Master of Political Science at Appalachian State University

The Political Science at Appalachian State University is a Full Time Master program offered at the university's main campus in Boone , United States of America. The program is delivered on campus in English and can be completed in 2 years. Students develop academic knowledge and practical skills that prepare them for future careers in this field. The next available intake starts on August 21, 2027.

About Master of Political Science

Become a force for political change.

Are you ready to get in a room and engage in political theory or advocate for a cause? App State's Master of Arts in Political Science aims to help you find connections between theory and practical problems, a skill needed for a variety of careers in the government, nonprofit or private sector.

Our program pairs the development of reasoning and critical thinking skills with a curriculum focused on policy, data analysis and organization, campaign or electoral activities, cost-benefit analysis and survey design.

Disciplines

Social Sciences

Requirements and Admission Criteria for Master of Political Science at Appalachian State University

Entry Requirements

Submit your graduate application online.
Pay the non-refundable application fee online.
Provide names of three references.
Upload your current resume or vita.
Submit official scores from the appropriate standardized test (GRE, GMAT, MAT). Test waivers may be available for certain programs.
Submit unofficial transcript(s) from all colleges or universities from which you earned a degree, or that you have attended within the past five years. Transcripts must be evaluated by a NACES accredited evaluation service(link is external).
Provide proof of English proficiency.

English Requirements

IELTSMin 6.5
TOEFLMin 79

Career Opportunities after Completing Master of Political Science

Where can an App State degree take you? Anywhere you want to go!

Careers

Our graduates have:

worked on political campaigns
worked for the N.C. Division of Marine Fisheries
worked in public affairs
worked for investment firms
worked for research institutes
worked for media firms
worked for non-governmental organizations
joined the Peace Corps
become college professors
entered doctoral programs

Employers

American Political Science Association
Blue Ridge Parkway Foundation
Department of Health and Human Services
Environmental Protection Agency, U.S. Government
John Tyler Community College
Lanier Law
RTI International
Peace Corps
Prometric
South Atlantic Fishery Management Council
United States Senate
University of Virginia

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.

Alumnus Profile: Dr. Justin Kirkland '07

An associate professor of politics and policy in the University of Virginia's Woodrow Wilson Department of Politics and Frank Batten School for Leadership and Public Policy, Dr. Justin Kirkland says, "my two years at App were essential to all my educational and professional successes."
Alumna Profile: Dr. Summer Forester '12

Since earning her master's degree at Appalachian, Summer Forester has finished her Ph.D. at Purdue University, received a Fulbright fellowship to study in Jordan and published papers in three journals: Security Dialogue, Feminist Review and Environmental Politics. She attributes much of this success to Appalachian's M.A. program and its faculty.
Alumna Profile: Christina Wiegand '13

With a background in marine biology, Christina Wiegand came to Boone to study environmental politics. In the M.A. program, she developed policy analysis techniques and has worked for the North Carolina Division of Marine Fisheries and Marine Recreational Information Program. She is now a social scientist with the South Atlantic Fishery Management Council (SAFMC).
Alumnus Profile: Tyler Steelman '16

Tyler Steelman is a Ph.D. candidate at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, specializing in American politics and political psychology. He credits his Appalachian faculty and the research he conducted under their supervision with preparing him for a career in academia.
Alumna Profile: Courtney Bradway '15 '16

Courtney Bradway completed her bachelor's degree in pre-legal studies and continued her education at Appalachian through the Accelerated Admissions Program. After moving to Washington, D.C., she held positions in three congressional offices and is now director of congressional liaison in the Office of the Assistant Secretary for Legislation at the Department of Health and Human Services.

Meet more alumni and students

Tuition and Fee Information for Master of Political Science at Appalachian State University

Application Fee 65

How to Apply for Master of Political Science at Appalachian State University

If you have previously started or submitted an application to the Graduate School at Appalachian, select "Log in" under Returning users and login using the same email address as before, then select Start New Application.

To start a new application to the Graduate School, select "Create an account" under First-time users if you have never had an account with us before and follow the instructions.

Master of Political Science at Appalachian State University

Appalachian State University

United States of America, Boone