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Political Science (BS) - International and Comparative Politics

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.  

Career Exploration website

People

  • Alumna Profile: Kayla Young ’16
    Alumna Profile: Kayla Young ’16

    Bring a sturdy notebook and a willingness to learn because “Appalachian and its professors will teach you more about international and comparative politics than you could ever imagine.”

    – Kayla Young

  • Alumna Profile: Amanda Edgell
    Alumna Profile: Amanda Edgell

    “The value of my undergraduate education at Appalachian cannot be understated when it comes to preparing me for graduate studies.”

    – Amanda Edgell ’08, doctoral student at University of Florida

  • Faculty Profile: Dr. Renee Scherlen
    Faculty Profile: Dr. Renee Scherlen

    “What I enjoy most about teaching is the opportunity to share new ideas as well as develop critical thinking skills.”

    – Dr. Renee Scherlen, professor and faculty advisor to the International Relations Association

    Meet more faculty

  • Student Profile: Razan Farhan Alaqil
    Student Profile: Razan Farhan Alaqil

    Alaqil is an international student from Saudi Arabia who is active as a Saudi youth representative to the United Nations. After graduation from Appalachian, she wants to continue working with the United Nations "to have the youth’s voice heard in major decisions,” she said.

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) - American Politics
  • Political Science (BS) - Pre-Professional Legal Studies
  • Political Science (BS) - Public Administration

Minors

A minor is required. Popular minors include:

  • Business
  • A foreign language
  • Sociology
  • Sustainable Development
  • History

View all minors

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.

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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

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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