BECOME
TRUE BLUE
Finding the right university comes down to four questions: Does it offer what I want to study? Does it have a good reputation? Is it a good value? Is it a good fit for me? Here’s why Middle Tennessee State University is the best choice for you. We offer over 140 majors and concentrations. From recording industry to aerospace, concrete industry management to forensic science, philosophy to agribusiness, and equine sciences to our Honors College, you will likely find what you want on our 500-acre Murfreesboro campus—the best college town in the state of Tennessee—within easy reach of all Music City U.S.A. has to offer. Most Nashville-area college graduates got their degree from MTSU. Our students learn from faculty who are experts in their fields and teach in state-of-the-art facilities like our new Science Building. And our undergraduates get real-world experiences that other universities offer only to graduate students. Your classroom may be behind a camera at Bonnaroo Music and Arts Festival, combing an archaeological dig site, helping patients on an underwater treadmill, or adjusting a robot on a Nissan assembly line. Take a closer look at MTSU. The Princeton Review calls MTSU a growing school on the rise, where you get a quality education and aren’t in crippling debt afterwards. Publications like the Chronicle of Higher Education and the Washington Post have noticed the active role our academic advisors play in keeping our students on track to graduate. Also, our ties to universities in places ranging from Bangladesh to Vietnam, with a special emphasis in China, offer the world to you for study and exploration. Become True Blue, and we will surround you with a tight-knit community of fellow students, professors, and supporters who will help you reach your goals.
TAKE A CLOSER LOOK • Middle Tennessee State University, situated at the geographic center of the state of Tennessee in Murfreesboro, is the No. 1 producer of graduates in the Tennessee Board of Regents system and for the Greater Nashville workforce.
• We have been named a “military-friendly institution” by G.I. Jobs magazine and Military Times. MTSU’s new Charlie and Hazel Daniels Veterans and Military Family Center is the largest dedicated space for veterans on any Tennessee campus.
• We house a wide variety of nationally recognized degree programs at the bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral levels.
• Our 17 athletics programs compete at the highest collegiate level in Conference USA, and our teams met or exceeded NCAA multi-year Academic Progress Rate (APR) requirements.
•W e have received regional, national, and international acclaim for academic programs as diverse as recording industry, mechatronics, horse science, aerospace, and concrete industry management. Many of our more traditional programs— agricultural science, nursing, accounting, and education, among others—are considered among the region’s best.
• Some of our most notable alumni include: U.S. Sen. Albert Gore Sr. (’32); Nobel Prize–winning economist James M. Buchanan (’40); former U.S. congressman Bart Gordon (’71); 1988 National Teacher of the Year Terry Weeks (’72, ’74); and Grand Ole Opry general manager Pete Fisher (’87).
• Our new state-of-the-art $147 million Science Building represents one of the most significant investments made by the state of Tennessee in higher education.
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ACADEMIC PROGRAMS
Do you have the curiosity of a forensic scientist or an ear for music? Maybe you’ve always wanted to teach or build things. With more than 140 programs of study, MTSU has plenty of options. All students are assigned an academic advisor in their first year at MTSU. Our goal is to keep you moving steadily forward on the path to graduation—and independence.
THE MTSU STUDENT BODY IS DIVERSE. ENROLLMENT: 22,511 (FALL 2015) 86% Undergraduate 55% Female 45% Male 33% Minority 28% Over Age 25 2
73% Full-Time
UNDERGRADUATE
PROGRAMS
AZ Discover a passion for subjects you never knew you loved. See www.mtsu.edu/programs.
LEGEND College of Basic and Applied Sciences College of Behavioral and Health Sciences Jennings A. Jones College of Business College of Education
College of Liberal Arts College of Media and Entertainment University College
0516-2792 / Middle Tennessee State University does not discriminate against students, employees, or applicants for admission or employment on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, disability, age, status as a protected veteran, genetic information, or against any other legally protected class with respect to all employment, programs, and activities. The following person has been designated to handle inquiries related to nondiscrimination policies for MTSU: Assistant to the President for Institutional Equity and Compliance. For additional information about these policies and the procedures for resolution, please contact Marian V. Wilson, assistant to the president and Title IX Coordinator, Institutional Equity and Compliance, Middle Tennessee State University, Cope Administration Building 116, 1301 East Main Street, Murfreesboro, TN 37132; Marian.Wilson@mtsu.edu; or call 615-898-2185. MTSU’s policy on nondiscrimination can be found at http://www.mtsu.edu/titleix/.
