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Political Science (BS) - American Politics

About

Have you ever thought about how you could make a real difference in your community? Have you ever considered managing a campaign or even running for elected office?  Appalachian State University’s Bachelor of Science in Political Science - American Politics degree prepares you to work effectively and to productively engage in politics.

In the American Politics concentration, you will have the opportunity to learn from faculty who specialize in electoral behavior, political institutions, public administration and judicial behavior. Students are encouraged to participate in local, state and national politics, and many pursue an internship in Washington, D.C., or North Carolina’s capital of Raleigh.

After Graduation

Employment: Most students start jobs right after graduation. Recent employers include:

  • United States Congress
  • N.C. State Legislature
  • Lobbying firms
  • Marketing firms
  • Federal agencies
  • Non-Profit organizations

Graduate school: Some students continue their education at Appalachian State University or other institutions such as: Louisiana State University, University of South Carolina, University of Tennessee, Pennsylvania State University, University of Minnesota and UNC-Chapel Hill.

Career Exploration website

People

  • Alumnus Profile: Nathan Smith ’09
    Alumnus Profile: Nathan Smith ’09

    Nathan Smith tackles some of the most pressing political and societal challenges facing the country today, advocating for LGBTQ equality and voting access as a senior associate at Civitas Public Affairs Group in Washington, D.C.

  • Faculty Profile: Dr. Ellen Key
    Faculty Profile: Dr. Ellen Key

    The field of political science is pushing toward greater data access and research transparency, and Appalachian’s Dr. Ellen Key is among leaders identifying how best to achieve that.

  • Alumnus Profile: Jonathan Kappler ’05
    Alumnus Profile: Jonathan Kappler ’05

    Kappler serves as chief of staff to the deputy secretary for behavioral health and intellectual and developmental disabilities with the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services. He was named Appalachian’s 2019 Young Alumni Award winner.

Courses

  • Program of Study
    Program of Study
  • Four Year Guide
    Four Year Guide
  • NCCC Transfer Four Year Guide
    NCCC Transfer Four Year Guide

Related Programs

  • Political Science (BA)
  • Political Science (BS) - International and Comparative Politics
  • Political Science (BS) - Pre-Professional Legal Studies
  • Political Science (BS) - Public Administration

Minors

A minor is required. Popular minors include:

  • History
  • Sociology
  • Communication

View all minors

Engagement Outside the Classroom

  • Appalachian State University College Republicans - The leading voice for conservatives on campus. All new members are welcome at meetings held Wednesday nights. 
  • Appalachian State University College Democrats - The group for liberal students on campus. New members are welcome at meetings held Tuesday nights.
  • App State YAL - Division of the North Carolina Libertarian Party. The group is a chapter of the national campus activist organization known as the Young Americans for Liberty.

Global Learning

Appalachian is committed to introducing students to different cultures and teaching them how to live and interact in a global society.

Admission Requirements

There are no admission requirements beyond admission to Appalachian State University.

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Why Appalachian?

  • Internships and participation in national, state and local politics are encouraged so students gain practical and real-world political experience. Students can earn up to 9 credit hours completing an internship.
  • Students with a 3.4 GPA or higher have the opportunity to participate in Appalachian’s Accelerated Master’s Program.
  • The Department of Government and Justice Studies includes more than 30 tenure-track faculty with Ph.D.s in Political Science, Public Administration and Criminal Justice. This gives students the opportunity to study under professors with an array of expertise. 
  • The department offers a variety of study-away courses that allow students to earn course credits while engaging in real-world politics. Recent study-away destinations include Raleigh, N.C., Washington, D.C., the Iowa caucuses, Cuba and Jordan.
  • Scholarships are available through the department.

Location

Boone and Hickory*

*The Hickory Campus location is pending accreditation from SACSCOC for this program. Accreditation is expected in summer 2023.

Careers

  • Attorney
  • Campaign Manager
  • Peace Corps/Vista Worker
  • University Professor
  • Community Relations Director
  • Congressional Aid
  • Environmental Policy Analyst
  • Legislative Analyst
  • Lobbyist
  • Marketing Director
  • Media Analyst
  • Newspaper/Magazine Journalist
  • Lawyer
  • Politician
  • Research Analyst
  • Special Interest Group Director

View more career possibilities

Contacts

College of Arts and Sciences

Department of Government and Justice Studies

Dr. Cathy Marcum
Department Chair
828-262-3075
marcumcm@appstate.edu

Dr. Heather Ondercin
Political Science Curriculum Coordinator
828-262-6349
ondercinhl@appstate.edu

  • Department of Government and Justice Studies

    Appalachian State University’s Department of Government and Justice Studies offers undergraduate programs in political science and criminal justice, and graduate programs in political science and public administration. Housed in the College of Arts and Sciences, the department has over 600 undergraduate majors and more than 70 graduate students. Learn more at gjs.appstate.edu

  • College of Arts and Sciences

    Appalachian’s Largest College

    The College of Arts and Sciences at Appalachian State University is home to 17 academic departments, two centers and one residential college spanning the humanities and the social, mathematical and natural sciences. The college is dedicated to providing instruction and research essential to the university's mission and seeks to cultivate the habits of inquiry, learning and service among all its constituents.

    By the Numbers

    • 1/3 of the degrees awarded at Appalachian
    • More than 70% of general education courses are taught in the college
    • 93 majors offered
    • 53 minors offered
    • 6,411 undergraduate majors
    • More than 460 full-time faculty members
    • 41,203 living alumni
    • $8,754,800 awarded to the college in external grants during the 2020–21 academic year
    • $236,914 awarded to students through 6 collegewide scholarships and 98 departmental scholarships for the 2020–21 academic year

    Graduate Programs

    Accelerated Master’s program opportunities are available in pursuing a master's degree in 12 selected areas: Appalachian Studies, Biology, Computer Science, Engineering Physics, English, Geography and Planning, History, Mathematics, Romance Languages (French/Spanish), Political Science, Psychology (Experimental Science) and Public Administration. Other master’s degrees, graduate certificates and specialist degrees are listed on Appalachian’s School of Graduate Studies website.

    Top Employment Sectors

    • Colleges, Universities and Professional Schools
    • Federal, State and Local Government
    • Justice, Public Order and Safety Activities
    • Computer Systems Design and Related Services
    • Legal Services
    • Health Care
    • Biotech/Engineering
    • Elementary and Secondary Schools
    • Nonprofit Organizations

Appalachian Cares

It's up to me|us

Appalachian Cares is a place to find resources and support available for our students faculty and staff regarding student health and safety.

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