollegiate sports, including:

Men's Sports:

• Baseball
• Basketball
• Cross Country
• Football
• Golf
• Tennis
• Track and Field 

Women's Sports:

• Basketball
• Cross Country
• Golf
• Soccer
• Softball
• Tennis
• Track and Field
• Volleyball

Community Life 

Many of the sports, arts and entertainment events and activities on the MTSU campus are open to community members. Community organizations and businesses may hire an expert speaker from MTSU, and Continuing Education classes are offered to community members.