Accounting Actuarial Science Advertising (and Public Relations) Aerospace Aerospace (Unmanned Aircraft Systems Op.) Agribusiness Animal Science Animation Anthropology Apparel Design Applied Leadership Art (Studio) Art Education Art History Art Practices Astronomy Athletic Training Biochemistry Biology Business Administration Business Education Chemistry Child and Family Studies (Family and Consumer Studies) Communication Studies Community and Public Health (Computer) Information Systems Computer Science Concrete Industry Management Construction Management Consumer Education (Family and Consumer Studies) Criminal Justice (Administration) Cultural Geography Early Childhood Education Economics Engineering Technology English Entrepreneurship Environmental Sustainability and Technology Exercise Science Fashion Merchandising Finance Forensic Science French Geoscience German Global Studies Graphic Design (Art) Healthcare Administration History Horse Science Industrial/Organizational Psychology Information Systems Information Technology Insurance Integrated Studies Interdisciplinary Studies, K–6, 6–8 Interior Design International Organizational Leadership International Relations Japanese Journalism Leisure, Sport, and Tourism Studies
ACADEMICS
MTSU offers the following majors and/or concentrations. Liberal Studies Management Marketing Mathematics Mechatronics Engineering Media Management (Electronic Media Communication) Media Studies Music, Composition (Theory-Composition) Music, Instrumental Music Education Music, Instrumental Performance Music, Vocal/General Education Music, Voice Performance Music Industry New Media Communication Nursing Nutrition and Food Science Organizational Communication Organizational Leadership Philosophy Photography Physical Education Physics Plant and Soil Science Political Science Pre-Chiropractic (Health Science) Pre-Cytotechnology (Health Science) Pre-Dental (Health Science) (Pre) Diagnostic Sonography (Health Science) Pre-Engineering Pre-Health Information Management (Health Science) Pre-Law Pre-Medical (Health Science) Pre-Medical Technology (Health Science) Pre-Nuclear Medicine Technology (Health Science) Pre-Occupational Therapy (Health Science) Pre-Pharmacy (Health Science) Pre-Physical Therapy (Health Science) Pre-Radiation Therapy Technology (Health Science) Pre-Veterinary Medicine Professional Studies Psychology Public Administration Public Relations (and Advertising) Real Estate Recording Industry, Audio Production Recording Industry, Commercial Songwriting Recording Industry, Music Business Social Work Sociology Spanish Special Education Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology Teacher Preparation (Interdisciplinary Studies) Theatre Video and Film Production (Electronic Media Communication) Visual Communication
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COLLEGE OF
BASIC AND APPLIED SCIENCES Programs of Study Actuarial Science Aerospace Administration Flight Dispatch Maintenance Management Professional Pilot Technology Unmanned Aircraft Systems Operations Agribusiness* Animal Science* Horse Science Pre-Veterinary Medicine Biochemistry Biology* Genetics and Biotechnology Microbiology Organismal Biology and Ecology Physiology Chemistry* Professional Chemistry Computer Science Business Applications Professional Computer Science Concrete Industry Management Concrete Contracting Production, Sales, and Service Construction Management Commercial Construction Mgmt. Electrical Construction Mgmt.
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Land Development/Residential Building Construction Mgmt. ‡‡ Pre-Architecture Engineering Technology Computer Engineering Technology Electromechanical Engineering Technology Mechanical Engineering Technology ‡‡ Pre-Engineering Environmental Sustainability and Technology Forensic Science Geoscience* Physical Geography Geology Mathematics Math Education* Professional Mathematics Mechatronics Engineering Military Science (ROTC) (minor) Physics Applied Physics Astronomy Physics Teaching* Professional Physics Plant and Soil Science* Science* General Science
Health Science ‡ Diagnostic Medical Sonography ‡ Pre-Chiropractic ‡ Pre-Cytotechnology ‡ Pre-Dental ‡‡ Pre-Health Information Management ‡‡ Pre-Medical ‡ Pre-Medical Technology ‡ Pre-Nuclear Medicine Technology ‡‡ Pre-Occupational Therapy ‡ Pre-Pharmacy ‡‡ Pre-Physical Therapy ‡ Pre-Radiation Therapy Technology
*Tennessee teacher licensure available ‡ 3+1 pre-professional program: Upon acceptance and successful completion of the first year of pre-professional school, the student will have completed requirements for a Bachelor of Science degree at MTSU. ‡‡ Suggested coursework that offers preparation for application to professional schools.
ACADEMICS What makes the learning environment in the College of Basic and Applied Sciences so special? First and foremost are our people. We have a large and diverse group of students, with more than 5,000 students majoring in our programs. Students have daily interaction with 200 of the most respected professors in their disciplines. But numbers alone do not tell the whole story. CBAS offers the personalized learning of a small liberal arts school with the research expertise of a large university. Our students in the college have won national and international awards like the Fulbright Fellowship, the Goldwater Scholarship, and the DAAD RISE Fellowship. The college promotes student success through engagement inside and outside the classroom. The small ratio of students to faculty means that all our students can get involved in faculty-led research projects, study abroad, community service, and/or instructional internships. You will not find another college in the state that involves more undergraduate students in high-quality experiential learning. In 2015, CBAS students, faculty, and staff performed more than 2,100 service activities. The college also offers an Accelerated Bachelor’s-to-Master’s program that allows students to obtain both a bachelor’s and a master’s degree in only five years. Another important factor that makes CBAS unique is our facility. With more than 250,000 square feet for teaching and faculty and student laboratory research, the new Science Building is the crown jewel for science education and research at MTSU. To see it for yourself, visit mtsu.edu/sciencebuilding.
SOME ITEMS OF NOTE • Our equestrian team has produced 18 national champion riders, wins a regional championship almost every year, and has qualified riders for the National Championship show every year except one since 1989. • Our world-class flight simulator and air traffic control lab allow students to gain real-world experience. • The research team from the Flight Operations Center was awarded the 2014 Sorenson Award by the University Aviation Association. • MTSU’s Unmanned Aircrafts Systems (UAS) operations major is one of only five degreed programs of its kind in the nation. • Concrete Industry Management has competed nationally for 10 years and placed in the top three every year in a concrete competition sponsored by either the American Society of Civil Engineers or the American Concrete Institute. • The Engineering Technology Experimental Vehicles Program recently won NASA’s Neil Armstrong Best Design Award at the international lunar vehicle competition. • For 10 years, our Construction Management program has placed in the top 10 in a group of 70 to 80 teams in the national construction management competition. It has placed in the top five half the time and has won twice. • CBAS was the first college or university in Tennessee to be awarded a student chapter of the American Institute of Professional Geologists. • Our Military Science students consistently place in the top five at the annual ROTC Brigade Ranger Challenge competition.
