Political Science Degree

The political science program at Appalachian State University prepares students for careers in federal, state, and local governments, as well as law, business, international organizations, nonprofit associations, campaign management and polling, journalism, electoral politics, and more. The program focuses the systematic study of political institutions and behavior. Program courses include: political philosophy, political theory, comparative government and politics, political parties and interest groups, public opinion, political research methods, studies of political institutions and processes. Get more details below including other North Carolina colleges that offer political science degrees.

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Appalachian State University (ASU)

680 Highway 74 West, Polkton, NC

About
Appalachian State University, located in Boone, North Carolina, was founded in 1899 by Blanford B. Dougherty and his brother Dauphin as the Watauga Academy. The initial enrollment of 53, the school was purposed with providing education for teachers within the mountains of Northwest North Carolina. By 1929 the school became a four year institution and was renamed Appalachian State Teachers College, and had a grown enrollment of 1,300. The school grew in size and scope in the following years, obtaining accreditation in 1939 and 1942. The school attained university status in 1967 which doubled its enrollment within 3 years. Since that time the school has increased in size, scope, offerings, and enrollment, providing a variety of programs and opportunities to students through cutting edge programs and quality faculty. The school has become a nationally recognized leader in business education, and its undergraduate programs is noted for being comprehensive well ranked.

Academics
Appalachian State University offers a number of degrees resulting in a number of majors, taking approximately four years to complete. Programs may result in a bachelor's, master's or doctoral degree. Major programs require students to complete general education courses, lower and upper division courses related to their major, and to take elective courses outside of their major, allowing for education in areas outside of one's major. Students may also take on a minor degree. Minor degree programs allows for additional study in a secondary field, with less overall coursework, in areas that may be separate from or accentuate one's major. Graduate programs are also available for students wishing to continue their education at either the master's or doctoral degree level. Graduate programs have separate admissions requirements, requiring a lesser degree to be earned, appropriate graduate exam scores, and academic proficiency from their previous studies.

Programs offered include:

• Accounting
• Anthropology
• Criminal Justice
• Environmental Science
• Philosophy

Admissions and FInancial Aid
Individuals interested in enrollment at Appalachian State University must submit an application for admission, along with test scores, transcripts, recommendations and essay. The school will review all documents submitted and render a decision on admission based on multiple criterion on a student by student basis.Once a final decision has been made, the school will notify the student, and if admitted, provide information regarding housing, registration, financial aid and tuition costs.

Financial aid is available in the form of loans, grants, work study programs and scholarships. Students in need of financial assistance must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), the resulting information from which will be used by the school's financial aid department to identify the students financial needs, aid program eligibility and monetary awards package. Students are required to reapply for financial aid prior to each academic year due to the possibility of changing financial circumstances. Additionally, students may be asked at random to provide additional financial information to verify the FAFSA's accuracy as per new federal regulations.

Athletics
The Appalachian State University Mountaineers participate in intercollegiate athletics through the National Collegiate Athletic Association Division I. Intercollegiate athletics provide students an opportunity to experience healthy competition in a controlled setting, developing physical skills and mental skills, such as good health, teamwork, discipline and leadership. all of which  may be applied to one's personal, professional and academic life. Students interested in joining one or more of the many teams fielded by the school must try out, seeking additional information such as tryout dates and times and entry forms through the school's athletics department. Individuals participating in intercollegiate athletics must balance their schoolwork with their team sports, making time for both while maintaining a GPA that allows continued participation in athletics.

Athletic programs offered include:

• Baseball
• Basketball
• Cross Country
• Field Hockey
• Football
• Golf
• Indoor Track and Field
• Outdoor Track and Field
• Soccer
• Softball
• Tennis
• Volleyball
• Wrestling

Students Enrolled in the Political Science Program

Get more details below regarding enrollment, academics, and school demographics. Appalachian State University has offered the following program levels for students:

• Bachelor's Degree
• Master's Degree

Students by Academic Level (2019)

Students by Gender (2019)

Students by Race (2019)

Source: IPEDS Survey 2012-2020: Data obtained from the US Dept. of Education's Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS). Data may vary depending on school and academic year.

Career Options for Graduates

Regulatory Affairs Managers

Description

Plan, direct, or coordinate production activities of an organization to ensure compliance with regulations and standard operating procedures.

Political Scientists

Description

Study the origin, development, and operation of political systems. May study topics, such as public opinion, political decision-making, and ideology. May analyze the structure and operation of governments, as well as various political entities. May conduct public opinion surveys, analyze election results, or analyze public documents.

Career Outlook & Projections ()

According to the BLS, political scientists employment is expected to shrink at a rate of -2.3% from 2014 to 2024

Political Science Teachers, Postsecondary

Description

Teach courses in political science, international affairs, and international relations. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research.

Source: Job descriptions, estimated salary and wages, and projected job growth are taken from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).