About
Students who choose the Political Science (BS) - International and Comparative Politics degree want to know more about global politics and its relationship with the politics of the United States. You will explore international affairs, current events and critical issues such as illegal patterns of immigration, international trade and conflict, domestic and international terrorism, drug policy, arms control and social justice. At Appalachian, this program of study fits perfectly with the university’s commitment to global learning.
This program offers an interdisciplinary approach to politics through classes taught by political science and criminal justice faculty. You will have the opportunity to take classes with faculty who specialize in the politics of Europe, Middle East, Asia and Latin America. You will be encouraged to participate in a variety of study abroad opportunities and pursue an internship to gain practical experience.
After Graduation
Employment: Most students start jobs right after graduation. Employers include the U.S. State Department, United States Congress, United States Military, Peace Corp, Samaritan’s Purse, Wells Fargo, Google and the Sierra Club.
Graduate schools: Some students continue their education in Appalachian’s Master of Arts in Political Science. Other graduate schools include the University of Florida and the University of Texas at Austin.
People
Related Programs
Minors
A minor is required. Popular minors include:
- Business
- A foreign language
- Sociology
- Sustainable Development
- History
Engagement Outside the Classroom
International Relations Association - a student organization dedicated to the appreciation and increased understanding of world events and international organizations. The club participates extensively in Model United Nation activities, hosting events as well as traveling to different cities as Model UN delegations.
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.
Why Appalachian?
- Internships and participation in international and domestic 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
- Advocate
- Community Relations Director
- Congressional Aide
- University Professor
- Environmental Policy Analyst
- FBI/CIA Agent
- Foreign Correspondent
- Foreign Service Officer
- Government Intelligence Analyst
- Legislative Analyst Lobbyist
- Media Analyst
- Newspaper/Magazine Journalist
- Peace Corps/Vista Worker
- Public Administrator/Manager
- Public Relations Specialist
- Research Analyst
- Interest Group Director
View more career possibilities
Contacts
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