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COLLEGE OF
BEHAVIORAL AND HEALTH SCIENCES Programs of Study Athletic Training Community and Public Health* Health Education and Lifetime Wellness Public Health Criminal Justice Administration Homeland Security Law Enforcement Exercise Science Family and Consumer Studies* Child Development and Family Studies Family and Consumer Sciences Education Forensic Science Industrial/Organizational Psychology Interior Design Leisure, Sport, and Tourism Studies Nursing Nutrition and Food Science Dietetics Physical Education* Psychology Pre-Graduate School Social Work Speech/Language Pathology and Audiology Textiles, Merchandising, and Design Apparel Design Fashion Merchandising
*Tennessee teacher licensure available
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ACADEMICS
The College of Behavioral and Health Sciences is the newest and largest college at MTSU. Our students and faculty advance study, research, and technology aimed at new and better outcomes for the health and well-being of our citizens and communities. A common thread that attracts students to CBHS’s many degree offerings is the desire to help others. This begins the journey toward a degree that will prepare these future professionals to address some of the world’s most intractable issues. The college’s rigorous academic curriculum, combined with experiential learning, fosters skills in critical thinking, problem-solving, written and oral communication, applied knowledge, intercultural skills, and the capacity for lifelong learning. Our students learn early about how their work impacts the lives of others, directly and indirectly, through local and global partnerships. These partnerships are not just a point of pride; they are essential to making experiential and service learning a key component of a student’s success here. We have partnerships with the Murfreesboro City Schools; Nashville Community College; Kookmin University in Seoul, South Korea; Murfreesboro Medical Clinic; and Medicine for Guatemala. Students work in real-life settings for municipalities or for companies such as Allstate, Disney, and Nissan while earning their degrees. CBHS graduates account for the largest number of regional hires across all Tennessee service agencies. As one state hiring manager says, “I think the experiential learning component makes a big difference. We know that MTSU graduates are prepared for all aspects of case assignment.”
SOME ITEMS OF NOTE • MTSU’s Industrial/Organizational Psychology program was ranked among the top five nationally by the Industrial Psychologist. • NurseJournal.org recently ranked MTSU’s nursing school the 15th-best in the eastern region, ahead of nearby Vanderbilt (389th) and the University of Tennessee (401st). Our graduates report a 97 percent employment rate. • Dr. Beth Embry (Human Sciences professor) was awarded the 2014 Woman of Achievement Award by Women in Higher Education in Tennessee. • The Tennessee Department of Children’s Services selected the documentary film Fostering Hope, by an MTSU Social Work class, to highlight the state’s foster families. • Groundbreaking nerve therapy research using underwater treadmills is providing new hope to people with incomplete spinal cord injuries. The research, housed in the Department of Health and Human Performance and conducted by Dr. Don Morgan and Dr. Sandy Stevens (pictured at left), has received significant funding from the National Institutes of Health.
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JONES COLLEGE OF
BUSINESS Programs of Study
Accounting Business Administration Business Education* Economics Labor Relations Entrepreneurship Finance Business Finance Financial Institution Management Insurance Real Estate Information Systems Management Marketing
*Tennessee teacher licensure available
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ACADEMICS
Jones College of Business is among the top two percent of business schools worldwide to hold business school and accounting program accreditation from AACSB International, the world’s most prestigious business accrediting organization. With 18,000 of its 23,000 living alumni working in Greater Nashville and Middle Tennessee, there is no other collegiate business college that has contributed more to the economic vitality of the region. The strong alumni base is a major advantage for students, who can connect with alumni for professional development, internships, and fulltime employment. Companies regularly visit campus to recruit students for internships and post-graduation career opportunities. Employers praise Jones College graduates for their work ethic and excellent business training. The college’s instructors focus on mentoring to ensure student success. They encourage teamwork and build realworld problem-solving into class projects. They are leaders in adopting innovative technologies like online and hybrid courses, iPad classrooms, and social media to accommodate a variety of learning styles. Faculty are very accessible to students outside of class. Professional advisors help students schedule courses to meet their individual needs, and they constantly monitor academic performance to keep students on track to graduation. Jones College entered an exclusive partnership with Dale Carnegie Training, the internationally recognized professional development organization, to embed within the college’s core curriculum “soft skills” such as effective personal interaction, stress management, persuasive communication, problem solving, leadership, and positive attitude formation. This partnership, which is unique in the United States, will not be duplicated at any other university in Tennessee.
SOME ITEMS OF NOTE • Department of Economics and Finance majors delivered a 10 percent return in the TVA investment Challenge while managing a diversified stock portfolio of $500,000. This far outpaced the overall return in the market, placing MTSU third among 24 universities. • The MTSU chapter of accounting honor society Beta Alpha Psi won the 2015 Southeast regional competition, competed nationally, and was recognized internationally as a Superior Chapter. • Jones College recently upgraded its facilities to include a state-of-the-art Financial Analysis Center, a newly remodeled sales lab and a brand-new executive education center. • A team from the Department of Computer Information Systems placed second nationally at the 2014 Association of Information Technology Professionals competition.
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COLLEGE OF
EDUCATION Programs of Study Early Childhood Education* Interdisciplinary Studies* Grades K–6 licensure option Grades 6–8 licensure option Special Education* Modified K–12 licensure option Comprehensive K–12 licensure option
*Tennessee teacher licensure available
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ACADEMICS If you were asked to name the five people who made the biggest impact on your life, chances are you would name at least one teacher. Imagine, then, the cumulative impact of MTSU’s College of Education (COE) since its beginning 100 years ago. MTSU is proud to administer one of the largest teacher education programs in the state of Tennessee. The exceptional COE faculty and staff are dedicated to providing quality programs in a supportive, rigorous, and student-centered campus environment. While building on tradition, we also look to the future by offering students a course of study that focuses on research and best practices, strong content knowledge, and practical experiences in the field of teaching. Educators who studied at MTSU are employed in a variety of settings, including the Tennessee Department of Education and other state agencies, universities and community colleges, Head Start programs, and tutoring services. MTSU produces more teachers than any other institution in Tennessee. Graduates are employed in public and private schools and school districts throughout the country as well as in Tennessee. The College of Education Building is the most technologically advanced teacher laboratory in Tennessee—a perfect incubator for preparing students for life in the modern classroom. Hightech learning spaces allow faculty to more precisely model the teaching strategies and techniques their students will need in the elementary, middle, and high schools where they’ll eventually work. Other spaces—from two-way-glass observation areas to easily reconfigured classrooms that quickly accommodate large- and small-group exercises—create a perfect environment for teacher candidates to observe and learn.
