Political Science Department

Why Study Political Science at UNC Asheville?

Earn a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from UNC Asheville and develop a deep understanding of political systems, public policy, international relations, and civic engagement. Students explore critical issues through a liberal arts lens, gaining the analytical and communication skills needed for careers in government, law, advocacy, journalism, and beyond. The department also offers a Human Rights Studies minor, allowing students to examine global justice and social change from an interdisciplinary perspective. With a flexible curriculum and a focus on real-world impact, the Political Science program prepares students to lead and serve in a rapidly changing world.

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Careers & Outcomes
Experiential Learning
Dual-Degree at Essex
Dignity Journal
Department Faculty

Political Science Department Programs

Political Science

B.A. Minor Teacher Licensure

Political Science students at UNC Asheville explore the connections between political systems, institutions, and societal outcomes, gaining a deeper understanding of how policy and leadership shape our world. With opportunities for hands-on research, internships, and community engagement, the program equips students with the analytical tools and practical experience needed to address complex challenges and become active contributors to their communities and beyond.

Career Outcomes

Equipped with a deep understanding of political systems, policy analysis, and the intricacies of governance, UNC Asheville political science majors possess a skill set highly sought after in numerous professional arenas. Upon completing the political science degree, a world of diverse and rewarding opportunities awaits, including in government, diplomacy, non-profit and advocacy, media, academia and research, business and consulting, and more.

Explore Career Paths in Political Science

Active, Hands-on Learning

In addition to a versatile curriculum, political science majors at UNC Asheville engage in hands-on learning through internships, service learning, and community-engaged scholarship. A hallmark of the program is participation in undergraduate research. Through UNC Asheville’s Undergraduate Research and Creative Activity Program (URCAP), students work closely with political science faculty mentors to design, conduct, and present original research that draws from a range of theoretical frameworks and methodological approaches. Many students present their work at national conferences or UNC Asheville’s Spring Symposium, gaining valuable experience in scholarly communication and critical inquiry.

Putting Politics into Practice

Pursue a Joint Degree Abroad

Students interested in graduate study or a career in law have an exceptional opportunity at UNC Asheville. Through our innovative joint program with the University of Essex, a global leader in human rights, political science majors can earn both a Bachelor of Arts from UNC Asheville and a Master of Arts or Master of Laws (LLM) in Human Rights in just four and a half years.

Learn More About the Joint Program

Outside the Classroom

Dignity Journal

Building on UNC Asheville’s strong foundation in human rights education, the political science department also supports Dignity, a student-led undergraduate research journal dedicated to human rights topics. Featuring both creative writing and scholarly work authored and published by students, Dignity offers a distinctive platform for students to contribute to ongoing human rights conversations while gaining valuable experience in research, writing, and publishing—an asset for both graduate study and professional development.

Read Dignity

I'm just so thankful that I have like the support of this faculty at UNCA, because I think that if I would have gone to a different school—I know it's kind of unfair to say this—but, I genuinely feel that it wouldn't have been the same amount of support, or confidence that they instilled in me. I was finally able to accept it and start turning it towards myself.

Alexla Perez-Sanchez ‘22

Political Science Department Faculty

UNC Asheville is an ideal place to study political science in an engaging, student-centered environment. The department’s six full-time faculty members bring a wide range of expertise—from American politics and international relations to political theory and public policy—and have been trained at some of the nation’s leading research universities. With small, discussion-based classes, students benefit from close mentoring relationships and a faculty deeply committed to interdisciplinary learning and undergraduate success. Whether exploring the foundations of governance, global human rights, or pressing policy issues, students are supported by a faculty who are passionate about fostering critical thinking, civic engagement, and meaningful academic growth.