Originally known as the Middle Tennessee Normal School, it became a state college in 1943 and officially became a university in 1965. MTSU has more recently gained recognition for its Aerospace, Business, Mass Communication/Recording Industry, and Music/Music Business programs.
MTSU unites the closeness of a small college with the opportunities of a large dynamic public university where students explore their intellectual potential and realize the promise in their future live. Grounding students in the arts and sciences, the University offers an integrated, technological, innovative education that prepares leaders for the economic, political, civic, and social life of the country.

Middle Tennessee State University prepares students to live productively and to become lifelong learners; to employ scientific knowledge and an understanding of culture and history; to think logically, critically, and creatively; to communicate clearly; to make sound judgments; to acquire working knowledge of a discipline or group of related disciplines; and to participate as citizens in the global society.

The University is a member of the Tennessee Board of Regents System, one of two higher education systems in Tennessee State. Middle Tennessee State University has no auxiliary campuses, and aside from online courses, all classes are held either on-campus or at adequate facilities in the city of Murfreesboro.

Athletics
The university’s athletic teams simply refer to the school as “Middle Tennessee” or “MT”, abandoning the words “State University”. It is being done to save another logo change should the university change its name to “University of Middle Tennessee”, as has been long-rumored. These “club sports” are not sanctioned by the university, though each team does receive funding as a student organization. Floyd Stadium, the university’s football field, is thought to be the geographic center of Tennessee, though the official marker sits approximately a half-mile (800 m) north of the stadium on Old Lascassas Pike.