READY2TEACH The best place to learn about teaching is in the classroom. That’s the basic principle of Ready2Teach. Rather than waiting until the last year of a four-year program to student teach, Ready2Teach participants take part in pre-residency practices. During the final year of the program, teacher candidates engage in a clinical Residency 1 experience with extended time in actual school settings before completing the full-time Residency 2 student teaching experience the following semester. In accompanying seminars, they look at problem-based learning cases that directly relate to real-world teaching. Working under mentor teachers, master clinicians, and University faculty, students gain content knowledge and teaching skills. They find out early in their studies how they respond to the challenges of teaching, so they can truly be ready when they get to their own classrooms.
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COLLEGE OF
LIBERAL ARTS Programs of Study Anthropology Art Art History Art Practices Graphic Design Studio Art Education* English Cultural Studies Literary Studies Secondary English Teacher Licensure* Writing Foreign Languages* French German Japanese Spanish Global Studies and Cultural Geography* Cultural Geography
Global Studies History* International Relations Music Instrumental Music Education* Instrumental Performance Music Industry Theory-Composition Vocal/General Music Education* Voice Performance Organizational Communication Communication Studies Philosophy Political Science* Pre-Law Public Administration Sociology Anthropology Theatre*
*Tennessee teacher licensure available
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ACADEMICS
More than 2,800 students major in fields housed within the 10 academic departments of MTSU’s College of Liberal Arts. Our disciplines encompass the arts, the humanities, and the social sciences. The liberal arts focus on developing students’ ability to read, write, and think critically. In addition to the intrinsic value of acquiring those skills, employers increasingly report that they look for broadly trained and quick-learning employees who can respond to the demands of our rapidly changing society. The College of Liberal Arts offers talented and caring professors, small class sizes, opportunities for student research and cocurricular activities, and a variety of majors and minors designed to prepare students to be engaged citizens, valuable employees, and entrepreneurs. In addition to our academic departments, a variety of other units call Liberal Arts home, including the Center for Historic Preservation, the Albert Gore Research Center, the University Writing Center, the Governor’s School for the Arts, and the Forensic Institute for Research and Education (FIRE). We offer a variety of extracurricular activities that are open to all students. They include national-award-winning programs in mock trial, Model United Nations, model mediation, and debate; more than 200 concerts a year offered by our School of Music, a prestigious “All-Steinway School”; many theater and dance productions and art exhibitions; an array of departmental and discipline-specific student clubs and organizations; and nationally known speakers such as historian David McCullough, food writer Mark Bittman, former U.S. Supreme Court Justice Sandra Day O’Connor, and author Kathy Reichs, whose crime novels inspired the TV series Bones.
BRIGHT MINDS Nine Liberal Arts majors have won Fulbright awards: Dalton Lauderback, Germany; Tandra Martin, South Africa; Davis Thompson, Slovak Republic; Adam Emerson, Russia; Patrick Pratt, Kenya; Kim Yarborough, Spain; Kevin McDaniel, Brazil; Daniel Gouger, Spain; and Anna Yacavone, Laos. Tandra Martin was also a Rhodes Scholar finalist. Three Liberal Arts faculty members have also been Fulbright award winners: Mohammed Albakry, Morocco; Sean Foley, Malaysia; and Richard Pace, Brazil.
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COLLEGE OF
MEDIA AND ENTERTAINMENT Programs of Study Mass Communication Advertising/Public Relations Animation Electronic Media Communication Journalism Media Studies New Media Communication Photography Visual Communication Recording Industry Audio Production Commercial Songwriting Music Business
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More than a dozen former Recording Industry students have been nominated for Grammys, and eight have won the award. Recently, former students Chris Young, Hillary Scott, Eric Paslay (’05), and Brett Eldridge (’08) found themselves on the Billboard Country Airplay chart simultaneously. Sony Music Nashville Chairman and CEO Gary Overton (’84) and multi-Grammywinning producer Blake Chancey (’86) are just two other examples of prominent Recording Industry graduates.
ACADEMICS
College of Media and Entertainment Dean Ken Paulson (former editor of USA Today) says, “This is a college in which I truly saw unprecedented potential. I believe that it can position itself as the most multi faceted and innovative program of mass communication in the country, and for a variety of reasons.” Those reasons include a Department of Recording Industry that’s the largest and, arguably, one of the best in the country—not to mention one located a short drive from Nashville, the cradle of the music industry; a Department of Electronic Media Communication whose students and state-of-the-art facilities have attracted national recognition; and a tradition-rich School of Journalism that houses the John Seigenthaler Chair of Excellence in First Amendment Studies.
Sidelines—as well as student-run Match Records and professional National Public Radio affiliate WMOT. The center serves as a laboratory for change, anticipating where the media are going and ensuring that our students get there first. Instruction follows a “teaching hospital model” where professional journalists work with students and professors to create a real product. Students don’t usually get to participate in the kind of big projects available to MTSU’s Electronic Media Communication students. For example, Freedom Sings is a celebration of free speech and music that has toured college campuses across the nation under the direction of Paulson, who is president of the nationally known First Amendment Center founded by esteemed editor John Seigenthaler. When the event celebrated its 15th anniversary with two concerts at Nashville’s landmark Bluebird Café, MTSU students were there, working behind the scenes—deploying the college’s 40-foot HD mobile video production lab, managing social media content, helping with public relations, and covering the event for student media outlets.
