Appalachian State University
Political Science (BA)
Application Deadlines
Location
Boone campus
Got credits?
Learn about transferring credits to App State
Develop your political expertise.
Political Science focuses on the study of politics in the United States and around the world.
As a student in App State’s Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Political Science degree program, you will take a broad range of courses across subfields of domestic and international politics. This major’s flexible requirements also allow you to focus your coursework on the areas of political science that draw your interest.
You will study how citizens interact with their governments and how governments at all levels formulate policies to serve, or not serve, their citizens. In addition, App State’s Department of Government and Justice Studies offers a variety of study away courses that allow students to earn course credits while engaging in real-world politics. You will also study a foreign language.
Political science majors gain a versatile set of analytical and organizational skills that can serve as a springboard to a wide range of exciting careers in government, law, business, international organizations, nonprofit organizations, survey research, journalism and teaching.
A ‘Best College’ for 2025
The Princeton Review named App State among the best schools in the U.S. and Southeast for 2025.
Top 3 in innovation, undergraduate teaching
U.S. News & World Report has recognized App State as a top three school for innovation and the high quality of its undergraduate instruction for eight consecutive years.
A ‘Best College’ for value
App State’s quality, affordability and student outcomes place it among the nation’s 2024 best schools for value, according to Money.com
Elevate Your Education
Courses
Minors
A minor is required. Popular minors include Philosophy, Communication, Sociology, foreign languages and history.
Transferring Credits
Learn about App State’s credit transfer process, and use our Transfer Equivalency Course Search tool to determine how your courses may transfer to App State.
General Education
With courses in history, natural and social sciences and humanities, App State’s General Education Program will reshape your outlook on learning and provide a foundational skill set that will prepare you for any career.
Accelerated Master’s
You can begin your graduate studies as an undergraduate and earn your master’s degree in as little as one year.
Careers and Mountaineers
Where can an App State degree take you? Anywhere you want to go! Our passionate and engaged alumni become leaders in their communities and chosen professions.
Careers
- Attorney
- University Professor
- Campaign Manager
- City Manager
- Congressional Aide
- FBI/CIA Agent
- Journalist
- Law Enforcement Officer
- Legislative Analyst Lobbyist
- Media Analyst
- Politician
- Public Administrator/Manager
- Research Analyst
- Interest Group Director
Some of these roles may require education beyond a bachelor’s degree.
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.
More to Explore at App State
Fund Your Education
Numerous scholarship and financial aid opportunities are available to help fund your App State education. Learn more about scholarships and financial aid.
International Experience
Work outside your cultural boundaries. Learn more.
Real-world Internships
Gain firsthand experience while earning your degree. Learn more
Find Your Community
Get inspired and get involved by joining App State clubs and organizations, such as the App State Politics Club. Learn more
Honors College
Develop high-level creative thinking and research skills. Learn more and check out the departmental honors program.
Apply
Are you ready to become a Mountaineer? Take the next step, apply for admission to App State and elevate your future success.
Admissions questions? Contact us.
Connect
Program Contact
Dr. Cathy Marcum
Department Chair
828-262-3075
[email protected]
Dr. Heather Ondercin
Political Science Curriculum Coordinator
828-262-6349
[email protected]
Visit Campus
Explore App State’s campuses in Boone and Hickory and learn more about what life is like as a Mountaineer.
Attend an information session to get to know App State’s people and programs.
Admissions Counselor
Have questions related to the App State admissions process? Our admissions counselors are here to help.