Political Science
Become a Catalyst for Change With a Political Science Degree From UNC Asheville
Our Bachelor of Arts in Political Science degree offers an unparalleled education that combines rigorous academic study with real-world application. Gain a deep understanding of political systems, policy analysis, and the dynamics of governance while honing your critical thinking, research, and communication skills.
An Immersive Curriculum
At the core of UNC Asheville’s political science degree program is a rich and rigorous curriculum with a wide variety of courses in American politics, International and Comparative politics, political theory, and law. The political science major’s flexible curriculum also allows students to pursue double majors, additional minors, and study abroad opportunities.
Career Paths
Graduates of our political science program are well-prepared for meaningful careers and fulfilling lives in fields such as public service, law, policy, journalism, education, and international relations. Our alumni have a proven legacy of excellence, with many securing positions in the U.S. federal government and gaining acceptance into prestigious law schools and top-ranked graduate programs.
Putting Politics Into Practice
By examining the distribution of power and resources and illuminating the intersection between governance and society, political science majors at UNC Asheville gain the tools for addressing the world's most pressing issues.
Join our passionate community of change-makers
Unlock your potential with a Political Science Major at UNC Asheville.
More Pathways and Possibilities
More Pathways and Possibilities
Earn Your Teacher Licensure
Through the Political Science Teacher Licensure track at UNC Asheville, students combine a strong foundation in political science with the preparation needed to become licensed high school social studies teachers in North Carolina. This pathway blends academic study with hands-on teaching experience in local classrooms, helping students develop the skills to engage young learners in topics like government, civic participation, and global issues. Graduates are equipped to inspire the next generation of informed, active citizens—bringing political knowledge to life through education.
Pursue a Joint Degree Abroad
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.
I received a Fulbright U.S. Student Award to serve as an English Teaching Assistant in Taiwan for the 2025-2026 academic year. While at UNC Asheville, I applied my comparative politics knowledge from my Political Science degree to a thesis on Hong Kong and Taiwan, which I studied in my Asian Studies courses. It felt like the true epitome of an interdisciplinary experience. Having the ability to take so many courses for the love of learning, and my network of professors, friends, classmates, coaches, and staff all contributed to my receiving a Fulbright grant.
Putting Politics Into Practice
Political Science majors at UNC Asheville don’t just study politics—they live it, embodying a hands‑on, boots‑on‑the‑ground approach that brings theory into action. Through student-led groups like the Political Science Club and initiatives like UNCA Votes, students organize voter registration drives, forums, and civic engagement events that have a real impact on campus and beyond. In the community, they contribute to research projects like The State of Black Asheville and participate in community-engaged courses that tackle issues such as housing, equity, and human rights. Whether working with nonprofits, engaging in grassroots activism, or leading advocacy organizations, students gain the tools and experience to turn political knowledge into meaningful change.
Liv Barefoot
"During my time at UNCA, I had the chance to serve as a Voting Research Assistant for over two years, while also working off-campus as a fellow with You Can Vote and a student leader with NextGen America during the Fall 2024 election season. One of the most formative experiences was taking a community engaged learning course, “U.S. Elections,” which gave me the tools—and the confidence—to volunteer as a local poll worker during Hurricane Helene. These experiences fueled my passion for student civic engagement and led me, through my work in Student Government, to help launch UNCA’s first-ever themed semester: the Semester of Civics. This initiative, now backed and funded by the administration, is helping expand student access to the democratic process during major election cycles. My thesis research now explores barriers to student voting, and I’m seriously considering law school to continue advocating for voting and student rights. None of this would have been possible without the Political Science Department and the incredible faculty who supported and challenged me to grow."
- Liv Barefoot '25
Micah Aamon
"At UNCA, I’ve had the opportunity to work as an editor of Dignity. Dignity is a student-led publication of undergraduate human rights work within the UNC system. Working on Dignity, I’ve learned about curating, editing, and typesetting: all things you wouldn’t find in the average Political Science classroom. One of the most important aspects of Dignity, though, is collaboration, discussion, and respectful disagreement. The student-led part of Dignity means we often have to manage our own projects amongst ourselves and come to consensus as a group. A part of what makes UNCA so special is our high faculty-to-student ratio, and the direct support and guidance we receive from our professors has been invaluable."