The faculty is also a who’s who of industry insiders, including John Hill, a double-Grammy-winning recording engineer; John Merchant, a Grammy-nominated producer and recording engineer; and Odie Blackmon, a Grammy-nominated songwriter who is currently hard at work building up the department’s fledgling songwriting program. For nearly 30 years, the world-renowned Center for Popular Music has been a resource for all things related to American vernacular music—from country and folk to gospel, blues, jazz, and rock. It is the largest and oldest research institution for popular music in the world. The School of Journalism’s Center for Innovation in Media houses all student-run media—television station MT10, radio station WMTS, and monthly print and daily digital newspaper
SOME ITEMS OF NOTE • MTSU’s Department of Recording Industry is ranked 17th on the Hollywood Reporter’s list of top music schools in the world and among the top 11 music business schools nationally by Billboard. • About 40 College of Media and Entertainment students work at the Bonnaroo Music and Arts Festival each summer through a unique partnership with organizers. Some film performances via MTSU’s $1.7 million mobile production lab, while others file news reports and videos. • For the week ending November 16, 2014, five former MTSU students claimed spots on national Top 40 country music radio charts. • All Access, a new partnership between the Department of Recording Industry and Sony/ATV Music Publishing Nashville, gives songwriting students the chance to submit their work directly to Sony/ATV’s creative team for review, and some are featured in a live annual showcase.
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UNIVERSITY COLLEGE Programs of Study Integrated Studies Liberal Studies Professional Studies Healthcare Administration Information Technology International Organizational Leadership Organizational Leadership
The mission of MTSU’s University College is simple: Everything we do is designed to enhance our students’ success—academically and beyond. We serve working adults, parents, veterans, and active military, as well as traditional college students exploring academic options. The College offers a variety of programs and services that enable students to gain the most from their college experiences. Many students have unique goals and would like to design a degree to match their exact career interests. With the Bachelor of Science in Integrated Studies, students can custom-design the program, tailor courses to their unique career goals, maximize the credits they have already earned, and prepare for graduate school. They also may be able to receive academic credit for military experience or other certifications. As advising is critical to the successful completion of academic goals, we offer advising services to students of our degree programs as well as to students who are undecided about a major and need some additional support. The EXL Scholars Program provides students a unique opportunity to link hands-on experiential learning to academic programs. Through partnerships with local and national businesses, our students gain real-world experience—and businesses gain valuable workers.
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ACADEMICS
HONORS COLLEGE The University Honors College fosters the academic excellence and nurturing environment of a small, select, private liberal arts college within the setting of a major university. The free exchange of ideas and the opportunity for students to learn from each other in small classes taught by expert faculty make the Honors College experience rich and meaningful and provide a more focused, in-depth learning environment. We have approximately 750 Honors students. A key goal of the Honors College is to provide educational preparation that enhances the likelihood of admission to graduate school. We offer Buchanan Fellowships, Honors Transfer Fellowships, and other awards to students who would like to join us; we, in turn, work diligently to advance the careers of students who are here.
SOME ITEMS OF NOTE • The college’s Undergraduate Fellowships Office has helped 14 students win Fulbright awards in the last seven years. • Nausheen Qureshi became the first MTSU student to present a poster at the National Collegiate Honors Council conference and the inaugural recipient of the NCHC’s John J. Hanigan Student Scholarship Award. • Two Honors College students have received DAAD Rise Fellowships to study in Germany. • Each student who graduates from the Honors College writes and defends an honors thesis or creative project.
Visit mtsu.edu/honors for more information on fellowships.
MILITARY Military Science
Veterans and Military Family Center
The Department of Military Science offers courses applicable to the U.S. Army and through which students can earn an academic minor. These courses give students a
MTSU’s Veterans and Military Family Center assists with the transition from military duty to academic success at the University. We provide veteran-friendly courses and faculty advisors, peer support and mentoring, career counseling and job-placement services, and arrangements to accommodate any special physical and emotional needs. There are also scholarships available for service members.
broad knowledge of army leadership, management, and technical skills by which they may gain commission and entrance to one of the U.S. Army service schools. Students enrolled at MTSU are eligible to apply for two- and three-year Army ROTC scholarships that pay for tuition, fees, and a book allowance, plus a monthly stipend per year. High school seniors are eligible to apply for a four-year scholarship during senior year. Additionally, there are National Guard and Army Reserve scholarships and an ROTC Nurse Summer Training program available.
For more information about the Charlie and Hazel Daniels Veterans and Military Family Center, visit mtsu.edu/military.
For more information about Military Science, visit mtsu.edu/arotc1.
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ON-CAMPUS
LEARNING COMMUNITIES
When you’re living in campus residence halls and apartments, you’re close to everything. On-campus living options include traditional halls with shared community baths; exterior-entry buildings with suites; and apartment accommodations (private one-bedroom, two-bedroom shared, four-person shared/private bedroom, and family apartments). Communities range in size from fewer than 100 residents up to 400 or more residents. All residence hall rooms and apartments are air-conditioned and include basic cable, internet, and utilities. Laundry facilities are free to residents, and parking is close and convenient.
First-Year Experience Two seven-story high-rises are home to MTSU’s First-Year Experience learning community. Programs are geared toward residents with fewer than 29 credit hours and are designed to encourage academic success. Special services include lowerdivision classes taught on site. An academic advisor holds office hours in each building, a tutoring center is available, and special workshops and programs are designed to assist residents with the transition to college.
Music at Middle Music majors are encouraged to become part of this unique learning community from audition through graduation. They will find support and camaraderie living among students with similar interests, talents, and academic abilities.
Diverse World, Diverse Arts This community focuses on integrating the arts into all aspects of the academic experience. Students in dance, theater, art, and music form the core of the group.
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HOUSING Honors The Honors Learning Community is limited to residents meeting Honors program eligibility requirements. Residents must also enroll in at least one Honors class (3 credit hours) each semester.
Give Me a Beat Freshman Recording Industry and Mass Communication majors are invited to join the Give Me a Beat Learning Community. Members have said this environment meets their educational and social needs more fully than other types of housing because of its emphasis on organized activities.
