Middle Tennessee State University (MTSU), located in Murfreesboro, Tennessee, is a vibrant public institution serving over 20,000 students. Founded in 1911 as the Tennessee Normal School, it evolved into a four-year college in 1925 and gained university status in 1965. MTSU is the second-largest university in Tennessee by undergraduate enrollment and part of the Tennessee Board of Regents system. The campus spans 500 acres, offering a mix of historic and modern facilities, just 35 miles southeast of Nashville.
Jobs at Middle Tennessee State University attract professionals passionate about education, research, and community impact. From tenure-track faculty positions to administrative roles, MTSU provides opportunities in a supportive environment focused on student success and innovation. The university's commitment to practical, career-oriented programs makes it an ideal place for educators and researchers.
MTSU's history reflects its dedication to accessible higher education. Starting as a teacher training school, it expanded to include liberal arts, sciences, and professional programs. Today, it offers more than 300 undergraduate and graduate pathways across eight colleges, including the College of Basic and Applied Sciences, College of Behavioral and Health Sciences, and the renowned College of Media and Entertainment.
The university is nationally recognized for programs like Aerospace (the largest in the nation), Recording Industry (pioneering music business education), and Journalism. These signature strengths create specialized job openings for experts in those fields. MTSU also emphasizes undergraduate research, with initiatives like the Student Research and Creative Activity Fair, providing avenues for research assistant jobs and postdoctoral positions.
Career opportunities at MTSU span faculty, staff, and leadership roles. Faculty jobs include assistant professors, associate professors, and full professors in departments like Biology, Business, and Engineering Technology. Administrative positions cover areas such as student affairs, HR jobs, and executive roles in university operations. Specialized positions in the Recording Industry Program or Aerospace Department often seek industry veterans.
Research jobs are prominent, particularly in centers like the Center for the Study of Higher Education. For a full list of types of positions available, MTSU's careers site details tenure-track, non-tenure, and part-time roles. Adjunct professor jobs are common for flexible teaching schedules, while research assistant jobs support faculty projects.
To understand jobs at Middle Tennessee State University, key terms include:
Jobs at MTSU demand rigorous qualifications. Faculty roles generally require a PhD in the relevant field (e.g., PhD in Chemistry for science positions). Research focus varies by department; for example, the Aerospace program seeks expertise in aviation safety or unmanned aircraft systems, while the Recording Industry Program values production and music business knowledge.
Preferred experience includes peer-reviewed publications, grant funding from agencies like NSF, and teaching at the college level. Skills and competencies emphasize communication, collaboration, and technology proficiency. For lecturer jobs, a master's degree with significant professional experience suffices.
Explore how to become a university lecturer for salary insights around $115K for experienced roles.
The application process for jobs at MTSU begins with visiting the official careers portal at mtsu.edu/humanresources. Search for openings, submit an online application with CV, cover letter, transcripts, and three references. Some positions require a teaching philosophy statement or research plan.
Actionable tips:
Review how to write a winning academic CV for best practices.
MTSU champions diversity through its Quality Enhancement Plan focused on inclusive excellence. Initiatives include the Office of Institutional Equity and Compliance, which oversees affirmative action hiring, and programs like the African American and Multicultural Student Center. The university hosts the Diversity Summit annually and has increased underrepresented faculty by 15% in recent years. Specific examples: scholarships for underrepresented students and faculty mentoring programs. MTSU's hiring practices prioritize equal opportunity, with training on bias reduction.
MTSU fosters work-life balance with generous leave policies, on-site childcare, and wellness programs like the Recreation Center featuring gyms, pools, and yoga classes. Employees access tuition discounts for family members and professional development via the Faculty Development Office. Campus life buzzes with 300+ clubs, Division I athletics (Blue Raiders), and events like the Cherry Blossom Festival. Murfreesboro offers affordable living, parks, and proximity to Nashville's cultural scene, making it family-friendly for staff.
Flexible hybrid options in some admin roles enhance balance, with emphasis on mental health support through counseling services.
Middle Tennessee State University stands out for jobs blending academic rigor with real-world impact in Tennessee's dynamic higher education landscape. Whether seeking higher ed jobs, faculty roles, or research positions, MTSU offers growth opportunities. Leverage higher ed career advice and explore university jobs listings. Institutions like MTSU post openings regularly—consider post a job if recruiting talent.
For more, visit higher ed faculty jobs or research jobs. MTSU's commitment to excellence makes it a top choice for academic careers.
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