PS/CJ Name Change

The Department of Political Science/Criminal Justice at Appalachian State University is now the Department of Government and Justice Studies.  The department engaged in a strategic planning process during the 2007-2008 academic year and the name change emerged as part of that effort.  The name change was approved by the Chancellor, the Provost, communicated to the UNC General Administration, and will go into effect on July 1, 2008.  Members of the department decided that the old name does not adequately describe the scope of our programs, teaching, or research. In addition to political science and criminal justice faculty we have members of the department that consider themselves criminologists, public administrators, and policy specialists.  The Department of Government and Justice Studies places us under a more inclusive umbrella. Finally, it is important to note that all degrees and programs of study in the department will not be affected by the this name change. In other words, the Department of Government and Justice Studies will offer degrees in political science, criminal justice, and public administration. All course prefixes will remain the same: PS, CJ, and PA.