I Am True Blue Living Learning Communities These communities allow residents to be fully immersed in and committed to what it means to be True Blue. Inspired by the True Blue Pledge, the I Am True Blue living-learning communities are based on four core values: honesty and integrity; respect for diversity; engagement in the community; and a commitment to reason, not violence. Residents are given opportunities both on campus and in the surrounding community to develop leadership and civic skills, embrace diverse experiences and people, and support the ongoing progress of our institution.
Women in Science and Engineering This learning community, also known as WISE, is designed to recruit and retain talented women to fields in mathematics and the sciences. It provides academic and personal support and strong partnerships with women faculty members as role models.
First-Year Aerospace Freshman Aerospace majors build camaraderie and enjoy a support network here. Members may enroll in the same section of AERO 1010 Introduction to Aerospace (required of all Aerospace majors).
Upper-Class Aerospace Majors and former residents of First-Year Aerospace can live in this learning community. Members may serve as mentors to the First-Year Aerospace community.
Global Learning Community The Global Learning Community offers a special residential experience for students interested in global affairs and is ideal for international students, study abroad returnees, or those majoring in a field with an international component. To learn more about campus housing options, visit mtsu.edu/housing.
Nursing The Nursing Learning Community allows interaction with other Nursing and Science majors in a meaningful and professionally enriching way.
Pre-Professional Health and Science Preparing students for admission to professional schools is the focus of this learning community.
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FACTS AND FIGURES • Established: 1911 • Campus Size: 500 acres • President: Dr. Sidney A. McPhee • Student Body: 22,000+ • Faculty and Staff: 2,125 • Alumni: More than 120,000 residing in the United States and around the world • MTSU boasts 17 NCAA Division I intercollegiate sports teams. Blue Raider athletics was one of only 10 programs in the nation to play in a football bowl game and both the men’s and women’s NCAA Tournament in 2015–16. • MTSU is located about 30 miles from Nashville, ranked in the 13 “hottest American cities for 2016” by Business Insider and in the top 10 for growth and prosperity by Brookings Institute. • According to a report published by the Business and Economic Research Center at MTSU, one in every seven college-educated people in the Nashville area is an MTSU graduate.
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MTSU CAMPUS For campus visit opportunities, visit
MTSU.EDU/VISIT 21
STUDENT LIFE You won’t be spending all your time at MTSU in class. We have more than 300 student organizations, so choose a club, team, or activity and get involved!
The Center for Student Involvement and Leadership CSIL is where students begin their search for involvement opportunities. Student organizations, leadership development programs, fraternity and sorority life, multicultural and diversity programming, and community service are just some of the opportunities offered through this department. Stop by Student Union 330 to learn how you can get involved on and off campus, or visit mtsu.edu/involve.
Connection Point Students who are involved with extracurricular activities tend to perform better academically and are more likely to graduate than those who are not. Participating in student life will enhance your collegiate experience and simply make your time at MTSU more enjoyable. Take your Blue ID to campus events, scan it in, get your collectible button, and get counted! For more information, visit mtsu.edu/connection.
Student Programming and Activities Interested in planning, promoting, or producing student events? Student programming is for you! Help bring interesting, engaging, and enjoyable comedians, musicians, movies, speakers, and more to MTSU. For more information, visit mtsu.edu/events.
Sport Clubs Sport clubs offer formal and informal competitive play for those with a common interest. Clubs affiliated with the Campus Recreation program have become increasingly successful in regional and national competitions in wrestling, paintball, masters swimming, rugby, and racquetball. For more information, visit mtsu.edu/camprec/clubs.
Campus Rec Trips Campus Recreation offers many low-cost adventures, including both day and weekend trips. Go caving at Indian Grave Point or backpacking in the Tennessee River Gorge. Try whitewater rafting on the Ocoee River or pack your bags for a hiking tour of Scotland. The Outdoor Program also went surfing in Puerto Rico for Spring Break! All these trips were part of the 2015–16 schedule. Interested? Visit mtsu.edu/camprec/outdoors.
Intramurals More than 50 exciting intramural activities are offered at MTSU, attracting over 9,000 participants every year. Leagues include kickball, ultimate Frisbee, yard games, bowling, dodgeball, soccer, laser tag, and wallyball, along with the more standard basketball, football, baseball, volleyball, tennis, and softball. For more information, visit mtsu.edu/camprec/intramural.
Distinguished Lectures and Other Speakers MTSU’s Distinguished Lecture Series brings to campus nationally and internationally known speakers for timely discussions of regional, national, and global issues in a variety of fields. Past speakers have included broadcast producer Jay Allison, actor R.J. Mitte, baseball player Ken Griffey, former combat pilot Vernice Armour, and entrepreneur Miki Agrawal. Other recent speakers have included Justice Sandra Day O’Connor via the Windham Lecture Series, Lisa Ling during National Women’s History Month, and Hill Harper during National Black History Month.
Theater, Music, Dance, and Opera MTSU students can attend arts events at little to no cost. From acclaimed theatrical and opera productions such as La Cage aux Folles and Les Miserables to dance concerts and more than 200 music performances per year, MTSU provides many opportunities for fans and performers to participate. To see upcoming productions, visit mtsu.edu/calendar.
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STUDENT LIFE
Student Government Association The SGA provides students with a voice in the decision-making process of the University. SGA members work together with faculty and administrators and help MTSU maximize its potential. The Freshman Council, chosen by an application and interview process, is a great way for freshmen to get involved. Find us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter @MTSUSGA. To learn more, visit mtsu.edu/sga.
