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

  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

  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

  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.

Related Programs

• Political Science (BA)
• Political Science (BS) - International and Comparative Politics
• 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.