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Political Science: Master of Arts (MA)

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Application Deadlines

Spring Admission
November 1

Summer Session 1 Admission
April 1

Summer Session 1 Admission
April 1

Fall Admission
July 1, priority deadline March 15

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Exams & Waivers

Entrance exam: GRE
Exam waiver available: Yes

Learn more about exam waiver eligibility

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Location

On campus

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Completion Time

2 years (full time)

Apply

Request Info

Costs and Aid

Become a force for political change.

Are you ready to get in a room and engage in political theory or advocate for a cause? App State’s Master of Arts in Political Science aims to help you find connections between theory and practical problems, a skill needed for a variety of careers in the government, nonprofit or private sector.

Our program pairs the development of reasoning and critical thinking skills with a curriculum focused on policy, data analysis and organization, campaign or electoral activities, cost-benefit analysis and survey design.

Visit the Department of Government and Justice Studies website for more information about the Political Science program.

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A 2022 ‘Best’

In its 2022 “Best Colleges” rankings, U.S. News & World Report named App State:

  • No. 1 — Most Innovative School among Southern universities
  • No. 3 — Top Public Schools in the South
  • No. 6 — Best Regional Universities of the South

The Princeton Review named App State among the best schools in the U.S. and the Southeast for 2022.

‘Top’ school for 2022

Forbes magazine ranked App State among “America’s Top Colleges” for 2022.

Learn more about App State’s accolades

Concentrations and Courses

    • American Government

      Prepare for a rewarding career in public service and beyond.

      Graduate Bulletin & Course Catalog

    • International Relations/Comparative Politics

      Ideal if you are interested in foriegn diplomacy and government managerial positions abroad.

      Graduate Bulletin & Course Catalog

    • Environmental Politics and Policy Analysis

      Maximize the synergism between environmental politics and analysis where theory and practice of government come together to build a more sustainable future for all.

      Graduate Bulletin & Course Catalog

Related Programs

  • Dual Degree Program: Political Science - American Government (MA) and Applied Data Analytics - Interdisciplinary Analytics (MS)
  • Dual Degree Program: Political Science - Environmental Politics and Policy Analysis (MA) and Applied Data Analytics - Interdisciplinary Analytics (MS)
  • Dual Degree Program: Political Science - International Relations/Comparative Politics (MA) and Applied Data Analytics - Interdisciplinary Analytics (MS)

Careers and Mountaineers

Where can an App State degree take you? Anywhere you want to go!

Careers

Our graduates have:

  • worked on political campaigns
  • worked for the N.C. Division of Marine Fisheries
  • worked in public affairs
  • worked for investment firms
  • worked for research institutes
  • worked for media firms
  • worked for non-governmental organizations
  • joined the Peace Corps
  • become college professors
  • entered doctoral programs

Employers

  • American Political Science Association
  • Blue Ridge Parkway Foundation
  • Department of Health and Human Services
  • Environmental Protection Agency, U.S. Government
  • John Tyler Community College
  • Lanier Law
  • RTI International
  • Peace Corps
  • Prometric
  • South Atlantic Fishery Management Council
  • United States Senate
  • University of Virginia

Career information resource

App State’s Career Development Center
Services provided by the Career Development Center include resume reviews, career coaching, job and internship search assistance, and other tools for you to achieve life and professional success.

  • Alumnus Profile: Dr. Justin Kirkland ’07
    Alumnus Profile: Dr. Justin Kirkland ’07

    An associate professor of politics and policy in the University of Virginia’s Woodrow Wilson Department of Politics and Frank Batten School for Leadership and Public Policy, Dr. Justin Kirkland says, “my two years at App were essential to all my educational and professional successes.”

  • Alumna Profile: Dr. Summer Forester ’12
    Alumna Profile: Dr. Summer Forester ’12

    Since earning her master’s degree at Appalachian, Summer Forester has finished her Ph.D. at Purdue University, received a Fulbright fellowship to study in Jordan and published papers in three journals: Security Dialogue, Feminist Review and Environmental Politics. She attributes much of this success to Appalachian’s M.A. program and its faculty.

  • Alumna Profile: Christina Wiegand ’13
    Alumna Profile: Christina Wiegand ’13

    With a background in marine biology, Christina Wiegand came to Boone to study environmental politics. In the M.A. program, she developed policy analysis techniques and has worked for the North Carolina Division of Marine Fisheries and Marine Recreational Information Program. She is now a social scientist with the South Atlantic Fishery Management Council (SAFMC).

  • Alumnus Profile: Tyler Steelman ’16
    Alumnus Profile: Tyler Steelman ’16

    Tyler Steelman is a Ph.D. candidate at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, specializing in American politics and political psychology. He credits his Appalachian faculty and the research he conducted under their supervision with preparing him for a career in academia.

  • Alumna Profile: Courtney Bradway '15 '16
    Alumna Profile: Courtney Bradway '15 '16

    Courtney Bradway completed her bachelor’s degree in pre-legal studies and continued her education at Appalachian through the Accelerated Admissions Program. After moving to Washington, D.C., she held positions in three congressional offices and is now director of congressional liaison in the Office of the Assistant Secretary for Legislation at the Department of Health and Human Services.

    Meet more alumni and students

More to Explore at App State

International Experience

Work outside your cultural boundaries. Learn more

Professional Development

Invest in yourself with opportunities designed to stimulate career growth. Learn more

Graduate Assistantships

Earn some money while you earn your degree. Learn more

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Are you ready to become a Mountaineer? Take the next step, apply for admission to App State and elevate your future success.

Start Your Application

Admissions questions? Contact us.

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Program Contact

Dr. Tatyana Ruseva
Program Director
rusevatb@appstate.edu
828-262-8238

Department of Government and Justice Studies

College of Arts and Sciences

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