Athletics As an MTSU student, you are admitted free to home athletic events with your Blue ID, and you can also obtain a guest ticket for a friend. For more information, visit goblueraiders.com. MTSU athletic teams include • baseball • basketball (men’s and women’s) • football • golf (men’s and women’s) • soccer (women’s) • softball • tennis (men’s and women’s) • track and field/cross country (men’s and women’s) • volleyball (women’s)
Fraternity and Sorority Life Education, leadership, service/philanthropy, brotherhood/sisterhood, integrity, diversity, and collaboration are the foundation of the fraternity and sorority community. Becoming a member does not simply mean wearing letters on a shirt, attending social events, and going to meetings. What sets fraternity and sorority members apart is a commitment to fraternal values that makes them better students, sisters/brothers, and contributing members of society. At MTSU, there are nine Interfraternity Council (IFC) chapters, seven National Pan-Hellenic Council (NPHC) chapters, and seven Panhellenic Council (PHC) chapters. For more information, visit mtsu.edu/fsl.
Intercultural and Diversity Affairs Celebrate your own culture or learn about someone else’s. Diversity is a welcomed reality that should be celebrated. We host programs and events designed to highlight multiculturalism, internationalism, and individual differences. For more information, visit mtsu.edu/idac.
Bands The Band of Blue, one of the largest collegiate marching bands in the country and the largest student organization on campus, presents original halftime shows at all home football games and selected out-of-town games. Blue Raiders basketball wouldn’t be the same without the Pep Band, which plays at every home game for both the men’s and women’s teams. To learn more, visit mtsu.edu/bands.
Convocation Each academic year kicks off at Convocation. New students are welcomed, faculty mingle with our incoming students and families, and the students take the True Blue Pledge, which underscores our core values of honesty and integrity; respect for diversity; engagement in the community; and committing to reason, not violence. Afterward, everyone is invited to a picnic on campus.
Summer Reading Program Each year, MTSU selects a book of exceptional value to serve as the first shared academic experience of all incoming students. Family members, faculty, staff, and many members of the community also read the book, creating a common conversation topic as students get acquainted and begin their classes. The book’s author is the keynote speaker at the annual beginning-of-the-year Convocation event, where new students are welcomed to the MTSU family. For more information, visit mtsu.edu/summerreading.
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STUDENT RESOURCES The MT One Stop provides integrated services in the areas of financial aid, tuition and billing, and transcripts. Our office is located on the second floor of the Student Services and Admissions Center. At the MT One Stop, students can • ask questions about the MTSU billing statement • get information about applying for financial aid and scholarships • complete the FAFSA verification processes • request a transcript • get assistance completing forms to drop or add a class • get assistance withdrawing from classes (via PipelineMT) • request assistance with the Partners in Education program • sign up for deferred payment plans (via PipelineMT) • sign up for direct deposit (via PipelineMT) • verify their enrollment for insurance or other purposes (via PipelineMT) • change their address or other personal information • change their major or minor • ask questions about installment payment plans • make registration and schedule changes (via PipelineMT) Learn more at mtsu.edu/one-stop.
On-Campus Tutoring Tutoring can be fundamental to your success in college. At every level of the academic journey, tutoring can assist your understanding, recollection, and application of what was presented in the classroom. The majority of tutoring services are conveniently located on the first floor of Walker Library. In 2015–16, free tutoring was offered for nearly 440 classes. For more information, visit mtsu.edu/tutoring.
Academic Advisors Every student who comes to MTSU with the drive to achieve will be met with the best instruction from excellent professors and the best guidance from engaged academic advisors—all of whom care about their students’ success. We foster a culture of high expectations, coupled with personal attention if students struggle inside or outside the classroom. Students can find contact information for their advisors in PipelineMT and should meet with them regularly to ensure academic success.
Counseling Services Short-term counseling can ease the transition into college and provide support during stressful times. Our professional counselors are available for crisis intervention, short-term support, and to assist with referrals to longer-term professionals in the Murfreesboro community. The Counseling Services office is located at Keathley University Center (KUC) 326-S. To learn more, call 615-898-2670 or visit mtsu.edu/countest.
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RESOURCES
Career Development Center Located at Keathley University Center (KUC) 328, the Career Development Center provides innovative technology, resources, and programs to help students perform targeted, self-directed job searches and creates opportunities for students and employers to connect. Its services include individual career advising, resume and cover letter guides, career fairs, jobboard searches, and practice interview sessions. Lightning CareerLink allows students to search for paid internships as well as part-time and full-time positions. To learn more, visit mtsu.edu/career.
Disability and Access Center MTSU’s Disability and Access Center, located at Keathley University Center (KUC) 120, helps create an accessible comm unity where students have equal opportunities to participate in the educational experience. The center provides testing accommodations and access to the latest in adaptive computer technologies. It also acts as a liaison between students and University departments. Students registered for services through the center receive priority registration and assistance. For more information, visit mtsu.edu/dac.
Health Services With three doctors, two physician assistants, ten registered nurses, and three nurse practitioners on staff, Student Health Services provides MTSU students with health education, outpatient services, and medical treatment, including X-rays, travel and allergy clinics, and women’s health clinics. All registered MTSU students are eligible for care. MTSU Campus Pharmacy can dispense any prescription; prescriptions can also be transferred there from other pharmacies. Health Services is located in the Health, Wellness, and Recreation Center. To learn more, call 615-898-2988 or visit mtsu.edu/healthservices.
Phillips Bookstore Conveniently located in the Student Union, Phillips Bookstore stocks textbooks, supplies, snacks, and MTSU apparel to rock your Raider pride. Visit mtsu.edu/phillips for more information.
University Police University Police protects the campus with 24-hour police patrols, emergency dispatch, and campus escorts. Alert4U sends texts and emails during severe weather and other emergencies. Visit mtsu.edu/police for more information.
Alumni Relations As a graduate of MTSU, you’ll be poised to take advantage of the many alumni activities held locally and nationally, including networking events, Alumni Summer College, and other exciting opportunities. Visit mtalumni.com for more information.
Dual Enrollment Did you know that you could be earning college credit while you are still in high school? For more information, visit mtsu.edu/dualenrollment.