- Micah Aamon '26
Jay Scantlin
"In July 2024, I started my work as a student intern for the Josh Stein gubernatorial campaign, mostly organizing events with schools in WNC and conducting research for the campaign. I met a lot of incredible fellow students from across the state. This summer, I’m interning in the House of Representatives. I’ve been running around DC, writing to constituents, attending committee meetings, taking notes, and, again, meeting incredible fellow students from across the country. I’m lucky enough to have found my passion very early on in life, and these experiences have only helped to cement my path towards a career in politics. Being a student here at UNCA has not only taught me the academic side of Political Science but the social side as well. There is such a diverse range of politics and beliefs on campus. Being around them has helped me to better understand the people surrounding me and allowed me to develop ideas and opinions that I wouldn’t have anywhere else."
- Jay Scantlin '28
Gabriel Gold-Leighton
"I had the opportunity to participate in a summer course that revolved around a legal internship I had been working on since the beginning of May 2024. Through my internship with Bull & Reinhardt PLLC, I was able to understand the real-world applications of my degree. The bulk of their cases surrounded Family Law and domestic relationships, among other routine firm roles. It gave me a new perspective and understanding of what I am working towards. Through this internship, I was able to receive my Notary Appointment fully reimbursed by the firm of Bull & Reinhardt because they also believe in hands-on learning. I would go to courthouses across Western North Carolina, and I would see the differences in how each county dealt with cases. Some changes were made because of the location after Hurricane Helene, and others because the caseload was so great that they would delegate work to clerks and legal assistants. All these things are examples of what you can’t read in a textbook. Reading a case in a classroom or even writing an essay about a verdict can only get a student so far; being in the environment you wish to participate in creates a whole other appreciation for what I am working towards. Without the university's emphasis on hands-on learning, I wouldn't be able to have the platform and resources to share this knowledge that I have learned."
- Gabriel Gold-Leighton '26
Matthew Vidakovich
"I have an internship with an Asheville-based human rights organization Inclusive Development International (IDI). They are an international team of investigators, financial forensic analysts, policy advocates and lawyers who assist local advocacy organizations in disenfranchised communities to demand representation in determining how their communities and nations are developing. This internship has illustrated how small actionable goals can result in big changes to improve people's lives, and that you are not alone in wanting to have a better world. School is a valuable opportunity to gain knowledge, and internships will teach you the application of critical skills; caring about how your work will positively impact the world makes you a better person. Working with both the faculty and a professional organization of people who care about the world they inhabit is unique to UNC Asheville."
- Matthew Vidakovich '26
Community Impact - State of Black Asheville
The Political Science Department boasts a long and proud tradition of community engagement involving collaboration among faculty members, students, and community partners in the service of shared interests and values. Ten years after research into The State of Black Asheville began, the ongoing UNC Asheville student research project, initiated by retired Professor Dwight Mullen, prompted significant new funding by Buncombe County for community programs addressing the needs of underserved, poor communities.
Career Trekking in Washington, D.C.
The Career Center's Washington D.C. Career Trek brought 16 students to experience D.C job opportunities, including positions in the federal government.
Human Rights - Jack Paksoy
Jack Paksoy, along with other local restaurant workers, unionized to form Local 828, a local chapter of Restaurant Workers United.
Outside the Classroom
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.
Outside the Classroom
Outside the Classroom
Student Clubs & Organizations
UNC Asheville’s political science students participate in extracurricular activities that enrich their academic development. By conducting research to lead local change, joining student organizations to host candidate forums, and engaging in service and applied learning, our students not only graduate with a degree but also real-world experience to shape the political future.
Meet the Faculty
Meet the Faculty
UNC Asheville’s political science department faculty members have trained at some of the nation’s top research universities and are deeply committed to undergraduate education. Faculty members have interests and expertise across the political science discipline and highly value interdisciplinary education.
Related Programs
Ready for what's next?
UNC Asheville’s political science major provides a rigorous curriculum with a focus on active learning and hands-on applications of the material.