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.
Admission Requirements & Details
The information regarding admissions below may give you an idea of the candidates Middle Tennessee State University accepts. The details may include application requirements and recommendations, as well as any AP or college credits that may be transferred.
College Credits Accepted
- Dual Credits
- AP Course Credits
Student Enrollment
Total enrollment at Middle Tennessee State University is around 23,000 students. The enrollment breakdown by academic level is 13% enrolling as graduate students and 89% as undergraduate students.
Estimated Costs & Financial Aid
The average "out of pocket" cost of attendance, after any grants and scholarships are considered, is around $11,000. In order to calculate a more accurate and detailed cost of attendance check out their cost calculator here. There is also a $25 application fee for those applying to a program. The figures listed below are for informational purposes only and do not represent current or future tuition, fees, and expenses.
Tuition & Fees Information
- Annual tuition estimates are:
- In-State: $6,400-$7,700
- Out-of-State: $23,000-$27,790
- Part-time students are charged:
- In-State: $270-$320 per unit
- Out-of-State: $970-$1,200 per unit
Financial Aid Details
The table listed below helps break down the types of financial aid students receive and the percent receiving aid, as well as the average amount of aid per student per year.
| Percent of Students | Average Amount | |
|---|---|---|
| Any Financial Aid | 97% | - |
| Receiving Grants & Scholarships | 92% | $8,728 |
| Receiving Student Loans | 51% | $5,816 |
Academics & Student Services
Student Services
To support students and graduates, Middle Tennessee State University may offer services to students like:- Online course work available
- Weekend and night classes available
- Career path counseling
- Student employment
- Helping students find work after graduation
- Day care for children
Graduation Rates
The overall graduation rate of Middle Tennessee State University is around 46%.
| Number of Year to Graduate | Percent of Entering Class |
|---|---|
| Students Graduating in 4 Years | 16% |
| Graduating in 5 Years | 22% |
| Graduating in 6 Years | 8% |
Specialized Programs & Accreditations
- Art and Design Program
- Dietetics Program
- Music Program
- Bachelor's Degree in Nursing (BSN) Program
- Nursing (MSN, DSN) Program
- Elementary and Secondary School Teacher Education Program
Intercollegiate Athletics
Middle Tennessee State University is a Member of National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA), with many of the sports being in the NCAA Division I-A classification. The most popular sports played are listed below:
- Baseball (Conference Usa)
- Basketball (Conference Usa)
- Track and Field (Conference Usa)
- Football (Conference Usa)
- Golf
- Soccer
- Softball
- Tennis
- Volleyball
Programs Offered
The program list below is organized by areas of study. The programs that have a link will direct you to the program's profile page where you can learn more about education requirements and career pathways.
Get more information about the programs offered by Middle Tennessee State University by clicking the request information to the right.
(C) Certificate or Award | (A) Associate's | (B) Bachelor's | (M) Master's Degree | (D) Doctorate (PhD,...)
Agriculture Operations
- Animal Science (B)
- Agricultural Business (B)
- Plant Sciences (B)
- Horse Husbandry, Equine Science and Management (M)
Biological and Biomedical Sciences
- Biology (B, M)
- Biological and Biomedical Sciences (M)
- Biochemistry (B)
- Molecular Biology (D)
Business and Marketing Studies
- Business Administration (B, M)
- Accounting (B, M)
- Advertising and Marketing (B)
- Information Systems (B)
- Finance (B)
- Entrepreneurship (B)
- Construction Management (B)
- Business Economics (B)
- Office Management and Supervision (B)
Communication Technology
Communications and Journalism
- Media Studies (B, M)
Computer and Information Sciences
- Computer Science (B, M)
- Information Technology (M)
Education
- Curriculum and Instruction (C, M)
- Teacher Education, Multiple Levels (B)
- Health Teacher Education (B)
- Educational Leadership and Administration (C, M)
- Early Childhood Education (B)
- Guidance Counselor (M)
- Special Education (B, M)
- Foreign Language Teacher Education (M)
- Business Teacher Education (B, M)
- Art Teacher Education (B)
- Reading Teacher and Literacy Specialist (D, M)
- Teacher Education and Professional Development (M)
- Mathematics Teacher Education (M)
Engineering Technology
- Engineering Technology (B)
- Engineering Management (B)
- Industrial Technology (M)
- Electrical and Communications Engineering Technology (B)
English Language and Literature
- English (B, D, M)
Ethnic Cultural and Gender Studies
- United States Studies (C)
Family and Consumer Sciences
- Family Resource Management Studies (B)
- Nutrition and Wellness Studies (B)
- Apparel and Textiles (B)
Foreign Languages and Literature
- Foreign Languages and Literatures (B)
Health and Clinical Professions
- Nursing (B, M)
- Audiology and Speech Pathology (B)
- Athletic Training (B)
- Family Practice Nurse (C)
- Healthcare Administration (C)
History
- History (B, M)
- Public and Applied History and Archival Administration (C, D)
Interdisciplinary Studies
- Biological and Physical Sciences (B)
- International and Global Studies (B)
- Gerontology (C)
Liberal Arts and Sciences
- Liberal Arts (B)
- General Studies (B, M)
Mathematics and Statistics
- Math (B, M)
- Computational Mathematics (D)
Philosophy and Religious Studies
- Philosophy (B)
Physical Sciences
Psychology
- Psychology (B, M)
- Organizational Psychology (B)
Public Administration and Social Services
- Social Work (B, M)
Recreation and Fitness Studies
- Kinesiology And Exercise Science (B, M)
- Parks and Recreation Management (B)
- Sports Management (M)
- Sports Medicine (B, D, M)
Security and Protective Services
Social Sciences
- Political Science (B)
- Anthropology (B)
- Sociology (B, M)
- Economics (B, D, M)
- International Relations (B, M)
Transportation and Materials Moving
- Aviation (B)
- Aviation and Airway Management (M)
Visual and Performing Arts
- Music Management (B)
- Art Studies (B)
- Drama and Theatre Arts (B)
- Music (B, M)
- Interior Design (B)
- Art History (B)
Other 4-Year Public Colleges
The list of schools below have been selected by researching which schools offer similar programs to Middle Tennessee State University.
- Tennessee State University in Nashville, TN (34 miles away)
- Tennessee Technological University in Cookeville, TN (54 miles away)
- Austin Peay State University in Clarksville, TN (73 miles away)
- Alabama A&M University in Normal, AL (73 miles away)
- University of Alabama in Huntsville in Huntsville, AL (79 miles away)
Also, you can compare schools by looking through our list of colleges & universities:
- Get a list of all the colleges in Tennessee
- Find out what other state universities are located in Tennessee