Prospective Students Page
Prospective Students
You’re invited to Be Part of the Solution
Grounded in the legacy of Howard Baker, the Huntsville, Tenn. native, Senate Majority Leader, White House chief of staff, and U.S. ambassador to Japan, is our inspiration. Honoring his legacy, we teach students to rise above “politics as usual” to effect change.
The Bachelor of Science in Public Affairs is a degree program designed to teach students the art and science of public problem-solving. The Public Affairs degree prepares students for careers leading civic-minded organizations, as an elected official, or in a variety of policy fields, including law, energy, health, national security, and the environment.
Our Mission
At the Baker School, our mission is to educate skilled problem solvers and prepare them to take public leadership roles and help our community solve the biggest challenges of our time. We are the first and only institution of our kind in the state of Tennessee.
Baker Students Light the Way
Exemplary leadership, dedication to solution-focused research, academic excellence, and commitment to helping other students are just some of the ways Jack Duncan embodies the Volunteer spirit and shows others how to be part of the solution.
Baker Students Light the Way
MPA graduate student Faith Barrett is the featured twirler in the Pride of the Southland Band. Hear more from Faith about her twirling skills, ambitions after grad school, and why she chose the Baker School.
Explore the Public Affairs Major
The Bachelors of Science in Public Affairs (BSPAF) is a degree program designed to teach students the art and science of public problem solving. The Public Affairs degree prepares students for careers as elected officials, leading civic-minded organizations, or in a variety of policy fields, including law, energy, health, national security, and the environment.
Critical Career Preparation
Our internship and professional development programs are invaluable: they help you learn about yourself, offer professional experience, and can offer a real-world look at public policy in action.
- Local Government Interns
- Institute Fellows
- Tennessee Legislative Internship Program
- Congressional Internship Program
Tocqueville Scholars
The Tocqueville Scholars program is a 4-year scholars program grounded in the ideas of Alexis de Tocqueville, with the goal to educate exceptional students in America’s constitutional, economic, and political foundations. The Tocqueville Scholars program prepares students to become civic leaders in government, law, business, and public affairs through an in-depth curriculum.