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ADMISSIONS PRIORITY CONSIDERATION Your best opportunity to receive scholarship funding is to apply by the following dates:
How to Apply To apply to MTSU, follow these steps:
• Freshmen: apply for admission by Dec. 1
1. Fill out the application for admission at mtsu.edu/applynow.
• Transfers: apply for admission by Feb. 15
2. Pay the $25 nonrefundable application fee. 3. Have your official high school or GED transcripts, as well as official transcripts from all colleges/universities/technical schools attended, sent to: Admissions Office Student Services and Admissions Center, Room 120 1301 E. Main Street Murfreesboro, TN 37132 4. If you’re under age 21, submit your official ACT or SAT scores. Scores are accepted only if they are sent directly from the testing agency or included on your official high school transcripts.
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ADMISSIONS
Freshman Admission Freshman applicants must meet one of the following requirements for guaranteed admission: • 3.0 minimum grade point average (GPA) • minimum composite ACT score of 22 (SAT 1020) • minimum 2.7 GPA and ACT score of 19 (SAT 900) Any student who does not meet guaranteed admission requirements will be considered for conditional admission. Conditional students will answer additional personal statement questions on the application. Academic performance, standardized test scores, special interests and skills, and other nonacademic factors are considered.
Transfer Student Admission For guaranteed admission, transfer applicants must complete college preparatory courses and • earn 24 or more semester hours with a 2.0 or higher cumulative GPA from all post-secondary institutions attended, OR • meet the freshman guaranteed admission standards if they have earned fewer than 24 hours (or fewer than 35 quarter hours) AND have a cumulative college GPA of 2.0 or higher. Any student who does not meet guaranteed admission requirements will be considered for conditional admission. Conditional students will answer additional personal statement questions on the application. Academic performance, standardized test scores, special interests and skills, and other nonacademic factors are considered.
Tennessee Transfer Pathways The Tennessee Transfer Pathways system is designed to help community college students make a smooth transition to MTSU. After completing a participating Associate of Arts (A.A.) or Associate of Science (A.S.) degree, students can transfer to MTSU and be assured all credits will transfer into the corresponding four-year program at the University. This allows you to stay on track for graduation when you transfer. For more information about this and other programs, visit tntransferpathway.org.
Transfer Equivalencies At Middle (TEAM) To view up-to-the-minute comparisons for courses you’ve taken (or might take in the future) and how they transfer to MTSU, visit mtsu.edu/team.
Regional Scholars Program Non-Tennessee freshmen who live within approximately 250 miles of our Murfreesboro campus can qualify for a special tuition rate with an ACT composite of 25 (SAT 1130) and above. These select students • receive 48 percent reduction of out-of-state tuition • are eligible for MTSU’s guaranteed academic scholarships (if you apply for admission by Dec. 1) • can be considered for the Honors College • must apply for the Academic Common Market (if the program is a unique major eligible for in-state rate) For more information, visit mtsu.edu/regionalscholars.
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MTSU BY THE
NUMBERS Scholarships and Financial Aid More than 85 percent of MTSU students receive financial aid. Scholarships based on academic performance and/or ability are also available. Explore the available aid opportunities at mtsu.edu/financial-aid.
Honors Transfer Fellowship The Honors Transfer Fellowship, offered up to 15 students per year, is the highest award given to transfers at MTSU. Transfer Fellows, who must complete a separate application process, receive $7,000 per year ($14,000 per year for out-of-state students).
Guaranteed Scholarships Freshman Guaranteed Scholarships If you meet the academic requirements (3.5 GPA and 25 ACT or 1130 SAT), apply, and submit transcripts to MTSU by Dec. 1, you will receive a guaranteed scholarship between $2,000 and $5,000.
Student Success Advantage HOPE Lottery Supplement Freshman students who, at the completion of their first and second academic years, have successfully met all eligibility requirements to retain their HOPE scholarships will receive a $500 HOPE supplement that will be applied against their tuition at the beginning of their next year.
Transfer Guaranteed Scholarships If you meet the academic requirements (45–105 earned credit hours and a 3.0 or higher cumulative GPA), apply, and submit transcripts to MTSU by Feb. 15, you will receive a guaranteed scholarship of $3,000.
Finish Line Scholarship Students who are on track to successfully graduate will be eligible for a Finish Line Scholarship in their final semester that refunds tuition increases from the period of their studies.
Honors College Scholarships Buchanan Fellowship The Buchanan Fellowship, limited to 20 students per year, is the highest award given to freshmen at MTSU. Buchanan Fellows, who must complete a separate application process, receive a host of special benefits, including a full tuition waiver guaranteed for four years, special seminars, priority registration, a book allowance, priority consideration for study abroad, and much more.
SCHOLARSHIP
ACT (SAT)
GPA
National Merit/Achievement/Hispanic Semifinalist
AMOUNT/YEAR $6,000
Chancellor Scholarship
30 (1320)
3.5
$5,000
Presidential Scholarship
28 (1240)
3.5
$4,000
True Blue Scholarship
26 (1170)
3.5
$3,000
Provost Scholarship
25 (1130)
3.5
$2,000
Additional Information: For criteria, more information, and additional scholarship opportunities visit mtsu.edu/scholarships.
FEES Students are encouraged to take a minimum of 15 credit hours per semester. Average student expenses are shown below. Books
Residence Hall
Meal Plan
(estimated)
(optional)
(optional)
$4,305
$600
$2,154–$3,548
$576–$2,030
$9,330
$2154–$3,548
$576–$2,030
$18,330
{ {
IN-STATE
TOTAL
Tuition (15 credit hours)
Tuition+Books: $4,905
OUT-OF-STATE
$13,305
$600
Tuition+Books: $13,905
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This is an estimated cost per semester; other fees may apply. For a complete list of fees, go to mtsu.edu/tuition.